Consumer Information Guide.

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Consumer Information Guide

Amendments to the U.S. Higher Education Act require institutions participating in federally funded financial aid programs to make information about the institution available to current and prospective students. This web site contains a list of sources of information for students, employees and the university community.

How do I reach student services?

Student Services: (671) 734-1812 or student.services@piu.edu

What degree programs are available?

See Academics for more information.

Academic Program Improvement

PIU uses measures and other key components of the assessment system to continuously improve programs and university quality. PIU faculty and curriculum development managers, Assessment Council, Program Council members, and PIU assessment staff work together to monitor and update programs. Assessment pass rates, student satisfaction data, and post-assessment feedback allow for continuous small-scale improvements to assessment items, performance task instructions, courses of study and learning resources. The feedback from mentors and students, grounded in data from multiple sources, results in ongoing assessment and program revision at both a micro and macro level. On the macro level, programs follow a regular process for development and review that includes identification and review of standards and competencies, selection of learning resources, development of courses of study, and creation or revision of assessments. This cyclical, macro evaluation of programs is based on ongoing collection of data and analysis to inform decisions, especially key performance indicators.

Is the program accredited?

Pacific Islands University is nationally accredited by the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS).  TRACS is recognized by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and the US Department of Education as an approved accrediting agency.   

Faculty

PIU faculty are charged with connecting, mentoring, modeling and teaching to produce highly prepared graduates that can immediately make a difference. PIU’s faculty are practitioners as well as expert instructors. Students can expect highly responsive interactions with faculty that support successful completion of the program.

Transfer Students

Copyright Policies and Sanctions

Copyright Policy

Copyright is a form of legal protection provided by United States law (title 17 U.S.C. 512(c)(2)) that protects an owner’s right to control the reproduction, distribution, performance, display and transmission of a copyrighted work. The public, in turn, is provided with specific rights for “Fair Use” of copyrighted works. Copyrighted works protect “original works of authorship” and include:

  • Books, articles and other writings
  • Songs and other musical works
  • Movies and television productions
  • Pictures, graphics and drawings
  • Computer software
  • Pantomimes and choreographic works
  • Sculptural and architectural works

Specific information on copyright law and fair use may be found:

Copyright Infringement

The copyright law provides the owner of copyright in a work the exclusive right:

  • To reproduce the work in copies.
  • To prepare derivative works based upon the work.
  • To distribute copies of the work to the public by sale or other transfer of ownership, or by rental, lease, or lending.
  • To perform the work publicly.
  • To display copyrighted work publicly.
  • In the case of sound recordings, to perform the work publicly by means of a digital audio transmission.

The copyright law states that “anyone who violates any of the exclusive rights of the copyright owner…is an infringer of the copyright or right of the author”. Generally, under the law, one who engages in any of these activities without obtaining the permission of the copyright owner may be liable for infringement.

Peer-to-Peer File Sharing

Peer-to-Peer (P2P) file sharing is a general term that describes software programs that allow computer users, utilizing the same P2P software, to connect with each other and directly access digital files from one another’s hard drives. Many copyrighted works may be stored in digital form, such as software, movies, videos, photographs, etc. Through P2P file sharing it has become increasingly easy to store and transfer these copyrighted works to others thus increasing the risk that users of P2P software and file sharing technology will infringe the copyright protections of content owners.

If P2P file-sharing applications are installed on your computer, you may be sharing someone else’s copyrighted materials without realizing you are doing so. As a user of the PIU Online network it is important that you recognize the legal requirements of files that you may be sharing with others. You should be very careful not to download and share copyrighted works with others.

The transfer and distribution of these works without authorization of the copyright holder is illegal and prohibited.

Violations and Penalties under Federal Law

In addition to university sanctions under its policies as more fully described below, anyone found liable for civil copyright infringement may be ordered to pay either actual damages or “statutory” damages affixed at not less than $750 and not more than $30,000 per work infringed. For “willful” infringement, a court may award up to $150,000 per work infringed. A court can, in its discretion, also assess costs and attorneys’ fees. For details, see Title 17, United States Code, Sections 504, 505.

Willful copyright infringement can also result in criminal penalties, including imprisonment of up to five years and fines of up to $250,000 per offense.

University Plans to Effectively Combat Unauthorized Distribution of Copyrighted Material: Student Sanction

As a student, your conduct at PIU is subject to and must fully conform to the PIU Student Code of Conduct policy, its Acceptable Use policy, and any other applicable University policies.

PIU may monitor traffic or bandwidth on our networks utilizing information technology programs designed to detect and identify indicators of illegal peer-to-peer file sharing activity. In addition to, or as an alternative, the university may employ other technical means to reduce or block illegal file sharing and other impermissible activities.

How do I reach Student Services?

Student Services: (671) 734-1812 or student.services@piu.edu

Alumni

To connect with alumni, please contact Student Services: (671) 734-1812 or student.services@piu.edu

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

What is FERPA?

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) is a Federal law designed to protect the privacy of student education records. FERPA governs the release of education records and access to education records. The FERPA policy is intended to ensure students have the right to inspect and review their education records, the right to amend their education records as appropriate, and the right to control access to their education records.

Who is Protected Under FERPA?

Current or formerly enrolled students are protected under FERPA. Students who have applied but have not attended PIU are not protected. Students are considered to be enrolled and in attendance as of the first day of a term.

What Are Education Records?

Education records are defined as records, files, documents, and other materials in handwriting, print, tape, film, electronic, or other media that contain information that are directly related to a student and are maintained by PIU or a party acting for PIU. Education records do not include post-attendance records, law enforcement records, employment records, medical records and records possessed only by the maker of the records.

What Rights Do Students Have?

Students have the right to: (1) inspect and review their education records, (2) request amendment to their education records, (3) consent to disclosures of non-directory information, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent, and (4) file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by PIU to comply with FERPA requirements.

How Can Students Access Their Records?

Students may access their records by providing a signed, written request to Western Governors University Records office. In addition students may request this information by sending an email to records@piu.edu from their personal PIU email account. Emails from other locations will not be accepted. The request needs to identify, as precisely as possible, the records the student wishes to inspect. PIU will send copies of records within 45 days. A fee of $.50 per page may be assessed for copying educational records.

How Can Students Amend Their Records?

Students have the right to request that their records be amended if they believe the content is inaccurate, misleading, or in violation of their privacy rights. Students should write the Registrar identifying the part of the education record they want changed and specifying why it is inaccurate or misleading. Students are sent a response within 30 days of receipt of the written request. If the request is granted, the amendment will be made. If the University decides not to amend the record as requested, students have a right to a formal hearing on the matter and will be informed about procedures to request a hearing. Students must make the request for a formal hearing in writing to the Registrar within ten school days of the denial of the request.

Note: The right to challenge grades does not apply under FERPA unless the grade assigned was inaccurately recorded, under which condition the record will be corrected.

To Whom May Records Be Released without Written Consent?

PIU will disclose information from a student’s education records only with the written consent of the student, except in the following cases:

  • To the Student
  • To anyone if the University has obtained the prior written consent of the student (the FERPA Authorization to Release form can be found in the Student Services section on the Student Support tab of the student portal)
  • To anyone in response to requests for directory information (see below)
  • To University employees who have a legitimate educational interest in the records
  • To officials from other colleges or universities in which a student seeks or intends to enroll
  • To certain officials of the U.S. Department of Education, the Comptroller General, and state and local educational authorities, and Department of Veterans Affairs in connection with certain state or federally supported education or assistance programs
  • To agents acting on behalf of the University (e.g., clearinghouses, degree/enrollment verifiers)
  • To third-party service providers under contract to provide educational services to the University
  • To organizations conducting certain studies for or on behalf of the University
  • To accrediting organizations to carry out their functions
  • To parents/legal guardians when their children (under age 21) are found to have violated the alcohol or drug policy of the institution (Warner Amendment)
  • To comply with a judicial order or a lawfully issued subpoena.
  • To an alleged victim of any crime of violence or the results of a disciplinary action regarding the alleged perpetrator of that crime with respect to that crime
  • To anyone requesting the final results of a disciplinary hearing against an alleged perpetrator of a crime of violence or non-forcible sex offense (Foley Amendment)
  • To the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) for purposes of the Coordinated Interagency Partnership Regulating International Students (CIPRIS)
  • To military recruiters who request “Student Recruiting Information” for recruiting purposes only (Solomon Amendment). Student Recruiting Information is name, address, telephone listing, age (or year of birth), level of education, and major (conditions exist).
  • To the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for purposes of complying with the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997
  • To appropriate parties to protect the health and safety of students and other persons or to assist in resolving an emergency

What Is Directory Information?

Student record information is confidential and private. In accordance with both federal law (FERPA) and PIU policy, the University does not release student record information without prior written consent of the student. The one exception to this rule under FERPA is that PIU may release certain “directory information” without prior student consent. Directory information is defined as information which, if disclosed, is not generally considered harmful or an invasion of privacy, however all students may direct the University not to release directory information.

Designated directory information at PIU includes the following:

  • Student Name
  • City/town and state/province of residence
  • Class level
  • Enrollment status (full-time, part-time, or not enrolled) and current status
  • Program of study
  • Degrees and/or certificates earned including date of conferral
  • Dates of attendance
  • Awards and honors

How Can Students Restrict Disclosure of Directory Information?

Currently enrolled students may request that the University not release any directory information, and the institution must comply with the request. To restrict the release of information, students must complete a FERPA Authorization to Release/Revoke Form, found in the Student Services section on the Student Support tab of the student portal. Directory information is then withheld indefinitely until the Records office receives in writing a revocation of the request for nondisclosure.

Students who wish to restrict directory information should realize that restricting this important information will make it unavailable to all, including employers, loan agencies, scholarship committees, University publications and government and licensing agencies. Usually, it is to a student’s advantage to have directory information available to these important constituents.

Where Can I Get More Information About FERPA?

Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue SW
Washington, D.C., 20202-4605
https://www.ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/fpco/index.html

Non-Discrimination and Diversity Policies

POLICY ON DIVERSITY AND NON-DISCRIMINATION

Diversity. In all environments, PIU seeks to create an atmosphere in which all believers, regardless of race, color, national origin, gender, age, economic status or physical ability, can pursue knowledge and personal development as they strive toward academic and spiritual maturity.

Non-Discrimination. Pacific Islands University will admit students of any race, national or ethnic background to any of its programs. An admitted student is granted all of the privileges and services associated with PIU, as well as the responsibilities of belonging to this academic community. Thus, PIU maintains a policy of non-discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex or age as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 (approved, Board of Trustees, April 2, 1992). PIU is eligible to accept foreign students as approved by the US Department of Homeland Security under the F-1 designation.

As a private religious institution, PIU reserves the right to exercise preference on the basis of its biblical beliefs and conduct in all of its employment practices and student admissions.

Security Report

Substance Abuse Prevention and Counseling Services

A Counselor provides personal growth and development counseling. Students experiencing adjustment problems, stress, anxiety, difficulties in relationships with others, or other symptoms of emotional distress may receive individual counseling on an appointment basis, or in some cases immediately. Our Counselor may refer students to services in the community. The University Counselor is a trained professional, and all information related to the person receiving counseling is confidential and may be released only with the written permission of the student seeking counseling.

Student Code of Conduct

Personal spiritual growth is a basic purpose of PIU. The faith, attitudes and behavior of all members of the PIU family need to grow more like Christ inside and outside the classroom. This means that each individual at PIU must submit to the Word of God as the authoritative standard by which all aspects of the University is to operate.

In addition, it is important to learn to live in a community. God calls staff and students from different cultural and church backgrounds. This complicates daily life, for Christians are not in agreement about some aspects of Christian life. The Board of PIU has carefully considered cultural and ecclesiastical concerns and agreed upon some standards of behavior for PIU students and staff members. For the sake of maintaining a healthy  community, PIU expects students to live lives that are consistent with biblical principles. We understand drunkenness, sexual immorality, gossip, slander, profanity, ethnic or cultural discrimination, dishonesty, stealing, plagiarism, etc. to be inconsistent with biblical living. We expect all PIU students to be active participants in the life of a local church and to strive for academic excellence. PIU will attempt to deal with these issues firmly and redemptive. These and other important standards are described further in the Student Handbook and must be followed by each student.

When necessary, there is a policy for rebuke and discipline, also described in the Student Handbook. Any discipline will be based on scriptural principles with the purpose of correcting the quality of our relationships with Christ and with one another. The key to all of this is Christian love, which compels us to submit to God and to one another.

Withdrawal Procedures

The grade of “W” (Withdrawal) is only given to a student who initiates a Student Withdrawal from a course after the first week and before the tenth week of classes or before the twenty-eighth (28th) class hour on a normal semester length, or the equivalent for intensive courses taught in shorter durations. No grade points are entered for the course.

A Student Withdrawal after the ninth week (or equivalent for intensive courses taught in shorter duration) of classes will result in a grade other than “W” and will be based on assessments before the withdrawal and the unfulfilled requirements after the Student Withdrawal. The grade points associated with the grade will be counted toward determining the cumulative GPA.

A student may be subject to an Administrative Withdrawal for failing to attend campus classes or failing to participate in online activities, according to the Campus and Online Attendance Policies.

A student may also be subject to a Discipline Withdrawal if the student is dismissed for disciplinary reasons at any time during the semester. The procedures for determining the student’s grade for the term apply, according to the Campus and Online Attendance Policies.

Complaint and Grievance Policy

The PIU Grievance Policy will be used if a student feels unfairly treated or is in conflict with another student. Grievance action may be initiated by a student in regard to another student, an instructor, an administrator, any member of the PIU staff, or persons from ministry centers where students do outreach and field training.
Some reasons a student might file a grievance include:

  • Unfair treatment by prejudice
  • Harassment or intimidation
  • Verbal or physical aggression
  • Any violation of the PIU standards

PROCEDURES
Step 1. Try to work out the problem directly with the person involved. If this does not solve the problem, one or two others should be brought along for a second attempt. (Matt. 18:12-16)

Step 2. If the situation does not get resolved after step one, report the situation to the Dean of Student Development. If the problem involves the Dean of Student Development or Student Development staff, the student should report the incident to the Academic Vice President.

Step 3. If this institution remains unresolved through informal discussion, request in writing a formal meeting and give the request to the Academic Vice President for additional action. The written request should be forwarded to the Academic Vice President within (5) five normal business days (Monday through Friday). The written request must include the time, place, the basic problem, and a list of witnesses.

Step 4. If the Dean of Student Development is not involved in the incident a Student Grievance Committee will be formed and convened within (5) business days after receipt of the request. If the Dean of Student Development is party to the incident, the Academic Vice President shall within (5) business days convene the Student Grievance Committee. This committee shall be chosen by either the Dean of Student Development, or if necessary by the Academic Vice President and consist of:

  •  One student from the Junior and Senior academic class level.
  • The Student Council President.
  • Two members of the faculty or staff.
  • Note- the accused person may be present or represented by a person of his/her choice. The accuser must be present to explain the charges.

Step 5. The Student Grievance Hearing Committee has the authority to meet with the conflicting parties in hopes of graciously resolving the issue. In the effort to best understand the situation, all people involved will have the opportunity to speak about the situation, and after thorough and fair discussion, the committee will make a written recommendation at the end of the Grievance Hearing, to the Dean of Student Development or Associate Vice President and once approved, will be implemented.

Voter Registration

Vaccinations

PIU does require immunizations for on-campus attendance. Students wanting more information on immunizations and flu prevention, please visit  www.cdc.gov/vaccines (opens new window) and  www.cdc.gov/flu (opens new window).

Financial Aid Overview

PIU is approved by the U.S. Department of Education to offer federal student aid in all degree programs. Because of our more affordable tuition, PIU students are able to graduate without large amounts of student debt to repay. If you qualify for and accept federal student aid, it will cover most, if not all, of your direct education expenses. To be eligible for federal student aid (grants, loans, and work-study funds), you have to meet certain requirements. Visit Basic Eligibility Criteria for more information on federal student aid eligibility.

To receive consideration for any federal student aid program, a student must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This application must be completed each award year to establish financial aid eligibility.

Students are eligible for aid through PIU only if they are admitted to a PIU program of study and maintain a Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP).

Federal Grant and Loan Programs

PIU participates in the following federal grant and loan programs:

Federal Pell Grant

The Pell Grant does not have to be repaid and may be awarded to students who have not yet earned a bachelor’s degree. It is available to those with the greatest need, which is calculated based upon income, number of dependents, and other factors reported on the FAFSA. Students may receive the Federal Pell Grant for no more than 12 terms (roughly six years). Visit Federal Pell Grants for more detailed information on eligibility.

Under the Children of Fallen Heroes Scholarship Act, a Pell-eligible student whose parent or guardian died in the line of duty while performing as a public safety officer is eligible to receive a maximum Pell Grant for the award year. In addition to having a Pell-eligible EFC, the student must be less than 24 years of age or enrolled at an institution of higher education at the time of their parent or guardian’s death to qualify for this scholarship.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) does not have to be repaid and may be awarded to students who have not yet earned a bachelor’s degree. This grant is available for undergraduates with exceptional financial need. Limited funding has been given to PIU for this program; therefore, not all eligible students will receive this grant. Visit Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant for more detailed information on eligibility for FSEOG

Federal Work-Study Program

The Federal Work-Study (FWS) Program provides part-time employment while students are enrolled in an institution to help pay for education expenses.

Some students may qualify for a work-study position in states where PIU has a state affiliate provided they meet the general eligibility criteria. FWS is a need-based program that allows students to earn money to help offset the costs of attending PIU. Limited funding has been given to PIU for this program; therefore, not all eligible students will receive an award. Priority will be given to students who indicate “yes” to the FAFSA question about Work Study. The maximum award is the cost of attendance (COA) minus expected family contribution (EFC) and other financial assistance. This program encourages community service work and work related to the student’s course of study.

FWS employment is governed by employment conditions, including the rate of pay that is appropriate and reasonable according to the type of work performed, the geographic region, the employee’s proficiency, and any applicable federal, state, or local law, including state or locally established minimum wage rates. Visit Work-Study Jobs for more information on FWS .

Federal Direct Loan Program (DL)

The Federal Direct Loan Program (DL) is the largest federal student loan program, through which eligible students and parents borrow directly from the U.S. Department of Education to help cover the cost of higher education. Students are only allowed to borrow the annual limit up to the Cost of Attendance based on their current grade level. There are lifetime loan limits also set by the Department of Education. This may limit your borrowing eligibility. PIU students may be eligible to receive the following Direct Loan programs:

Direct Subsidized Loans

Direct Subsidized Loans are given to eligible undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need. The interest is paid by the U.S. Department of Education while you are enrolled in school at least half time or during deferment periods. If you did not have an outstanding balance of principal or interest on a Direct Loan or FFEL Program Loan on July 1, 2013 or after, you are considered a first-time borrower and your eligibility for Direct Subsidized Loans is limited to a period not to exceed 150 percent of the length of your educational program. Under certain conditions, if you exceed the 150 percent limit, you may lose the interest subsidy on your existing Direct Subsidized loans.

Direct Unsubsidized Loans

Direct Unsubsidized Loans are made to eligible undergraduate, graduate, and professional students and is not based on financial need. Therefore, they are available to most PIU students. You are responsible for the interest from the day you borrow the money until you pay off the loan. Students who receive a Direct Subsidized and/or Direct Unsubsidized Loans are subject to the terms and conditions, along with the borrower’s rights and responsibilities disclosed on the Federal Direct Stafford/Unsubsidized Loan Master Promissory Note (MPN). Visit Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans for more information on eligibility and application for the Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loan Program .

Origination Fees

Federal Direct Loans are charged origination or loan fees, which are deducted from the loan proceeds by the U.S. Department of Education (ED). Learn more about loan fees for Direct Subsidized, Unsubsidized, and PLUS Loans.

Interest Rates for Loans

The interest rates for Direct Subsidized, Unsubsidized, and PLUS Loans are calculated each year based on the 10-year Treasury Bill rate plus an add-on for which the first disbursement is made on or after July 1 through the following June 30.

How to Apply for Financial Aid

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is used to determine your student aid eligibility based on your personal and family situation. If you are a first-time user, you will be required to create an FSA ID. It allows users to access personal information on federal student aid websites as well as to sign a FAFSA.

There are two ways to complete the FAFSA form:

  1. Visit the StudentAid.gov website.
  2. Use the myStudentAid app, which you can download from both the Apple App Store (iOS) and Google Play (Android).

Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy

Federal regulations require that all students who receive federal student aid funds maintain satisfactory academic progress (SAP). It is a measure of student progress toward the completion of a degree and is assessed by qualitative (grade-based) and quantitative (time-based) measures. PIU (The University) evaluates these measures at the end of each completed payment period or term in the student’s academic program and at the time of withdrawal from the university.

  • Qualitative Measure
    The University defines demonstrating a competency (a grade of “pass”) as a grade equivalent to a “B” or better (3.0 on a 4-point scale). Students receive a mark on their permanent academic record for any courses for which they enroll in a term, regardless of whether they attempt an assessment. Students who are withdrawn from the University or course before term completion may receive a “withdrawn” grade. A course with a grade of “not passed” or “withdrawn” is considered as failed course and is counted against SAP.
  • Quantitative Measure
    A quantitative measure is the completion of 66.67 percent of all courses attempted. This percentage is determined by dividing the number of courses completed by the total number of courses for which a student enrolled cumulatively over the student’s academic career at PIU. Completing at least 66.67 percent of all courses means the student is on track to complete the program within the required 150% of the published length of the program measured in courses.

Maintaining Satisfactory Academic Progress

To maintain good standing for SAP, students must achieve an overall minimum cumulative pass rate of 66.67 percent for all courses attempted and completed.

The Higher Education Act requires a specific qualitative review at the end of the student’s second academic year. Students enrolled in a program of more than two academic years must have at least a “C” or its equivalent or have an academic standing consistent with the University’s graduation requirements. In addition, a student is ineligible when it becomes mathematically impossible for them to complete their program within 150% of the length of the program.

Disbursements Policy

Federal Student Aid (FSA) funds are only used for educational costs. PIU disburses FSA funds by crediting student accounts for allowable charges which include the current cost for tuition and fees, books and supplies (technology), and prior charges not exceeding $200. If the University obtains a written authorization from student or parent (as applicable), FSA funds may be used for other educationally related charges.

Prior year is any loan period or award year prior to the current loan period or award year. If the student’s Title IV aid package includes-

  • Only Direct Loan, the current year is the current loan period
  • Only non-Direct Loan aid, the current year is the current award year
  • Both Direct Loan and other aid, the current year is the current loan period

PIU’s academic year is three standard terms. A term is a semester beginning in either September, January or June.

FSA funds are available to students based on semester payment periods. Students are eligible to receive the disbursement of federal student aid funds at the start of the payment period or term provided they meet basic eligibility criteria and certain eligibility requirements to receive these funds.

Before making any disbursements, PIU determines and documents that a student remains eligible to receive the FSA funds.

Loan Terms

Students who receive a Direct Subsidized and/or Direct Unsubsidized Loans are subject to the terms and conditions, along with the borrower’s rights and responsibilities disclosed on the Federal Direct Stafford/Unsubsidized Loan Master Promissory Note (MPN) (opens new window).

Parents of dependent students who receive a PLUS loan are subject to the terms and conditions, along with the borrower’s rights and responsibilities disclosed on the Federal Direct PLUS Loan and Master Promissory Note (MPN) (opens new window).

These loans must be repaid and they cannot be canceled because you did not complete your education or did not get the job you expected. You may use the Federal Student Aid office Repayment Estimator (opens new window) to see the estimated monthly and total payments including the repayment plan (opens new window) options for which you may be eligible. The U.S. Department of Education uses several loan servicers (opens new window) to handle services on federal student loans.

Exit Counseling Information

Federal Student Aid recipients will receive an electronic notification on the requirement to complete exit loan counseling at StudentAid.gov (opens new window) website. If the student did not complete the online exit counseling, the university will send the PDF version of the Exit Counseling Guide for Federal Student Loan Borrowers (opens new window) via email to the student borrower at his personal/home email address within 30 days after the University learns that the student borrower failed to complete the exit counseling as required.

Each Direct Subsidized or Unsubsidized loan borrower and graduate student Direct PLUS loan borrower who is in the final term of the program of study will receive an electronic notification to complete exit counseling.

For administrative withdrawals, the university ensures that exit counseling is conducted within 30 days of the date the university determined the student has withdrawn.

Exit Counseling provides important information in preparation to repay Direct Subsidized, Direct Unsubsidized, or Graduate or professional Direct PLUS loans and the borrower’s rights and responsibilities. It includes information on the average anticipated monthly repayment amount, available repayment plan options, description of the consequences of default, availability of the information in the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS), and other information to successfully repay the federal student loans. The borrower may use the Federal Student Aid office Repayment Estimator (opens new window) to see the estimated monthly and total payments including the repayment plan (opens new window) options for which he may be eligible.

The borrower’s rights include the following:

  • written information on loan obligations and information on rights and responsibilities as a borrower;
  • a copy of the MPN either before or at the time the loan is disbursed;
  • a grace period and an explanation of what this means;
  • a notification, if the U.S. Department of Education transfers the loan to another servicer without the borrower’s consent;
  • a disclosure statement, received before beginning to repay the loan, that includes information about interest rates, fees, the balance owes, and a loan repayment schedule;
  • deferment or forbearance of repayment for certain defined periods, if a borrower qualifies and if requested;
  • prepay the loan in whole or in part anytime without an early-repayment penalty; and
  • documentation when the loan is paid in full.

The borrower’s responsibilities are the following:

  • completing exit counseling before leaving school or dropping below half-time enrollment;
  • repaying the loan according to the repayment schedule even if the borrower does not complete the academic program, dissatisfied with the education I received, or unable to find employment after graduation;
  • notifying the lender or loan servicer if the borrower changes address, telephone number, name, social security number, and employer or its address or telephone number;
  • making monthly payments on the loan after the grace period ends, unless the borrower has a deferment or forbearance; and
  • notifying the lender or loan servicer of anything that might alter the borrower’s eligibility for an existing deferment or forbearance.

Cost of Attendance

A student’s cost of attendance (COA) is established for use in determining a student’s eligibility for all FSA program funds, including the Federal Pell Grant Program, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), Federal Work-Study (FWS), Federal Direct Subsidized Loan and Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan. It is an estimate of a student’s educational expenses for the academic year.

The Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (HEA), defines the COA components for all federal student aid (FSA) programs. These components include direct and indirect expenses.

 

Fees Per Semester
 School Fees $352.50
 Tuition (12 Credit Hours) $2,820.00
 Dorm $1,000.00
Total $4,172.50

Institutional Refund Policy

Students are responsible to notify PIU when officially withdrawing from any class. Refunds of all refundable fees – in the event a student withdraws from all classes – are determined from official date of withdrawal as follows:

  • 100% withdrawal during registration & add/drop period (week 1 of the semester or the equivalent)
  • 75% withdrawal during the second week (or the equivalent) of instruction
  • 50% withdrawal during the third week (or the equivalent) of instruction
  • 25% withdrawal during the fourth week (or the equivalent) of instruction
  • 0% withdrawal after the fourth week (or the equivalent) or thereafter

A withdrawing student is required to complete a withdrawal form which can be obtained from the PIU Business Office or the PIU website. The date of the withdrawal is the same as the date the Business Office receives the signed form from the student.

Tuition and Fees Charges

Tuition fee per credit hour: $235.00
Registration fee per semester: $25.00
Student Services fee per semester: $275.00
Technology Service fee: $27.50
DE Student Services fee per semester (Distance Education Students only): $125.00
Accident Insurance per semester(non-refundable): $25.00

Net Price Calculator

Student taking 12 Credit hours per Semester Off-Campus
 per Semester
 Cost of Attendance $3,172.50
 (LESS)
 Federal Pell Grant ($3,172.50)
 State Grants ($0.00)
 Other Scholarships/Grants ($0.00)
 Expected Net Costs ($0)

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