[ARCHIVED CATALOG] 2020-2021 Undergraduate Academic Catalog 
    
    Nov 24, 2024  
[ARCHIVED CATALOG] 2020-2021 Undergraduate Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Admission Procedures for Saint Leo University WorldWide



Applicants looking to attend Saint Leo University as either at a WorldWide Education Center or as a fully Online student must meet the below admissions requirements.

First Time in College (FTIC)

Applicants with less than 19 credit hours of earned undergraduate postsecondary education who wish to qualify for admission as a fully matriculated, degree-seeking student at the Saint Leo University WorldWide Center for Online Learning must submit an application package including a completed application form and one of the following:

First Time in College (FTIC) must submit one of the following by the application deadline:

  • An official, regionally accredited, secondary school transcript
  • An official GED score report

FTIC students who complete the application form but fail to submit all supporting documentation prior to the application deadline for a given term may be provisionally admitted for that semester. In order for the student to re-enroll for a subsequent term, all required documents must be received by the registration deadline for that term.

Students transferring to the Saint Leo University WorldWide Center for Online Learning, who have at least 19 credit hours of earned undergraduate postsecondary education may also qualify for admission as a fully matriculated, degree-seeking student in the absence of any of the documents required above. Applicants must submit an application package including the following:

  • A completed application form
  • Official transcripts from all postsecondary education institutions attended showing at least 12 credit hours of postsecondary academic earned credit with a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 or above from regionally accredited two- or four-year postsecondary institutions.

Coursework qualifying as academic credit must be courses normally acceptable for admission as a matriculated transfer student and may not be vocational or remedial in nature. No experiential learning, including time-in-grade, time-in-service credit, or other certificate or training programs, will meet the standard of qualification for admission, high school or GED requirements, or for transfer credit unless such work is recognized in the American Council of Education (ACE) Guidebook.

Transfer students must submit official or unofficial transcripts prior to initial course registration. In order to re-enroll for a subsequent term, all official transcripts must be received by the registration deadline for that term.

Students who do not meet the 2.0 GPA requirement may still be considered for provisional admission into Saint Leo University, however in order to maintain their status they must meet the below criteria:

  • Attain a 2.0 GPA with no grades lower than a "D"
  • May only withdraw from one class during this enrollment period
  • Must contact your Student Advisor to enroll each term

If applicants meet none of the criteria for admission, they may enroll in courses as non-degree-seeking students. Upon completion of 18 credit hours of non-remedial coursework with Saint Leo University, the applicant may reapply for admission to the University.

Criminal Record

Applicants who have previously been convicted of a felony or that has a pending felony conviction may be asked to submit additional documentation including a personal statement describing each incident, documentation of the charge, and proof of final adjudication.  Saint Leo University will review the information provided by the applicant and make a determination as to whether or not to offer admission to the applicant, assuming all other application requirements are satisfied.  Admission may be denied to an applicant based on prior criminal convictions, including but not limited to instances where admission creates a risk to the safety or welfare of the University community, to specific individuals or to the public. 

Any issues related to a felony conviction or pending felony charge that was not reflected on the initial application must be reported in writing to the Admission Operations.

For privacy and consistency, documentation and questions involving criminal history should be sent to WWAdmission@saintleo.edu and not to individual University Center locations.

Transfer

Applicants who have 12 or more credit hours of earned undergraduate postsecondary education from a regionally accredited institution are considered Transfer applicants. All transfer applicants must submit a legible and clear copy of a valid government issued photo ID prior to initial course registration.

Full Admit Policy - Transfer applicants who wish to qualify for admission as a fully matriculated, degree-seeking student must submit an application package including a completed application form and official transcripts from all regionally accredited, postsecondary education institutions attended showing:

  • At least 19 credit hours of earned credit from a regionally accredited two or four-year postsecondary institution
  • A cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 or above

Coursework qualifying as academic credit must be courses normally acceptable for admission as a matriculated transfer student and may not be vocational or remedial in nature. No experiential learning, including time-in-grade, time-in-service credit, or other certificate or training programs, will meet the standard of qualification for admission, high school or GED requirements, or for transfer credit unless such work is recognized in the American Council of Education (ACE) Guidebook.

Admissions Provisional Admit Policy - Transfer applicants who complete the application form but fail to submit all supporting documentation prior to the application deadline for a given term may be provisionally admitted for two consecutive terms (one semester) provided that they submit Transcript Release Authorization form(s). In order for the student to re-enroll for a subsequent term, all required documents that meet admissions criteria must be received by the registration deadline for that term.

Academic Provisional Admit Policy - Transfer applicants who do not meet the 2.0 GPA requirement may be provisionally admitted for up to 12 credit hours based on Director of Undergraduate Enrollment approval.  To maintain their provisional admit status they must meet the below criteria throughout their provisional period:

  • Attain a 2.0 GPA with no grades lower than a "D"
  • May only withdraw from one class during this enrollment period
  • May not sit out more than 2 terms during this enrollment period
  • Must contact your Student Advisor to enroll each term

Non-Degree Seeking

Education Centers and Online Learning enroll a limited number of students who wish to take selected courses for credit but who do not want to study for a degree. These students must complete an application and indicate that they are not degree seeking. Non-degree-seeking students are limited to 18 credit hours with Saint Leo University.

Veterans eligible for Veterans Administration (VA) educational training benefits must be in a degree-seeking status in order to qualify for VA benefits. Admission requirements may also be imposed by providers of financial aid or military tuition assistance.

Military Base Education Centers

The military, Veterans Administration, or state approving agency regulations may limit enrollment at specific Education Centers. Subject to local restrictions, individuals who may enroll in the University Education Centers at military bases include active and retired military members, military Reserve and National Guard members, veterans separated from military service, military family members, civilian employees of the military installation, and other civilians residing in the locale.

The University will not enroll or admit foreign nationals to the Education Centers located on military bases foreign nationals unless they are U.S. citizens, are active-duty military members, or have permanent resident status. Foreign nationals may apply for admission to all other Education Centers or Online and must meet with an Enrollment Counselor for information regarding immigration and admission requirements (see the admission requirements for international students).

Re-Admission Policy

If it has been more than five years since your last registration at Saint Leo University, you must be readmitted. You will NOT be required to pay an application fee.  For further information on the Department of Education's policy on re-admission for service members, please see www2.ed.gov/policy/highered/guid/readmission.html.

Admission Documents

Individuals interested in applying for degree-seeking status should apply online at http://online.saintleo.edu or inquire at the local Saint Leo University Education Center. A qualified applicant will be considered to be matriculated (classified as degree seeking) when the following materials are submitted and approved by the Center Director, Director of Admissions Operations and Decision Support or designee:

  1. Completed application form.
  2. Documentation of high school or GED completion. For transfer students, this may be documented by the transcript of the previously attended university.
  3. Official transcripts from all previously attended colleges/universities.

Other transfer credits can be granted with the receipt of all appropriate documents, including:

Documentation to support the granting of university credit from such sources as:

  • CLEP, DANTES, GED college-level examinations, USAFI examinations, or advanced placement (AP) examinations.
  • Documentation for evaluation of nontraditional transfer credit (including military training on a Joint Services Transcript, a validated DD Form 295, or Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) Transcript).
  • Other relevant documentation as needed (veterans/retirees should include a DD Form 214 and DD 2586).
  • Licensure documentation to support the granting of University credit for some occupational courses. University credit is available to members of the military services upon presentation of proof of completion of service-related courses and/or training schools and to law enforcement officers who have completed coursework in the FBI National Academy, local law enforcement academies or other training, police institutes, and certified polygraph schools. Verification of coursework is obligatory in order to obtain credit. Nontraditional sources of credit have specific limits (see Nontraditional Transfer Credit).
  • For all education majors: achievement of current State of Florida requirements.

Once all of a required admissions documents are received, the Director or designee will review the application file and the student will be notified of the admission decision. Upon completion of the Registrar's evaluation, students will have access to their program evaluations online via the Saint Leo Portal and eLion. This evaluation will include courses for which transfer credit has been granted and courses left for degree completion.

Veterans Requirements

In order to file for veterans' benefits or to be eligible for most other types of financial aid, a student must first be admitted to Saint Leo University. Service members using tuition assistance have a reimbursement limit of 15 semester hours, unless they become degree seeking and obtain a Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges Agreement.

Residency Requirements

For Bachelor degree programs, there is a minimum residency requirement of at least 25% of the total required credit hours with half of those hours being in the major coursework.  All credit may be earned online.

For Associate degree programs, there is a minimum residency requirements of 25% of the total required credit hours with half of those hours being in the major coursework. All credit may be earned online.

Military Tuition Discount Rate

Active Duty, Reserve, Guard, and their spouses are eligible to receive the discounted tuition rate for all undergraduate WorldWide programs. To qualify for the discounted tuition rate, the student must be an eligible military status type, enrolled in a participating program and submit the below required document(s).

Required Documents

If Active Duty Military, Guard or Reserve - one of the following:

  • Leave and Earnings Statement (LES)
  • Enlistment Contract/Re-enlistment Contract
  • TA form

If Discount Eligible Spouse

  • DEERS form 1172

OR

A copy of marriage certificate AND one of the following:

  • Leave and Earnings Statement (LES)
  • Enlistment Contract/Re-enlistment Contract
  • TA form

Documents should be submitted to the student's designated Education Center or to the Director of Admissions Operation.

International Students Admission Policies

International students are required to have all documents and credentials submitted in accordance with the schedule in the application timetable for University Campus Admissions.

Saint Leo University recognizes all international diplomas and credits taken at accredited secondary and postsecondary institutions once all appropriate official documentation and credentials are received and translated (where necessary). Credit is granted in accordance with the Association of International Educators (NAFSA) and the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO). Students presenting diplomas indicating academic work beyond the high school level may receive up to one year of University credit. The Registrar and the academic divisions will determine the exact number and nature of courses granted once course syllabi, catalogs, and credential translations are complete.

English Language Proficiency

All international candidates for admission must prove English language proficiency in at least one of the following:

  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) - minimum score of 79 iBT
  • International English Language Testing system (IELTS) - minimum score of 6.0
  • Pearson Test of English Academics (PTE A) - minimum score of 53
  • For transfer students, two semesters with grades of B or higher in English composition courses at regionally accredited post-secondary institutions in the United States
  • Successful completion of a NAFSA-recognized ESL program
  • Students who do not meet these requirements may still be eligible for admission to Saint Leo University through the University Campus Bridge Program.
  • The Office of Admissions may require international students to take a placement test upon arrival at the University to determine appropriate placement.

Application Procedure for International Students

International students are required to submit the following items to complete an application for admission:

  • Complete free online application
  • Submit Official transcripts, mark sheets, diplomas or certificates from all post-secondary institutions attended, along with course descriptions and credit values. Students may also submit an official evaluation from a NACES approved agency.
  • Standardized test scores from either the SAT or the ACT are highly recommended but are not required. The results of these tests will be used in determining scholarship eligibility.
  • Proof of English Language Proficiency. English proficiency may be demonstrated by submitting qualifying English proficiency scores as outlined below. (See Bridge Program Section)
  • Letter of recommendation from a teacher, headmaster, or school counselor.
  • Completed Certificate of Finances indicating there are sufficient monetary resources available to the student to satisfy the costs of attendance at Saint Leo University. The financial documents cannot be older than six months at the time of submission to Saint Leo University in order to be considered valid. These financial documents include, but are not limited to, bank statements and letters, government or organization scholarships.
  • Submit color copy of biographical section of passport
  • Students transferring from another US institution completed Visa Clearance Form filled out by the international student advisor at your current US institution.

Change of Residency

A student wishing to enroll in courses at another University center or campus must apply for a change of residency. To complete an application for a change of residency, please log into https://mysaintleo.edu. Click on the "UTS Help Desk" link in the left-hand navigation bar. Follow the posted instructions to fill out the form. Please note that a change in residency may result in a change of tuition rates. Consequently, a student should not complete the application until his or her student account at the prior resident center or campus is settled. Saint Leo University reserves the right to deny a student's application for change of residency if the student violates any University policy or fails to stay current on his or her student account.

Changes of residency requests are not automatically granted and are made at the discretion of the Associate Vice President of Enrollment Servicesand Operations, or designee.

Registration

Current students can re-enroll by using Saint Leo University's online registration system, eLion, at https://elion.saintleo.edu or contact their student advisor.

Before official registrations are completed, course selections are checked to make sure that the necessary prerequisites are met. Obtaining academic advisement and early registration is highly encouraged because many course selections close out early. WorldWide students are not considered registered until they have paid for their courses (their share and documentation for any third-party payment of the remainder). Active-duty military tuition assistance requests normally take at least 24 hours to be processed and approved.

Students carrying a course load of two courses (six semester credit hours) are considered full time; those taking one course (three semester credit hours) are considered part time. A course load of three courses requires approval and a 3.0 GPA or higher. To take four courses, students must obtain permission from a Center for Online Learning administrator. A four-course load is approved only under unusual circumstances.

Learning Options for Education Center Students

Online Learning

Saint Leo offers Internet-based courses through Online Learning (OL). OL provides Education Center students at an Education Center with a convenient opportunity to supplement the courses they take in traditional on-ground classrooms with Internet-based courses. OL courses are offered through a student's Education Center and must be taken in conjunction with on-ground courses. A Education Center student is permitted to take up to two OL courses in a given term. A Education Center student may take three OL courses in a given term only by exception, with the permission of the Center Director, and if the student's GPA is 3.0 or higher.

Students interested in earning their degree completely online should enroll as an Online student.

Synchronous Learning

Saint Leo offers synchronous learning courses through Video Teaching Y Teleconferencing (VTT) and Internet Connected Classrooms (ICC). These are additional delivery options for completion of coursework, besides traditional and online options.  VTT courses connect you with instructors and students at University Campus and other Centers.  In a VTT classroom, you will actively participate in the classroom at one of our locations in "real-time" through video teleconferencing.  ICC courses provide students with unique limitations in attending a traditional or VTT class the opportunity to participate in a live, active learning environment from any location where they have high speed internet access and a web cam.  Whether students take ICC courses from their home or hotel, on board a Navy ship, or from an international location, so long as they have the internet connection and web cam these courses can meet some of the unique needs of the adult learner

Registration, Drop/Add, and Withdrawal Policies

Each Education Center publishes a schedule specifying course offerings, locations, regulations, and time periods of registration. Students should register for selected courses at their Education Center, with the exception of locations offering multi-site registration. Consult the local Education Center for details. This information is also published on Saint Leo University's website (uts.saintleo.edu/schedule/).

The University reserves the right to cancel a course for which there are insufficient enrollments. Students will be notified via e-mail or telephone, and any tuition and fees paid for a course that has been canceled will be refunded if the student does not register in a replacement course.

The drop/add period for changing course registrations is published within the Education Center's course registration material for each term. Attendance is taken during the add/drop period in every course offered in every location at Saint Leo University. Attendance is taken for the purpose of establishing a student's enrollment in a specific course so that Title IV funds may be disbursed to the student. No Title IV funds are given to a student who has not attended class during the add/drop period. Students who do not attend at least one meeting of the course during the add/drop period will have their registration for that course canceled and the record of their registration in that course deleted. A deleted record due to a student's failure to attend the class during the add/drop period may have an adverse effect on the student's financial aid.

Students who find it necessary to withdraw from any courses must contact their Education Center office to obtain academic withdrawal with a grade of W.

Any student who stops attending any course for which he or she is registered without following the appropriate withdrawal procedures will be counted as an unofficial withdrawal. As a result of unofficially withdrawing, he or she will receive a grade of FA—Failure Due to Absences. The Student Financial Support Office will reduce the student's aid eligibility and refund a portion of the student's financial aid to the original funding source. The midpoint of the enrollment period will be used for the purpose of calculating the return of Title IV funds. The student will be responsible for repayment of all outstanding loans to any lender and will be responsible for payment of the tuition and fees associated with the course. A student who earns an FA grade earns no credit, and the FA is counted in the same manner as an F grade on the student's grade report.

Saint Leo University does not recognize an unofficial withdrawal for purposes of determining an institutional refund or a change of grade to W—Withdrawn. If it is determined that the student did not begin the withdrawal process or otherwise notify the school of the intent to withdraw due to illness, accident, deployment, or other circumstances beyond the student's control, the school will determine a withdrawal date from its consideration of the circumstances.

At education centers with 15 week semesters, a full-time course load is four courses (12 credit hours) per semester. At education centers with 8 week terms, a full-time course load is two courses (6 credit hours) per term.

Students who fall below full-time status, as defined by their degree program and course of study, will be considered part time and may cause their financial aid status to be reexamined. Failure to attend class or merely giving notice to a faculty member will not be regarded as an official notice of withdrawal. Failure to properly withdraw will result in a grade of F. Deadlines for withdrawal from courses are reflected on the published schedule. Course withdrawal does not cancel any student indebtedness to the University.

Saint Leo University reserves the right to cancel the registration of any student who fails to conform to the rules and regulations of the University.

Financial Information

Saint Leo University WorldWide Education Centers and Offices:

Tuition and Fees

All tuition and fee rates are subject to changes without notice

Tuition (per credit hour) $380*
International Credential Evaluation $235
Audit Fee (Visitors & Part-Time Students) $235
Certificate Fee $65
Replacement Diploma $30
I.D. or Food Card Replacement $25
Electronic Transcripts  / Official Transcript Fee $10 - $15
Rush or Overnight Delivery $32
Course Examination Fee $80
Technology Fee (per online course) $25
Resident Parking Decal (Includes $3.93 sales tax) $60
Non-Resident Parking Decal (Includes $1.96 sales tax)) $30
Dual enrollment per credit hour (for high school students) $125

*Tuition for Active Duty Military (per credit hour) - $250

**Varies by capstone course.

Other course fees may be charged based on Center facilities. Students should consult the course schedule published each term.

Enrolled students may, with the permission of their academic advisor, take courses offered at University Campus or Online Learning. When they do, the per-credit-hour charge associated with the course location will apply.

Method of Payment

All students must pay their tuition and fees in full at the time of registration. The following payment methods may be used:

  1. Checks or credit cards are accepted at the Saint Leo University WorldWide Center or the University Campus. Do not mail cash. Payments may also be made via eLion through the University's website. Payment may also be made via Student Account Advising at (352) 588-6600 or Trane Stop at (352) 588-7496.
  2. Financial aid grants or loans administered by Saint Leo University.
  3. Financial assistance from an outside third-party source. To receive credit for this form of aid, students should present written documentation at the time of registration of the amount of the award and the manner in which it is to be paid.
  4. Students may also use the Saint Leo University deferred payment plan. Payment plan enrollment is available for the current term/semester only. Students can enroll in the payment plan via their eLion account under Financial Information. Enrollment is required each term/semester, and a $35 nonrefundable fee applies for each plan. All tuition and fees for the term/semester must be paid in full before registration for the next term/semester will be accepted. The deferred payment plan is subject to late fees, as noted below.

Late Fees

Unpaid balances are subject to a late fee of 1% monthly (12% annually). Late fees accrue 60 days after term start.

Past-Due Accounts

When a student leaves the University owing money, his or her receivable balance is placed in collection status. These accounts may be assigned to an external collection agency after 90 days past due. Students are responsible for all late fees, collection agency costs, and attorney's fees imposed on delinquent accounts. Transcripts and diplomas will not be released until the account balance is zero.

Refunds of Tuition and Course Fees

Refunds for students who withdraw shall be calculated on a pro rata basis as defined by federal regulations.

If you are contemplating a withdrawal from the University, it is highly recommended that you contact the Student Financial Support Office prior to withdrawing to discuss the impact your withdrawal may have on your current and future financial aid packages

Refunds of tuition for withdrawal from courses are given according to the following schedule. Note that if you are enrolled at a Saint Leo University Education Center and/or Online Program in Georgia, Maryland, South Carolina or Wisconsin, please proceed to the applicable schedule.

Tuition:

100% tuition refund if course withdrawal occurs by the end of the add/drop period.

75% tuition refund if course withdrawal occurs after add/drop and before the end of week two.

No refund for any course with withdrawal after the end of week two.*

*Policy does not apply to students enrolled at a Saint Leo University Education Center and/or Online Programs in Georgia, Maryland, South Carolina and Wisconsin

Laboratory and special course fees are 100% refundable if course is dropped before the end of the drop/add period. After the drop/add period, laboratory and special course fees are nonrefundable.

Refunds due students who have credit balances in their tuition account will automatically be issued within 14 days, unless funds are held due to administrative review regarding fraud or eligibility. Appeals regarding refunds shall be submitted in writing to the Business Office, MC 2097, Saint Leo University, P.O. Box 6665, Saint Leo, FL 33574-6665.

Refunds of Tuition and Course Fees (Georgia)

Refund policy for students enrolled in courses at Saint Leo University  Education Centers and/or online programs in Georgia.

Refunds of tuition for withdrawal from courses are given on the following schedule:

Tuition:

100% tuition refund if course withdrawal occurs by the end of the add/drop period.

75% tuition refund if course withdrawal occurs after add/drop and before less than 25% of the course term is completed.

50% tuition refund if course withdrawal occurs after more than 25% and less than 50% of the course term is completed.

No refund for any course with withdrawal after 50% of the term is completed.

Laboratory and special course fees are 100% refundable if course is dropped before the end of the drop/add period. After the drop/add period, laboratory and special course fees are nonrefundable.

Refunds due students who have credit balances in their tuition account will automatically be issued within 14 days, unless funds are held due to administrative review regarding fraud or eligibility. Appeals regarding refunds shall be submitted in writing to the Business Office, MC 2097, Saint Leo University, P.O. Box 6665, Saint Leo, FL 33574-6665.

Refunds of Tuition and Course Fees (Maryland)

Refund policy for students enrolled in courses at Saint Leo University Education Centers and/or online programs in Maryland.

Refunds of tuition for withdrawal from courses are given on the following schedule:

Tuition:

100% tuition refund if course withdrawal occurs by the end of the add/drop period.

90% tuition refund if course withdrawal occurs after add/drop and before 10% of the course is completed.

80% tuition refund if course withdrawal occurs after 10% of the course is completed but before 20% of the course has been completed.

60% tuition refund if course withdrawal occurs after 20% of the course has been completed but before 30% of the course has been completed.

40% tuition refund if course withdrawal occurs after 30% of the course has been completed but before 40% of the course has been completed.

20% tuition refund if course withdrawal occurs after 40% of the course has been completed but before 60% of the course has been completed.

No refund for any course with withdrawal after 60% of the course has been completed.

Refunds due students who have credit balances in their tuition account will automatically be issued within 14 days, unless funds are held due to administrative review regarding fraud or eligibility. Appeals regarding refunds shall be submitted in writing to the Business Office, MC 2097, Saint Leo University, P.O. Box 6665, Saint Leo, FL 33574-6665.

Refunds of Tuition and Course Fees (South Carolina)

Refund policy for students enrolled in courses at Saint Leo University Education
Centers and/or online programs in South Carolina.

Refunds of tuition for withdrawal from courses are given on the following schedule:

Tuition:

100% tuition refund if course withdrawal occurs by the end of the add/drop period.

75% tuition refund if course withdrawal occurs after add/drop and before 25% of the course is completed.

60% tuition refund if course withdrawal occurs after 25% of the course is completed but before 38% of the course has been completed.

50% tuition refund if course withdrawal occurs after 38% of the course is completed but before 50% of the course has been completed.

30% tuition refund if course withdrawal occurs after 50% of the course is completed but before 60% of the course has been completed.

No refund for any course with withdrawal after 60% of the course has been completed.

Laboratory and special course fees are 100% refundable if course is dropped before the end of the drop/add period. After the drop/add period, laboratory and special course fees are nonrefundable.

Refunds due students who have credit balances in their tuition account will automatically be issued within 14 days, unless funds are held due to administrative review regarding fraud or eligibility. Appeals regarding refunds shall be submitted in writing to the Business Office, MC 2097, Saint Leo University, P.O. Box 6665, Saint Leo, FL 33574-6665.

Refunds of Tuition and Course Fees (Wisconsin)

Refund policy for students enrolled in courses at Saint Leo University Center for Online Learning in Wisconsin.

A student who withdraws or is dismissed after attending at least one class, but before completing 60% of the instruction in the current enrollment period, is entitled to a pro rata refund as follows:

Tuition:

100% tuition refund if course withdrawal occurs by the end of the add/drop period.

90% tuition refund if course withdrawal occurs after add/drop and before 10% of the course is completed.

80% tuition refund if course withdrawal occurs after 10% of the course is completed but before 20% of the course has been completed.

70% tuition refund if course withdrawal occurs after 20% of the course is completed but before 30% of the course has been completed.

60% tuition refund if course withdrawal occurs after 30% of the course is completed but before 40% of the course has been completed.

50% tuition refund if course withdrawal occurs after 40% of the course is completed but before 50% of the course has been completed.

40% tuition refund if course withdrawal occurs after 50% of the course is completed but before 60% of the course has been completed.

No refund for any course with withdrawal after 60% of the course has been completed.

As part of this policy, the school may retain a one-time application fee of no more than $100.  The school will make every effort to refund prepaid amounts for books, supplies, and other charges.  A student will receive the refund within 40 days of termination date.  If a student withdraws after completing 60% of the instruction, and withdrawal is due to mitigating circumstances beyond the student's control, the school may refund a pro rata amount.

A written notice of withdrawal is not required.

Add/Drop/Withdrawal

Registered students may add courses until the first day of classes. To receive a full refund, courses should be dropped before the end of the first week of classes. Registered students are automatically "dropped" from classes if not logged in during the first week of classes.

The University reserves the right to cancel a course for which there are insufficient enrollments. Students will be notified via e-mail or telephone, and any tuition and fees paid for a course that has been canceled will be refunded if the student does not register in a replacement course.

Withdrawal with an Excuse

If a student is active-duty military and receives unexpected TDY orders during the semester, an excused withdrawal is available without financial penalty by providing orders of the duty to the Saint Leo University Online Learning Center. Students may re-enroll for the same class at a later date without penalty. During this time, the Online Learning Center will hold the tuition. These circumstances must be reported to the issuing Tuition Assistance office in order to avoid repayment of the Tuition Assistance portion of the bill.

Military Refunds of Online Tuition and Course Fees (Iowa)

Refund policy for military Iowa students enrolled in online courses at Saint Leo University.  It is the responsibility of the student to contact your enrollment counselor/advisor, provide proper documentation and follow the appropriate procedure.

Saint Leo University will offer the following options to a student who is a member, or the spouse of a member if the member has a dependent child, of the Iowa National Guard or reserve forces of the United States and who is ordered to state military service or federal service or duty:

  • Withdraw the student's entire registration and issue a full refund of tuition and mandatory fees.
  • Make arrangements with the student's instructors for course grades, or for incompletes that shall be completed by the student at a later date. If such arrangements are made, the student's registration shall remain intact and tuition and mandatory fees shall be assessed for the courses in full.
  • Make arrangements with only some of the student's instructors for grades, or for incompletes that shall be completed by the student at a later date. If such arrangements are made, the registration for those courses shall remain intact and tuition and mandatory fees shall be assessed for those courses. Any course for which arrangements cannot be made for grades or incompletes shall be considered dropped and the tuition and mandatory fees for the course refunded.

 Student Financial Support Office

The Student Financial Support Office administers federal, state, private and university financial assistance programs, including student employment.

It is the purpose of the Student Financial Support Office to provide needy and/or academically qualified students with financial aid in the form of scholarships, grants, loans and work programs to the extent that resources are available. In order to make the best use of limited funds, awards often consist of a combination of resources. Professional staff members are ready to help all students plan for the most efficient use of their financial resources for education.

The Student Financial Support Office's primary means of communication to students is through email. It is the student's responsibility to frequently check their Saint Leo University email for important messages from the Student Financial Support Office.

It should be noted that the information in the catalog is not all inclusive. It is the student's responsibility to review all of the relevant information. Please visit the Financial Aid web section at www.saintleo.edu/finaid for detailed information about the following:

  • Tuition and costs
  • Tuition refunds and returns of Title IV funds
  • Refund disbursements
  • Financial aid process
  • Financial aid eligibility requirements
  • Determining financial need
  • Accepting awards
  • Verification process
  • Satisfactory academic progress (SAP)
  • Financial aid appeal process
  • Types of financial aid
  • Student employment
  • Book vouchers
  • Consumer information

Contacting the Student Financial Support Office

Students with questions are encouraged to contact the Student Financial Support Office. 

Student Financial Support
(800) 240-7658
finaid@saintleo.edu
www.saintleo.edu/finaid

Textbooks and Course Materials Fees

Saint Leo uses Follett as its book vendor.  Financial aid students are able to buy their books using their anticipated financial aid credit (if their financial aid award exceeds tuition charges for the term).  Financial aid students who wish to buy their books using their financial aid credit must wait until after they receive their book vouchers to purchase their books.  Financial aid students will receive, via their Saint Leo email account, a notice that their financial aid voucher is available for course materials and textbook purchases.  Students who are purchasing their books by credit card can do so when registration opens.  Students can access the online bookstore ordering site at www.saintleoshop.com.

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

Students who require financial assistance in order to attend the university should apply for assistance each academic year. The U.S. Department of Education's Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on the web (www.fafsa.ed.gov) is used to determine eligibility for assistance based on need. The FAFSA must be completed for each academic year.

Students should submit their regular or renewal FAFSA so that it is received by the federal processor by the March 1 priority date.

Saint Leo University's federal school code is 001526. The FAFSA form will request this code so that your information can be sent to the university.

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)

All students receiving Federal Title IV financial aid, state aid or Saint Leo institutional aid must adhere to the university's published policy on satisfactory academic progress. The Higher Education Act as amended by Congress mandates that higher education institutions establish minimum standards of "satisfactory academic progress" for students receiving financial aid.

In order to maintain financial aid eligibility, recipients must meet all of the following SAP Policy requirements:

  • Earn a minimum cumulative GPA (please see the policy for specifics)
  • Successfully complete at least 67% of all attempted credit hours
  • Complete program of study within the maximum timeframe of 150%

SAP is evaluated at the end of each academic semester or after each set of two 8-week linked terms when grades are posted. The evaluation normally occurs two weeks after the end of the semester/term.
For full details regarding Saint Leo University's SAP policy, details concerning the requirements listed above, and the complete appeal process, visit www.saintleo.edu/sap.

Late Fees

Unpaid balances are subject to a late fee of 1% monthly (12% annually). Late fees accrue 60 days after term start.

Past-Due Accounts

When a student leaves the University owing money, his or her receivable balance is placed in collection status. These accounts may be assigned to an external collection agency after 90 days past due. Students are responsible for all late fees, collection agency costs, and attorney's fees imposed on delinquent accounts. Transcripts and diplomas will not be released until the account balance is zero.

Loan Deferment/Verification

Students must request loan deferment/enrollment verification forms from the institution requesting verification. Saint Leo University does not provide loan deferment or enrollment verification forms. All deferments must go to the Registrar's Office on the University Campus. No deferment or verification forms may be processed by the Center for Online Learning.

Financial Responsibility

The University will not release transcripts, diplomas, certificates of attendance, or certain other official documents if a student has financial indebtedness. The balance on the student account must be zero for the student to be permitted the privilege of participating in Commencement and Baccalaureate exercises.

If a student leaves the University with an unpaid balance, the University will have no other choice but to hold the student responsible for any legal and/or collection fees incurred by the University in collecting the unpaid balance.

By enrolling in and attending University courses, students acknowledge and agree that they are responsible for all charges incurred as a result of their matriculation and enrollment in the University. This includes late charges, collection agency costs, and attorney's fees imposed on delinquent student accounts. In many instances, some of the charges may be settled by a student's sponsor, employer, or other interested party; however, the student is ultimately responsible for his or her account.

By enrolling in and attending University courses, students acknowledge and agree that they are responsible for all charges incurred as a result of their matriculation and enrollment in the University. This includes late charges, collection agency fees, and attorney's fees imposed on delinquent student accounts. In many instances, some of the charges may be settled by a student's sponsor, employer, or other interested party; however, the student is ultimately responsible for his or her account.