Your Rights
Although the costs of college can sometimes seem criminal,
it's important to know that when it comes to student financial
aid, you do have some rights. Know these rights and ensure that
they are being honored by the colleges, federal and state
institutions, and financial institutions.
In General...
You have the right to:
- Privacy—all records and data submitted with financial aid
applications are treated as confidential information.
- Accept or decline any offer of financial aid
- Be notified before cancellation of aid and to be notified
of the reason for cancellation.
Concerning Applying for Financial Aid
You have the right to know:
- The cost of attendance.
- The refund policy for students who withdraw.
- What financial assistance is available from federal, state,
and institutional resources.
- The procedures and deadlines for submitting applications
for financial aid.
- How financial aid recipients are selected.
- How your eligibility is determined, including all resources
considered available to you by the financial aid office.
Concerning Any Awards You Receive
You have the right to know:
- How and when funds will be disbursed to you.
- Full details of each type of award you receive.
- The interest rate.
- The total amount you must repay.
- When your repayment begins.
- The cancellation or deferment provisions of your loan.
- The length of your repayment period.
Concerning Any Federal Work-Study Job
You have the right to know:
- A description of the job.
- The hours you must work.
- The rate of pay.
- How and when you will be paid.
Concerning Meeting the Obligations of Your Award
You have the right to know:
- The criteria used to determine satisfactory academic
progress for financial aid purposes.
- How to appeal a decision by the financial aid office
concerning your aid award.