Aid you receive from federal or state sources and from Saint Mary’s might have specific eligibility and renewal requirements and policies we must follow. Below are links to learn more about these requirements and policies:

  • Standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress: academic requirements student must meet each year in order to remain eligible for federal funding, and in some cases, state funding
  • Dropping Classes or Withdrawing During the Semester: what can happen to your financial aid if the number of credits you are taking changes, or if you leave Saint Mary’s during a semester
  • Financial Aid Refund: what happens to your federal or state aid if you withdraw during the semester
  • Tuition Refund: Saint Mary’s policy on refunds if you withdraw during the semester or drop classes after the add/drop deadline
  • Financial Aid Office’s Code of Conduct: This policy applies to all College employees, officers and agents who have responsibilities with respect to education loans or other forms of financial aid.
  • The College Bulletin: General financial aid information can be found in pages 29-47 of the College bulletin.
  • Varsity Athletics and Outside Scholarships: Per NCAA Division III regulations, students who intend on playing varsity sports at Saint Mary’s are precluded from receiving any scholarships based on athletic participation, ability or leadership in any sport which is also an NCAA sport. Varsity athletes should check with the Financial Aid Office regarding any outside scholarships or awards to ensure the terms of the scholarship will not interfere with the student’s ability to participate in varsity athletics.

Rights and Responsibilities of Students Receiving Federal Aid

Students have certain rights and responsibilities that we take very seriously. Learn about them, and become an educated consumer.

You have the right to:

  • privacy; all information submitted to the Financial Aid Office will be treated as confidential as mandated by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act
  • an explanation of the student’s financial aid eligibility.
  • appeal any financial aid decision to the Director of Financial Aid
  • be notified of changes in financial aid status and eligibility.
  • examine records maintained by our office which relate to the student's financial aid file. Students who would like to review their file must submit a written request to the Financial Aid Office.

You have a responsibility to:

  • repay student loans.
  • respond to requests from the Financial Aid Office in a timely manner.
  • use financial aid funds for education related expenses only.
  • notify the Financial Aid Office if the student changes her graduation date.
  • meet with a Financial Aid Counselor to discuss how a withdrawal or leave might affect financial aid eligibility.
  • report any outside assistance the student will be receiving to the Financial Aid Office. This is especially important for students who will be members of a Saint Mary's College varsity athletic team. 
  • report changes in academic or residential status to the Financial Aid Office.
  • be aware of all conditions related to the financial aid award offer.
  • reapply for financial aid by March 1 of each year.