Financial Aid Information

The UNT Health Science Center (UNTHSC) offers scholarship, grant and loan programs to assist students in meeting the costs of financing their education. Although financial aid is available for eligible students, it should be considered a supplement to a student’s own financial resources.

The Office of Financial Aid (OFA) is dedicated to quality customer service and the prompt delivery of aid program funds. Counselors are available to assist students in the application process to ensure that students receive the information needed to make the best decisions regarding their financial aid options. While financial aid is subject to strict federal and state regulations, the staff strives to help students navigate this complex path in a professional and courteous manner.

Student Eligibility

To be considered for financial assistance, a student must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Must be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
• Must be admitted and enrolled in an eligible program of study - degree seeking program
• Must be enrolled at least half-time for most programs
• Register with the Selective Service if required to do so
• Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
• Certify that he/she does not owe a refund from an over-award on any grant or loan, is not in default on any federal student loan or has made satisfactory arrangements to repay any defaulted loan, and has not borrowed in excess of the loan limits on any federal student aid programs
• Use all funds received as financial aid for educational purposes only
• Review student’s “Rights and Responsibilities” located at (https://www.unthsc.edu/students/financial-aid/rights-and-responsibilities/)

Applying for Financial Aid

Students must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) electronically at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov to be considered for financial aid. Returning applicants can complete a renewal application with their FSA ID. Texas Residents who are not eligible to complete a FAFSA can complete and submit a Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA) located at www.collegeforalltexas.com. TASFA students are only eligible for state and institutional financial aid. Students must complete a new FAFSA or TASFA annually to be considered for financial aid. Keep in mind, the Summer term (not Fall term) is the start of each financial aid award year. Please allow adequate time to complete the FAFSA or TASFA. Read and answer all questions carefully and accurately. The additional time spent will enhance and ensure a successful application process.

The OFA does not have an application deadline. However, it is highly recommended that applications be submitted as early as possible as some funding is limited and awarded on a first-come first-serve basis. Applications should be received no later than April 1 to facilitate the delivery of aid funds prior to payment deadlines. Students are ultimately responsible for the payment of their tuition and fee charges by stated deadlines and will receive a reimbursement upon receipt of any eligible financial aid funds.

Students selected for verification will be required to make corrections to their FAFSA or provide additional documentation. Processing times may increase if selected for verification.

Students may schedule an appointment with a financial aid counselor to discuss eligibility requirements, verification, problems, budgeting of resources, or loan applications by calling (817) 735-2505 or (800) 346-8266.

The OFA is located in the Division of Student Affairs on the 1st floor of the Student Service Center building (SSC-150).

Student Financial Aid Counseling

Individual student counseling is available and encouraged. Counselors are available to discuss budgeting and types of financial aid awards. Students receiving federal loans are required to complete an on-line loan entrance counseling at https://studentloans.gov before the release of the first disbursement of their first loan.

Student Budgets

Student budgets are developed within federal and state guidelines. These budgets are evaluated annually and may or may not change depending on requirements by federal and state law. Budget items reflect an estimated average for the student only (does not include spouse or other dependents). Student budgets are based on the following expenses and may vary by college and/or degree program:

• Tuition and fees
• Books and supplies
• Direct Lending Federal Stafford Unsubsidized Loan Fees
• Direct Lending Federal Grad PLUS Loan Fees
• Room and board
• Transportation
• Personal or miscellaneous expenses
• Health insurance
• COMLEX Fees (TCOM only)

Special circumstances or allowances which could constitute an adjustment to a student’s budget may be considered for the following:

• Students with dependents requiring dependent care and meeting specific requirements
• Students with disabilities or requiring special accommodations
• Students with unusual or extenuating educationally-related expenses

Students with special circumstances should contact the OFA promptly. Students requesting consideration for a special circumstance will be required to submit a Special Circumstance Application and supporting documentation. Regardless of the source, the total financial aid received cannot exceed a student’s cost of attendance budget.

Financial Aid Programs

Students who complete the FAFSA and meet eligibility requirements will be considered for federal, state, and/or institutional financial aid. In addition to financial criteria, most aid programs require the recipient meet academic standards in order to maintain eligibility. Some programs have limited funds, so early completion of the FAFSA is encouraged.  Eligible students may apply for the following programs:

• Texas Public Education Grant
• UNTHSC Grant
• Federal College Work Study
• Federal Perkins Loan (if eligible)
• Scholarship for Disadvantaged Students (if available)
• Loan for Disadvantaged Students (TCOM only)
• Primary Care Loan (TCOM only)
• Direct Lending Federal Stafford Unsubsidized Loan
• Direct Lending Graduate PLUS Loan
• Private/Alternative Loan
• Various Institutional Loan Programs
• Institutional and external scholarships

For more information about these programs, please visit the Financial Aid Website at http://web.unthsc.edu/departments/FinancialAid/.

We encourage all students to apply early since funding for some financial aid programs is limited.  Students may apply through the OFA for various state, institutional, and private scholarship programs. Students may also apply directly to private foundations for scholarship opportunities. Students are encouraged to contact the OFA for more information or questions they might have regarding financial aid and scholarships. For questions related to financial benefits associated with military service, students should contact their local recruiter.

Financial aid programs are governed by policies and practices of external governmental agencies and are subject to change without notice.

Credit Eligibility

Due to demanding course schedules, holding a part-time job may not be possible. This creates a greater dependence on financial aid to cover living expenses. Some students discover a need to borrow additional funds beyond what the Stafford programs will allow. The source of these additional funds is usually either a Direct Lending Grad PLUS loan or a private/alternative educational loan.

Credit approval is required to receive a Direct Lending Grad Plus loan or a private/alternative educational loan. A good credit history is important to ensure that any student is able to take full advantage of all funding options.

Insurance for Alternative Loans

Unlike Stafford loans, most alternative loans do not include a death/disability clause. This means that most alternative loans are not forgiven in the event of death or total disability. We recommend that any student planning to borrow money from an alternative loan program consider securing adequate insurance coverage for the loan.

Immigration Documents and Budget

When applying for a new I-20 document, international students will need to demonstrate sufficient financial support to pay for his/her own educational expenses. Proof of funding will be required when:

• The student is requesting an I-20 upon admission;
• The student is asking for an extension of his/her stay;
• There is a change in funding;
• The student is asking to add a dependent and/or;
• Financial support documents in the student’s file are more than 12 months old.

The amount of financial support required will vary depending upon the student’s tuition/fees, cost of living, and the number of dependents the student is supporting. Consult with the International Services Office for further information.

Scholarships

UNTHSC offers several competitive scholarships. Awards are open for competition on departmental/degree plan basis. Students should contact the OFA office for subject specific scholarships.

Scholarships are awarded on the basis of a student’s academic qualifications. Generally, scholarships range in value from $500 to $5,000.  A link to the General Scholarship application can be found (https://www.unthsc.edu/students/financial-aid/scholarships/). It is open to newly admitted and current students with a valid UNTHSC student ID number. Students must have access to their myHSC student portal in order to complete the application. The current year application deadline is March 1st.

Current Texas Education Code Section 54.213 provides institutions of higher education the ability to waive out-of-state tuition for nonresident students who holds a competitive scholarship of at least $1,000 for the academic year or summer term.

Additional scholarship opportunities are listed on the OFA department web site at (https://unthsc.academicworks.com/users/sign_in).

The university administers many scholarships with applicants being selected based on meeting established criteria and subject to available funding. External scholarships that are not processed through the OFA must be reported as gross income on your income tax. Listed below are several scholarships currently administered by UNTHSC:

TCOM

Weldon Eugene Bond, Jr. D.O. Memorial Scholarship
A.E. Brooks Scholarship
The Larry L. Bunnell, D.O. Scholarship
M. L. Coleman
The MaKasha Colonvega Memorial Scholarship
Dallas Southwest Osteopathic Physicians, Inc. Joseph L. LaManna D.O. Scholarship
Division of Student Affairs Scholarship
Dunlap Family Scholarship
Tom Hanstrom Memorial Scholarship
Elizabeth Reeves Henning Scholarship
The Frederick L. Hill Scholarship for Excellence in Primary Care in Texas
Drs. W.R. & Constance Jenkins Scholarship
Jeremiah G. Mills 1st, 2nd, and 3rd year Rural Medicine Scholarships
Osteopathic Health Foundation Scholarship
D.M. Richards Endowed Scholarship
James O. Royder, D.O. FAAO Scholarship
Dr. Gil B. Scarnati Memorial Scholarship
Dr. C.W. & J. Spellman Endowed Scholarship
Wayne & Norma Lee
Stockseth Scholarship Stockseth Award for Osteopathic Excellence
Ray & Edna Stokes Scholarship
TCOM Alumni Scholarship

TCOM Dean’s New Student Scholarship
TCOM Memorial Scholarship
TOMA Scholarship for TCOM students
The St. Luke, the Physician Scholarship
 

GSBS

The Alcon/DeFaller Scholarship
Rachel Dauphin Memorial Scholarship
Division of Student Affairs Scholarship
GSBS Endowed Scholarship
Graduate Student Association Scholarship
E. Bruce Street, Sr. & Roger J. Williams Endowed Scholarship
Rev. Barbara Wordinger Scholarship in The Visual Sciences North Texas Eye Research Institute Fund
Elena & Thomas Yorio First Year Student Scholarship

SHP

Ruby B. Dean Scholarship for Physician Assistant Studies & for Physical Therapy
Division of Student Affairs Scholarship
PA Endowed Scholarship
PASA Scholarship

SPH

Best Scholarship
Division of Student Affairs Scholarship
SPH Alumni Society
SPH Dean’s Award for Continuing Students
SPH Dean’s Incoming Student Scholarship
SPH Endowed Scholarship

UNT System College of Pharmacy

Division of Student Affairs Scholarship
Paul M. Perrone Pharmacy Scholarship

CVS/Walgreen’s Scholarship

Employee & Leadership Scholarships

Rand Horsman Employee Scholarship
Moorman Family Scholarship
UNTHSC Student Affairs Scholarship

Satisfactory Academic Progress

UNTHSC provides financial aid assistance to each of its graduate/professional level programs including: Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine (TCOM), School of Health Professions (SHP), Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (GSBS), School of Public Health (SPH), and College of Pharmacy (SCP).

Federal regulations require schools to monitor the academic progress of financial aid recipients and certify the applicant is making satisfactory progress toward earning his/her degree. This determination must be made at least once per year. The UNTHSC Office of Financial Aid (OFA) has chosen to perform the evaluation at the end of each payment period (the combined summer terms equals a single payment period). Medical students’ academic progress is determined by the established Student Performance Committee (explained below).

The OFA’s SAP Policy is used for Financial Aid purposes only and may differ from student’s academic standing. The OFA SAP status will not be placed on a student’s academic transcript.

UNTHSC follows the set of standards set by the Department of Education as follows:

Qualitative Measure (GPA):

Graduate/Professional students must maintain a minimum cumulative grade-point average (See chart below). Official grades are posted in PeopleSoft (EIS) at the end of each term and will be used to compute a cumulative grade point average. Withdraws, incompletes, and course with grades of “P”, “NP”, “PR”, “S” and “U” will not count towards GPA. With respect to repeated course work, each academic program’s policy will determine which grade will be calculated in the cumulative GPA.  Percentages will not be rounded-up to ensure that a student meets the minimum cumulative GPA. Students only enrolled in thesis or dissertation must show satisfactory progress as identified with a grade of “S”.

PA, SCP, and TCOM practicum/rotation grades are not always posted at the end of each term because they are submitted from the external location. Evaluations contributing to the final grade for each practicum/rotation are required from medical facilities located at external locations.

Only grades posted at the time of evaluation will be used to determine a student’s progress for the next term. Grades changed after the time of evaluation may be taken into consideration.

Quantitative Measure (Pace):

Completion rate: Graduate/Professional students must successfully complete a percentage of courses attempted (See chart below). The completion rate is determined by dividing the cumulative number of hours successfully completed by the cumulative numbers of hours attempted. Withdrawals, incompletes, repeated course work, grades of “PR”, “U”, and failing grades are counted as attempted, but not completed. Grades of “P”, and “S” and passing grades are counted as completed. Percentages are not rounded.

Example: Student enrolled in 12 credit hours. Student receives an “F” for a 3 credit hour course and withdrew from a 3 credit hour course. 6 hours earned divided by 12 hours attempted = 50% completion rate

PA ,SCP, and TCOM practicum/rotation and other course grades that are not posted at the time of evaluation are still counted in the completion rate.

Maximum Timeframe: The maximum time allowed by each program to earn a degree is 150% of the established time frame to complete each program. The timeframe starts with the 1^st term of enrollment after initial acceptance in an academic program, even if financial aid was not awarded during an enrolled term. Periods of Leave of Absence (LOA) will be determined on a case-by-case basis by the OFA.

Transfer credits that are accepted towards a student’s academic program will NOT be included in the GPA, but will be included in the Completion Rate and the Maximum Timeframe. Students who are coming upon their Maximum Timeframe may submit an appeal application to the OFA. A review of the remaining courses and additional timeframe to complete the program of study will be determined.

Evaluation

The OFA evaluates Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) at the end of each term (including summer). Students failing to meet SAP the first time will be notified by the OFA that he/she has been placed on “Financial Aid Warning” for the next enrolled term. Students are eligible to receive financial aid while under a Financial Aid Warning. It is possible for a student to receive more than one “Financial Aid Warning”. However, it is not possible for a student to have a “Financial Aid Warning” status for two consecutive terms. If a student fails to meet SAP standards at the end of their warning term he/she will be place on “Financial Aid Suspension” and will become ineligible to receive financial aid.

Outcomes of the Student Performance Committee meetings and GSBS/SPH review committees will be taken into consideration when determining a student’s SAP.

Medical students’ academic progress is determined by each established Student Performance Committee, as TCOM has extremely high standards and follow specific board testing criteria. TCOM reviews throughout and at the conclusion of each academic year, the performance of each student. The review and accompanying evaluation may include actual grades received, an indication of pass or fail, satisfactory or unsatisfactory, or another form of evaluation. TCOM, the Registrar, and the OFA work together on students placed on academic probation because of not meeting its academic requirements. The OFA reviews each student’s account to determine what SAP status the student will be placed. The OFA will monitor the Maximum Timeframe for medical students.

SAP for COMLEX Test

Students who are placed on Academic Probation because of COMLEX Test scores/missing grades, and before SAP is run, will be placed on FA Warning/Probation/Academic Plan that same term. Students placed on Academic Probation, after SAP has been run, will be placed on FA Warning/Probation/Academic Plan the next term, if he/she has not successfully completed the COMLEX Test/missing grade by that term.

Reinstatement of Financial Aid Eligibility

Students who have been placed on “Financial Aid Suspension” may become eligible to receive financial aid by achieving the required SAP standards over time without financial aid; or by filing an SAP Appeal Application to the Director of Financial Aid within 30 days of being notified of their loss of financial aid eligibility. The appeal application must include: appeal cover letter, letter of explanation detailing what extenuating factor(s) caused him/her not to meet SAP requirements, a description of what has changed that will allow him/her to meet SAP standards, supporting documentation if applicable. Incomplete appeals will not be reviewed. The OFA appeals committee will review all appeals within 14 business days of receipt. Each student will be emailed the result of his/he appeal letter.

A student whose appeal has been approved will either be placed on a “Financial Aid Probation” or an “Academic Plan”, depending on the appeal results:

Financial Aid Probation: A status of “Financial Aid Probation” may be assigned when it is determined that the student may be able to meet SAP standards by the end of the next term. The student would be eligible to receive financial aid for that term. Students who do not meet SAP standards after that term will be notified by the OFA and again placed on Financial Aid Suspension.

Students who fail to raise their cumulative GPA to the required minimum after a term may (by the FA Director’s discretion) continue financial aid eligibility on a probationary status, if the semester GPA meets or exceeds the minimum.

Academic Plan: A status of “Academic Plan” may be assigned when it is determined that the student cannot meet SAP by end of the next term.  The Academic Plan will be the set of recommendations given to the student from either the academic program or OFA. The academic plan is a prescribed series of measures by which the student will regain SAP status in order to meet the minimum SAP requirements upon graduation. A GSBS and SPH student’s academic plan will be established when he/she meets with his/her advisor; which then must be submitted to the Director of Financial Aid within 30 days he/she was notified of being on Financial Aid Suspension. Students are eligible for financial aid while meeting the requirements of his/her Academic Plan. Students who fail to meet their Academic Plan requirements will be notified by the OFA and again placed on Financial Aid Suspension.

Students who are again placed on “Financial Aid Suspension” may submit an FA SAP Appeal Application (webpage) to the Director of Financial Aid for consideration.

Loss of Financial Aid

A student whose appeal has been denied will lose eligibility for financial aid and will be required to provide his/her own financial assistance to continue his/her education. The decision of the Director of Financial Aid for all appeals will be final. It is the student’s responsibility to present evidence to the Director of Financial Aid at the time he/she has met the minimum requirements for reinstatement of financial aid.

Financial Aid Dismissal

In the event a student is dismissed from his/her program due to academic reasons, the student is no longer eligible for financial aid under that academic program.  The OFA will send a Financial Aid Dismissal Notification to the student to notify him/her of this status.8

SAP Notifications

SAP notifications will detail the reason why the student did not meet SAP standards.  All SAP notifications will be sent to the student’s UNTHSC Live email account.  Dismissal notifications will be mailed to the students last known address.

Withdrawing from the University

Students must begin the official withdrawal process with the Office of the Registrar. To withdraw from the university, you must pick up a Request for Withdrawal or Leave of Absence form from the Office of the Registrar. This form must be completed and signed by the appropriate individuals before your withdrawal can be processed. Students who are unable to visit campus to pick up this form may contact the Office of the Registrar via phone or email.

In the event that a student is dismissed for his/her program, the student will be administratively withdrawn and subject to Return of Title IV Funding process.

Overview

UNTHSC is required to administer a return of federal student aid funds policy that complies with federal regulations. Federal financial aid administered at UNTHSC includes Stafford Loans, Perkins Loan, and Grad PLUS loans. Title IV funds are awarded to a student under the assumption that the student will attend school for the entire period for which the assistance is awarded. When a student withdraws during the current enrollment or payment period, a calculation is performed to determine if the student is entitled to the full assistance received during that period. UNTHSC must return any unearned aid that was applied to institutional charges. Once a student has completed more than 60% of the payment or enrollment period, the student has earned all assistance that the student was scheduled to receive for that period. No return of funds is required. If the student did not receive all of the funds that were earned prior to withdrawal, the student may be due a Post-Withdrawal disbursement which is determined during the Return of Title IV Funds calculation. The Student Financial Aid Office will notify the withdrawn student in writing of his or her eligibility for a Post-Withdrawal disbursement.

Withdrawal Dates

The Registrar’s Office reports the withdrawal date used for Return of Title IV Funds purposes to the Student Financial Aid and Student Finance Offices for recalculation of eligibility. See the university calendar for program deadlines for dropping or withdrawing from classes.

Calculating Earned and Unearned Title IV Funds

The formula used to calculate the percent of aid earned is the total number of days completed divided by the total days in the enrollment or payment period. The remaining percentage is considered “unearned” and will be returned by the school to the federal aid programs.

Number of days completed = Percent Earned
Total days in the Enrollment or Payment Period

Returning Unearned Title IV Funds

Institutional charges are used to determine the portion of unearned Federal Student Aid that the school is responsible for returning. The student is responsible for all unearned Title IV program assistance that the school is not required to return. Unearned funds are attributed to Title IV programs in the following order: Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan, Federal Direct Perkins Loan, and Federal Direct Grad PLUS Loan. The student repays unearned loan funds on the normal loan repayment schedule as stated in the MPN and/or Disclosure Statements. Unearned funds returned by UNTHSC will be repaid to the appropriate Title IV program no later than 45 days after the withdrawal date.

Post-Withdrawal Disbursements

A post-withdrawal disbursement is the Title IV aid that was not disbursed before a student withdrew, but which the student had earned based on a Return of Title IV funds calculation. Post withdrawal disbursements are made no later than 180 days after the withdrawal date. The amount of a post-withdrawal disbursement is determined by following the requirements for calculating the “earned” Federal Student Aid funds. For a post-withdrawal disbursement, a withdrawn student must have accepted the loan (Perkins, Direct Unsubsidized Loan or Grad PLUS) and completed the MPN before the withdrawal date.