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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 to pay in full all tuition, fees, and room and board charges and/or have an approved payment schedule. These are to be completed prior to the semester due dates (August 1 for fall; December 15 for spring). For payment in full, the University accepts payments by check, cash, or credit card. Credit card payments can be made online at www.cairn.edu/payments/tuition or by telephone at 215.702.4207 or 215.702.4201. (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover accepted online or by telephone. 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. The student will then be responsible for the full balance of their account, including all collection charges and fees.
Withdrawal Tuition Adjustment 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 tuition adjustment is made unless the University withdrawal is official.
Tuition Adjustment Chart
| If the Student Withdraws |
The University Retains |
|
Adjustment to Student Account |
| 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 Funds Upon Withdrawal
A “Return of Title IV Funds Calculation” will be done for students who are federal aid recipients upon withdrawal from the University during the first 60% of a semester. Federal aid programs included are the Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, and Direct (Stafford and 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.
Return of Service Member Tuition Assistance (TA) Funds Upon Withdrawal
The University will return any unearned TA funds on a proportional basis through at least the 60 percent portion of the period for which the funds were provided. TA funds are earned proportionally during an enrollment period, with unearned funds returned to the DOD based upon when a student stopped attending. In instances when a Service member stopped attending due to a military service obligation, the University will work with the affected Service member to identify solutions that will not result in a student debt for the returned portions.
Consumer Information
Individuals who desire to review any consumer information required by federal regulations may contact the Financial Aid Office or go online to this link.
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.
Students in the Degree Completion Program should note that adjustments to financial aid will be made as changes in registration by module 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 Office 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 offers students a realistic opportunity to finance a college education through grants, scholarships, loans, and employment.
- 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 or certificate 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 aid programs, status as a US citizen or eligible noncitizen, in addition to certification that funds will be used only for educational expenses.
- For federal aid, 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 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 Aid Programs
Cairn University students who qualify receive federal aid in the form of Pell Grants, Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (SEOG), Direct Student Loans, Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students (PLUS Loans), and Federal Work Study employment.
Service Member, National Guard, and Veterans Benefits
Students may use Service Member Tuition Assistance, National Guard, or Veterans Benefits at Cairn University, including through the Yellow Ribbon Program.
For VA educational benefit recipients, beginning August 1, 2019, for any student eligible for Chapter 33 Post 9/11 GI Bill or Chapter 31 Vocational-Rehabilitation benefits, even if the VA has not yet sent the funds, the University will not:
- prevent the student from enrolling,
- assess a late penalty fee,
- require the securing alternative or additional funding, or
- deny access to any school resource (access to classes, libraries, or other institutional facilities) that are available to other students that have paid.
Eligible students planning to use VA educational benefits are required to submit to the Financial Aid Office:
- the VA’s Certificate of Eligibility or Statement of Benefits by the first day of class or earlier, if possible.
- a written request to be certified prior to each semester.
Students should contact the Financial Aid Office concerning Service and National Guard Member programs and reach out to their Education Services Officer.
State Grant Programs
Qualified Pennsylvania residents in eligible undergraduate programs may receive PA State Grants. University students from Delaware, District of Columbia, Massachusetts, Ohio, Vermont, and West Virginia may also receive assistance from their home state grant programs.
Details on application, amounts of aid, and eligibility requirements are available from the Cairn Financial Aid Office.
Also see below for financial information about specific scholarship programs and employment.
Traditional Programs
This additional information is specific to the traditional undergraduate programs (including associate’s and bachelor’s degree programs). To obtain financial information common to all undergraduate programs, see above.
Tuition and Fees 2020-2021
Cost for an incoming resident student for the 2020-2021 year is approximately $41,115; for an incoming commuting student, $29,853. These figures do not include miscellaneous or music fees. The breakdown of these charges is as follows:
New Student Fees and Deposits
| Application Fee |
|
$25.00 |
| Re-entrant Fee: Students returning after absence of one full semester 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 |
Tuition
| Tuition (Full-time, 12-18 credits) |
$14,589.00 per semester |
| New Student Fee (first-time and transfer students) |
$300.00 one time |
| Tuition Per Credit Overload (Per credit, over 18 credits) |
$811.00 per credit |
| Part-time (1-7 credits) |
$865.00 per credit |
| Part-time (8-11 credits) |
$1,198.00 per credit |
| Audit Fee |
$272.00 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 - Manor Campus or Heritage Hall |
$5,593.00 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 |
$187.50 per semester |
Miscellaneous Fees/Costs
| Late Registration Fee |
$50.00 |
| Graduation Fee |
$110.00 |
Student Medical Insurance (required only when not covered by another policy)
Price is set by insurance carrier and is subject to change |
$1,950.00 per year |
| Motor Vehicle Registration: |
|
| Resident student |
$50.00 per year |
| Commuting student |
$30.00 per year |
| Locker Fee (optional) |
$5.00 |
| Transcript Fee |
$6.00 |
Course Fees
| Practicum Fee |
$50.00 |
| Student Teaching Fees |
$360.00 |
| Art Course Fees (vary by course) |
$30.00-$90.00 |
| Science Course Fees |
$100.00 |
| |
|
| Independent Study |
|
| Per credit |
$100.00 |
Music Fees
| Private 30-minute Lessons - non-music majors (faculty instructor) (In addition to tuition charge) |
$330.00 per semester |
| Private 30-minute Lessons - music majors (faculty instructor) (In addition to tuition charge) |
$195.00 per semester |
| Instrumental Rental Fee (Applies to all students taking Class Woodwinds, Strings, Brass, Percussion, Piano or Instrumental Methods) |
$55.00 per semester |
Financial Policies
Nelnet Campus Commerce/Tuition Management Systems (TMS)
This outside organization provides a convenient monthly payment plan for Cairn students and/or their families. Students apply yearly and pay an annual enrollment fee of $60.00 (subject to change - price is set by TMS) 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.cairn.afford.com. Application can be done online or completed with the student accounts manager.
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. Information on application and policies pertaining to these programs is available on the website or by contacting either the Financial Aid Office or Admissions.
Endowed and Restricted Scholarships
University endowed and restricted funds, received as generous gifts from alumni, friends, and other donors, support the University’s financial aid budget and ensure generous financial aid awards to new and continuing undergraduate students. The Financial Aid staff administers the awarding of these funds. Recipients are selected based on specific criteria, such as academic program and performance, leadership, Christian service, and professional goals.
Music Scholarships
The School of Music 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 $600 to $6,000 per year. The applicant should contact the School of Music 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 near the University.
To request the University’s current financial aid information, please contact the Financial Aid Office.
Email: finaid@cairn.edu
Telephone: 877-726-2445
Nontraditional Programs
This information is specific to the nontraditional programs offered in the Degree Completion department. To obtain financial information that is common to all undergraduate programs, see above.
Costs
| Tuition |
$565.00 per credit |
| Fees and Deposits: |
|
| Application |
$25.00 |
| Enrollment Deposit |
$100.00 |
| Graduation |
$120.00 |
| Transcript Fee |
$6.00 |
| Audit Fee |
$272.00 |
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