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 Financial Aid Office (FAO) 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, U.S. national, 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 Financial Aid’s Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) in their program of study
• 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.collegeforalltexans.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 FAO 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.

Questions: For a quick response (usually within 24 business hrs.) students can email the FAO with any questions about eligibility requirements, verification, problems, budgeting of resources, or loan applications at: finaid@unthsc.edu. Students may also visit the Financial Aid Office to meet with a counselor or schedule an appointment by calling (817) 735-2505 or (800) 346-8266.

The FAO is located in the Division of Student Affairs on the 1st floor of the Student Service Center building (SSC-150). Office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday.

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. Students are also required to complete an Exit Counseling at https://studentloans.gov before graduating, taking a Leave of Absence, enrolling less than half-time, or withdrawing from his/her program of study.

Student Budgets

Student budgets (or Cost of Attendance) 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). Budgets are determined by the most accurate and up to date information at that time, and some figures can change to increase/decrease the listed amount. 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 FAO 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 (TASFA only State/Institutional aid) 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 (State Aid)
• UNTHSC Grant (Institutional Aid)
• Federal College Work Study
• 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 (requires separate application; FAFSA/TASFA usually not required)
• Various Institutional Loan Programs
• Institutional and external scholarships

For more information about these programs, please visit the Financial Aid Website at https://www.unthsc.edu/students/financial-aid/.

We encourage all students to apply early since funding for some financial aid programs is limited.  Students may apply through the FAO 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 FAO 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.

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 annual deadline changes each year, but the scholarship application generally closes at the end of February.

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

Additional scholarship opportunities are listed on the FAO 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. Therefore, not all scholarships are able to award each year. External scholarships that are not processed through the FAO must be reported as gross income on your income tax form. 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
• Dr. Edward E. Elko Student Affairs Scholarship        
• Janice A. Knebl, DO, MBA and Thomas J. Fairchild, PhD First Generation College Attendees
• TCOM 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
• Dr. & Dr. Levine Scholarship Fund
• Jeremiah G. Mills 1st, 2nd, and 3rd year Rural Medicine Scholarships
• 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
• Dr. Edward E. Elko Student Affairs Scholarship
• GSBS Endowed Scholarship
• Graduate Student Association Scholarship
• Dr. & Dr. Levine Scholarship Fund
• 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
• Dr. Edward E. Elko Student Affairs Scholarship
• Justin Capers. PA Scholarship
• Dr. & Dr. Levine Scholarship Fund
• DPT Chris Morrissey Award
• PA Endowed Scholarship
• PASA Scholarship

SPH

• Best Scholarship
• Dr. Edward E. Elko Student Affairs Scholarship
• Division of Student Affairs Scholarship
• Terrance and Ramona Gratton Endowed Scholarship
• Dr. & Dr. Levine Scholarship Fund
• SPH Alumni Society
• SPH Dean’s Incoming Student Scholarship
• SPH Endowed Scholarship

UNT System College of Pharmacy

• Division of Student Affairs Scholarship
• Dr. Edward E. Elko Student Affairs Scholarship
• The Cecil Fuselier College of Pharmacy Scholarship
• Carol and Ronnie Goldman Pharmacy Scholarship
• Ron Jencopale/Tarrant County Pharmacy Association Endowed Scholarship
• Florence and Lester Tom Lee Pharmacy Scholarship
• Dr. & Dr. Levine Scholarship Fund
• 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 (SAP)

The University of North Texas Health Science (UNTHSC) provides financial aid assistance to each of its graduate/professional level programs including: Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine (TCOM), School of Health Professions, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, School of Public Health, 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 University of North Texas Health Science Center Financial Aid Office (FAO) 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 FAO’s SAP Policy is used for Financial Aid purposes only and may differ from student’s academic standing. The FAO 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. Withdrawals, incompletes, and course(s) with grades of “H”, “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 “NP”, “PR”, “U”, and failing grades are counted as attempted, but not completed. Grades of “H”, “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 hrs earned divided by 12 hrs 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 FAO

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 FAO. A review of the remaining courses and additional timeframe to complete the program of study will be determined.

Evaluation

The Financial Aid Office 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 FAO 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 FAO work together on students placed on academic probation because of not meeting its academic requirements. The FAO reviews each student’s account to determine what SAP status the student will be placed. The FAO will monitor the Maximum Timeframe for medical students.

SAP for COMLEX Test/Missing Remediation Grades

Students who are placed on Academic Probation because of COMLEX Test scores/missing remediation 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 remediation 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 a 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 FAO appeals committee will review all appeals within 5 to 10 business days of receipt. Each student will be emailed the result of his/her 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 FAO and again placed on Financial Aid Suspension.

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 FAO. 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 FAO and again placed on Financial Aid Suspension.

Students who are again placed on “Financial Aid Suspension” may submit an FA SAP Appeal Application 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 FAO will send a Financial Aid Dismissal Notification to the student to notify him/her of this status.

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.

Repeating Course Work

New Federal Regulation limits the number of times a student may repeat a course and receive financial aid for that course.

Section 668.2(b) specifies that in a term-based program a student may repeat any coursework previously taken in the program but the coursework may not include more than one repetition of a previously passed course. This provision applies to graduate and professional as well as undergraduate students.

A student is allowed to repeat a previously failed course and receive federal financial aid until a passing grade of “C” of higher is earned for that class. Once a student achieves a grade of “C” or higher, a student may repeat the same course only a second time and still receive federal financial aid. If a student chooses to repeat a previously passed course more than once, this course’s enrollment hours will not be counted in the full-time/half-time financial aid requirement and the tuition/fees will not be paid with federal aid for this course. This rule applies whether or not a student received federal financial aid in either of their earlier enrollments for the course.

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 from 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 Unsubsidized Loans 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 or is dismissed 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.  For example, if a student was enrolled for 30% of the enrollment period, the student is entitled to only 30% of the aid received; thus, 70% of the aid must be returned. The student is required to pay the returned amount back to UNTHSC and will be notified in writing. 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 Financial Aid Office 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 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 (Direct Unsubsidized Loan or Grad PLUS) and completed the MPN before the withdrawal date.