Frequently Asked Questions

What is the federal code?
A code number identifies every college and university that receives federal money. The federal code number for Heidelberg University is 003048.

What does FAFSA mean?
This means Free Application for Federal Student Aid. You should not pay any money to have a FAFSA processed.

Is this my final award?
The aid award you received from the Financial Aid Office is based on the information you provided to us through the FAFSA. It is a final award unless new or additional information is provided to us.

What is verification and why was I chosen?
Verification is a process in which the aid administrator must confirm that all information on the FAFSA is accurate and complete. Much like an IRS audit, most applications are randomly selected. A few are selected because it appears there may be an error. Each year, at least 30 percent of all applicants are flagged for verification.

Why do you need our tax returns and W-2 forms?
If you are selected for verification, we need your tax returns and W-2 forms to confirm information reported to the federal processor on the FAFSA.

Do I have to apply for financial aid every year?
Yes, although it is easier after the first year because you will be using a renewal application, which already has much of the data preprinted from the previous year. You may access your renewal application electronically upon receipt of your Personal Identification Number (PIN) from the federal processor. The web site address is www.fafsa.ed.gov

If I lose a Heidelberg merit scholarship one year, can I get it back if my grades improve?
Yes. We review grade point averages at the end of spring semester. If you have regained the required GPA, then your scholarship will be renewed for the following year.

Do I lose any gift money if my grades are not good?
Yes, you will lose aid if you are not making Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP). Your aid can be renewed upon regaining the necessary hours or GPA required.

What is Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)?
Minimum standards are required to renew financial aid each year. A full-time student must successfully complete 24 semester hours during fall and spring semesters. In addition to the 24 semester hour requirement, students must earn a minimum grade point average at the end of their sophomore year and thereafter. The minimum GPA is determined by the total credit hours attempted and are as follows:
    48-63 attempted – 1.85
    64-79 attempted – 1.92
    80+ attempted – 2.00
This is outlined in our college catalog.

Do I receive the same aid package every year?
Not necessarily. You must apply for aid every year, and if family income, family size and number in college changes, your aid award will also change.

Why did I lose my Pell Grant?
Your Pell Grant will change or be lost if your family income or other variables that are part of the formula change, resulting in a higher expected family contribution, as determined by the federal processor.

Are my scholarships renewable?
Scholarships are renewable if you maintain the required grade point average, which has been detailed in your scholarship award letter.

What happens to my gift assistance if I receive an outside scholarship?
While we try to completely meet your financial need, it is not always possible. If your need has not been completely met by your aid award package, the outside scholarship can fill in the gap between your need and your financial aid. If your need has been completely met, then the outside scholarship reduces the self-help portion of your aid award, which includes work-study and loans. Your Federal Stafford subsidized loan could change to an unsubsidized loan.

What happens to my financial aid if I change my residency status?
The aid award you receive is based on charges incurred as a resident, commuter or off-campus student. If you change your residency status, your aid award will also change. If you have an award as a resident, then change to a commuter, you will very likely receive a reduced amount of gift aid. This is because part of your living expenses on campus is covered by Heidelberg assistance.

How do I know how much I owe?
The cost to your family is determined by subtracting the grants, scholarships and loan funds the student has been awarded from the direct costs (tuition, room and board). If you do not use your loan eligibility, then you must add that to your family contribution. A Payment Contract is included indicating what your out-of-pocket cost is after your financial aid is applied to your direct charges.

What can I do if I don't have enough money to pay my bill or if my parents won't help me?
Schedule an appointment with the Financial Aid Office. It is important to resolve any financial problems before the academic year begins.

What happens if family circumstances change after I file the FAFSA?
Changes in family circumstances can change your eligibility for aid. You should schedule an appointment with the Financial Aid Office to review your circumstances as soon as possible.

My parents do not claim me on their tax return - am I considered independent for financial aid purposes?
Not being claimed on a parent tax return does not make you an independent student. To be considered independent for financial aid purposes, you must be able to answer “Yes” to at least one question on the FAFSA that pertains to independent status.

What happens to my aid if I drop a course?
Dropping a class may have financial aid implications. A change in enrollment status can affect grants and loans. If dropping a course is necessary, do so as early in the academic semester as possible.

What happens if I drop all my courses?
Financial aid is subject to federal refund calculations when students drop all their courses for the academic term or withdraw from Heidelberg University. This process is formula driven and is unique to each student. However, as a general rule, the amount of refund applied to student charges equals the amount of reduction in aid, with all federal aid being reduced first. If dropping all course work is necessary, the earlier you do so the more beneficial it will be.

Is aid available to participate in a Study Abroad Program?
Yes. Students are eligible to receive assistance. The financial aid is based on the costs of the program the student chooses. If the student does not study through a Heidelberg program, then no college or state funds are available, only federal.