Bulletin - Financial and Financial Aid Information

Tuition, room and board, and fees are subject to change each academic year.  Current tuition and fee rates are available online: https://oglethorpe.edu/admission/financial-aid/tuition-fees/.

5.1.1. Tuition

For each student, an account statement is maintained and available on the student’s OASIS account. Statements include, but are not limited to, tuition, fees, room and board charges and meal plan charges.

Payment arrangements must be made and final payment of all tuition and fees must be completed for each academic term by the dates published on the University website at https://oglethorpe.edu/about/offices-departments/office-of-the-controller/billing-payments/. It is the responsibility of the student to be informed of all deadlines. Oglethorpe University reserves the right at any time during the semester to drop any student from classes for failure to pay tuition and fees. Until all financial obligations are met, a HOLD (see Sec. 6.9.2.) is placed on the student’s account, no records are released, no future registration is allowed, and the faculty will not consider such a student as a candidate for graduation. No student with an outstanding balance to the University will be permitted to study abroad or attend other University-related trips. Students with outstanding indebtedness may be subject to late penalties. Unpaid student accounts that are deemed delinquent may be placed with a collection agency. If such action is required, the student will be liable for any cost associated with such action. Any disputes to charges must go through the non-academic committee for complaints, appeals and exceptions (see Sec. 3.9.2.)

5.3.1. Employer Reimbursement

Arrangements can be made for those students whose employers (or whose guardians’ employers) pay all or part of their tuition and fees. Upon registration, the student must submit paperwork to the enrollment services area from the employer verifying the reimbursement. The balance is due no later than 30 days after the end of the semester (or session within a semester) being reimbursed. If the balance is not paid within this timeframe, the student will be assessed late fees and will not be permitted to register for future semesters (or sessions within semesters).

5.3.2. Tuition Exchange and Waiver Benefits for Employees and Their Dependents

Students qualified for tuition exchange benefits will receive cumulative gift assistance that is equal to tuition. Students receiving tuition exchange benefits are expected to live on campus while enrolled at Oglethorpe. Like all other forms of financial aid, students must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP; see Sec. 5.14.) to retain tuition exchange benefits.

Please refer to the Employee Handbook for eligibility requirements and details.

Oglethorpe University accepts cash, check, money orders, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, and wire transfers. Students can also pay their accounts online via OASIS. A convenience fee is required for all payments by credit/debit card.

Oglethorpe also offers a payment plan option. Payment plans enable students to divide their account balances into regular installments throughout a term. All students are pre-approved to participate in a payment plan during the term in which they are enrolled. Payment plans expire at scheduled dates prior to the end of each term and are subject to a payment plan enrollment fee (see Sec. 5.1.3.).  Plans are also subject to late fees and returned payment fees.  Payment schedules other than those prescribed by the University must be approved in advance by the office of the controller.

If a check made in payment for student tuition and fees is not valid upon presentation to Oglethorpe’s banking institution, a hold is placed on the student’s account, and a returned check fee is added to the student’s account. Oglethorpe University reserves the right to place a student on “cash only” status for issuing a check that is not honored upon presentation to the bank.

Oglethorpe University’s financial aid programs are administered in conjunction with a federally established policy and a philosophy of financial aid for education.  The University offers a variety of strategies and resources to keep the net cost of an Oglethorpe education affordable. Financial aid offered at Oglethorpe includes need-based and merit awards from federal, state, institutional and private sources. The University may offer an institutional match to certain state awards, with such decisions determined annually. Students are encouraged to disclose any secured, third-party scholarships to Oglethorpe prior to the beginning of the fall semester. Any third-party scholarships disclosed after the fall semester may impact institutional aid or be applied to future terms. Accepted students should begin the financial aid application process by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at https://studentaid.gov.

These are restricted to full-time TU students. Merit scholarship recipients are required to uphold and adhere to both Oglethorpe’s honor code and code of student conduct and to federal, state and local laws. Violations or liabilities against either code, or arrest and conviction for a crime, or arrest and acceptance of responsibility for a crime, may result in the suspension (either temporary or permanent) of an Oglethorpe merit scholarship.

Students awarded a full tuition merit-based scholarship must enroll in the term noted on their award notification letter. Deferral of acceptance for a full tuition scholarship will not be granted, although students may be eligible for other merit-based Oglethorpe scholarships.

5.6.1. James Edward Oglethorpe Scholarships

James Edward Oglethorpe Scholarships cover tuition unpaid by state scholarships and grants for a maximum of eight regular (fall and spring) semesters of undergraduate study in the TU program.  Recipients are selected during the annual Scholarship Weekend competition for rising first-time, full-time freshmen held on campus in the winter of each year. Students must earn a minimum cumulative grade-point average in a competitive high school curriculum and demonstrate a superior record of leadership in extracurricular activities either in school or in the community. This scholarship is renewable for a total of eight regular (fall and spring) semesters provided the recipient maintains a minimum cumulative grade-point average of 3.2 and completes a minimum of 12 semester hours each fall and spring semester. Recipients of a James Edward Oglethorpe Scholarship are required to live on campus (excluding Gables Brookhaven) while enrolled at Oglethorpe. For application procedures and deadlines, contact the office of admission.

5.6.2. The J. Fred and Catherine B. Agel Leadership Scholarship

The J. Fred and Catherine B. Agel Leadership Scholarships cover tuition unpaid by state scholarships and grants for a maximum of eight regular (fall and spring) semesters of undergraduate study in the TU program. Candidates must demonstrate a superior record of leadership in extracurricular activities, either in school or in the community. Applicants are selected during the annual Scholarship Weekend competition for rising first-time, full-time freshmen held on campus in the winter each year. Eligible candidates must earn a minimum cumulative grade-point average in a competitive high school curriculum and complete an interview detailing their history of leadership. This scholarship is renewable for a maximum of eight regular (fall and spring) semesters provided the recipient maintains a minimum cumulative grade-point average of 3.2 and completes a minimum of 12 semester hours each fall and spring semester. Recipients of a J. Fred and Catherine B. Agel Leadership Scholarship are required to live on campus (excluding Gables Brookhaven) while enrolled at Oglethorpe. For application procedures, deadlines, and requirements, contact the office of admission.

5.6.3. OU Theatre Scholarships

OU Theatre Scholarships cover tuition unpaid by state scholarships and grants for a maximum of eight regular (fall and spring) semesters of undergraduate study in the TU program. Candidates must demonstrate a commitment to performing and must major in Theatre or English. Recipients are selected during the annual Scholarship Weekend competition for rising first-time, full-time freshmen held on campus in the winter of each year and are expected to perform two prepared monologues, participate in a seminar and write an essay based on the seminar discussion. This scholarship is renewable for a maximum of eight regular (fall and spring) semesters provided the recipient maintains a minimum cumulative grade-point average of 3.2 and completes a minimum of 12 semester hours each fall and spring semester. Continued dedication to theatre and to Oglethorpe’s professional theatre partners, The Horizon Theatre or The Alliance Theatre, is expected. Recipients of an OU Theatre Scholarship are required to live on campus (excluding Gables Brookhaven) while enrolled at Oglethorpe. For application procedures, deadlines and requirements, contact the office of admission.

5.6.4. Hammack Scholarships

Hammack Scholarships cover tuition unpaid by state scholarships and grants for a maximum of eight regular (fall and spring) semesters of undergraduate study in the TU program. Recipients are selected during the annual Scholarship Weekend competition for rising first-time, full-time freshmen held on campus in the winter of each year. Students must earn a minimum cumulative grade-point average in a competitive high school curriculum, and demonstrate the pursuit of entrepreneurial or business-related opportunities and the desire to major in a business field. Each candidate will be evaluated based on a presentation, interview, and a writing assessment.  This scholarship is renewable for a total of eight regular (fall and spring) semesters provided the recipient maintains a minimum cumulative grade-point average of 3.2 and completes a minimum of 12 semester hours each fall and spring semester. Recipients of a Hammack Scholarship are required to live on campus (excluding Gables Brookhaven) while enrolled at Oglethorpe. For application procedures and deadlines, contact the office of admission.

5.6.5. Additional Substantial Merit-Based Awards

Full-time TU students who are not selected for one of the full-tuition scholarships (see Sec. 5.6.1. through Sec. 5.6.4., above) may be eligible for one of the additional Oglethorpe merit awards which include:

• Presidential Scholarships
• Oxford Scholarships
• Lanier Scholarships
• OU Scholarships

These scholarships range in value and are offered to entering students with superior academic ability. Merit scholarships are based on criteria such as high school grade-point average, SAT/ACT test scores (if submitted), and high school rank and quality. Oglethorpe will verify the final qualifying GPA by official transcripts during the summer before enrollment. Recipients of Oglethorpe’s merit-based scholarships are expected to maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP, see Sec. 5.14.) and to make significant contributions to the Oglethorpe community. The awards are determined by the office of admission at the time a student is admitted to Oglethorpe and are not offered or changed at any other time. These scholarships are renewable for a maximum of eight regular (fall and spring) semesters provided recipients meet the minimum grade-point average requirements specified above and earn a minimum of 12 semester hours each regular (fall and spring) semester.

5.6.6. International Baccalaureate (IB) Scholarships

First-time freshmen who are IB Diploma candidates are conditionally eligible for a $1,500 per year scholarship, renewable for up to a maximum of eight regular (fall and spring) semesters. In order to receive the award, students must complete the IB Diploma Programme, which Oglethorpe verifies by official IB score report during the summer before enrollment. Recipients must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP, see Sec. 5.14.) and earn a minimum of 12 semester hours each regular (fall and spring) semester to renew the IB scholarship.

5.6.7. Freshman Choral and Music Performance Awards

Freshman Choral and Music Performance Awards provide up to $2,000 per year to students who demonstrate exceptional vocal or instrumental ability. Prospective students must audition with the director of music or their proxy. For application procedures and to schedule an audition, contact the office of admission.

Choral and Instrumental Scholarships (tuition remission awards) are awarded to selected students who meet the following criteria:

1. Present a short singing or playing audition for the director of music and/or the director of choral activities during JEO Scholarship Weekends or at any time prior to their first semester of enrollment.
2. Register for at least a 1-credit section of applied music instruction.
3. Register and participate in at least one music ensemble (Oglethorpe singers, Oglethorpe symphony, Oglethorpe jazz ensemble).

Potential scholarships may be awarded based on “in-person” auditions at the following times:

1. At JEO Scholarship Weekend auditions;
2. During scheduled times on MAP days;
3. During the week prior to the beginning of Fall or Spring Semesters; or
4. During the first 5 days of the Fall or Spring semester.

Audio/video recordings may be submitted at any time prior to enrollment and reviewed at the discretion of the director of music.

Music scholarship students are expected to demonstrate exemplary participation and leadership skills in ensembles and to demonstrate significant growth in applied instruction classes.

Applied instruction awards can be awarded at the discretion of the director of music in consultation with applied instructors to students who register only for applied music classes who a) have participated in an ensemble, b) might participate in a different semester, or c) have a class conflict that prevents them from participating in an ensemble.

Music scholarships can be removed at the discretion of the director of music should the above criteria not be met.

5.6.8. OU HOPE Plus

For recipients of the HOPE Scholarship (see Sec. 5.10.1.) or Zell Miller Scholarship (see Sec. 5.10.2.), Oglethorpe may consider introducing an institutional supplement to the amount of the HOPE Scholarship awarded by the state of Georgia. If a student is determined to be HOPE-eligible, this supplement will be automatic. The supplement amount will be included in the scholarship award letter. This award is only offered at the time of a student’s admission to Oglethorpe. This award has been previously called OU Match for Georgia Hope.

OU HOPE Bridge

For students who enroll at Oglethorpe initially eligible but subsequently lose eligibility for the HOPE and/or Zell Miller Scholarships, Oglethorpe may consider replacing the student’s OU HOPE PLUS Scholarship with an OU HOPE Bridge Scholarship for up to one academic year.

5.6.9. Out-of-State HOPE Equivalents

For students who reside in any U.S. State other than Georgia and graduate from high school with a 3.0 GPA or higher, Oglethorpe may consider the student for a supplemental award. Recipients need to maintain a cumulative grade-point average of 3.0 or higher while at Oglethorpe. These awards are merit-based grants directly from Oglethorpe and are only offered at the time of a student’s admission to Oglethorpe.

5.6.10 Flagship 50

For first-year students who reside in one of the 50 states, including the District of Columbia and U.S. Territories and who have earned a cumulative high school grade point average of at least 3.8 (as calculated by Oglethorpe on the student’s final transcript) or achieved an SAT Evidenced-Based Reading and Writing + Math score of at least 1400 or an ACT composite score of at least 30, Oglethorpe will ensure the student’s tuition and fees net of grants and scholarships is equal to the in-state tuition and fees charged by the flagship public college in the student’s home state. Eligible state or federal grants can be received in addition to this award. Recipients must remain enrolled full-time at Oglethorpe, in good academic and conduct standing, and reside on campus (excluding Gables Brookhaven) to keep the award.

These awards are merit-based grants directly from Oglethorpe and are only offered at the time of a student’s admission to Oglethorpe.  Only first-time first-year students are eligible. Changes in a student’s GPA after the University receives their final transcript may result in changes to Oglethorpe University merit scholarship amounts, including the Flagship 50 Program. A student’s Flagship 50 award amount is calculated at the time of a student’s matriculation to Oglethorpe and remains fixed. Once calculated, a Flagship 50 award amount does not fluctuate from year to year.

Oglethorpe Need-Based Grants are available to full-time TU students who demonstrate financial need as determined by the FAFSA. Oglethorpe Need-Based Grants are awarded in conjunction with federal, state, private or institutional assistance and cannot exceed the student’s demonstrated financial need.  To apply, students must complete the FAFSA online at https://studentaid.gov and forward the results to Oglethorpe electronically using school code 001586. Awards are determined annually based on FAFSA data.

Note: Students enrolled in a dual degree program or in transient studies may not use any Oglethorpe assistance to attend other institutions.

Outstanding student achievement may be recognized by being named as an endowed scholar. Selections for these honorary designations are based on criteria selected by the donor in consultation with the university. Oglethorpe endowed scholarships are only available for full-time TU students. Oglethorpe offers over 100 endowed scholarships made possible by the generosity of donors and alumni. Recipients are selected by Oglethorpe’s Office of Financial Aid. As criteria can vary, see the Office of Financial Aid for more information.

Outstanding student achievement may be recognized by being named as recipient of an annual scholarship. Selections for these honorary designations are based on the criteria identified by donors in consultation with the university. Oglethorpe annual scholarships are only available for full-time TU students. As criteria for awards may vary, see the Office of Financial Aid for more information.

5.10.1. HOPE Scholarships

HOPE Scholarships of $2,152 (12 semester hours or more) and $1,076 (6-11 semester hours) per semester are available to:

• U.S. citizens or permanent residents who also reside in Georgia, and who
• graduated from an eligible high school within the past seven years, with at least a 3.0 grade-point average (GPA) in specific core curriculum classes while fulfilling Georgia’s published Academic Rigor Requirements.

The applicant must be a Georgia resident for at least one year prior to attendance at any college or university in Georgia. Students entering the HOPE Scholarship program for the first time after attempting 30 or 60 semester hours should be aware that their grade-point average is calculated to include all attempted hours taken after high school graduation. Recipients of the scholarship are required to maintain a 3.0 or higher cumulative grade-point average (GPA) for reinstatement. Consideration for the scholarship ends once a student has attempted 127 hours of college coursework. Recipients who lose the scholarship through low GPA will have only one opportunity to regain the award.  Applicants for the program must either complete the online application called GSFAPPS online at www.gafutures.org or each year’s FAFSA.  For more information, please visit www.gafutures.org or Oglethorpe’s enrollment services.

5.10.2. Zell Miller Scholarships

Zell Miller Scholarships of $2,808 (12 semester hours or more) and $1,404 (6–11 semester hours) per semester are available to:

• U.S. citizens or permanent residents who also reside in Georgia, and who
• graduated from an eligible high school within the past seven years with at least a 3.7 grade-point average (GPA) in specific core curriculum classes while fulfilling Georgia’s published Academic Rigor Requirements, and who
• earned a minimum ACT score of 26 or a minimum SAT score of 1200 (math and verbal combined), achieved in one sitting.

The applicant must be a Georgia resident for at least one year prior to attendance at any college or university in Georgia. Recipients of the Zell Miller Scholarship are required to maintain a 3.3 or higher cumulative grade-point average in college courses. Consideration for the scholarship ends once a student has attempted 127 hours of college coursework. Recipients who lose the scholarship through low GPA will have only one opportunity to regain the award. For more information, including eligibility criteria and award amounts, please visit www.gafutures.org.

5.10.3. Georgia Tuition Equalization Grants

Georgia Tuition Equalization Grants (GTEG) are available to:

• U.S. citizens or permanent residents who also reside in Georgia, and who
• are full-time, degree-seeking students at Oglethorpe who have attempted less than 127 cumulative college hours.

The program was established by an act of the 1971 Georgia General Assembly. The GTEG program helps to “promote the private segment of higher education in Georgia by providing non-repayable grant aid to Georgia residents who attend eligible independent colleges and universities in Georgia.” All students must either complete an application online called GSFAPPS at www.gafutures.org or each year’s FAFSA and may be required to submit additional eligibility information to Oglethorpe. The amount of the award is determined annually (and is currently $475 per semester). Financial need is not a factor in determining eligibility.

5.11.1. Federal Pell Grant

The Federal Pell Grant is a federal aid program that provides non-repayable funds to eligible students with exceptional financial need. Eligibility is based upon the results from the FAFSA.

5.11.2. Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG) are awarded to undergraduate students with exceptional financial need who also qualify for the Federal Pell Grant. The FSEOG is a grant and does not require repayment.

5.11.3. Federal Work-Study Program

Federal Work-Study Program (FWSP) permits a student to earn part of their educational expenses. The earnings from this program and other financial aid cannot exceed the student’s financial need and Cost of Attendance budget. Students eligible for this program work part-time primarily on the Oglethorpe campus, but a limited number of community service positions are available at locations near the campus. Students seeking consideration for federal work-study must first file a FAFSA.

5.11.4. William D. Ford Federal Direct Stafford (Subsidized and Unsubsidized) Loans

William D. Ford Federal Direct Stafford (Subsidized and Unsubsidized) Loans are long-term loans available through the U.S. Department of Education. Completion of the FAFSA and at least half-time attendance is required. The federal government pays all interest accruing on Subsidized Stafford Loans as long as the student remains enrolled at least half-time and does not exceed 150% of the length of the academic program attempted. Students are responsible for paying accruing interest on any Unsubsidized Stafford Loan.  Federal regulations allow dependent students to borrow the following total maximum amounts:  $5,500 per academic year for freshmen ($3,500 subsidized and $2,000 unsubsidized); $6,500 per academic year for sophomores ($4,500 subsidized and $2,000 unsubsidized) and up to $7,500 per academic year for juniors and seniors ($5,500 subsidized and $2,000 unsubsidized). Undergraduate students who are classified as independent by the FAFSA may be eligible to borrow additional amounts. Students may borrow up to $23,000 in cumulative Subsidized Stafford Loans toward undergraduate study. Combining both subsidized and unsubsidized, dependent students may borrow up to a total of $31,000 in Stafford Loans for undergraduate study, while independent students may borrow up to a total of $57,500. All first-time borrowers must complete a Master Promissory Note (MPN) and entrance counseling online at https://studentaid.gov. Information regarding repayment terms, deferment and cancellation options are available in the enrollment services area or online at https://studentaid.gov.

5.11.5. William D. Ford Federal PLUS Loans

William D. Ford Federal PLUS Loans are long-term loans available to credit-worthy parents of dependent undergraduate students through the U.S. Department of Education. Undergraduate parents desiring to seek a loan from this program should complete an application and credit check online at https://studentaid.gov and should also complete Oglethorpe’s PLUS application available on our website. Credit-worthy parents were allowed to borrow up to the student’s cost of attendance annually through June 30, 2026. As of July 1, 2026, a student may receive up to $20,000 annually from first-time PLUS Loan borrowers, with a cumulative lifetime PLUS Loan cap of $65,000 per student for undergraduate studies.

This section applies to all undergraduate students, both TU and ADP.

5.12.1. Applications and Requirements

Although U.S. citizenship is not a criterion for institutional (Oglethorpe) assistance, all applicants for state and federal financial assistance must be U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens, must be admitted as regular degree-seeking students and must have a high school diploma, GED certificate, or successful completion of a home school program. Transient and special status students, students enrolled less than half-time, and students who are only auditing courses are not eligible for financial aid.

In order for a student to be considered for every type of assistance available (federal, state and/or institutional sources) a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) must be submitted online at https://studentaid.gov.  Beginning with the fall 2016 semester, applicants may complete the FAFSA beginning on October 1, but no later than August 1 of the award year. Students should keep a copy of the FAFSA before submitting it to the federal processor. Oglethorpe’s Federal Code is 001586. Once the FAFSA has been received and processed by the federal processor, an Institutional Student Information Record (ISIR) will be sent to the enrollment services area. Keep copies of all federal income tax returns, etc., as these documents may be required in order to verify the information provided on the FAFSA.  Students who are selected by the U.S. Department of Education to provide additional verification information to Oglethorpe will be contacted via Oglethorpe by e-mail, by letter to permanent address or both.

Most financial aid programs require students to demonstrate financial need as determined by the FAFSA. (Exceptions include: Oglethorpe’s merit-based scholarships, HOPE Scholarships, Zell Miller Scholarships, Georgia Tuition Equalization Grants, and Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loans and Federal PLUS Loans).

As a condition to receive federal aid, all male students must register with Selective Service, either at a U.S. post office, through the FAFSA, or online at SSS.gov. Selective Service registration is also required for male Georgia residents seeking state-funded aid such as the HOPE and Zell Miller Scholarships as well as the Georgia Tuition Equalization Grant.

Additional requirements for all students in order to receive aid include:

• Students must not owe a refund on any grant or loan; not be in default on any loan or have made satisfactory arrangements to repay any defaulted loan; and not have borrowed in excess of the loan limits, under federal aid programs, at any institution.
• Students must make Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP, see Sec. 5.14.).
• Students may not be a member of a religious community, society or order who by direction of their community, society or order is pursuing a course of study at Oglethorpe and who receives support and maintenance from their community, society or order.
• Students must be enrolled full-time to receive institutional aid and enrolled in at least six semester hours for the semester (including all sessions within the semester) after the drop/add period to receive federal and state aid, with the exception of the Georgia Tuition Equalization Grant, for which students must be enrolled full-time for the semester (including all sessions within the semester).
• If eligible for a Federal Stafford Loan or Federal PLUS Loan, a Federal Direct Master Promissory Note (MPN) and entrance counseling must be completed online at studentaid.gov.
• Students applying for the Georgia Tuition Equalization Grant, HOPE Scholarship, and Zell Miller Scholarship programs for the first time must submit either the current year’s FAFSA or a GSFAPP from the Georgia Student Finance Commission Web site at gafutures.org/.

5.12.2. Payment of Awards and Renewal for Subsequent Years

Disbursements of annual awards will follow the schedule indicated on the student award letters (with the exception of federal work-study) and will be automatically credited to students accounts each semester by the enrollment services area after the drop/add period, provided the student continues to remain enrolled and all necessary paperwork has been completed.  Federal need-based financial aid will not be disbursed while a student is in the “verification” process.  Only when a student’s paperwork and applications are complete can aid be credited to the student’s account.

Renewal FAFSA information is provided to students by the U.S. Department of Education. Students must meet the eligibility requirements indicated above and file the appropriate applications for each program for each academic year they attend. The preferred deadline for receipt of a completed financial aid file is May 1. Applicants whose files become complete after this time will be considered based upon availability of funds.

For renewal of most institutional aid, students must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (see Sec. 5.14.).  A 3.2 or higher cumulative grade-point average is required for renewal of Presidential Scholarships and for all full-tuition scholarships such as the James Edward Oglethorpe, Civic Engagement and OU Theatre Scholarships.

In addition to the cumulative grade-point average requirement, students must earn at least 24 semester hours during the two regular (fall and spring) semesters comprising the current academic year in order to renew institutional aid for a subsequent year. Students who are deficient in the number of hours required might attend summer school at Oglethorpe.

Students meeting the scholarship renewal criteria will have their merit awards automatically renewed for the next academic year.

To renew federal and state financial aid, students should complete the procedures outlined in Sec. 5.12.1.

The enrollment services area may be able to offer additional assistance if special circumstances exist. Special circumstances are those situations that have a direct impact on your or your family’s ability to pay for your educational expenses. Students who have extenuating financial circumstances may request additional assistance by completing the “Request for Review/Special Circumstances” packet available from the enrollment services area. In order for any request to be considered, complete documentation must be submitted along with the request. If a student’s FAFSA is selected for verification, this process must be completed before a Request for Review can be considered. All submitted requests will be evaluated and reviewed by the financial aid director, who will notify students of the outcome by Oglethorpe e-mail once the review process has been completed. To request a financial aid appeal based on Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP), please see the SAP section, below.

Unless otherwise indicated, in this section “student” refers to any undergraduate (TU or ADP) student.

Applicants for federal, state and/or institutional financial aid must be making Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) toward the completion of degree requirements and must be in academic good standing with the University in order to receive federal, state or institutional financial aid. SAP at Oglethorpe is defined according to each of three standards being satisfied.

5.14.1. Qualitative Standard

Students must successfully meet the minimum cumulative grade-point average (GPA) as shown below, consistent with graduation requirements:

5.14.2. Pace Standard

Students must successfully complete their program of study at a certain pace, requiring successful completion of at least 67% of attempted courses. CLEP and test credits are also included as attempted credits. Audited courses are not included in the number of hours attempted or earned for SAP determination and students do not receive a grade in audited classes.

Unsatisfactory grades that count against a student’s progress are:

“F” Failure
“FA” Failure due to Absence
“W” Withdrew
“WF” Withdrew Failing
“I” Incomplete
“U” Unsatisfactory

5.14.3. Timeframe Standard

Students must complete their declared program within 150% of the published number of credit hours required to complete the program. For example, in undergraduate programs requiring 128 semester hours, this provides up to 192 attempted semester hours to complete a 128 semester hour degree program. For students seeking a second undergraduate degree, the maximum time frame (using the above example) is 252 attempted semester hours or 150% of hours needed to complete the first degree, plus 60 additional semester hours.

The maximum timeframe calculation is performed as follows:

A = All Oglethorpe semester hours attempted (including repeated credits)
T = All semester hours transferred from other institutions
R = All remedial semester hours attempted
P = The total number of semester hours used to determine current progress toward degree

P = A + T – R

All transfer semester hours accepted by Oglethorpe University are counted as both attempted and completed credits and are included in the maximum timeframe calculation. These grades are not counted toward the cumulative GPA requirement since initial transfer semester hours do not count toward the Oglethorpe cumulative GPA. CLEP and test credits are also included as attempted credits. Repeated courses count as credits attempted during each semester the student is enrolled in the course; however, they will be counted once as credits completed the first time a passing grade is received for the course. Students are not eligible to receive financial aid for audited courses. Audited courses are not included in the number of semester hours attempted or earned for SAP determination and students do not receive a grade in audited classes.

5.14.4. SAP Evaluation and Notification

The three standards of satisfactory academic progress are evaluated at the end of each semester and students are notified through their official Oglethorpe e-mail address, of any adverse (“warning,” “suspension” or “probation”) SAP status. Students meeting all three standards of SAP, and who are not in a period of warning, suspension or probation, are considered to be in good standing for SAP purposes. No additional requirements are specified and no notification will be sent regarding SAP to students who are in good SAP standing.

5.14.4.1. Financial Aid Warning

To be in financial good standing with the University means all of the following:

• The student’s financial account with the University is current, meaning that all bills (tuition, fees, room, board, fines, etc.) have been paid in full or are being paid on-time according to a payment plan schedule prescribed by the University or one approved by the office of the controller. See especially Sec. 5.3. and Sec. 5.4.
• If the student receives any federal, state or institutional aid, then the student is making SAP (see Sec. 5.14.) and is not on financial aid warning, suspension or probation.

Please consult Sec. 6.3. and Sec. 6.9. for registration policies, Sec. 6.10. for information on academic load, and Sec. 6.16. for a discussion of schedule modification, including dropping and adding courses and withdrawing from single courses. Withdrawal from the University is discussed in Sec. 6.24.2. The policies and procedures described in the entirety of Sec. 5.16. (below) pertain most directly to students whose entire schedule is comprised of courses that span the full timeframe of a traditional-length semester. Registration in any course or courses that do not span the entire timeframe of a semester, such as courses offered during sessions embedded within a semester and scheduled for periods of time less than the full extent of the semester, can lead to a variety of financial and financial aid outcomes upon dropping, adding and/or withdrawing from such individual courses. Related problems can arise when a student leaves the University before the conclusion of a semester, either voluntarily or involuntarily. Therefore, students who enroll in courses which do not span the entire timeframe of a semester are strongly advised to seek the counsel of personnel in the enrollment services area prior to adding, dropping and/or withdrawing from individual courses. Similar counsel is urged, when practicable, before students leave the University in the midst of a semester.

5.16.1 Withdrawing from the University Prior to the First Day of Classes

If students decide to withdraw from the University any time prior to the start of business on the “first day of classes” (or FDOC) for the session in question and as determined by the University’s official academic calendar, then students must concurrently drop all their courses. The withdrawal must be official, meaning that the appropriate forms (completely filled out and endorsed by all required parties) must be received by enrollment services prior to the FDOC. A student who officially withdraws from the University prior to the FDOC will be entitled to a 100 percent refund of tuition and fees already paid for that session. If applicable, the student will receive a refund of room and board charges paid for the session, less a charge for room and board that takes into account the daily rate for such services in combination with the actual number of days the student resided on-campus prior to the end of their residential occupancy at the University. Additionally, the contract a residential student signed with the office of residence life may stipulate a penalty for early termination; any such fee will be billed to the student’s account. The student will not receive any federal, state or institutional financial aid.

5.16.2 Withdrawing From the University On or After the First Day of Class

All students are advised to meet in person with a manager or director in the enrollment services area prior to actually withdrawing from the University to make certain they understand the associated financial and financial aid implications.

Student schedules (and the associated financial and financial aid implications) are considered somewhat fluid through the close of business on the final day of the drop/add period of a given session. If, after the close of business on the final day of the drop/add period, students remain registered for one or more courses, then students will receive an updated statement of account that will reflect the program (TU or ADP) in which they are enrolled and which will also reflect any other germane factors. For TU students enrolled for a fall or spring semester, for instance, such factors would include whether the student is full- or part-time, whether or not there is an overload in hours, whether or not the student lives on-campus, whether or not (and to what extent) the student’s bill is to be offset by federal, state and/or institutional financial aid, and so on.

Any student who remains registered for one or more classes after the start of business on the “first day of classes” (FDOC) for the session in question and as determined by the University’s official academic calendar will not be eligible for a refund of any fees, even if the student withdraws from the University for any reason later the same session. Additionally, there is no refund associated with withdrawing from individual courses past this point, nor is there any refund for students who simply stop attending Oglethorpe and never officially withdraw from the University.

If a student withdraws from the University after the start of business on the FDOC, a refund or offset of tuition charges (not fees, which are not refundable at this stage) is determined by the “official withdrawal date” (OWD) and the Tuition Percentage Refund Schedule (see below). The OWD is the date on which students (or their representative) file the official withdrawal from the University form (fully endorsed by all required parties) with enrollment services. The Tuition Percentage Refund Schedule is as follows:

*A Monday through Friday period is considered one complete week for purposes of this table.

Students receiving government grants or loans who withdraw during an academic term will be subject to the refunding of all or a portion of these grants and loans according to the regulations applicable to the particular government aid program. Students receiving institutional aid who withdraw during an academic term will retain their institutional aid at the same rate as their Tuition Percentage Not Eligible for Refund. The refunded financial aid is returned to its source, not to the student. The calculations associated with this process are complex and all students are advised to meet in person with a manager or director in the enrollment services area prior to actually withdrawing from the University to make certain they understand the associated financial and financial aid implications.

Residential students who withdraw from the University will receive a refund of room and board charges which have already been billed, less a charge for room and board that takes into account the daily rate for such services in combination with the actual number of days the student resided on-campus prior to the end of their residential occupancy at the University. Additionally, the contract a residential student signed with the office of residence life may stipulate a penalty for early termination; any such fee will be added to the student’s account.

Students should be particularly mindful of the following:

• The date that will be used for calculation of a potential refund due to withdrawing from the University (referred to herein as the “official withdrawal date” or OWD) will be the date on which enrollment services receives the official form signed by all required parties. An arrangement with a professor or an advisor will not be recognized as an official change of any sort.
• Any student who has registered and decides not to attend must officially withdraw from the University. Simply not showing up, or ceasing to show up, is not the same as withdrawing from the University.
• Fees are only refundable for those who withdraw from the University prior to the start of business on the FDOC.
• In no case is a student eligible for any tuition or fees refund whatsoever if:
  • The student fails to formally withdraw from the University; or
  • The student is expelled for disciplinary reasons; or
  • The student withdraws from the University when a disciplinary action (code of student conduct violation or honor code violation) is pending; or
  • The student withdraws from a class or classes, but does not totally withdraw from the University.
• Issuance of credit for room and board is governed as outlined above.

Non-academic withdrawal is explained in Sec. 6.24.3. From the financial and financial aid perspectives, (involuntary) non-academic withdrawal from the University is handled exactly the same as is (voluntary) withdrawal from the University (see Sec. 5.16.), except that the “official withdrawal date” (OWD) is the date that the dean of students notified the students that they are to be non-academically withdrawn. If students appeal the dean of students’ decision, the days which elapse during the implementation of the appeal process are not counted for purposes of refunds associated with tuition and federal, state and/or institutional financial aid. However, such “appeal days” would count as days in residence for purposes of determining a potential refund of room and board charges, if applicable.

From financial and financial aid points of view, the death of a student is handled exactly the same as is withdrawal from the University (see Sec. 5.16.), except that the “official withdrawal date” (OWD) is the date of death and, if applicable, no termination fee for breaking the housing contract is assessed.

Expulsion is explained in Sec. 6.24.5. From financial and financial aid perspectives, expulsion is handled exactly the same as is withdrawal from the University (see Sec. 5.16.), except as follows:

• Regardless of the date students are notified of their expulsion, students receive no tuition or fee refunds for the semester in which they were expelled.
• If the student resides on-campus then the student will automatically be subject to a fee for breaking the housing contract they signed with the office of residence life.
• The “official withdrawal date” (OWD) is the date that students receive official notification that they are to be expelled. If the student appeals the expulsion decision, the days which elapse during the implementation of the appeal process are not counted for purposes of refunds associated with federal, state and/or institutional financial aid. However, such “appeal days” would count as days in residence for purposes of determining a potential refund of room and board charges, if applicable.