Admission, Application, and Fees and Financial Assistance

Graduate Admission

Admission Standards

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. Admission to graduate programs is granted to students who demonstrate academic preparedness and the potential for academic excellence.

Applications for admission to Lindenwood graduate programs will be reviewed by the director of admissions and the department head of the degree being sought. For admission standards and criteria specific to particular graduate programs or colleges, please refer to the sections of this catalog that describe those programs specifically.

Note: Any application materials submitted that are found to be misleading or false will result in denial of admission to the graduate program.

Application Procedures

U.S. Citizen and Permanent Resident Application

U.S. citizens and U.S. permanent residents wishing to apply to a Lindenwood University graduate program should visit the Office of University Admissions on the Lindenwood St. Charles campus, any of the extension sites, or online at https://www.lindenwood.edu/admissions/graduate-admissions/.

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

• Online application.
• Current résumé.
• Letter of intent, including a personal statement regarding your interest in the program, and career goals.
• Official undergraduate transcript(s), as well as official transcript(s), from any graduate school(s) attended.
• Additional requirements, such as program interview, letters of recommendation, a portfolio, an audition, GRE/GMAT test scores, or other requirements identified by the academic school in which a candidate is seeking acceptance. Additional requirements also may be requested dependent on application criteria as requested by University Admissions.

Once the application is submitted, an admissions counselor will contact the applicant to answer any questions and assist in the admission process.

The applicant may email admissions@lindenwood.edu or call (636) 949-4949 with any admissions related questions.

Note: A student must have a completed file and be admitted to the University before any financial aid will be processed. For application procedures specific to particular graduate programs or schools, please refer to the sections of this catalog that describe those programs. In addition, applicants who indicated a criminal history at time of application will be required to submit additional documentation in regard to the offense.

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 (or certified copies of university transcripts) showing that a baccalaureate degree has been conferred. Transcripts must be in their original language and accompanied by a certified English translation. These documents will not be returned to the student. They will become part of the student’s official file at Lindenwood University. The cost for the evaluation of the transcript will be incurred by the applicant.
• Official TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo score. For score reporting, the Lindenwood University code is 6367.
• Required minimum TOEFL score: 81 (Internet-based)
• Required minimum IELTS score: 6.5
• Required minimum Duolingo score: 105

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.

• Current résumé. Provide a recent copy of your current résumé with all of your academic and work experience.
• Personal statement indicating your education plans, your long-term goals you possess, and how this degree will assist you with your goals. The statement needs to be in formal essay format and at least two pages in length.

• Additional documents may be required depending upon the program that the student is applying for.

Notes: (1) The minimum TOEFL, IELTS, and Duolingo 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.

Once all application materials have been received, a member of the University Admissions will contact the applicant. For questions regarding the application, the applicant should contact the University Admissions at internationaladmissions@lindenwood.edu.

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

Application for the Transfer of International Credit

If transfer credit is requested from an international institution, students should submit, along with all documentation required for admission, a certified translation of course descriptions of foreign credits earned from their previous institution. Lindenwood University currently accepts evaluations from ECE and WES.

Notes: Students must request a course-by-course evaluation (not a document-by-document evaluation) in order to transfer credit to Lindenwood for particular coursework.

Transfer Student Application (International Students)

In addition to submitting the materials required for admission, international students wishing to transfer to Lindenwood from a SEVIS-sponsored school should also submit the following documents: Any and all transcripts must be submitted to Lindenwood University regardless of the credit(s) being transferable or not. ECE or WES evaluation would only be required for graduate level courses that may be able to be transferred in. The evaluation is not required for any undergraduate course work or degrees.

• 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.
• If the degree was from an American institution request the transcripts to be sent directly to Lindenwood University. If graduate level credits have been received from an American institution, have the transcripts sent directly to Lindenwood.

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.

• The SEVIS transfer process will be emailed directly to the student. Please follow the instructions listed in the email.

Health Insurance for International Students

Only graduate athletes are required to hold the university health insurance plan. All other graduate students are recommended to have insurance, but it isn’t mandatory or through the university. 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

Fees and Payments

Upon acceptance of admission to the university, the student likewise accepts 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 chief operating officer of Lindenwood University. The university reserves the right to increase or reduce fees each year according to changes in fiscal conditions.

Tuition and Fees

Graduate Tuition

Room and Board

*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) The graduate contract degree rate will be determined at the time of admission into the program. (2) Provisions for extended stay housing and meals, degree programs, tutoring, and additional services are available upon request.

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 also may 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. Also, 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 are able to 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.

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 as a result of dropping classes during this week, and the classes will be dropped as a “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 8 Week Courses

Refunds for 4- & 6-Week Courses

Full-time resident students whose 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. No refunds are granted to students who remain enrolled unless the student never attended the course being dropped.

Note: The reduction in credit hours resulting from withdrawing from a course will also result in a review and adjustment of the student’s financial scholarship, if applicable.

Students wishing to withdraw from Lindenwood University should submit a completed withdrawal form (with the signatures of the instructors for each of the courses the student attended and the signature of the student’s advisor) to the Office of Academic Services.

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.

(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.

(3) Students should refer to their Housing Contract for terms and conditions. Application, lab, miscellaneous fees, and room reservation deposits are nonrefundable.

(4) The enrollment fee is nonrefundable after May 1.

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. Fund 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 30days.  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.

There are some Title IV funds that a student may have been scheduled to receive that 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.

Financial Assistance

Financial aid is available to all qualified students. Financial need may be met through a combination of federal loans and institutional aid. Graduate students can receive aid if enrolled with half-time status or three credit hours.

The Lindenwood University financial aid program helps students with financial need who would otherwise be unable to receive a graduate education. Financial need is calculated as the difference between the cost of attendance and aid received.

Financial aid is provided in the form of an award that will help meet this need. Lindenwood University uses the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility for federal student loans and institutional assistance. Upon completion of all documentation necessary to establish eligibility, financial assistance will be posted to the student’s account at least once each term.

To be considered for financial assistance, a student must complete the FAFSA online at: https://studentaid.gov/. The Lindenwood school code is 002480. Lindenwood University does not require students to fill out any supplementary fee-based forms to determine eligibility for institutional financial aid.

Institutional Scholarships and Grants

Lindenwood University offers a 50 percent scholarship to all persons age 60 and over. The university also offers partial institutional grants for employees of selected companies, municipalities, and school systems. These grants may only be applied toward courses taken for credit and do not apply to courses that are audited. Classes taken at the doctoral level are only eligible to receive the educator grant. Any other funding may first replace the Lindenwood University funding. It is the responsibility of the student to inform the admissions counselor of any scholarship opportunities for which the student may be eligible.

The purpose of the Lindenwood University grant program is to make it possible for the student to earn a degree when it would otherwise be financially prohibitive to do so. In short, a Lindenwood grant (institutional partnership, merit- and need-based gift aid) is intended to fill a funding gap and enable a student with need to pursue further education. The gap is the difference between the total cost of tuition and the sum of all personal and outside funding available to the student. The Lindenwood grant is based on an academic partnership memorandum and merit- and need-based financial aid, after all personal and outside underwriting sources are accessed. When the student becomes eligible for additional outside support, that revenue reduces the student’s “funding gap,” and the Lindenwood grant is reduced by the amount of the additional funds, per the policy above. The intent is for Lindenwood and the student to share equitably in covering the cost of the student’s education.

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.

Student Employee Program

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 workers, and 40 hours per week for full-time 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.

Federal Financial Aid

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.

Direct PLUS Loan for Graduate Students

PLUS loans can help pay for educational expenses not covered by other financial aid. To be eligible for a Direct PLUS loan you must be a graduate student enrolled at least half-time at an eligible school in a program leading to a graduate degree and not have adverse credit history. You may only borrow this loan if there is remaining need in your financial aid budget after all other aid has been awarded.

To apply for a Direct PLUS Loan for Graduate Students:

• Complete the FAFSA.

• Meet the general eligibility requirements for federal student aid.

• Apply online at studentaid.gov/.

• Complete a Direct PLUS Loan Master Promissory Note (MPN), agreeing to the terms of the loan.

• Graduate or professional students who haven’t previously received a PLUS loan will also be required to complete entrance counseling.

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 Office of Student Financial Services.

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.

Vocational Rehabilitation

Assistance may be available for students with disabilities. Students should contact their regional office of vocational rehabilitation in regard to benefits.

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.

Maintaining Financial Aid Eligibility

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) for Financial Aid

Graduate 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 as 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 Student Financial Services Office.

Students must maintain a minimum cumulative grade-point average of 3.0 (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% of the published length of the graduate 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 of 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.