Rights and Responsibilities of Applicants
Students seeking financial assistance are encouraged to apply for federal financial aid. If a student needs assistance applying for federal financial aid, they should stop in the Financial Aid office located in May Hall, room 111, or call (701) 502-4407 or toll free 1-800-279-HAWK (4295).
DISCLAIMER: Any part of the following financial aid information is subject to change without notice.
Who May Apply
Students applying for federal financial aid must meet the following criteria:
- Demonstrate financial need (as determined by the federal financial aid analysis process), except for some loan programs;
- Have a high school diploma, or a recognized equivalent such as a General Education Development (GED) certificate, or a high school education in a homeschool setting approved under State law;
- Be a United States citizen or an eligible non-citizen;
- Be enrolled as a regular student working toward a degree or certificate in an eligible program;
- Have a valid Social Security number;
- Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress; and
- Not be in default or owe a repayment on a Student Financial Assistance grant or loan.
How to Apply
Students must complete and submit an application called the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA may be completed online at fafsa.gov.
Students and parent(s)-(if providing parent information) should obtain a Federal Student Aid ID (FSA ID). The FSA ID allows students (and parents) to sign the FAFSA electronically, to access, or to correct the processed FAFSA information. Apply for a FSA ID at fafsa.gov.
When completing the application, students must indicate Dickinson State University as a college they plan to attend. The code for Dickinson State University is 002989.
By completing the FAFSA application, students will automatically be considered for federal, state, and campus-based financial aid programs.
When to Apply
The FAFSA application must be completed each year a student seeks federal financial aid. To ensure full access to all available financial aid programs, students should submit the FAFSA as soon as possible after October 1, for the following school year. Priority consideration for the North Dakota State Grant is given to those who have their FAFSA submitted as soon as possible and pending the availability of funds. Priority consideration for campus-based aid (Federal Work Study and Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant) is given to those who have their FAFSA submitted by April 15 and pending the availability of funds.
Late applications for financial aid will be accepted; however, funding may be limited to programs such as Federal Pell Grant, Federal Direct (Subsidized and Unsubsidized) Loans, and/or Federal Parent Direct PLUS Loans.
Summer Financial Aid: Students must be enrolled in at least one credit for a Pell Grant if applicable or six or more credit hours to be eligible for other federal financial aid such as loans or work study. Some students may use their full annual federal aid limits during the fall/spring semesters and therefore, may not have financial aid funds available for summer. Alternative (private) loans may be available for students enrolled in less than six credits.
Students will automatically be awarded if they have submitted an eligible FAFSA, but there are many circumstances that determine this.
Please contact the Office of Financial Aid to check on your summer financial aid status.
How Financial Aid is Determined
After completion of the FAFSA, students will receive a FAFSA Submission Summary and the school whose code is listed will receive an Institutional Student Information Record (ISIR). The SAR/ISIR contains an Student Aid Index (SAI) number, which is needed to determine financial aid eligibility. Financial Aid uses the cost of education (tuition, fees, housing, food, books, supplies, and other related expenses) minus the SAI number and other resources to determine the student’s financial need. The cost of attendance may be adjusted by submitting a Special Circumstance Form or by submitting a Child Care Request form. Both forms are available in the Financial Aid office or on the forms page of the website.
How Financial Aid is Disbursed
Students must meet admissions, attendance and satisfactory academic progress requirements prior to receiving financial aid. All loans, grants, scholarships, and work study awards are subject to change, depending on enrollment status, other resources, participation criteria and availability of funds. If attending the academic year, grants, scholarships and loans will be disbursed in two allotments during the period of time for which the student is enrolled. Aid is disbursed each semester during the fee payment date and thereafter. Fee payment date information can be obtained at the Financial Aid office or from Business Affairs. The students’ accounts will be credited and any excess aid will be disbursed by Business Affairs.
The Department of Education or Dickinson State University may require students, through a process called verification, to document the information provided on their financial aid application. If the applicant does not provide the requested documentation, federal aid funds will not be disbursed.
Students are required to repay any financial aid received as a result of inaccurate information. Any person who intentionally misrepresents facts on the application violates federal law and may be subject to a $20,000 fine and/or imprisonment.
Notification of Financial Aid
Students will be notified of their financial aid by an Offer Notice either electronically or by mail. Students must electronically accept/decline their award(s) on Campus Connection: Student Center > Financial Aid > Accept/Decline Awards, before disbursement will be made.
Students must notify Financial Aid of changes in enrollment status or of additional resources received. Students enrolled in 6, 7, or 8 credits are considered half-time. Students enrolled in 9, 10, or 11 credits are considered ¾ time. Students enrolled in 12 or more credits are considered full-time.
Types of Financial Assistance
Dickinson State University provides the following types of financial aid: grants, loans, student employment, department scholarships/awards, and waivers (institutional aid). Additionally, the Heritage Foundation provides scholarships and awards.
Grants
Grants are gifts of money that do not have to be repaid.
Federal Pell Grant may be awarded to undergraduate students pursuing their first bachelor’s degree for up to 12 semesters (or its equivalent of 600%). The amount of the grant is based on a formula, which includes factors such as income, federal poverty guidelines, and family size. Other factors include estimated cost of attendance, the student’s enrollment status, and the money appropriated by the Federal Government.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG) may be awarded to undergraduate students who are eligible for a Federal Pell Grant. SEOG is a campus-based program and may be awarded according to availability of funds.
Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant may be awarded to students who maintain a 3.25 GPA or qualifying score on admissions test, agree to teach full-time at least 4 years at a designated school with a high percentage of low-income students within 8 years of graduation, and agree to teach in a specific high-need subject. The grant provides up to $4,000 per year less the sequestration reduction (not to exceed $16,000 for undergraduates); however, if the student does not fulfill the teaching requirement, the grant funds become a Direct Unsubsidized Loan, which must be repaid.
Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant (IASG) may be awarded to a student whose parent or guardian died as a result of U.S. military service in Iraq or Afghanistan after September 11, 2001. Applicants with a Pell-eligible EFC will be awarded up to a maximum Pell Grant less the sequestration reduction and all Title IV aid will be based on an EFC of zero; applicants who are not Pell-eligible will receive an IASG award equal to a maximum Pell Grant for the award year. All other Title IV aid must be based on the student’s calculated EFC.
North Dakota State Student Incentive Grant Program (SSIG or State Grant) may be awarded by the North Dakota University System to undergraduate students who meet Title IV eligibility criteria, meet state high school eligibility, are residents of North Dakota, and have not previously received a State Grant for more than eight FTE semesters. The grants are need-based and are dependent upon the availability of funds and pro-rated (based on enrollment status). Therefore, awards may be reduced to accord with need. Students apply by submitting the FAFSA. For more information, visit www.ndus.edu.
Loans
Loans are financial aid monies that must be repaid.
Direct (subsidized and unsubsidized) and Direct Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS) are available at Dickinson State University. The interest rates are expected to be set on July 1.
[NOTE: Due to sequestration, the origination fees for Direct Loans may change.]
Prior to the release of the first Federal Direct Loan disbursement, students must accept the loan in Campus Connection, complete Entrance Loan Counseling and a Master Promissory Note (MPN) at www.studentaid.gov. Forbearance, Deferment and Cancellation of Loan information can be found on the Master Promissory Note.
Loan funds that are received electronically are credited directly to the student’s account. Loan funds that arrive in the form of a check must be endorsed by the student and then will be credited to the student’s account. Any funds in excess of the amount owed the University at the time of disbursement are considered “excess aid” and may be disbursed to the student in the form of a check or direct deposit transaction. Disbursement could be delayed if a student has not completed a MPN and Entrance Loan Counseling, are not enrolled at least half-time, or have a “hold” on their account.
Direct Subsidized Loan may be awarded to students who are enrolled at least half-time and have need. If eligible, a freshman may borrow up to $3,500, a sophomore (or a student in a two-year program) may borrow up to $4,500, and a junior or senior may borrow up to $5,500. The maximum amount that can be borrowed is $23,000. Repayment begins six months after graduation or if the student ceases to be enrolled at least half-time.
Direct Unsubsidized Loan is a non-need based program for those ineligible for (any or all of) the Direct Subsidized Loan. The student is responsible for the interest payment while enrolled. The additional annual loan limit for dependent undergraduate students is $2,000. The additional annual loan limit for independent undergraduate students (or students whose parents are unable to obtain Direct Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students) is $6,000 a year for the first and second years of study and $7,000 for the third and fourth years of study. Repayment begins six months after graduation or if the student ceases to be enrolled at least half-time.
The aggregate loan amount for dependent students is $31,000; the aggregate loan for independent students is $57,500.
NOTE: Exit Loan Counseling is required at the time a student graduates, drops below half-time status or terminates enrollment at Dickinson State University.
Direct Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS) enable parents to borrow money to help pay for their children’s education. Parents may borrow on behalf of a dependent student. The maximum loan amount that a parent may borrow for each dependent student is the difference between the cost of attendance and any other financial assistance. The PLUS loan requires a separate application. If the period of enrollment is more than one semester, there will be multiple disbursements. Generally, the loan enters repayment within 60 days of the final disbursement. To apply, go to www.studentloans.gov, complete the PLUS Request Process and a Master Promissory Note.
NOTE: Students may be granted loan forgiveness if they meet certain criteria. Examples include the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program (for borrowers who make 120 payments on a qualified loan while employed full-time in a public service job) or the Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program. To find out more about the eligibility requirements for teacher loan forgiveness and about deferment provisions, visit the Cancellation/Deferment Option for Teachers at www.studentaid.ed.gov/sa > How to Repay Your Loans > Forgiveness, Cancellation, and Discharge. For information about the Teacher Shortage Loan Forgiveness Program or the Technology Occupations Student Loan Forgiveness Program in the state of North Dakota, visit www.ndus.edu > Students > Paying for College.
Nursing Student Loan (NSL) may be awarded according to availability of revolving funds. It is a 5% interest with varying loan limits based on the student’s academic level. If eligible for this loan at Dickinson State University, the minimum amount is $400. NSL regulations require verification of student information. Students need to complete a Nursing Student Loan Master Promissory and Entrance Loan Counseling. Repayment (through Student Loan Service Center, Dept. 3180, PO Box 6050, Fargo ND 58108-6050) begins nine months after the borrower ceases to be enrolled at least half-time in a nursing program.
Nursing Education Loan is awarded by the North Dakota Board of Nursing. Applicants must be accepted or enrolled in a nursing program approved by the North Dakota Board of Nursing. The loan amounts are up to $2,000 for the Associate in Science in Practical Nursing program and up to $3,000 for baccalaureate completion programs. Repayment is by nursing employment in North Dakota after graduation and/or by monetary repayments. The application is available at www.ndbon.org>Education; the deadline is July 1.
Student Employment
Student employment provides an opportunity to earn money to help pay educational costs. Students are paid an hourly wage, and time sheets are submitted twice a month. Student Employment earnings are directly deposited on the 15th and last day of each month.
Student employment on campus can either be in positions funded through Federal Work Study (FWS) dollars or in positions funded through institutional dollars (IWS). If a student is eligible for Federal Work Study, the assistance is included in the Financial Aid Offer Notice. Eligible students must apply for a position at dickinsonstate.edu>About >Employment>Open Positions>DSU Students. Federal Work Study is a campus-based program and may be awarded according to availability of funds. Community service jobs, such as reading tutors, are available for students. A FWS award indicates that the student is eligible to seek FWS employment; however, it is not guarantee of a job. Students who are not awarded FWS may apply for institutionally funded positions if available. Contact the Human Resources office for more information.
Department Scholarships/Awards
Scholarships/awards are gifts recognizing students on the basis of academic achievement, special skills, or other criteria.
Waivers or Institutional Aid: Dickinson State University has developed a well-rounded program of institutional aid to assist students in their quest for a college education. Each student is given personal consideration, and an attempt is made to fit the financial aid package to the student's need. Dickinson State University's Institutional Aid Policy is posted on the website. This policy addresses the parameters that govern: Blue Hawk Talon Tuition Waivers, Cultural Diversity Tuition Waivers, Fine Arts Tuition Waivers, Spouse or Dependent Tuition Waivers, DSU Rodeo Awards, Institutional Waivers, Senior Citizen Waivers, Housing Waivers, and Presidential Scholarship.
Heritage Foundation Scholarships/Awards
These scholarships/awards are supported by gifts from friends and alumni of the University. Students complete a scholarship application online during the designated time frame. Foundation scholarships and awards will be disbursed in two allotments for the fall and spring semesters. Contact the Dickinson State University Heritage Foundation for current listings. An external (outside the University) list of scholarships is available on the Financial Aid webpage.
Other Sources of Funding
Native American Assistance application forms are available from a Tribal Agency or from the Financial Aid office.
Rehabilitation Consulting & Services assists students with physical limitations or health problems. Students who wish to apply must contact their local Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Office at Bismarck, Dickinson, Jamestown, Fargo, Minot, Grand Forks, Devils Lake, or Williston.
North Dakota Job Service may have funds available through the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) for economically disadvantaged students in need of vocational training or retraining. Contact the nearest Job Service office.
Veterans, National Guard, and Veteran Tuition Waiver
Recipients need to contact the nearest Veterans Service Office or the Dickinson State University Veteran’s Certifying Official in Academic Records. Any dependent (child, spouse, widow, or widower) of a resident veteran killed in action, totally disabled, deceased from service-connected causes, or declared missing in action, may also be granted a waiver of tuition.
[NOTE: The Veterans Administration provides programs of financial assistance for the education and training of eligible veterans having completed military service. These programs are designed to encourage self-improvement and offer financial help to such veterans in raising their education level. The Veterans Administration and the State of North Dakota also provide financial aid for the education of sons, daughters, spouses and surviving spouses of veterans who died or were permanently and totally disabled as a result of a service-connected disability arising out of active duty in the Armed Forces, or who died from any cause while disability was in existence. In processing an application for training, the Veterans Administration will determine the applicant’s eligibility for benefits. Evidence of eligibility will be provided to the applicant in the form of a Certificate of Eligibility and/or an Award Notification. For more information, contact your nearest Veterans Service office or Academic Records, Dickinson State University, Dickinson, ND 58601. In order to remain eligible to receive Veteran’s Administration Benefits, students must maintain satisfactory progress as set forth by University policy.]In accordance with Title 38 US Code 3679 subsection (e), this school adopts the following additional provisions for any students using U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Post 9/11 G.I. Bill® (Ch. 33) or Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment (Ch. 31) benefits, while payment to the institution is pending from the VA. This school will not:
Other Important Information
1098-T
Annually at the end of January, 1098-T information for the calendar year can be found online at: www.dickinsonstate.edu > Campus Connection > Student Center. If the total scholarships and grants exceed the total tuition and related expenses, the student may have taxable income. However, if the total tuition and related expenses exceed the total scholarships and grants, the person who claims the student as an exemption may receive an education tax credit on the Federal Income Tax return.
Consortium Agreements
Consortium agreements which can exist between eligible institutions, apply to all the financial aid programs. Under a written agreement, students may take courses at an institution other than the “home institution” and have those courses count toward the degree or certificate at the home institution. Contact Financial Aid for more information.
National Guard and Military Call-up for Active Duty
- Students who are in a State National Guard unit called up for active duty, or who are called back to active military duty, must present to the University a copy of their official order, or a statement from their commanding officer attesting to their active duty status. This document should be submitted to the VA Certifying Official in the Academic Records Office.
- Students called up to active military duty must submit a Cancellation/Withdrawal form by clicking on the DSU eforms tile in Campus Connection.
- Faculty will be notified of any student withdrawn from their course in this manner and for this reason.
- Students who withdraw from the University because of active military duty call-up will be given first priority for course registration when they return to Dickinson State University to continue their college career.
- Students will receive a full refund of all University tuition and fees paid relative to the courses from which they were withdrawn as a result of their active duty notification.
- Students who are recipients of Title IV aid will have their funds returned as required by federal statute and regulations.
- Refunds pertaining to housing and food will be prorated.
- The University Store manager will provide exemptions to the book return policy for students called into active military duty.
Veteran Affairs Pending Payment Compliance
In accordance with Title 38 US Code 3679 subsection I, this school adopts the following additional provisions for any students using U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Post 9/11 G.I. Bill® (Ch. 33) or Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment (Ch. 31) benefits, while payment to the institution is pending from the VA. This school will not:
- Prevent the student’s enrollment;
- Assess a late penalty fee to the student;
- Require the student to secure alternative or additional funding;
- Deny the student access to any resources (access to classes, libraries, or other institutional facilities) available to other students who have satisfied their tuition and fee bills to the institution.
However, to qualify for this provision, such students may be required to:
- Produce the VA Certificate of Eligibility (COE) by the first day of class;
- Provide a written request to be certified;
- Provide additional information needed to properly certify the enrollment as described in other institutional policies
Purchasing Books
The Dickinson State University Store allows students who have been awarded financial aid with no outstanding charges to purchase books and supplies and charge them to their Dickinson State University account. Students are not required to purchase their books and supplies at the University Store. If students choose to opt out of this option they must have another method of payment or wait until financial aid is disbursed and excess funds are available. Students who choose to opt out may purchase course materials from sources other than the University Store.
Remedial Classes
Remedial classes count toward financial aid up to 30 credits hours. If the student is admitted into an eligible program and takes remedial coursework within that program, those credits do count toward enrollment status.
Repeated Courses
If a student has failed a course, the course can be repeated indefinitely and still be counted in the enrollment status for financial aid purposes. Once a student has passed a course, it can only be repeated ONE time and be counted in enrollment status for financial aid purposes. Subsequent repeats are counted as hours attempted; however, they are not eligible to be included in enrollment status for financial aid purposes.
College Financing Plan
The College Financing Plan (CFP) is a consumer tool that provides a national standard for financial aid award notices and makes it easier for students to compare awards from different institutions. The CFP provides students with key information including:
- How much one year of school will cost;
- Financial aid options with a clear differentiation between grants and scholarships, which do not have to be repaid, and loans, which do;
- The net costs after grants and scholarships are taken into account;
- Vital information about student results, including comparative information about default rates, graduation rates, and median debt levels for the school;
- And potential monthly payments for the federal student loans the typical student would owes after graduation.
Students will find their Financing Plan online in their Campus Connection portal. Access at: Campus Connection > Student Center > Finances > View Financial Aid.
Study Abroad Programs
Students enrolled or accepted for enrollment in a study abroad program approved for credit by Dickinson State University are eligible to receive Title IV assistance. A Study Abroad Financial Aid Contract is available in the Financial Aid office or on the forms page of the website.
Withdrawal/Leave of Absence from Institution
A student who finds it necessary to withdraw or take a leave of absence from the University must submit a Cancellation/Withdrawal form by clicking on the DSU eforms tile in Campus Connection. Students who withdraw from the University may not be completing 66 2/3% of the cumulative credit hours attempted; therefore, students may be disqualified from federal financial aid and would need an approved appeal to have the aid reinstated.
Refund/Return of Title IV Funds
Federal regulations require all institutions to develop a policy which determines the amount of Title IV grant or loan assistance that a student has earned as of the student’s withdrawal date. A refund of institutional charges or the percentage of Title IV aid earned for a student who withdraws from Dickinson State University is calculated through the 60% point in an enrollment period. Unearned funds must be returned in the order specified by law. A detailed refund schedule is available from Business Affairs.
For the full Refund/Return of Title IV Funds Policy, please visit dickinsonstate.edu/financialaid.
Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy
To be eligible for Federal Student Aid, the U.S. Department of Education requires all Dickinson State University degree (or eligible certificate) seeking students to maintain satisfactory academic progress (SAP). SAP requirements apply to all terms, including summer, and to (both aid and non-aid recipient) students, regardless of enrollment status. SAP requirements are determined based on the grade point average (GPA) that a student must achieve at each evaluation and pace of progression (to ensure completion within the 66 2/3% maximum time frame). [NOTE: Incompletes, withdrawals, repetitions, and transfer hours accepted toward completion of a student’s program count as hours attempted.]
GPA
GPA: In order to meet the minimum requirements of Satisfactory Academic Progress with respect to GPA, a student will need to have an academic standing consistent with the requirement for graduation from their program at the end of the first, second, and third semesters. Students who do not have 2.0 GPA at the end of the first or second term will receive an information letter; students who do not have a 2.0 GPA at the end of the third term will be placed on Financial Aid Warning. Students may continue to receive aid for one payment period; no appeal is necessary.
At the end of the fourth semester of attendance, a student must have a 2.0 or better GPA regardless of enrollment status or program. The student’s cumulative GPA (including transfer credits) will be used to determine eligibility. Students who do not have a 2.0 GPA will be placed on *Financial Aid Disqualification.
Graduate GPA: Graduate students are required to maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 at the end of each semester.
PACE
In order to meet the minimum requirements of Satisfactory Academic Progress with respect to credits attempted, students must complete 66 2/3% of the credits they attempt. This percentage will be calculated for cumulative credits (including transfer credits). For example: The maximum time frame for an associate degree program is (64 credit hours x 150%) 96 credits; 64/96 is the pace of 66 2/3%. The maximum time frame for a bachelor degree program is (128 credit hours x 150%) 192 credits; 128/192 is the pace of 66 2/3%. The maximum time frame for two four-year/double degree (not double major) program is (160 credit hours x 150%) 240 credits or as per catalog. The maximum time frame for a graduate program is (34 credit hours x 150% = 51 credits); 34/51 is the pace of 66 2/3%
Students need to complete 66 2/3% of the cumulative credits attempted, regardless of enrollment status or program.
Students who are approaching the maximum timeframe will receive an information letter. Students who do not complete 66 2/3% credits attempted will be placed on *Financial Aid Disqualification.
Unofficial Withdrawals (all F's or I's)
Students who receive all failing grades or Incompletes in a given term will be automatically placed on *Financial Aid Disqualification.
Appeal Process
Students who have been placed on Financial Aid Disqualification due to an extenuating circumstance (i.e., a medical condition, military service, etc.) may appeal by requesting a Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeal Form. The form is available by contacting Financial Aid or on the forms page of the website. Appeals are evaluated on an individual basis. If it is determined that the student will be able to meet GPA and/or PACE standards by the end of the next payment period, the student will be placed on Financial Aid Probation, and the student may receive aid for one payment period. A student who changed majors may reach maximum time frame; the student may appeal with a Plan of Study. If an appeal is denied, the student may apply for a private loan; eligibility will be reinstated after requirements are met.
Financial Aid Disqualification
*Financial Aid Disqualification means no longer eligible for all federal aid and most other types of aid. (This is not the same as academic suspension.) Federal Student Aid includes Pell Grant, Supplemental Opportunity Grant (SEOG), TEACH Grant, Work Study, Direct Loans, and Direct Parent (PLUS) Loan. Nursing Student Loan, most institutional aid, and other agencies, such as Vocational Rehabilitation, the ND State Grant, and several private/alternative loans also require students to maintain SAP.
Students placed on warning, disqualification, or probation may be notified by email or in writing; the information is also available for students to view on Campus Connection > Holds and/or To Do List. Collaborative, consortium, Study Abroad, and remedial credits are evaluated independently; therefore, the initial results are subject to change.
For the full Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy, please visit dickinsonstate.edu/financial-aid.
Any part of this policy may be changed or revoked without notice.