Saint Leo University is committed to policies that ensure there is no discrimination on the basis of age, gender, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, or disability. The University prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in admission or access to its educational programs and associated activities.
Students with disabilities requiring special services should identify themselves and their needs to the Office of Accessibility Services, University Enrollment Management - University Campus Enrollment, Center for Online Learning Enrollment, Education Center Enrollment as soon as possible after receiving notification of their admission to the University.
Students interested in attending Saint Leo University's traditional, residential undergraduate areas of study should refer to the section outlining admission information for University Campus .
Students interested in attending Saint Leo University at one of our regional Education Centers should refer to the section outlining those procedures.
Students interested in attending Saint Leo University by taking their entire classwork online through the Center for Online Learning should refer to the section outlining those procedures.
Transfer Credit Policies
Students are classified as transfer students if they have previously registered at any other college or university as a matriculated student and earned at least 19 credits or more. To receive individualized information regarding the evaluation of transfer credits, students must first apply for admission.
The Registrar's Office is responsible for the awarding of transfer credit and completes course-by-course transfer credit evaluations for all new transfer students. All students are provided with a formal evaluation recognizing transfer of credit, if applicable. When a student declares a degree program, the University prepares a Program Evaluation specifying the degree requirements needed to fulfill that degree program.
Upon completion of the Registrar's evaluation, students will have access to their Program Evaluation and a Transfer Equivalency Report online via the Saint Leo Portal and eLion. The Transfer Equivalency Report shows all transfer work and non-coursework credit accepted from each school or organization. The Program Evaluation shows the specific degree requirements needed, what transfer work is applied, and courses left for degree completion.
Students have 7 years to complete the degree requirements for an associate or bachelor's degree and 5 years for a graduate degree in effect in the catalog year they matriculated under.
The University does not provide an official Saint Leo University transcript of transfer credit until successful completion of at least one course at Saint Leo University. A student must be currently enrolled or have completed 30 credit hours at Saint Leo University in order to continue to have transfer credit from other regionally accredited institutions added to his or her Saint Leo University transcript. No quality points are awarded for transfer credit.
Saint Leo University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, bachelor's, master's, specialist, and doctoral degrees. Questions about the accreditation of Saint Leo University may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC's website (www.sacscoc.org). Saint Leo credits should transfer to other regionally and nationally accredited institutions, but the final decision on acceptance of transfer credits and degrees earned at Saint Leo will be determined by the receiving institution.
Traditional Transfer Credit
Saint Leo University recognizes transfer credit from regionally accredited institutions. Non-regionally accredited coursework may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Transfer credit is assessed on the educational quality of the learning experience; the comparability of the nature, content, and level of the learning experience; and the applicability of the learning experience in light of the student's educational goals.
Credit earned more than 10 years prior to the date of application to Saint Leo University is subject to review when the transfer evaluation is done and may not be applicable to a current degree program.
The maximum number of credits that can be transferred and accepted from community or junior colleges by Saint Leo University is 64 hours.
Credit will be granted only for courses in which the student received a D or higher at a regionally accredited postsecondary institution.
The associate of arts degree holder may earn a bachelor's degree by electing one of Saint Leo University's majors, satisfying all degree requirements, and completing a minimum of 25 percent of the total required credit at Saint Leo University, half of which must be in the major.
Students who transfer to the University are not expected to complete the entire University Exploration (general education) courses for we recognize that other colleges and universities have legitimate alternative means of providing students with a basis in the liberal arts. Students transferring to Saint Leo University with an associate of arts degree in liberal arts will have University Explorations requirements met with the exception of the University Exploration Foundation courses and a religion course (unless transferred in).
Students who hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university will be considered to have satisfied all University Exploration (general education) requirements except a religion course (unless transferred in) for a degree from Saint Leo University. Such students may earn a bachelor's degree by electing one of Saint Leo University's majors, satisfying all degree requirements, and completing a minimum of a minimum of 25 percent of the total required credit at Saint Leo University, half of which must be in the major.
No quality points are awarded for transfer credit.
Permission to enroll in courses at another institution of higher education will be granted to students only in one of the following situations: (a) if the course the student wishes to take is not offered by Saint Leo University, (b) if the student is in senior status and is required to take a particular course for graduation that is not scheduled to be offered during that student's senior year, or (c) if the student has met residency requirements but no longer has access to a Saint Leo University Center. Prior approval to take courses elsewhere must be sought by the student in order to ensure that the course credits will be acceptable to the University and, where appropriate, would be applicable to the student's degree requirements. The student must meet with his or her academic Dean, Regional Education Center Director, or OL Director, as appropriate, to request such an approval. Upon completion of a course taken elsewhere, the student must have an official transcript forwarded from the other institution to his or her Center at Saint Leo University.
Nontraditional Transfer Credit
Saint Leo University recognizes nontraditional transfer credit earned or validated through the methods listed below.
Military Service Courses and Training
Credit for military courses and training may be granted, based on formal evaluation by the Registrar and credit recommendations in the guides to the evaluation of military credit published by the American Council on Education (ACE). The maximum limit upon this category of transcript credit is 39 semester hours. In addition to the University's Program Evaluation/Degree Audit, a Student Agreement (SA) is also completed, which shows previous college courses, nontraditional learning, MOS and military training courses, and national exams.
Criminal Justice Training Experience
Elective course credit for training may be awarded based upon individual evaluations of official criminal justice training certificates and/or transcripts. A total of 15 elective credits may be awarded for the Basic Police and/or Corrections Academy training where that training has received State approval. The Basic Police and/or Corrections Academy training will be calculated in the following manner: 1 to 200 training hours may be considered for 3 elective credit hours, 200 to 400 training hours may be considered for up to 6 elective credit hours, and 400 or more training hours may be considered for a maximum of 15 elective credit hours. Basic Police and/or Corrections Academy training hours cannot be used for anything other than elective credit.
Additional elective credit may be awarded for other criminal justice training. This elective training is calculated in the following format: For every 100 hours of criminal justice documented training, submitted simultaneously, 3 elective credit hours may be awarded up to a maximum of 6 elective credit hours. In order to receive consideration for elective credit, students must submit a copy of the training certificate with the number of hours clearly identified by the training institution or an official transcript from a Regionally Accredited Educational Institution to their academic advisor and complete the necessary documentation for submission. No in-service or mandatory re-training hours will be accepted for elective credit. Any certificate without the documented training hours will not be considered.
A maximum of 21 elective credit hours may be awarded.
Noncollegiate Sponsored Instruction
The University recognizes credit recommendations established by the American Council on Education and published in The National Guide to Educational Credit for Training Programs. Credit is also recognized from the National College Credit Recommendation Service (NCCRS). A maximum of 33 hours may be awarded.
Standardized Examinations
The University recognizes the following standardized examinations at the credit levels recommended by the respective testing services:
- Excelsior College Examinations (formerly ACT PEP: Regents)
- College Level Examination Program (CLEP) general examinations and specific subtests.
Up to 40 credits may be earned through the general examinations.
- Advanced Placement Exams.
Information on CLEP or Advanced Placement Exams may be obtained by contacting www.collegeboard.org.
- Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES). Information on DANTES may be obtained by contacting
www.getcollegecredit.com.
- Cambridge AICE/GCE
- CAPE: Caribbean Adsvanced Proficiency Examination
Advanced Placement
University credit for advanced placement examinations will normally be given in those subjects in which a candidate achieves a score of 3 or higher. Students may receive credits in American history, American government, European history, biology, calculus, computer science, chemistry, English, mathematics, physics, Spanish, and music.
The University Entrance Examination Board advanced placement tests are given during the month of May. Information about schedules, subjects, test sites, and fees may be obtained from high school guidance counselors or from AP Services, P.O. Box 6671, Princeton, NJ 08541-6671. The applicant should request to have the test scores sent directly to the Office of Admissions from the testing agency. .
In most cases, transfer credit is granted in accordance with scores recommended by the American Council of Education. However, there are specific exceptions in which the University requires a higher score than the recommended score in order to fulfill degree requirements. Students should meet with their academic advisor prior to taking any standardized tests. The maximum limit on standardized examination transfer credit is 40 semester hours. All such credit will be listed on the student's transcript and will not be removed once it has been added to the transcript.
For more detailed information about Transfer Credit go to Transfer Policies | Saint Leo University.
International Students
Saint Leo University accepts international students in all programs except for those offered at Education Centers located on military installations. Interested applicants should refer to "International Student Admission Policies ".
Special/Transient Students
The University is prepared to enroll a limited number of students who wish to take selected courses for credit but who do not wish to study for a degree. These students must complete a short application, which can be obtained from the Admissions Office at University Campus or from the Education Center where they wish to attend. Special/transient students need not provide transcripts from previous institutions except in cases where the course(s) the student wishes to take require prerequisites. In that case, a transcript showing successful completion of the prerequisite courses at a regionally accredited postsecondary institution must be submitted. Veterans eligible for VA educational training benefits must be in a degree-seeking status in order to be certified for VA benefits.
A special student is subject to the same academic regulations and discipline as other students. Application for degree-seeking status should be made upon completion of 12 semester hours at Saint Leo University.
Appeal of Admission Decision
Applicants denied admission to Saint Leo University may appeal the decision by filing a written request for review to the Assistant Vice President for Enrollment within 30 days of the decision. The applicant may submit additional documentation, which will be reviewed along with all previously submitted credentials. The applicant will be informed of the decision within 30 days of the receipt of the request for review.
Readmission Policy
Saint Leo University students who have been previously accepted but never enrolled or who have not taken courses for one year (3 semesters or 6 terms consecutively) must be readmitted to the university. This policy is applicable to students who voluntary and involuntary withdraw, regardless of the reason for the withdraw.
Students who wish to return must apply for readmission at least one month prior to the intended date of return. Students will be evaluated on current admissions requirements. Readmitted students will follow the catalog and curricular policies and requirements in effect at the time of return. If their original program requirements have changed, they will have to meet any additional program requirements. If their original program no longer exists, they will have to select a different program and satisfy the requirements of that program. Students must submit all transcripts from schools attended during their absence from the university. Students who have been suspended for academic deficiencies or disciplinary reasons must meet the requirements given at the time of suspension before readmission can be considered and are required to submit a written appeal as part of the readmission process. Conditions for readmission may be specified.
Students should contact the Office of Admissions reentry services at admissions@saintleo.edu to resume their program at Saint Leo.
Military service members and reservists out for three or more consecutive semesters or more than seven terms because of military service are required to submit a new application and official transcripts. The university will readmit service members and reservists after their short absence due to service requirements/obligations, pursuant with the guidelines of section 484C [20 U.S.C 1091c] of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended. 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. Students should contact the Office of Admissions reentry services at admissions@saintleo.edu or their advisor to resume their program at Saint Leo.
Limited Access Programs
Some undergraduate programs have limited access with special admission criteria. Undergraduates seeking entrance to limited access degree programs must meet program requirements in addition to requirements for admission to the University. Saint Leo University has the following undergraduate programs as limited access: Nursing, B.S.N. The admissions requirements for these degree programs may be found in the College of Health Professions sections of this catalog.
Student Financial Assistance
Saint Leo University awards institutional, federal, and various state financial aid to eligible students who are enrolled in a degree program and attending at least half time.
Financial aid is any form of assistance that helps to pay college education expenses. Scholarships, grants, loans, and student employment programs are all classified as financial aid. Scholarships are awards based on academic achievement, personal accomplishment, or community service. Scholarships do not require repayment. Grants are awards based on financial need and also do not require repayment. Student employment programs provide part-time employment opportunities to students. Loans are funds borrowed to help pay educational costs and do require repayment of principal and interest after a student is no longer enrolled at least half time.
The upcoming sections describe the various types of available financial assistance, followed by the procedures used to apply for them. 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 on the financial aid web section at www.saintleo.edu/tuition-financial-aid for detailed information.
It is recommended that a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) be filed annually to be considered for financial assistance.
Federal Financial Aid Sources
- Direct Loan Program. All eligible students may receive a Direct Unsubsidized Loan regardless of financial need. Interest accrues on unsubsidized loans while a student is enrolled in school and during grace periods. When a borrower of any Direct Loan ceases to be enrolled on at least a half-time basis, a six-month grace period begins; then the loan goes into repayment on principal and interest.
- Parent PLUS Loan. To help meet educational expenses, Parents of dependent students may borrow through the Federal Parent PLUS Loan. This is a low-interest, long-term loan that is approved based on creditworthiness. Parents of dependent students may borrow up to the difference between educational costs and the student's financial aid.
Institutional Scholarship and Grant Aid
It is recommended that a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) be filed annually to be considered for financial assistance including:
- Saint Leo Endowed Scholarships and Donor Scholarships. Saint Leo is fortunate to offer scholarships made possible through the generosity of various donors. These scholarships are awarded by Student Financial Services based on specified criteria. Students receiving endowed scholarships are requested to acknowledge this assistance by communicating appreciation to the donor. Endowed and donor scholarships may be used to replace previously awarded Saint Leo grant funds.
- Saint Leo Merit and Other Institutional Scholarships and Grants. Saint Leo extends scholarship and grant aid to students who meet specific criteria on the basis of academic merit, leadership, or other accomplishments. Students who are awarded institutional aid of any kind must maintain full-time academic status (12 credit hour minimum per semester) and meet standards of satisfactory academic progress in order to remain eligible to maintain any aid deemed renewable.
Additional Sources
- State Scholarships. Applicants should check with their state scholarship agency regarding their eligibility for state aid.
- Alternative Loans. Student Financial Services encourages all students eligible for federal loans to maximize their eligibility before borrowing any alternative loans. However, if you must borrow an alternative loan, we recommend that you review many alternative loan lenders and research their policies and loan terms to decide which lender is best for you. Students interested in comparing private loans are encouraged to visit Saint Leo University's FASTChoice web tool to view a list of preferred lenders (www.saintleo.edu/tuition-financial-aid/aid/loans#toc-private-loans). FASTChoice is not a lender; it is an independent, online loan comparison program. This interactive program provides loan counseling and basic information about borrowing for students interested in private lender options. Students can apply online for loans directly from this site. Students are free to select any lender they choose, including those not presented through FASTChoice.
Financial Aid for International Students
Institutional financial aid for international students is limited. Academic scholarships are available to international students on the basis of academic qualifications and will be determined at the time that the student's application for admission is reviewed.
Generally, international students must show evidence of ability to pay all direct and indirect costs of attendance. Indirect costs include expenses not covered by tuition, including housing, meals, books, fee charges, travel, personal living expenses, and living expenses when school is not in session and the student is unable to return home. United States immigration law requires non-U.S. citizens who are not permanent residents to submit a Declaration and Certification of Finances form as proof that assets are available to cover all costs of attendance.
Educational loans are available to international students through a variety of lending institutions. Virtually all require the signature of a U.S. co-signer. For more information, call, write, or e-mail Student Financial Services.
Note: Financial aid (including scholarships) for U.S. citizens living overseas will be determined as for other U.S. citizens, that is, by academic qualifications and the results of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
How Financial Aid Awards and Amounts Are Determined
Financial aid is awarded on the basis of financial need, program requirements, and fund availability. Financial need is calculated using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Using the income and asset information reported, a measurement of the family's financial strength is calculated. This calculation is the estimated family contribution (EFC). The estimated family contribution is subtracted from the cost of education to determine the student's financial need. The cost of education is made up of direct and indirect costs. Direct costs include tuition and fees. Indirect costs include estimates for books, transportation, and personal and miscellaneous costs.
Financial Aid Application Process
New University Campus Students:
- Apply for admission. Admission to the University is required in order to receive financial aid. Students must also be enrolled in a degree-seeking program in order to receive financial aid.
All Students:
- Apply for financial aid each year after October 1 at the FAFSA website (studentaid.gov). Filing for federal aid is free—it is unnecessary to pay for assistance with filing the FAFSA. Accurate income tax information should be used and is accessible on the FAFSA website through the IRS data retrieval tool.
Apply early. Financial aid funds are limited. Filing your FAFSA after October 1 but before January 1 increases the opportunity to receive scholarships and grant funds. The FAFSA can be filed before official admission notification. Filing for financial aid does not affect admission to the University. Estimated tax information is acceptable. Financial aid advisors are available to assist in the completion of the FAFSA.
Contacting the Student Financial Services Office:
By phone: 800-240-7658
By e-mail: sfs@saintleo.edu
Students can "sign" the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) electronically by requesting a FSA ID at the FAFSA website.
- The FSA ID will be sent to the student, usually within 24-48 hours, depending on whether the PIN is sent electronically or via mail.
- Use 2021 tax information for the 2023-2024 year.
- Use 001526 on the FAFSA as the Saint Leo Federal School ID.
After the FAFSA is submitted, the applicant will receive a Student Aid Report or SAR. The applicant should review the SAR for accuracy. Corrections can be made online at https://studentaid.gov or by calling the Department of Education at (800) 433-3243. The SAR will indicate if the student has been selected for "verification" by CPS. The student will be notified via email of what documentation is required to complete verification. Additional information is located at https://www.saintleo.edu/tuition-financial-aid/aid/financial-aid-process#toc-financial-aid-verification
Generally, financial aid cannot be awarded or disbursed after the end of the award year; therefore, timely submission of requested documents is imperative.
New University Campus Students: All required documentation must be submitted prior to the last two weeks of your first term/semester. If you fail to submit the required documentation prior to the deadline, your financial aid package will be canceled and may result in a balance owed to the University. Any balance owed must be paid in full prior to subsequent registration, transcript release, or graduation.
All Students: All required documents must be submitted prior to the last two weeks of your first term/semester. If you fail to submit the required documents prior to the deadline, you may not be eligible for financial aid.
After the SAR has been received and reviewed by Student Financial Services, eligible students will receive a financial aid offer. A student's offer is available for viewing via login.saintleo.edu in the Student Self Service application.
The financial aid offer indicates what aid the student may receive if all requirements are met. Requirements to receive aid include the following:
Enrollment: All financial aid requires enrollment. Pell and FSEOG grants are adjusted according to enrollment. Both grants requires at least half-time enrollment.
Eligibility: Any changes in eligibility may result in a reduction or elimination of award. To receive financial aid, a student must meet fundamental eligibility requirements:
- be a citizen of the United States or permanent resident for federal and state funds
- be enrolled as a degree-seeking student
- be making satisfactory progress toward a degree
- be a high school graduate or possess a high school equivalency
- not be in default on a federal student loan*
- not owe a repayment on a federal grant*
- not have exceeded the annual or aggregate federal loan limits
*The National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) must indicate that a student is not in default or owe a repayment of a federal grant before Saint Leo will award and/or disburse any federal or state funds to the student.
Fund availability: Funding may change during the course of the year because some funds have a limited amount of funds available.
To apply for Direct loans:
Saint Leo University participates in the Direct Loan Program. To receive a Direct Loan, you must complete a master promissory note (MPN) and Entrance Counseling. Instructions for completing the MPN and Entrance Counseling can be found at studentaid.gov
Students who have already received a loan at Saint Leo:
Students must accept their loans) by signing into login.saintleo.edu and clicking on Student Self Service.
Deadlines: There are federal, state, and other deadlines that must be met in order to receive financial aid. Student Aid Reports (SARs) must be received prior to the last day of attendance in order to be considered for eligibility. However, students should apply as early as possible, as applications are processed based on the current volume. Students applying for a student loan must accept the loan at least two weeks before the end of the requested loan period in order to be considered for eligibility.
Disbursement of Funds
Financial aid is disbursed assuming all requirements are met, within 10 days of the beginning of the term (8-week class) for term based students and 10 days of the beginning of the semester for semester based students. Requirements can include verification completion, enrollment, and program specific requirements. A change in your status pertaining to any of these requirements can impact your eligibility for financial aid funds.
Financial aid is disbursed directly to a student's account. The funds are used to pay tuition and required fees, along with housing and food, if applicable. Refunds are issued within 14 days from the date a credit balance is created.
This complete policy is located at https://www.saintleo.edu/tuition-financial-aid.
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; and
- Complete program of study within the maximum timeframe of 150% of published program length
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.
Military Tuition Benefits
Saint Leo University offers programs that are approved for Military Tuition Assistance and Veteran Administration (VA) Education Benefits. VA Education Benefits help veterans, service members, and their qualified family members pay for college. Eligibility to receive VA education benefits is determined by the Department of Veteran Affairs. Military Tuition Assistance is a benefit paid to eligible members of the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, and Coast Guard. Each service has its own criteria for eligibility, obligated service, application processes, and restrictions. Future students should verify their eligibility with their branch's military education office prior to enrolling. Service members must receive approval from an Educational Services Officer (ESO) or counselor within the Military Service prior to enrolling. Saint Leo University does not determine Military Tuition Assistance or VA Education Benefit eligibility.
Students eligible to receive Federal military or veterans' educational benefits and who have applied for Title IV aid using the Free Application for Federal Student AID (FAFSA) can access a College Financing Plan. The College Financing Plan is a standardized financial aid offer designed by the Department of Education. It is a snapshot of a student's personal aid package, intended to provide prospective undergraduate and graduate students with a consistent way to view costs and aid between universities. The College Financing Plan is available through the Saint Leo Portal and complies with the Principles of Excellence for Educational Institutions Serving Service Members, Veterans, Spouses, and Other Family Members.
In compliance with regulatory agencies, Saint Leo University does not provide commission, bonus or other incentive payment based directly or indirectly on securing Service member enrollments. Additionally, our policies are consistent with the ban against high-pressure recruitment tactics as identified in DOD Instruction 1322.25 and the DODMOU.
Military Tuition Assistance
To verify your eligibility and assess resources available, please contact your military education office. Perspective students should consult their military education office prior to enrolling regarding eligibility and the process to apply for TA funds. The Service member should also visit their respective Military Service's education portal for additional information. Once eligibility has been confirmed, fax your approved TA form to (352) 433-1903 or email the document to Jennifer.Werme@saintleo.edu (US Navy/Marine Corps/ Coast Guard) or Tami.Gildea@saintleo.edu (US Air Force). US Army/US Army Reserves/US Army National Guard do not need to submit TA forms, Saint Leo University will download the eligibility list from the respective website. TA must be requested each term, for each class.
Withdrawal from the University
In accordance with Federal Title IV regulations, federal financial aid is earned based upon the length of time that a student is enrolled. When a student withdraws from Saint Leo University before 60 percent of the term or semester has been completed, a portion of any federal loans or grants will be refunded to the federal aid program. This applies to students who withdraw, officially or unofficially, from all of their classes. The Federal Title IV refund regulations are separate and distinct from Saint Leo University tuition refund policies. For further information, please contact Student Financial Services.
Other Financial Information
Finance and Accounting Office Policies
- The advance payment for each semester is nonrefundable unless the student becomes academically ineligible. After classes begin, laboratory and special fees are nonrefundable.
- All regular charges are payable as billed.
- Students eligible for VA educational benefits may, under special circumstances, arrange for a deferment of tuition payments. Such deferment may be granted for one term at a time. It is the responsibility of the student to fulfill financial obligations to the University. Failure to do so may result in the student not being allowed to register in a subsequent term. Further information may be obtained from the University VA-certifying officials at University Campus or a regional Education Center.
- Grants and loans administered by the University are credited to the student's account in an amount prorated by semester or term.
- Outside scholarships: A student receiving an outside scholarship or other type of monetary award must present written evidence of the amount and conditions of the award to Saint Leo's Student Financial Services. When the award is presented to the University, Student Financial Services will credit that amount to the student's account. In certain cases, these awards may be posted to the student's account as "pending financial aid." If the award is not received by the University, it will be removed. In these cases, the student is responsible for all charges.
- Students in the Work Study Program are paid semi-monthly by payroll check for hours worked. A portion of a paycheck may be applied toward their tuition or fees; these funds are not automatically applied to student financial indebtedness.
- For reasons of nonpayment, Student Financial Services may at times place a student on financial hold. Financial hold could consist of prohibiting registration, campus housing, class attendance, meal plan privileges, and all other student privileges. No transcripts, diplomas, certificates of attendance, or certain other official documents will be released if a student has financial indebtedness to the University. If a student is put on financial hold, the student should immediately contact Student Financial Services at (800) 240-7658.
- Errors: The University reserves the right to adjust clerical or computational errors in student accounts.
- Unavailability of funds: Awards are made subject to available funds. The University reserves the right to cancel or modify awards if funds are ultimately determined to be unavailable to the University.
Questions Concerning Charges and Payments
All questions from students relating to charges and payments should be directed to Student Financial Services.
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.
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.
Payment Policy
Students that agree to and participate in educational services provided by Saint Leo University incur a financial obligation to the University. Financial obligations may include but are not limited to tuition, fees, housing, meal plans, and any other additional costs. Payment are due prior to the start of a semester/term unless specifically deferred by tuition assistance, tuition remission, or authorized payment options. Students should be financially prepared to meet University expenses at the start of the term.
It is the responsibility of the student to apply for and utilize eligible financial aid to assist with covering the charges of educational services received. Financial aid includes but is not limited to, federal financial aid, state financial aid or loan funding. Additional funding that will appear as a credit on the student account statement includes but is not limited to employer tuition assistance, federal tuition assistance or Veteran's Administration benefits. It is the responsibility of the student to review account charges, understanding that once all financial aid and/or additional funding is applied, it is the responsibility of the student to pay any charges still outstanding and any new charges by the due date.
Past-Due Accounts
If financial obligations are not met by the due date, past due student account balances will receive a financial balance hold 15 days past the balance due date. A financial hold will prevent future registration as well as other services being offered in accordance with University policy. A late fee of 1% (12% annually) will be added to any past due balance each month. Students using CH 33, Post 9/11, GI Bill®, or CH 31 Veteran Readiness & Employment benefits, whose impending VA benefits have not been applied to his or her tuition and/or fees, will not be subject to late fees. Delinquent student account balances may be reported to a credit bureau and referred to collection agencies or litigated. If referred to collection agencies, collection agency fees up to 33% may be added to unpaid charges. A student may also be removed from future classes if their delinquent status is not resolved timely.
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government web site at www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.
Personal Property
The University is not responsible for loss or for damage to the personal property of students. In some cases, a homeowner's insurance policy carried by a parent/guardian may provide coverage for this purpose or can be extended to cover the student's personal belongings while living in the residence halls. Students are encouraged to examine their current policy or to secure personal property/rental insurance. Students are also encouraged to establish bank accounts at a local bank so they do not have large amounts of money in their rooms. An ATM is available on University Campus.
Refunds
Refunds due students who have credit balances on their tuition account should expect funds to be issued within 14 days. Questions regarding refunds should be directed to Student Financial Services.
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