2012-2013 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
    Mar 28, 2024  
2012-2013 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Financial Information


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Undergraduate (All Programs)

Income from student tuition does not cover the cost of a student’s education. Substantial amounts are raised each year by the University to cover the difference between what students pay and the cost of their education. Expenses at Cairn University are moderate and can be maintained at this level only by the generous gifts of individuals, churches, and organizations.

Financial Policies

Settlement of Accounts

Before registration is complete all students are responsible for payment in full of all tuition, fees, and room and board charges, and/or have an approved payment schedule shown. These are to be completed prior to the semester due dates. For the payment in full, the University accepts payments by check or cash. Credit card payments can be made online at www.cairn.edu/payments/index.cfm or by telephone. (Visa and MasterCard accepted. A 3% convenience fee applies for online and over-the-phone charges.)

Any student account that has to be forwarded for outside collection assistance because of an outstanding balance will be assessed with collection costs and fees. Therefore, the student will then be responsible for the full balance of their account, including all collection charges and fees.

Withdrawal Refund Policies

University Withdrawal

Students who officially withdraw from the University are entitled to an adjustment on their semester bill as listed below. The preferred procedure is to complete the University Withdrawal form, which includes an interview in the Office of Student Life, and submit it to the Business Services Office. However, an oral statement of intent to withdraw from the University made to the Registrar’s Office will also be considered official. Students receiving Title IV loans must also complete an exit interview in the Financial Aid Office. The official date of withdrawal shall be the date established by the Registrar’s Office as the last date of attendance. Merely ceasing from class attendance does not constitute official withdrawal. No refund is made unless the University withdrawal is official.

Refund Chart

If the Student Withdraws The University Retains   Refund to Student
Prior to the beginning of the first assigned class 0%   100%
Within first 10% of enrollment period 10%   90%
Within 25% of enrollment period 50%   50%
Within 50% of enrollment period 75%   25%
After 50% of enrollment period 100%   0%

Reduction of Aid Upon University Withdrawal

When a student withdraws from the University prior to completion of a semester, aid from federal and state governments and the University will be reduced or returned according to the stipulations of each individual aid program. Calculations will be made following the student’s completion of the withdrawal process.

Aid from private and other sources will be governed by any conditions specified by the donor(s).

Return of Federal Title IV Funds Upon Withdrawal

A “Return of Federal Title IV Funds Calculation” will be done for students who are Federal Title IV aid recipients upon withdrawal from the University during the first 60% of a semester. Federal Title IV aid programs included are Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, and Direct (Stafford and/or PLUS) Loans. Federal aid funds are considered “earned” based on the percentage of the semester actually completed. In some cases, funds already disbursed to the student will need to be returned to the federal program. For more information about this calculation, contact the Financial Aid Office.

Consumer Information

Individuals who desire to review any consumer information required by federal regulations may contact the Financial Aid Office.

Reduction of Aid Upon Course Withdrawal

Students who withdraw from courses during a semester, but after the end of the published drop/add period, will not have their aid adjusted unless the withdrawals result in a reduction of tuition charged. In cases where tuition charges are reduced, financial aid will be recalculated to reflect the student’s new enrollment status.

Students in the degree completion program should note that adjustments to financial aid will be made as changes in modules are recorded in University records.

The date of official course withdrawal is the date the signed withdrawal form is submitted to the Registrar’s Office. Notification of course load adjustment and date is given to the Business Services Department and Financial Aid Office by the Registrar’s Office and appropriate adjustments, if necessary, will be made.

Financial Aid

  • A full student financial aid program, including grants, scholarships, loans and employment, offers students a realistic opportunity to finance a college education.
  • Financial aid is awarded to students based on academic potential and documented financial need. “Need” is defined as the cost of education minus expected family contribution. Expected family contribution is determined by use of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) completed by the student annually. Cairn University’s priority date for receipt of the results of the FAFSA is May 1 for students applying for fall semester each year.
  • The Financial Aid Office is available to assist students and their families by providing advice and suggestions suitable for the individual’s personal financial status. Additional information on any of the financial aid programs may be secured by contacting the Financial Aid Office.

Financial Aid Eligibility Requirements

In order to receive financial aid, a student must meet the following eligibility requirements:

  • Enrollment as a regular (matriculating) student in a degree, certificate, or certification program.
  • Maintenance of satisfactory academic progress as defined below. Note that satisfactory progress standards for receipt of financial aid may differ from minimum University academic standards for continued enrollment.
  • For Federal Title IV aid programs, status as U.S. citizens or eligible noncitizens, and certification that funds will be used only for educational expenses.
  • For Federal Title IV, certification that the student is not in default on any federal student loan and does not owe repayment on a federal student grant.
  • Any other specific requirements of the program providing the aid.

Satisfactory Academic Progress

Students must meet both quantitative and qualitative standards in order to remain eligible for aid. The University evaluates student academic records annually following the end of spring semester.

Students who lose eligibility for aid because of unsatisfactory academic progress will have eligibility reinstated following the semester in which they again make satisfactory progress.

Students who wish to appeal the loss of aid eligibility may do so by writing a letter of appeal to the Director of Financial Aid. In cases where unusual extenuating circumstances exist, eligibility may be reinstated.

Quantitative Academic Progress Students must pass a minimum of 67% of the cumulative number of credit hours attempted. Course and/or University withdrawals during the drop/add period will not be counted in the calculation of academic progress.

Qualitative Academic Progress Students must achieve a minimum cumulative GPA based on the number of credit hours earned as follows:

Level I (1-23 hours) 1.50
Level II (24-47 hours) 1.65
Level III (48-71 hours) 1.85
Level IV (72 or more hours) 2.00


For a complete listing of grades and their equivalents, see the Grading policy in the Academic Information section of the catalog.

Maximum Time Frame The maximum time frame for which a student may be eligible for Federal Title IV aid is 150% of the normal time for degree completion, measured in the number of credit hours attempted. Transfer hours are included in calculation of total hours completed and used in determining an individual’s maximum time frame.

Financial Aid Programs

Federal Title IV Aid Programs

Cairn University students who qualify receive federal aid in the form of Pell Grants, Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, Direct Stafford Student Loans, Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students (PLUS Loans), and Federal Work Study employment.

National Guard and Veterans Benefits

Students may use National Guard or Veterans benefits at Cairn University. Contact the Financial Aid Office concerning these programs.

State Grant Programs

Qualified Pennsylvania residents in undergraduate programs may receive PHEAA Grants. University students from Connecticut, Delaware, Ohio, Massachusetts, Maine, Rhode Island, and Vermont may also receive assistance from their home state grant programs.

Details on application, amounts of aid, and eligibility requirements are provided in the Cairn Financial Aid Brochure.

Also see below for financial information about specific programs.

Bachelor’s Degree Programs

This additional information is specific to the bachelor’s degree programs. To obtain financial information which is common to all undergraduate programs, see above.

Tuition and Fees 2012-2013

Cost for a resident student for the 2012-13 year is approximately $30,230; for a commuting student, $21,705. These figures do not include miscellaneous or music fees. The breakdown of these charges is as follows:

New Student Fees

Application Fee   $25.00
Re-entrant Fee: Students returning after absence of two semesters or more   $25.00

Reservation Deposit Payable when admission has been approved

  $100.00
Residence Hall Reservation Deposit (To be applied toward key deposit) Payable when application for room has been approved   $100.00
New Student Orientation / New Student Days Fee (Charged to all first-time, full-time students)   $120.00

Tuition

Tuition (Full-time, 12-18 credits) $10,750.00 per semester

Tuition Per Credit Overload (Per credit, over 18 credits)

$597.00 per credit
Part-time (1-7 credits) $638.00 per credit
Part-time (8-11 credits) $882.00 per credit
Audit Fee $201.00 per course
(Full-time students may audit one course at no extra cost.)  

Dining and Residence Hall Fees

Room assignments are determined by the Office of Student Life.

Room and Board - Penndel, Manor Campus, or Heritage Hall $4,262.50 per semester
A reduced Board cost is available for those doing student teaching or social work four-day placement.  

Activity Fee

Student organizations fee–required

 
Full-time students only $102.50 per semester

Miscellaneous Fees/Costs

Late Registration Fee $50.00
Drop/Add Fee $10.00
Graduation Fee $110.00
Student Medical Insurance (required only when not covered by another policy) (Subject to company rate change without prior notice. Because of the Federal “Affordable Health Care Act,” the premium is expected to increase substantially. However, the price has not been set for 2012-13 by the carrier.) $700.00 per year
Key/Security Deposit (Payable the first semester in the residence hall and refundable at the time occupancy is terminated) $50.00
Motor Vehicle Registration:  
     Resident student $40.00 per year
     Commuting student $20.00 per year
Locker Fee (optional) $5.00
Transcript Fee $5.00

Course Fees

Practicum and Discipline Seminar Fee $50.00
Student Teaching I Fee $160.00
Student Teaching II Fee $150.00
MACSA Convention Fee $80.00
Early Childhood Practicum I $80.00
Early Childhood Practicum II $90.00
Professional Development Practicum $250.00
Independent Study  
1 credit $67.00
2 credits $133.00
3 credits $200.00
4 credits $267.00

Music Fees

Private 1/2-hour Lessons - non-music majors (faculty instructor) (In addition to tuition charge) $270.00 per semester
Private 1/2-hour Lessons - music majors (faculty instructor) (In addition to tuition charge) $135.00 per semester
Class instruction - Piano $125.00 per semester
Instrumental Rental Fee (Applies to all students taking Class Woodwinds, Strings, Brass, Percussion, Piano or Instrumental Methods.) $25.00 per semester
Practice Room Fee (Applies to students not currently taking lessons, but wishing to use a practice room on a regular basis.) $25.00 per semester
Junior Recital Fee $20.00
Senior Recital Fee $30.00

 

Financial Policies

Tuition Management Services (TMS)

This outside organization provides a convenient monthly payment plan for Cairn students and/or their parents. Students apply yearly and pay an annual enrollment fee of $53.00 with no interest or additional fees. Payments start as early as May 15. For more information about TMS, call the student accounts manager at (215) 702-4207 or log onto www.afford.com/cairn. Application forms are also available from the University.

Financial Aid Programs

Cairn Scholarships and Grants

The University provides opportunities to new freshman and transfer students for both academic scholarships and need-based grants. These awards are available to full-time, matriculating undergraduates enrolled at the Langhorne Manor campus. Information on application and policies pertaining to these programs is available by contacting either the Financial Aid Office or the Admissions Office.

Endowed Scholarships

A number of scholarships provided by donor-funded endowments help provide partial funding for Cairn grants and scholarships awarded to both new and continuing undergraduate students each year. Recipients are selected and notified by the Financial Aid Office. Most endowed scholarships have specific criteria related to academic program or performance, leadership, Christian service, or professional goals.

Music Scholarships

The School of Music and Performing Arts awards a number of scholarships to entering music majors each year. Auditions are required. Categories include voice, piano, organ, strings, brass, woodwinds, percussion, and composition. Scholarships range from $300 per semester to $1,500 per semester. The applicant should contact the School of Music & Performing Arts for information about audition procedures and dates.

Employment

On-campus jobs are held by students in the areas of food service, housekeeping, admissions, security, library, academic departments, athletics, and maintenance. Students are normally scheduled to work between 10 and 12 hours per week. Some opportunities exist for students to work full-time during breaks in the academic year as well as in the summer.

An important part of the Federal Work Study program is community service employment. Undergraduates who qualify may participate by tutoring elementary school students in a school district near the University.

To request the University’s current financial aid information, please contact the Financial Aid Office.

Email: financial.aid@cairn.edu

Telephone: (800) 366-0049

Degree Completion Program

This information is specific to the Degree Completion Program. To obtain financial information which is common to all undergraduate programs, see above.

Costs
 

Tuition $485.00 per credit
Fees:  
Application $25.00
Enrollment Deposit $100.00
Credit for Prior Learning Reader’s Fee $50.00
Life Experience Credit $30.00 per credit
Graduation $120.00
Change of Group $100.00
Transcript Fee $5.00
Audit Fee $201.00

 

Certificate Programs

 

Wisconsin Wilderness

This information is specific to the Wisconsin Wilderness Program. To obtain financial information which is common to all undergraduate programs, see above.

Costs

Cost for the 2012-2013 year is approximately $20,305. The breakdown of this cost is as follows:

Tuition $13,900.00
Room/Board $5,650.00
Student Activity Fee $625.00
General Orientation Fee $80.00
Room Deposit (refunded if no damages to the facilities occur throughout the year) $50.00
Transcript Fee $5.00

Payments are to be sent to the Langhorne Manor Campus.

Students are also required to work approximately eight hours a week on campus as part of the community experience at WWC.
 

Bible and Israel


This information is specific to the Bible and Israel program. To obtain financial information which is common to all undergraduate programs, see above.

The cost for students in the Bible and Israel program is the same as that of students enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program on the Langhorne Campus (see Bachelor’s Degree Programs). In addition, Bible and Israel students pay a $125 field-trip fee, which covers all Bible and Israel field trips throughout the year. The Israel study tour is not covered by regular tuition/fees and is an additional $2,500 (approximately). Bible and Israel students must follow all Bachelor’s Degree Programs payment policies and procedures.