Financial Information

Costs

Tuition

Tuition is due before the start of each semester. Tuition costs are re-evaluated each fiscal year. Crown College reserves the right to adjust tuition and fees each academic year.

Costs for 2014-2015

*Textbooks and material costs are not included for these programs.

Other Charges

Application Fee

The application fee of $25 must be received with the application.

PLA Fee

The fee for Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) is $100 for each semester credit. For example, if a student applies for 12 credits in PLA, the fee will be $1,200. However, receiving all 12 credits is not automatic, but is based upon an evaluation of the individual student’s work by a faculty evaluator in that field. If the evaluator awards fewer credits than were applied for, the fee will not be decreased. The PLA will not be evaluated without payment.

Audit Fees

A per credit fee is associated with auditing a course.

Guided/Independent Study Fees

Students taking coursework as guided/independent study will incur a per credit fee in addition to the tuition charge. 

Payment Policies

Payments

Students must pay all charges not covered by financial aid (scholarships, grants, and loans). That balance can be paid via cash, check, credit card, or by registering for the Tuition Management Systems payment plan. Tuition Management Systems is the only monthly payment option available. The plan eliminates the lump sum payment due at the start of each semester. For more information, visit crown.afford.com or call 1-800-722-4867.

Full payment is due before the start of the semester: for the Fall semester, payment is due early September and for the Spring semester, payment is due late February.

Crown College does not accept students’ participation in a company reimbursement plan as a method of advance payment. Students whose employers reimburse educational costs must use the above methods of payment and seek reimbursement from their employer.

Late Fine

A late fine will be assessed if full payment is not received before the start of the semester.

Service Charges

On the first of each month, the college applies a service charge of 1.0% per month on all unpaid balances. Late financial aid and late Tuition Management payments are counted as unpaid balances. In order to avoid service charges, students should apply for financial aid well ahead of the semester and check with financial aid personnel to ensure all processes have been completed properly.

Unpaid Accounts

Registration for classes is dependent upon full payment of all prior charges. Students whose accounts are not fully paid will not be allowed to register for any upcoming semester until their account is paid-in-full.

Upon final departure from Crown, students must make full payment of any outstanding balance, including all library, parking, and disciplinary fines, as well as any other charges before the College will issue an official transcript or diploma.

Collection of Unpaid Accounts

The college turns over unpaid student accounts that are inactive for two months to a collection agency. This may negatively impact a student’s credit score. The agency contacts the student regarding payment options. The student is responsible for all collection fees, which may be based on percentage at a maximum of 33% of the debt, and all costs and expenses including reasonable attorney’s fees that may be incurred in such collection efforts. (See Seeger v. AFNI, Inc. 548 F.3d 1107, 1110, 1113 (7th Cir. 2008); see also Boatley v. Diem Corp., No.CIV. 03-0762-PHX-SMM, 2004 WL 5315892, *5-6 (D. Ariz. Mar. 24. 2004).

By providing a telephone number for a cellular phone or other wireless device, students are expressly consenting to receive communications, including but not limited to prerecorded or artificial voice message calls, text messages, and calls made by an automatic telephone dialing system, from Crown College and its affiliates and agents at that number. This express consent applies to each such telephone number provided now or in the future and permits such calls regardless of their purpose. Calls may incur access fees from your cellular provider.

Refund Policies*

Completing educational goals is an important step in one’s personal and career development. This financial investment will likely provide dividends and opportunities that will be well worth the investment. Crown College has made a commitment to partner with students in this process by providing the research, instructors, classrooms, resources, and administrative support to facilitate student success.

Attendance and full participation in the learning process are essential to achieve the desired outcomes. Part of this commitment includes paying for the educational services rendered; each student has a financial responsibility for the classes s/he attends. In accordance with this financial commitment, students should be aware of the following:

1. Registration is for a full term of courses, so when a student decides not to finish a course, a change in financial aid is likely. Financial aid is adjusted to reflect the change in enrollment.
2. If a student registers for a term (twelve credits for an undergraduate and six credits for a graduate student) and then drops out after the first module, the costs of that module become the student’s personal responsibility and his/her financial aid might be returned to the government. Students should always check with the Financial Aid Office before dropping a class to determine the financial consequences of their actions. Finishing the term is always a student’s best use of resources.

3. Tuition Refund Policies:

   Allow up to ten business days for withdrawals to be processed by the various departments.

   The Student Billing Office will process the withdrawal based on the student’s “drop date.” Tuition will be refunded as follows:

Drop before: Indicating that there has been no participation in the course (student does not agree to the course learning contract), as defined in General Academic Information . 100% tuition refund; no record of the course on the student’s transcript.

Full Refund: Indicating that there has been participation in the course as defined in General Academic Information , and a “drop date” during the first seven calendar days of the module. 100% tuition refund; “W” for the course recorded on the student’s transcript.

75% Refund: Indicating there has been participation in the course as defined in General Academic Information , and a “drop date” during the first eight to twelve calendar days of the module. 75% refund; “W” for the course recorded on the student’s transcript.

No Refund: Indicating that there has been participation in the course as defined in General Academic Information , and a “drop date” occurring at any point following (or including) the thirteenth calendar day of the module and before the end date of the course. NO tuition refund; “W” for the course recorded on the student’s transcript.

4. The government bases its maximum financial responsibility toward a student on the number of credits necessary to complete a bachelor’s degree. Courses that are failed and/ or withdrawn from still count toward the total number of credits the government views as its responsibility. Repeated failures will ultimately cost a student financial aid dollars.
5. Financial Aid is applied to a student’s account midway through the second three credit class. If a student withdraws before financial aid funds arrive, federal regulations require the College to complete a refund calculation to determine the amount of federal aid a student has earned. The student is financially responsible for any classes in which s/he was enrolled. A student is enrolled in a class until s/he officially notifies the College of the intent to withdraw.
6. Withdrawals occur in two ways:
   1. Official withdrawal occurs when the student notifies the School of Online Studies and Graduate School Office via Crown e-mail of his/her intent to withdraw and completes the necessary forms to consummate the withdrawal. Official withdrawals can be completed for a single class or for a term. The date of withdrawal is the date of notification. Until notification occurs, enrollment is considered to be active. A student who neglects to withdraw before the end date of a course will receive the grade he or she has earned in the course (uncompleted assignments will be graded as “0” and the final grade will be calculated accordingly).
   2. Unofficial withdrawal occurs when a student stops attending class for 30 days. The last class of attendance is considered the date of withdrawal and the student is withdrawn from all the classes remaining in the term. In other words, if a student is withdrawn from a module 2 course due to non-participation, he or she will also be withdrawn from any module 3 courses that he or she may be registered for unless specifically notified by the student that he or she intends to attend the remaining course(es). This is done in compliance with financial aid guidelines stipulated by the U.S. Department of Education.
7. Crown realizes there are a number of valid reasons why students withdraw from classes. In order to better understand the particular needs of the student and to keep improving the program, an exit interview is required.

8. Crown College is a tuition-funded institution. Student costs might increase as the cost of providing services increases. The Finance Office reserves the right to make those changes accordingly.

   *Wisconsin residents should contact their advisor for their refund policy.

Financial Aid

Preparing for a college education requires a great deal of advance planning. In order to make appropriate financial preparations, consider these important topics. It would be helpful to make a checklist of those points which might require further attention.

Grant Assistance

Federal and state grants are awarded based upon a variety of factors, but most often on the basis of the program and/or the demonstrated financial need. Unless otherwise noted by the donor, the student does not need to repay these funds.

Listed below are some of the most common forms of gift assistance:

• Federal Pell Grant: Based on financial need. Recipients must be enrolled as regular degree-seeking students in approved undergraduate programs.
• Minnesota State Grant: Available to Minnesota State Residents enrolled as regular degree-seeking students in approved undergraduate programs. This award is need based and pro-rated based on the number of credits in which a student is enrolled each term. For more information, visit the State Grant website at www.ohe.state.mn.us
• Minnesota National Guard Education Assistance Program: Visit their website for more information. www.minnesotanationalguard.org/education/scholarships.php
• Veteran’s Benefits: Eligibility is determined by the Veteran’s Administration. Potentially eligible students should contact their local Veteran’s Administration representative.
• Employee Reimbursement Program: Contact your company’s personnel office to investigate this source of financial assistance.

Students need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine grant eligibility. Grants do not need to be repaid.

Student Loans

Federal Stafford Loan Program

The Federal Stafford loan is a low-interest loan that helps students pay the cost of attending a post-secondary school.

The subsidized Stafford loan is based on financial need. It is interest-free for the borrower under these circumstances:

• Student is enrolled at least half-time at an eligible institution
• Student is in grace period—the six months after graduation or withdrawal from school
• Student is in authorized period of deferment

The unsubsidized Stafford loan has the same term and conditions as the subsidized Stafford, but does not carry the in-school interest subsidy. Stipulations include:

• Interest accrues immediately once funds are disbursed
• Student has the option of repaying interest while in school

The Stafford loan is subject to an origination fee.

Origination Fee–To help lower program costs, The Department of Education charges each borrower a loan origination fee that is a percentage of the principal loan amount. This fee is automatically deducted from the disbursements.

There is no penalty for prepaying a Federal Stafford loan.

Students must complete the FAFSA to determine eligibility to borrow the Federal Stafford loan. After they are awarded the Stafford loan, they must complete the Master Promissory Note (MPN) and Entrance Counseling before they can receive the funds.

School of Online Studies Scholarships

The CHAD AND JO PIEHL ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP is awarded to a student pursuing a degree in Business Administration. The award will be based upon academic performance. The student’s employer should not be providing all of the student’s educational costs.

The SCHOOL OF ONLINE STUDIES ALUMNI ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP is awarded to online students enrolled full time in an undergraduate major. Preference will be given to students with financial need, a minimum 3.0 GPA, and demonstrated leadership.

The JAMES AUSTIN PHILLIPS IV ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP was established in memoriam by family and friends. James (1987-2008) was a uniquely talented young man who struggled with a chemical dependency that resulted in his untimely death. This scholarship is in recognition of the strength and courage it takes to overcome addiction and has been put in place to help Crown online students who have successfully completed a substance abuse program and desire to turn their lives around by furthering their education in order to be positive change agents.

Institutional Aid

See Financial Aid website for current grants.

Financial Aid Process

In order to receive the financial aid package before classes start, begin paperwork at least six weeks before registration.

Step One – Apply for Admission to Crown College

• Financial aid awards are issued only to accepted students.

Step Two – Apply for Department of Education PIN

• Apply for your pin at www.pin.ed.gov.
• Students use this PIN to sign their FAFSA and later on the Master Promissory Note (MPN) if they choose to borrow loans.

Step Three – Apply for Financial Aid

• All students applying for financial aid must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA can be found at www.fafsa.gov.

  The Department of Education selects a percentage of financial aid applicants for a process called verification. Students selected for verification will be notified by the College and must provide the requested documents.

Step Four – Financial Aid Notification

Accepted students who complete the financial aid application process will receive a financial aid award package. Students should carefully review all information included in the award package and promptly complete the necessary documents.

To apply for a Federal Stafford Loan, the following forms must be completed:

• FEDERAL STAFFORD LOAN AUTHORIZATION FORM Instructions are available on the Crown College website.
• FEDERAL STAFFORD LOAN MASTER PROMISSORY NOTE (MPN), which should be completed online at www.studentloans.gov
• Loan Entrance Counseling, which should be completed online at www.studentloans.gov. Select “Student Loan Counseling Interview,” then “Stafford Entrance.” Sign in under “Manage My Direct Loan” using your FAFSA pin number and select “Complete Entrance Counseling.”

Step Five – Begin Classes

Students who register or begin classes before completing the Financial Aid process should be prepared to make other arrangements for payment. Contact the Student Billing Office at 952-446-4126 for information about payment options.

Student Loan Exit Counseling

Students who borrowed through a Federal Loan Program are required to complete Student Loan Exit Counseling when they graduate, withdraw, or drop below half-time status. Stafford Loan Exit Counseling may be completed at www.nslds.ed.gov.

Contact the Financial Aid Office at 952-446-4177 or via e-mail at finaid@crown.edu for additional information.

Satisfactory Academic Progress

Federal regulations require that all financial aid recipients progress at a reasonable rate and make satisfactory progress toward achieving a certificate or degree. This requirement applies to all terms regardless of whether or not the student received financial aid. Satisfactory progress is measured by (1) the student’s cumulative grade point average, (2) the number of credits earned in relation to those attempted, and (3) the maximum time frame allowed to complete the academic program.

1. Cumulative Grade Point Average. Grade point average is calculated by the Registrar’s Office. Students who drop below the following minimum cumulative GPA at the end of any semester, summer session or specified period determined by the academic dean, will be placed on Financial Aid Warning:

2. Cumulative Credits Earned. Students who fail to complete the required percent of credits as defined below will be placed on Financial Aid Warning.

3. Maximum time frame. Students must complete their degree within the following maximum number of attempted credits:

Students will not be considered to reach or exceed the maximum number of attempted credit hours until after the term in which they reach or exceed their respective limit. Students are no longer eligible to receive financial aid after they reach these maximums (150% of the required credits).

Graduate students with a GPA lower than 3.0 at any time after having finished nine credits of course work will be placed on satisfactory academic warning and notified by the Financial Aid Office. Students are placed on financial aid warning for the next semester they attend Crown and may receive financial aid during the warning period. Students who raise their graduate GPA above 3.0 will be removed from warning.

Definition of Terms

Incomplete Classes: Courses that are assigned an incomplete grade are included in the cumulative credits attempted. These credits are not earned until a passing grade is assigned

Withdrawals: Courses from which the student withdraws after the close of registration are included in the cumulative credits attempted.

Remedial Classes: Remedial courses are included in the cumulative credits attempted, but not counted in the maximum time frame.

Repeated Classes: Repeated courses enable students to raise their cumulative grade point average. Credits for repeated courses are counted as both attempted credits and earned credits (assuming a passing grade is earned). However, Federal Title IV Funds can be used for one repeat of a course (original attempt plus one repeat).

Transfer Students: All transfer credits accepted by Crown will be used in determining when the maximum time frame requirement has been reached. Transfer credits are also used when calculating the required completion percentage.

Second Degree Students: Students who have already earned a first baccalaureate degree are eligible for loans if they are pursuing a second degree (i.e. they have a B.A. and are now seeking a B.S.). These students have up to an additional 187 attempted hours before exceeding the maximum time frame.

Financial Aid Warning: Students will be officially evaluated for satisfactory progress at the end of any semester, summer session or specified period determined by the Vice President of Academic Affairs. Students who fail to meet any of the above standards of satisfactory progress will be placed on financial aid warning for the next semester they attend Crown. Students may receive federal and state financial aid during the warning period.

Termination of Financial Aid: Following the warning period, students will be evaluated for satisfactory progress. If the student is not meeting the standards of satisfactory academic progress at the end of the warning period, financial aid will be terminated. If the student is making satisfactory academic progress, the student will be removed from financial aid warning.

Financial Aid Appeals: Students who fail to meet satisfactory progress may appeal this decision. Acceptable reasons for appeal include injury or illness of the student, illness or death of an immediate relative of the student, or other extenuating circumstances beyond the student’s control. The appeal must be presented in writing and should be accompanied with supporting documentation. The appeal must include information regarding why the student failed to make SAP, and what has changed in the student’s situation that would allow the student to demonstrate SAP at the next evaluation.

Appeals should be sent to the Crown College Financial Aid Office and will be reviewed by the Financial Aid Office. If approved, the student will be placed on Financial Aid Probation, and eligibility for aid will be reinstated. An academic plan must also be made with the student to ensure that the student is able to meet overall SAP by a specified point in time.

Re-establishing Financial Aid Eligibility: Students whose financial aid was terminated due to lack of satisfactory academic progress may choose to enroll without benefit of financial aid. Such students may request a review of their academic record after any warning term to determine whether they have met the satisfactory academic progress standards. If the standards are met, financial aid eligibility is restored for subsequent terms of enrollment.

Undergraduate students who withdraw from Crown College after their financial aid was terminated due to lack of satisfactory academic progress may apply for financial aid after earning the equivalent of at least 24 semester hours with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 at another post-secondary institution.

Full-Time Student Definition: For financial matters, students are considered “full time” when enrolled as follows:

• A minimum of six credits per term for the graduate program
• A minimum of twelve credits per term for undergraduate students

Textbook Voucher

Students participating in financial aid will have access to a voucher system for textbook purchases made through the Crown College Bookstore.

To be eligible for virtual textbook purchase vouchers, students must:

1. Apply for financial aid.
2. Have funds in excess of tuition and associated fees to cover book costs.
3. Purchase their books only through the Crown College Virtual Bookstore.
4. Vouchers expire once aid is disbursed.

Please contact the Crown College Student Billing Office at billing@crown.edu or call 952-446-4126 for information.

Questions

Students should contact the Financial Aid Office at 952- 446-4177 if they have questions about these policies, the appeal process, or reinstatement of financial aid eligibility.