FINANCIAL AID
Financial aid helps meet college costs, both educational (tuition and fees,) and living (food, housing, and transportation) for those who qualify. Through various programs offered by state and federal governments, as well as private lenders, financial aid helps the cost of education become affordable.
Several forms of financial assistance are available to students who qualify. Participation in programs funded by state and federal agencies requires the Financial Aid Office to comply with the regulations set forth by each agency concerning student eligibility and academic progress standards. This will generally require the completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). All students are required to complete a FAFSA or sign a FAFSA waiver form when other funding sources exist.
Responsibility for financing an education rests first with students and their families. Financial aid should be viewed as supplementary, to be used only after the full resources of students and their families are committed.
Eligibility
Each funding source has its own eligibility requirements. More information is available through the Financial Aid Office.
Grants
- Federal Pell Grant*
- Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) *
- PHEAA Grant (Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency) *
- Johnson College Institutional Grant *
Loans
- Federal Direct Subsidized Student Loan *
- Federal Direct Unsubsidized Student Loan
- Federal Direct Parent Loan for undergraduate Students (PLUS)
*Indicates need-based aid to eligible students
Federal Guidelines for Financial Aid
In accordance with federal regulations, students who receive federal financial aid and withdraw from Johnson College during the first 60% of a semester will have their federal financial aid adjusted based on the percentage of the semester completed prior to the withdrawal. Students will be entitled to retain the same percentage of the federal financial aid received as the percentage of the semester completed. This percentage is calculated by dividing the number of days in the semester (excluding breaks of five days or longer) into the number of days completed prior to the withdrawal (excluding breaks of five days or longer). The date of withdrawal will be based on the official date of withdrawal or the last day of documented class attendance as determined by the Registrar.
Once the amount of federal funds to be returned has been calculated, the funds will be returned in the following order:
- Unsubsidized Federal Direct Student Loans
- Subsidized Federal Direct Student Loans
- Federal Direct Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS)
- Pell Grants
- Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG)
The amount to be returned to a specific federal program may not exceed the total amount awarded from that program.
First-year, first-time borrowers who withdraw before the 30th calendar day of the program of study are prohibited from receiving Federal Direct Student Loan funds (Unsubsidized Direct Loans and Subsidized Direct Loans) at the time they withdraw.
Further information about refunds of financial aid may be obtained from the Financial Aid Office.
Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
Students attending Johnson College who wish to be considered for Federal Title IV (Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), Federal Work-Study, Direct Student Loan, or Direct Parent PLUS Loan) and institutional aid, in addition to meeting other eligibility criteria, must maintain satisfactory academic progress (SAP) in the course of study being pursued. The college is required to establish a SAP standard in accordance with U.S. Department of Education regulation 34 CFR 668.34. This SAP Policy is as strict as or stricter than academic policies for students who are not receiving Title IV Aid. Students’ academic records will be reviewed at the end of each enrolled term (i.e., fall semester, spring semester, and summer session) after grades are calculated by the Registrar’s Office. All terms in which the student is enrolled, including summer, must be considered in the determination of SAP, even semesters for which the student did not receive federal financial aid. Students who fail to meet minimum SAP standards will be notified via Johnson College email and U.S. mail once the determination has been made.
Satisfactory Academic Progress Minimum Standards
SAP is measured on three standards: Completion Rate (CR), Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA), and Maximum Time Frame (MTF). Students requesting consideration for federal financial aid must demonstrate a positive forward movement toward their degree and must meet the following standards.
Minimum SAP Standards
| CR | 67% |
| CGPA | 2.0 |
| MTF | Total credits attempted cannot exceed 50% of program length. |
Completion Rate (CR)
Completion Rate is a quantitative measurement of progress towards graduation. In order to complete a program in a timely manner a student must complete a certain percentage of attempted credits.
Attempted credits include all course credits in which the student remains enrolled past the Add/Drop date. Included in the number of attempted credits are F (fails), R (repeats), SA (administrative withdrawals), and W (withdrawals). SA and W credits are considered attempted and unearned. Credits transferred into Johnson College are considered attempted and earned. Developmental courses are counted as hours attempted and, if successfully completed, hours earned.
Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA)
CGPA is a qualitative measurement of academic achievement. All students must maintain the minimum CGPA of 2.0 set forth in this policy. Credits that are not calculated into the SAP CGPA include I (incompletes), W (withdrawals), and transfer credits.
Maximum Time Frame (MTF)
The Maximum Time Frame (MTF) cannot exceed 150% of the program length. Full-time students should earn approximately 15 credits a semester in order to stay on MTF. Developmental courses are counted as hours attempted and, if successfully completed, hours earned. Credits earned in developmental courses are counted toward academic progress but do not count toward degree requirements. Therefore, these credits will be excluded from the MTF requirement. Total credits for MTF cannot be rounded up or down. To calculate MTF multiply program length x 1.5 (150%).
| Program | Program Length | MTF |
| Welding Certificate | 30 | 45 |
| Electrical Construction Technology | 64 | 96 |
| Radiologic Technology | 71 | 106.5 |
Repeat Coursework
Financial aid is available for the first repeat of any previously passed course. Financial aid is available for each attempt of a previously failed course. However, each attempt is considered into the CR and MTF.
*Audited classes are not counted into CGPA and MTF.
Consecutive Enrollment
If a student fails to meet the CGPA or CR requirements for two (2) consecutive terms, whether or not they are receiving financial aid, they will be considered to have unsatisfactory academic progress (USAP). This status will result in a USAP suspension and loss of their financial aid eligibility. Students who exceed Maximum Time Frame will have USAP suspension immediately.
Change of Major
The first time a student changes their Major program of study, the courses that pertain to the previous major are not included in the SAP calculation. However, all courses that fulfill requirements for the new major are used in the SAP calculation. Subsequent changes to a student’s major are calculated into Satisfactory Academic Progress.
Second Certificate or Degree
If a student enrolls for a second certificate or degree, after completion of a certificate or degree, the student may be eligible for an additional 150 % Maximum Time Frame of financial aid for their new program of study. This will be determined based upon compliance of all other federal regulations.
Unsatisfactory Academic Progress (USAP)
Failure to meet satisfactory academic progress (SAP) requirements set forth by Johnson College in accordance with federal regulations will result in unsatisfactory academic progress (USAP).
USAP Warning Status
A student will be placed on a USAP Warning the first time they do not meet SAP standards. This means they are one enrolled term away from losing financial aid eligibility. They still have financial aid eligibility for one enrolled term to meet SAP standards.
USAP Suspension Status
If a student is placed on a Warning and, at the end of the next term they have not met the SAP standards they will placed on USAP Suspension and will not receive federal or institutional financial aid. A student may appeal this status.
USAP Probation Status
If a student has successfully appealed a Suspension, they will be placed on USAP Probation for one enrolled term. If they meet the SAP standards at the end of the Probation term, SAP Status will be considered met and they will no longer be considered USAP. If they do not meet the SAP standards at the end of Probation, they will be placed back into USAP Suspension.
USAP Academic Plan Status
If a student has successfully appealed a USAP Suspension by completing the Unsatisfactory Academic Progress Appeal Form, they may be placed on an Academic Plan. They must successfully follow the SAP Academic Plan while in this status. They will be monitored by the Financial Aid Office at the end of each term. If the student does not meet the criteria outlined in the SAP Academic Plan, they will be placed back into Suspension. If they are meeting the criteria outlined in the SAP Academic Plan, they will remain in this status until either the plan expires.
If a student meets SAP standards while on Probation or while on SAP Academic Plan, SAP Status will be considered met for the next term.
If a student does not meet SAP standards and the SAP Academic Plan expires, they will need to submit a new USAP Appeal in order for aid eligibility to be re-reviewed.
REINSTATEMENT OF FINANCIAL AID ELIGIBILITY
If a student loses federal and institutional aid eligibility because they are not meeting the SAP Cumulative GPA or Completion Rate standards, they may regain eligibility in one of the following ways:
- Submit an Unsatisfactory Academic Progress (USAP) Appeal Form with supporting documentation. That form provides a non-exhaustive list of circumstances for which you may appeal. You must advance toward attaining a degree and show progress within SAP Academic plan for graduation.
- Attend Johnson College using their own resources. A student must advance toward attaining a degree and adhere to SAP Standards. You must contact the Financial Aid Office after grades have been posted by the Registrar’s Office in order for your financial aid to be reviewed for reinstatement.
If a student loses federal and institutional aid eligibility because they are not meeting the SAP Timeframe standard, they must submit a USAP Appeal Form for approval in order to regain eligibility.
Once you regain eligibility, you will be awarded financial aid subject to financial aid eligibility and the availability of funds.
Veteran Beneficiaries
The law requires that educational assistance benefits to veterans and other eligible persons be discontinued when the student ceases to make satisfactory progress toward completion of their training objective. Benefits can be resumed if the student re-enrolls in the same educational institution and in the same program. In other cases, benefits cannot be resumed unless the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) finds that the cause of the unsatisfactory attendance, conduct. or progress has been removed and the program of education or training to be pursued by the student is suitable to their aptitudes, interests, and abilities.
Any veteran or dependent of a veteran will follow the same academic progress policy as those students who utilize Title IV aid. However, if a veteran or a dependent of a veteran is placed on probation or dismissed from the College, the School Certifying Official will notify the VA via VA-Once. Academic progress is checked at the end of each semester and the student will be notified via email of their status.
Industry Tuition Reimbursement Plans
Many companies provide their employees with reimbursement for education expenses. Students should consult their employer for further information. Arrangements for this type of payment should be set up with the Student Business Office prior to the start of classes.
Scholarships and Merit Awards
Johnson College offers a variety of scholarships to meet the financial needs of new and returning students. These awards may be based on financial need, community commitment, and/or academic standing. Each scholarship has specific criteria. For the most up-to-date scholarship information, please visit the scholarship webpage. The scholarship application, which consists of four questions can be submitted online, via email, in person, or by U.S. mail. Please be sure to follow the instructions carefully. Each part of the application is reviewed and critiqued by Johnson College’s Scholarship Committee. Any student who submits a scholarship application who has not completed a FAFSA will not be taken into consideration for a scholarship until the FAFSA is completed.
Applicants will receive a notification letter from the Financial Aid office indicating receipt of their application and the timeframe in which it will be reviewed by the scholarship committee. Priority deadline for current/returning Johnson students is May 1st. Upon review by the committee, all submissions will receive a response. Recipients will be required to attend the annual scholarship breakfast and to the send the donor of their scholarship a thank you letter.
Award amounts for endowed scholarship funds are determined annually according to earnings on the funds and in accordance with Johnson College policies.
VA Pending Payment Compliance
In accordance with Title 38 US Code 3679 subsection (e), this school adopts the following additional provisions for any students using U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) Post 9/11 G.I. Bill® (Ch. 33) or Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Ch. 31) benefits, while payment to the institution is pending from the VA. This school will not:
- Prevent the student’s enrollment;
- Assess a late penalty fee to;
- Require student secure alternative or additional funding;
- Deny their access to any resources (access to classes, libraries, or other institutional facilities) available to other students who have satisfied their tuition and fee bills to the institution.
However, to qualify for this provision, such students may be required to:
- Provide Chapter 33 Certificate of Eligibility (or its equivalent) or for Chapter 31, VA VR&E’s contract with the school on VA Form 28-1905 by the first day of class.
Note: Chapter 33 students can register at the VA Regional Office to use E-Benefits to get the equivalent of a Chapter 33 Certificate of Eligibility. Chapter 31 student cannot get a completed VA Form 28-1905 (or any equivalent) before the VA VR&E case-manager issues it to the school.
- Provide Written request to be certified
Title 38 U.S.C. §3691A(a)(2)(B) provides that an educational institution may not take the following actions when a member receives orders for a period of service:
- Assigning the member a failing grade,
- Reducing the member’s grade point average,
- Characterizing any member’s absence(s) as unexcused, or
- Assessing a financial penalty on a member because of a withdraw or leave of absence due to receiving orders for service.
Additionally, Title 38 U.S.C. §3691A(b) provides that an educational institution must take the following actions when a member withdraws due to receiving orders for a period of service:
- Refunding all tuition and fees paid for the academic term to the appropriate party. Please note that VA’s interpretation of academic term is the term as reported to your State Approving Agency and VA.
- Refunding payments made by the student (or behalf of the student) to the institution for housing. Please note that in this instance the reference to housing is not the monthly housing allowance provided by the Post 9/11 GI Bill but rather housing costs such as dorm fees.
Finally, Title 38 U.S.C. §3691A(c) provides that an educational institution must take the following actions when a member takes a leave of absence from a course(s) due to receiving orders for a period of service:
- Assigning a grade of incomplete (or equivalent) for the course(s) during the term, and
- Providing the opportunity to complete the term after the period of service.
Disapproval of courses: (a)(1) Except as provided by paragraph (2), any course approved for the purposes of this chapter which fails to meet any of the requirements of this chapter shall be immediately disapproved by the Secretary or the appropriate State approving agency. An educational institution which has its courses disapproved by the Secretary or a State approving agency will be notified of such disapproval by a certified or registered letter of notification and a return receipt secured.
(2) In the case of a course of education that would be subject to disapproval under paragraph (1) solely for the reason that the Secretary of Education withdraws the recognition of the accrediting agency that accredited the course, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, in consultation with the Secretary of Education, and notwithstanding the withdrawal, may continue to treat the course as an approved course of education under this chapter for a period not to exceed 18 months from the date of the withdrawal of recognition of
the accrediting agency, unless the Secretary of Veterans Affairs or the appropriate State approving agency determines that there is evidence to support the disapproval of the course under this chapter. The Secretary shall provide to any veteran enrolled in such a course of education notice of the status of the course of education.
(b) Each State approving agency shall notify the Secretary of each course which it has disapproved under this section. The Secretary shall notify the State approving agency of the Secretary’s disapproval of any educational institution under chapter 31 of this title.
(c)(1) Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter and subject to paragraphs (3) through (6), the Secretary shall disapprove a course of education provided by a public institution of higher learning if the institution charges tuition and fees for that course for covered individuals who are pursuing the course with educational assistance under chapter 30, 31, or 33 of this title while living in the State in which the institution is located at a rate that is higher than the rate the institution charges for tuition and fees for that course for residents of the State in which the institution is located, regardless of the covered individual’s State of residence.
(2) For purposes of this subsection, a covered individual is any individual as follows:
(A) A veteran who was discharged or released from a period of not fewer than 90 days of service in the active military, naval, or air service less than three years before the date of enrollment in the course concerned.
(B) An individual who is entitled to assistance under—
(i) section 3311(b)(9) of this title; or
(ii) section 3319 of this title by virtue of the individual’s relationship to—
(I) a veteran described in subparagraph (A); or
(II) a member of the uniformed services described in section 3319(b) of this title who is serving on active duty.
(C) An individual who is entitled to rehabilitation under section 3102(a) of this title.
(3) If after enrollment in a course of education that is subject to disapproval under paragraph (1) by reason of paragraph (2)(A), (2)(B), or (2)(C) a covered individual pursues one or more courses of education at the same public institution of higher learning while remaining continuously enrolled (other than during regularly scheduled breaks between courses, semesters or terms) at that institution of higher learning, any course so pursued by the covered individual at that institution of higher learning while so continuously enrolled shall also be subject to disapproval under paragraph (1).
(4) It shall not be grounds to disapprove a course of education under paragraph (1) if a public institution of higher learning requires a covered individual pursuing a course of education at the institution to demonstrate an intent, by means other than satisfying a physical presence requirement, to establish residency in the State