Admission, Application, and Fees and Financial Assistance

Undergraduate Admissions

Admission Standards

The university expects applicants to have sound academic preparation for college. Each applicant’s academic record is carefully examined to determine whether the student has the potential to succeed at Lindenwood.

Lindenwood University consciously seeks a diverse student body and welcomes applicants from all socioeconomic, religious, and ethnic backgrounds. The university also values geographical diversity and welcomes international students.

Selection Criteria

Candidates applying to Lindenwood University are evaluated by the Office of University Admissions. Lindenwood recommends that applicants have completed at least 16 units of high school study in academic areas from an accredited institution before applying for admission. (One year in a subject is considered an academic unit.) While no single program of academic preparation is required for admission to Lindenwood, a university preparatory curriculum is preferred; a student’s high school records should reflect four years of study in English and English literature and at least three years of study in natural science, mathematics, and social studies. The university also recommends two years of study in a foreign language, as well as some study in the areas of fine and performing arts.

Applicants who are offered admission to Lindenwood University are admitted with the provision that all high school graduation requirements will be completed prior to attending the University. A final high school transcript must be submitted to the Lindenwood Office of University Admissions after the applicant’s high school graduation and must include the applicant’s date of graduation. Transfer students also must submit all official transcripts as a provision of acceptance.

Application

U.S. Citizen and Permanent Resident Application

To be considered for admission to the university, an applicant’s file must include each of the following documents:

• Online application.
• Official transcripts indicating graduation from the last high school attended or from a home school program. A GED certificate may be provided in lieu of the high school transcript. Candidates who do not have a high school diploma or its recognized equivalent and who meet the requirements outlined by the U.S. Department of Education may submit, in lieu of such documents, a passing score on the Ability to Benefit (COMPASS) exam. Students interested in taking the exam should discuss this possibility with an admissions representative.
• Official college transcript(s) from all institutions attended.
• Lindenwood University is a test-optional university. At time of application, students may decide whether they wish for test scores (ACT or SAT) to be considered for admission. For students submitting test scores as part of their application file, Lindenwood will accept self-reported test scores. Freshman applicants can list test scores on their Common Application, and these scores will meet the requirement for admission. Freshmen who supply self-reported test scores for admissions will be required to submit official test scores prior to the start of term.
• Freshman applicants can list test scores on their Common Application, and these scores will meet the requirement for admission. The Lindenwood code for reporting purposes is 2324 for the ACT and 6367 for the SAT. Applicants who have been out of high school for five or more years, applicants with 24 or more transferable college level credits, or those given approval by the director of admission may not be required to submit scores from standardized tests, although such scores are recommended. Satisfactory standardized test scores are required for all students majoring in education.
• Transfer students applying for undergraduate semester programs with less than 24 hours of transferable college credits are also required to meet the freshman admission standards by submitting official test scores and high school transcripts.

Once the application is submitted, an admissions counselor will contact the applicant to answer any questions and assist in the admission process. The application materials may be mailed to Lindenwood University, The Office of University Admissions, 209 S. Kingshighway, Saint Charles, MO 63301, or submitted online at admissions@lindenwood.edu. Applicants also can upload their admissions documents directly to their online application using the Application Status Page. Applicants may call (636) 949-4949 with any admissions related questions. Upon review of a completed admissions file, Lindenwood University will review all applicants for acceptance. Additional documents may be requested based on application submission and criteria review.

Transfer Student Application: U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents

Applicants seeking to transfer university credits awarded at another institution must submit all official transcripts from the college or university previously attended directly to the Lindenwood Office of University Admissions.

Note that while there is no limit on the number of credit hours that may be transferred to Lindenwood, not all credits may transfer, and some credits may transfer only as electives. Please note the following additional terms, conditions, and requirements regarding the transfer of credit to Lindenwood University:

• Lindenwood University Accepts transfer credits from institutions accredited by the following institutional accrediting agencies:
  • Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ACCJC)
  • Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
  • Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
  • New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
  • Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
  • Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
  • WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

Credits completed at other institutions or accredited by other institutional accrediting agencies not listed above will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis upon request.

• All credit hours accepted in transfer must be from regionally accredited colleges and universities, or as approved upon further review by Academic Services on a case-by-case basis.
• In order to count toward graduation, all transferred credits must be earned at the 10000-level or above. Preparatory courses will not be accepted for transfer by the university.
• Courses taken between the 10000- and 40000-level for which a passing grade has been earned and that contain content and credit similar to that of a Lindenwood course will be transferred onto the student’s transcript as equivalents of Lindenwood courses and credits. (Only credit hours will be transferred; grades earned at other colleges will be made available on the student’s transcript for advising purposes but not computed into the Lindenwood University GPA.)
• Lindenwood academic departments will determine the equivalency of each transferred course relative to the department’s respective degree requirements. If the content of a transferred course is unlike any course offered at Lindenwood but within the University’s programmatic range of studies, elective course credit may be granted.
• If the transfer credit is unrelated to any Lindenwood program, a maximum of 12 hours of technical credit may be granted. The appropriate department will determine whether and how the evaluated transfer credit may be used to meet major and minor requirements.
• Credits accepted from another institution that correspond to 30000-level Lindenwood courses or higher will be recognized as fulfilling the university requirement that students complete 42 credit hours at or above the 30000-level. Such courses will also count toward the 120 credit hours required for graduation.
• Lindenwood will accept grades of D or better in transfer except for courses equivalent to ENGL 15000 , EPP 15000 , and ENGL 17000 , which must be transferred with a grade of a C or better.
• A student transferring to Lindenwood University with a D in a major course or a major course prerequisite may be required to retake the course at Lindenwood University, as dictated by the policies of the department in which the student is completing a major. Decisions concerning requirements to retake courses will be left up to the department head (or college dean if the department head is unavailable) who has authority over the major. If a transferred course in which a D is earned is retaken, the transferred course credit will be removed from the transcript.
• Grades of P (pass) and other equivalent non-qualitative grades will be accepted in transfer and may count for either general education or elective credit.
• Due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, grades of P (pass) and other equivalent non-qualitative grades earned in Spring or Summer 2020 terms will be accepted in the transfer process to satisfy the prerequisite where a minimum grade of C or better is required.
• Due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, grades of P (pass) and other equivalent non-qualitative grades earned in Spring or Summer 2020 terms will accepted in the transfer process to satisfy a major or minor course requirement.

Notes: (1) Appeals of transfer credit evaluations should be submitted in writing to the registrar.

(2) For information about transferring credit for experiential learning or proficiency exam credit, please see Earning Credits by Examination, or Earning Credits through Experiential Learning or Professional Experience.

In addition to the terms outlined above, the following criteria must be met in order for students to qualify for graduation:

• A transfer student must successfully complete a total of 30 credit hours in residence at Lindenwood University, with the successful completion of the last 24 credits leading to a degree being taken within the Lindenwood University system.
• A transfer student must complete the greater of 18 credit hours or 40% of the courses required for major, minor, concentration, emphasis, certificate, or track at Lindenwood University, but a department or college may require a higher minimum number of hours to be taken at Lindenwood University in the major, minor, concentration, emphasis, certificate, or track area to earn a degree.

International Student Application

To be considered for admission to the University, all international students are required to submit the following documents:

• Online student application or Common Application.
• Official transcripts indicating graduation from the last high school attended, along with official transcripts of any college or university attended, if applicable. Transcripts from U.S. schools must be original and sent directly from the U.S. institution. Transcripts from international schools must be in their original language and accompanied by a certified English translation. For procedures to receive transfer credit see Application for the Transfer of International Credit. These documents will not be returned to the student. They will become part of the student’s official file at Lindenwood University.
• Official TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo score. For score reporting, the Lindenwood University code is 6367.
  • Required minimum TOEFL score: 61 (Internet-based)
  • Required minimum IELTS score: 5.5
  • Required minimum Duolingo score: 85

• Or official ACT or SAT scores; Send the scores through ACT.org (2324) or CollegeBoard.org (6367).

  • Required minimum ACT score: 20
  • Required minimum SAT score: 1020

Notes: (1) Students who studied and completed at least four years of rigorous academic study in any of the following countries, may be eligible for an International Test Score waiver: Anguilla, Antigua, Barbuda, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Canada (with the exception of Quebec), Cayman Islands, Dominica, England, Grenada, Guyana, Ireland, Jamaica, New Zealand, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Seychelles, Shetland Islands, St. Kitts-Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos Islands, United States (with the exception of Puerto Rico), US Virgin Islands, and Wales. Students who have completed their studies in an American or British School abroad may also be eligible for a waiver if at least four years of rigorous academic study has been completed AND if their scores meet or are above the required standard. If not eligible for the waiver, student must supply at least on standardized test score to be considered for undergraduate admission.

• Passport (clear, readable copy of the identification page).
• Affidavit of Support form: This form is to verify the information of your sponsor along with their contact information. This form also states if you are bringing dependents (spouse or children) with you while you are attending Lindenwood. This form needs to be accompanied with proof of financials. This form is for legal purposes for Lindenwood only. The form can be accessed here:  Affidavit of Support | Office of Admissions and Services for International Students
• Proof of available finances,
  • Certified Bank Statement or Letter
  • Bank statement or letter verifying the total, available, liquid funds (Savings, Checking, Fixed Deposit, or Educational Savings Plan/Loan accounts)
  • Be in US dollars or clearly state monetary unit
  • Be in English (or accompanied by a certified English translation)
  • Be from within the last 6 months
  • Be certified by a bank official (needs to be stamped or signed by the bank or bank official.

Notes: (1) The minimum TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, ACT and SAT scores listed above are requirements for admission to the university. Upon arrival, students will also undergo on-site English language testing to determine English language proficiency. Depending upon results of the testing will determine your course placement. (2) For information regarding the transfer of credit for particular coursework, go to Academic Procedures Transferring Credit.

The student application or Common Application should be completed online and all required application materials should be scanned in PDF format and uploaded to the application, if that is not possible, please and email the documents to internationaladmissions@lindenwood.edu.

Application for the Transfer of International Credit

If an international candidate wishes to transfer credit to Lindenwood from an international institution, the applicant must apply for a course-by-course evaluation one of the following credential evaluation companies.

• ECE (Educational Credential Evaluators): Official transcripts from college or university, if the degree was received from an international institution the transcripts and proof of the undergraduate diploma or degree confirmation must be submitted in the student’s native language along with an unofficial English translation. For more information about transcript evaluation, contact ECE at www.ece.org.
• WES (World Education Services): Official transcripts from college or university, if the degree was received from an international institution the transcripts and proof of the undergraduate diploma or degree confirmation must be submitted in the student’s native language along with certified English translation. For more information about transcript evaluation, contact WES at www.wes.org.

No application for the transfer of international credit will be complete until the evaluation is provided. Applicants should list Lindenwood University as the recipient of the evaluation. ECE and WES will also provide a copy of the evaluation directly to the applicant. Applicants should keep a copy of the evaluation for their records.

Notes: (1) Students must request a course-by-course evaluation (not a document-by-document evaluation) in order to transfer credit to Lindenwood for particular coursework. (2) The cost for the evaluation of international transcripts will be incurred by the applicant.

Transfer Student Application: International Students Transferring from Other U.S. Programs

In addition to submitting the materials required for admission, international students wishing to transfer to Lindenwood from a SEVIS-sponsored school also should submit the following documents:

• Official transcripts from the college or university previously attended, sent directly to Lindenwood University.
• The SEVIS transfer process will be emailed directly to the student. Please follow the instructions listed in the email.

Note: The terms, conditions, and requirements regarding the transfer of credits to Lindenwood University for international students correspond with the criteria listed in Transfer Student Application: U.S. Citizens and Residents.

International students must arrive on the designated date prior to the start of classes each semester to move into housing. Upon arrival, international students will be required to attend a mandatory orientation session to the university and an introduction to academic programs and requirements.

Health Insurance for International Students

Students are required to be insured while studying in the United States. Lindenwood University provides insurance through Wellfleet Insurance Company. Students can find information regarding the Student Health Insurance plan through the website. Students are automatically enrolled in the health insurance program and will be required to pay the annual premium for the health insurance.

Health Requirements for Incoming Students

In accordance with the Missouri Senate Bill 197, all applicants and students who took a term off and are now returning (except students born before 1957 and any student who is enrolled in an online degree program) must provide proof of the following immunizations prior to enrolling in the subsequent term:

• Meningococcal Vaccination or waiver
• Tuberculosis (TB) Screening Questionnaire

Financial Assistance

Financial aid is available to all qualified students. Financial need may be met through a combination of state, federal, and institutional aid. Federal grants are outlined elsewhere in this catalog. Institutional awards and grants are offered in the areas of academics, leadership, athletics, and the fine arts.

The financial aid program assists students with financial need who would otherwise be unable to receive an education. The primary responsibility for paying the student’s education expenses rests with the student and the student’s family, and the university expects both the student and parent(s) to make a realistic contribution to meet these costs; financial aid is a supplement for those students and families who cannot afford the entire cost of a university education.

Financial aid is provided in the form of an award, grant, or loan and/or work funds that will help meet this need. Upon completion of all documentation necessary to establish eligibility, financial assistance will be posted to student’s accounts at least once each term.

To be considered for financial assistance, a student applying for need-based aid must complete a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) online at: https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa. The Lindenwood University school code is 002480. Lindenwood does not require students to fill out supplementary fee-based forms to determine eligibility for institutional financial aid.

All students wishing to receive Title IV aid must complete the FAFSA, and must complete any required verification.

Institutional Aid

The mission of the Lindenwood University Grant System is to make it possible for the student to earn a college degree when that aspiration would otherwise be financially prohibitive for the student. The intent is for Lindenwood and the student to share equitably in covering the cost of the student’s college education.

A variety of scholarships and grants are awarded to students who have excelled in fields of study, community activities, the arts, or athletic competitions. Lindenwood University’s admissions and student financial services staff can advise prospective students of the full program of grant and scholarship availability. Although Lindenwood University grants and scholarships are credited in total at the beginning of each term, they are actually earned as charges are incurred.

Lindenwood University encourages students to apply for any outside scholarships for which they may be eligible. Scholarships or tuition benefits from outside private and nonprofit institutions or organizations are another way to help finance undergraduate education. Students must report all anticipated outside resources, including scholarships, grants, fellowships, tuition benefits, veteran benefits, or any other type of financial resources to the Office of University Admissions. Lindenwood admissions/student financial services counselors can advise prospective students and families of the policies and procedures regarding grants and scholarships.

In certain cases, outside awards may reduce eligibility for other financial aid or loans. Under NCAA rules, athletes must report the reason for their external awards, whether given based on athletic ability or based on some other criteria, such as academic merit or interest, non-athletic talent, ethnicity, residency, employment affiliation, etc. In certain circumstances, NCAA student-athletes may not be eligible to accept outside awards.

In no case may the total award exceed the cost of attendance (housing, food, tuition, books, personal, travel and fees.)

Student Employee Programs

Lindenwood University employs students through regular part-time and full-time jobs and through the Federal Work Study Program. Jobs are offered at 10, 15, and 20 hours per week for part-time student workers. Some student worker opportunities are skill based and others are filled on a first-come, first-serve basis. Wages vary by position and skill level. Lindenwood’s Student Employee Program operates on a three-tier model. Each tier is designed to serve a particular function and is paid an hourly wage in accordance with that function. Employment lengths vary by position. Lindenwood University is an “at-will” employer and student employees may be released prior to their service end date without cause or notice. Student workers are paid on a bi-weekly payroll cycle and receive their checks through direct deposit.

Taxability of Scholarships and Grants Disclosure

Lindenwood University currently applies institution-granted scholarships/grants to student accounts in the following order: 1) tuition, 2) fees, 3) books, 4) room, and 5) board. If a student receives scholarships during the calendar year that exceed the cost of tuition, fees, books, supplies, and equipment, the amount that exceeds those costs should be reported by the student as taxable income. The university is required to send information to students and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) about the student’s payments toward tuition charges, grants, and scholarships on Form 1098T. Students are responsible for using this information, as well as their own records to complete their tax returns.

Non-U.S. citizens and non-permanent resident aliens may be subject to U.S. taxation. The university uses Sprintax to gather required information about international students in order to facilitate the tax-withholding determination. Any portion of institution granted scholarships/grants that exceed the cost of tuition, fees, books, supplies, and equipment may be subject to a taxation rate of up to 14% for students who have an F, M, J, or Q visa, while all other visa types may be subject to a taxation rate of up to 30%. Non-U.S. citizens and non-permanent resident aliens may contact the non-resident employee compliance specialist at (636) 219-1273 to discuss questions about Sprintax or taxation.

Federal Financial Aid

Federal Pell Grant Program

The United States government sets the maximum Pell Grant award amount every year, which is $7,395 for 2023-2024.

• Pell Grants are available to eligible undergraduate students.
• Financial need is based on information submitted on the FAFSA.
• Students must be working on their first bachelor degree.
• Grant recipients may receive Pell Grants for up 12 semesters or the equivalent.

If you have already met or exceeded 12 semesters of eligibility you will no longer be able to receive Pell Grants even if you meet all other criteria. Equivalency is calculated by adding together the percentage of Pell Grants you received each year. For example: Your annual maximum Pell Grant eligibility in 2022-2023 was $6,895; however, you only received $3,448 because you were only enrolled for one semester and would have used 50% of your 600% (12 semesters equal 600%, your lifetime limit). If the next year you enroll in both semesters and receive your full amount of Pell Grants, you would use 100% of your Pell Grant eligibility and 150% of your lifetime limit.

Federal Supplemental Equal Opportunity Grant (SEOG)

The SEOG program is a supplemental grant for undergraduates with exceptional financial need. Because it is a grant, it does not need to be paid back. Pell Grant recipients with the lowest expected family contributions will be considered first for a SEOG award. Awards are automatically assigned until all funds are awarded. If you are awarded these funds they will show up on your financial aid offer.

Federal Work-Study Program (FWS)

This program provides work opportunities for needy students. Eligibility is dependent on the extent of financial need, as determined by an analysis of the FAFSA. If a student is awarded work-study funds as part of the financial aid package, that student may seek employment on campus. Ordinarily, a student will work 20 hours per week while attending school.

Federal Loan Programs/Direct Subsidized Federal Stafford Loan

For more information on federal loans previous loan and grant history, you may visit studentaid.gov/. Federal Direct Subsidized Loan 

• Low interest federal loan for qualified students.
• Repayment (principal and interest) begins six months after a student graduates, withdraws, or drops below half-time status.
• Loan must be repaid within 10 years at payments of no less than $50 per month. Other payment options are available.
• Loan amounts are up to $3,500 for freshmen, $4,500 for sophomores, and $5,500 for juniors and seniors.

Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loan

This federal loan has the same terms and conditions as the Direct Subsidized Loan.

• Loan amount of $2,000 awarded to ALL students per year.
• In addition to the guaranteed $2,000 unsubsidized loan, additional unsubsidized loan monies are available to students who are not eligible for the full subsidized Federal Direct Loan amount.

• Independent freshmen and sophomores may borrow an additional $4,000 above regular Federal Direct Loan limits and independent juniors and seniors may borrow an additional $5,000 above regular Federal Direct Loan limits

Dependent students whose parents have been denied a PLUS Loan (credit reviewed annually) qualify for an additional unsubsidized Federal Direct Loan of $4,000 in their freshman and sophomore years and $5,000 in their junior and senior years. This is in addition to the $2,000 unsubsidized loan awarded to all students.

Federal Parent Loans (FPLUS)

Parents of dependent students may borrow the difference between the student’s cost of attendance and financial aid awarded.

• Repayment begins within 60 days of second disbursement or may be deferred until 6 months after the student graduates, withdraws, or drops below half-time.
• Loan amounts vary and cannot exceed the cost of attendance minus other financial aid received.
• To apply, the dependent student will need to complete the FAFSA and you will need to request the loan at studentaid.gov/

Loan Repayment

Student loans are funds borrowed by students to pay educational expenses. Student loans must be repaid, as outlined in university literature. A sample loan repayment schedule may be obtained by contacting the Financial Aid Office.

Student loan entrance and exit interviews are required for the Federal Stafford Loan Program (required by 34 CFR 685.304). The terms and conditions under which borrowers under the Direct Loan Program may defer payments of their loan principal and interest are reviewed during the exit interview. Additional information regarding deferment of loan repayment may be obtained by contacting the student loan guarantor or the Office of Student Financial Services.

Veterans’ Benefits

Veterans and service members who believe they may be eligible for benefits can receive information and applications through the Veterans Affairs Center. Educational assistance may be provided to widows or children of veterans who have fallen in service or who are disabled because of service-related injuries. Spouses and children of disabled veterans may also be eligible for assistance as determined by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.

It is the responsibility of the students to notify the VA certifying official of any changes in their class schedules, degree, or major. The VA school certifying official must promptly report changes to the Department of Veterans Affairs when notified that a veteran is making unsatisfactory progress or has withdrawn from a class or from studies.

The Department of Veterans Affairs requires that institutions report specific information, and as a condition of being certified to receive benefits from the VA, the student receiving such benefits acknowledges the following policies, which may differ from those required of other students at Lindenwood:

• The university will notify the VA of all terminations, interruptions, or changes in semester-hour load within 30 days of occurrence. This may change the benefits available to the student.
• The student accepts the responsibility of notifying the registrar, the VA certifying official at the university, and the student’s advisor immediately in case of withdrawal from any course.
• The student accepts the responsibility of notifying instructors of any expected absence from class. A student may be withdrawn by the University for excessive absence.
• The school certifying officials shall inform the Department of Veterans Affairs that progress is no longer satisfactory with the accumulation of 12 or more hours of F grades.
• Students receiving benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs must comply with the university’s general policies regarding withdrawal, attendance, and satisfactory progress.

This institution abides by Section 103 of the Veterans Benefits and Transition Act of 2018. This policy ensures that we will not impose any penalty, including the assessment of late fees, the denial of access to classes, libraries or other institutional facilities, or the requirement that a Chapter 31 or Chapter 33 recipient borrow additional funds to cover the individual’s inability to meet financial obligations to the institution due to the delayed disbursement of a payment by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

If you have any questions regarding veteran’s education benefits including federal and state tuition assistance for the reserves and National Guard components, please call the Lindenwood Veterans Affairs Center at the St. Charles campus at (636) 627-2922.

Fees and Payments

When students have accepted an offer of admission to Lindenwood by paying the enrollment deposit, students and their parents and/or guardians likewise accept all conditions of payment, as well as all terms and regulations of the University. No promise or contract that differs from these terms shall bind the university unless it has been signed by the president or his designated agent. The University reserves the right to increase or reduce fees each year according to changes in fiscal conditions.

Tuition and Fees

Traditional Undergraduate

Room and Board Charges

Non-Traditional Undergraduate

Other Fees

 *Applied music fees are applied to individual lessons in piano, voice, orchestral instruments, and organ.

**Studio course fees are applied to courses such as ceramics, color theory, photography, and figure drawing

Notes: (1) Provisions for “extended stay” housing and meals, degree programs, and tutoring and additional services are available upon request.

(2) Students are expected to pay tuition charges prior to the beginning of each term. Students may use financial aid (grants and loans) as payment. Student Aid Reports and loan applications should be submitted to the Office of Student Financial Services prior to the beginning of each term.

(3) The university provides complimentary internet service to resident students living in the dormitories and in certain other campus housing.

Payment Options

All tuition charges and fees are due prior to the beginning of the term. Students should consult their Student Financial Services Counselor regarding due dates or to make other payment arrangements prior to the beginning of the term. Alternatively, students may also use their student portals to remit payment. Payment options include the following items:

• Direct Corporate Invoicing is available for students who work for companies that require an invoice from Lindenwood University in order to process tuition assistance. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that the employer’s tuition voucher is submitted to the Bursar’s Office before the payment deadline of each term. Failure to submit the necessary paperwork to the Bursar’s Office by the published payment deadline may result in late fees.
• The Corporate Promissory Note is available to students who work for companies that have tuition reimbursement plans. Proof of employment and a copy of the company’s reimbursement policy must be on file in the Bursar’s Office. The amount of the promissory note cannot exceed the amount the employer pays for tuition for each term. The due date for all promissory notes is 30 days following the conclusion of the term for which the note applies. A monthly late charge will be assessed after this date. In addition, the student will forfeit the privilege of executing a promissory note in any future term if payment is not received in full by the due date. By signing a promissory note, students give Lindenwood University permission to contact their employers if the note is not paid by the date due. Any payment or financial aid received prior to the promissory note due date will be applied to the balance appearing on the student’s account. In addition, all transcripts and documents must be submitted to the Office of University Admissions to ensure that federal and state aid programs can be administered.
• Lindenwood offers monthly payment plans. The Tuition Payment Plan is an alternative to paying each term’s tuition and fees (including on-campus housing expenses) in full by the due date. Students can enroll in a payment plan online in their student portal.

Delinquent Accounts

Students must meet all financial obligations to the university in order to qualify for continued enrollment or graduation. Each term, students must pay all money due to the University, including tuition, fees, parking fines, library fines, and any other financial obligation. A student with a delinquent account can expect the following consequences:

• Enrollment for the subsequent term will not be allowed.
• Final grades for the current term will be withheld.
• Unless otherwise prohibited by law, transcripts will not be issued for students who have unsatisfied financial obligations with the University.
• A diploma will not be issued.

The university reserves the right to withdraw any student who fails to meet financial obligations to the university. Students who are withdrawn for nonpayment are liable for all charges on their student accounts at the time of withdrawal.

St. Charles City-County Library District Fines

The University, in cooperation with the St. Charles City-County Library District, will collect any fines or assessments due the library and bill them to the student’s account. Any sums due will be treated like any other student fee.

Withdrawal and Refund Calculation

Within the first week of a term, a student may drop classes via the student portal without having to obtain the signature of a faculty member. No grade of W will appear on the student’s transcript because of dropping classes during this week, and the classes will be dropped as “never attended.”

In the event a student wishes to withdraw from a course or courses or from the university altogether, the following conditions apply with respect to the refund of charges.

• Any student who withdraws from the university prior to the start of the second week of a term is eligible for a refund of charges for that term except the initial enrollment deposit, book vouchers, books, and other course materials. The refund of residential charges will be pro-rated.
• Any student who withdraws from all courses after the start of the second week of the term is eligible for a refund of the tuition and lion fee charges (including course-overload charges) for the courses the student attended upon the start of the term. Refunds are granted according to the schedule in the tables below. 

Refunds for 12- and 16-Week Courses

Refunds for Eight-Week Courses

Refunds for Four- and Six-Week Courses

• Any part-time or non-traditional student (enrolled in 11 or fewer credit hours) who withdraws from one or more courses after a term has begun is eligible for a refund of the tuition charges for those courses according to the schedule in the table above.
• Full-time undergraduate traditional students (enrolled in 12 to 18 credit hours) whose full-time academic status is not affected by the withdrawal from a course or courses they have already attended are not eligible for any refund of tuition for the withdrawal from those courses. If by withdrawing from the course, a student is no longer enrolled full-time they should consult their Student Financial Services Counselor to determine potential loss of aid eligibility.
• Any student wishing to completely withdraw from Lindenwood University after week one of classes should submit a completed withdrawal form, signed by the student’s advisor or the Student and Academic Support Office (SASS) to the Office of Academic Services.

Students should refer to their Housing Contract for terms and conditions. Application, lab, and miscellaneous fees are nonrefundable.

Notes: (1) Calculations of the return of Title IV aid for withdrawals occurring during the first two weeks of a term will be based on the last date of attendance for the term in which the student withdraws. Students who initiate a withdrawal from the university after the first two weeks of the term will be eligible for a refund of Title IV aid based on the date that the withdrawal form was submitted to Academic Services. A student who remains enrolled beyond the 60 percent point of the term will not be entitled to a return of Title IV aid.

(2) Any student who earns the grade of AF in all coursework within a term will be considered unofficially withdrawn for that term and will be subject to a Title IV refund calculation. Based on this calculation, a portion of Title IV aid may be unearned and required to be returned to the appropriate agency.

Students should refer to their Housing Contract for terms and conditions. Application, lab, and miscellaneous fees are nonrefundable.

Appeals of Refund Calculation

Appeals of withdrawal and refund calculations or other institutional charges from students and parents who feel that individual circumstances warrant exceptions from published policy should email BusinessOfficeAppeals@lindenwood.edu. In order to appeal a decision, the student must submit a written request including any evidence that would substantiate the appeal.

Refund Distribution of Financial Aid

Once the withdrawal date is determined, A Title IV refund calculation will be performed. All unearned Title IV aid funds will be returned to the respective programs within 45 days of the determined date of withdrawal.

Funds will be returned in the following order:

1. Unsubsidized Federal Direct Loans
2. Subsidized Federal Direct Loans
3. PLUS Federal Direct Loan
4. Federal Pell Grant

   • Once the institution has determined that a student has completely withdrawn, a Return of Title IV funds calculation will be performed within 30 days. The institution will notify the student in writing of their revised eligibility after the Return of Title IV funds calculation is completed. If the student owes unpaid tuition and fees, the student will receive an updated invoice from the institution.

5. Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant (IASG)
6. Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant
7. TEACH Grant

After the Office of Student Financial Services has a withdrawal date the Return to Title IV calculation will begin as follows:

Step 1: Determine the percentage of aid earned by calculating the percentage of the period that the student completed.

Step 2: Determine the amount of earned aid by applying the percentage to the total Title IV aid that was or could have been disbursed.

Step 3: Determine the amount of unearned aid by subtracting earned aid from disbursed aid or determine the amount of a post-withdrawal disbursement by subtracting disbursed aid from earned aid.

Step 4: If unearned funds must be returned, determine the school’s and the student’s shares; or if a post-withdrawal disbursement is due, determine the sources from which it will be funded.

Step 5: If unearned funds must be returned, allocate unearned aid to programs from which student was funded; or if a post-withdrawal disbursement is due, send student applicable notification.

Step 6: Return Lindenwood University`s share and any funds repaid by the student or if the calculation results in an amount that exceeds Lindenwood’s portion the student will be notified to repay those funds; or make the post-withdrawal disbursement.

If the student did not receive all the funds earned, they may be a due a post-withdrawal disbursement. If the post-withdrawal disbursement includes loan funds, the student will be offered to the student within 30 days. The institution must get the student’s permission before the funds can be disbursed. The student may choose to decline all or part of the loan funds, so they do not incur additional debt. Students who wish to have loan funds credited to their account will need to make the request in writing to the Office of Student Financial Services within 14 calendar days of receiving their notification letter. If the post-withdrawal disbursement is from Pell, then the money will be applied to any outstanding tuition, fees, room or board. If there is a credit balance it will be sent to the student within 14 days of being created. If the calculation results in an amount that exceeds Lindenwood’s portion the student will be notified to repay those funds to the Department of Education.

Some Title IV funds that a student may have been scheduled to receive cannot be disbursed to a student once they have completely withdrawn because of other eligibility requirements. For example, if a student is a first-time, first year undergraduate student and has not completed the first 30 days of their program before they withdraw, they will not receive any Federal Direct Loan funds that they would have received if they had remained enrolled past the 30th day.

Cash Disbursements

When a student officially or unofficially withdraws from school and has received a cash disbursement for educational expenses that exceeds non-institutional costs of education up to that time, the student owes the excess amount to the Title IV program(s) that helped meet the student’s educational costs. Lindenwood University will follow the same procedures used in the refund policy to determine which Title IV program(s) will receive the student-owed repayment. The university will notify, bill, and collect the amount owed the Title IV program(s) from the student.

Maintaining Financial Aid Eligibility

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) for Financial Aid

Undergraduate Students

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) ensures students are able to complete their academic program in a timely manner while achieving and maintaining compliance with minimum standards. Federal regulations mandate that all students are required to meet SAP standards as they work toward a degree in order for them to qualify for financial assistance. This policy pertains to both those students receiving Title IV funding and non-Title IV recipients. SAP is evaluated on a payment period basis (generally this will be at the end of fall, spring and summer semesters) after grades are posted and will affect the eligibility for the upcoming payment period.

Satisfactory Academic Progress is determined by the following criteria:

• Quantitative Measurement
  • Pace of Progression (Credit Hours)
• Qualitative Measurement (GPA)
  • Maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average.

Students must complete attempted hours according to the following (Quantitative Measurement):

• Completion of 67% of cumulative hours attempted,
  • *i.e. 12 hours attempted, eight hours must be completed (8/12 = 67%).
• Grades of “I,” “W,” or “F” are considered attempted hours.
• Transfer credit hours accepted by Lindenwood University will count as both attempted and completed hours.
• Once a student completes coursework for an “I” grade, or a grade is changed, academic progress will be reviewed again by the Office of Student Financial Services.

Students must maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 (Qualitative Measurement).

Maximum Time Frame

Degree requirements must be completed within a maximum time frame. Federal law requires a maximum time frame of no more than 150 percent of the published length of the program. Hours earned at Lindenwood University and accepted transfer hours are included in this time frame. 

SAP Monitoring

A student’s SAP will be evaluated at the end of each payment period. The cumulative academic record at Lindenwood University is considered when SAP is evaluated regardless of whether the student received financial aid. Students who are not successfully completing courses at the pace and GPA outlined are placed on Financial Aid Warning for the following payment period and will be notified by the Office of Student Financial Services. If SAP is not still being met after the warning period, then the student will receive notification from the Office of Student Financial Services that the student is no longer eligible to receive financial aid and will need to be meeting SAP before Financial Aid is offered again. This evaluation will include a measurement of student’s progress set forth in the qualitative standards (GPA) and quantitative standards (credits).

Financial Aid Warning

Students may receive financial aid during the semester they are on warning. If the student fails to meet SAP at the end of their warning payment period, the student will be ineligible for financial aid.

After the warning period, any student not making Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) for financial aid will receive a letter from the Office of Student Financial Services stating that the student is no longer eligible to receive aid from any program.

At this point, that student will have two options.

• Attend Lindenwood using the student’s own financial resources and without federal financial aid, until the minimum requirements of the Institute’s Federal Satisfactory Academic Progress policy have been met.
• Submit an appeal stating the reason(s) why they have not met the minimum standards along with any supporting documentation that verifies the circumstances that affected their ability to meet the minimum standards. Additional information on the appeal process is provided below.

Appeal Process

A student may submit a written statement of appeal for additional federal assistance if the student feels that their special circumstances prevented them from meeting the minimum standards of Federal Satisfactory Academic Progress. Note that a student may only submit up to two SAP appeals during their academic career at Lindenwood.

Reasons for appeal might include:

• Medical, family, or emotional difficulty
• Documented learning disability
• Other special significant or unusual circumstances (poor time management is not a significant or unusual circumstance)

Students must submit the following to the Office Student Financial Services:

• The Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeal Request Form
• A detailed statement of their reason for not meeting SAP standards
• What has changed that will enable them to meet SAP standards
• Third party documentation supporting their statement such as, but not limited to:
• Letter from doctor, minister, counselor, or instructor Hospital records
• Death certificates

The SAP Appeals Committee will review the request, the written statement, and any other submitted documentation to determine if the student can meet SAP standards by the end of the next semester in tandem with the Office of Academic Services. If the committee determines that the student cannot meet the required standards after completion of one semester, the student will need to agree to an Academic Plan for Improvement.

All students will be notified in writing of the Appeals Committee’s decisions. Please note that if approved, only one semester of financial aid eligibility can be offered without an approved Academic Plan for Improvement. The student must meet the minimum standards of SAP by the end of the approved semester to retain eligibility. If the student does not improve the deficiencies within the approved semester(s), the student will no longer be eligible to receive financial aid. Students will continue to be ineligible for financial aid until the minimum requirements are met or an Academic Plan for Improvement is approved.

State Financial Aid

Several grants are available to Missouri residents who attend eligible institutions in the state of Missouri. Lindenwood University is an eligible institution.

Access Missouri Financial Assistance Program

The Access Missouri Financial Assistance program is a need-based grant available to eligible full-time Missouri resident undergraduate students. Please visit the Missouri Department of Education website at: https://dhe.mo.gov/ppc/grants/accessmo.php for a list of eligibility criteria.

Missouri Higher Education Academic Scholarship Program

The Missouri Higher Education Academic Scholarship program is available to Missouri residents who have a composite score on either the ACT or SAT tests that places them in the top three percent of all Missouri students taking those tests. The scholarship is renewable for up to four years for Missouri residents who enroll as full-time undergraduate students and maintain a 2.5 cumulative GPA at an approved institution for the period of the scholarship. Lindenwood University is an approved eligible institution. Students will be notified by the Missouri Department of Higher Education as to their eligibility.

Vocational Rehabilitation

Vocational rehabilitation assistance may be available for students with disabilities. Students should contact their regional office of vocational rehabilitation concerning benefits.

Montgomery GI Bill®, MOGUARD, and ROTC

Lindenwood assists qualified students in obtaining financial assistance for their education through the various military funding sources. Missouri National Guard, Reservists, and Reserve Officer Training Corps members may be eligible for special financial incentives and entitlements such as Lindenwood ROTC GRANT, ARNG Federal Tuition Assistance, MOARNG State Tuition, Monthly Drill Pay, ROTC Stipend, Montgomery GI Bill®, and Kicker. Information is available from the VA school certifying official.