Financial Aid & Billing

Financial Aid and Billing

This section of the Catalog provides comprehensive information about billing and financial aid processes for students enrolled at both the St. Ambrose Campus and the Mount Mercy Campus. It outlines key policies, procedures, and resources related to tuition and fees, payment options, financial aid eligibility, and refunds. Students can reference this section to better understand their financial responsibilities and access the support services available to help manage educational costs across both campuses.

Student Financial Services 

St. Ambrose Student Financial Services is your “one-stop” to handle all your Financial Aid, and Student Accounts.

Financial Aid

Procedures for Financial Aid and Scholarship Applicants

Students can obtain full information for financial aid (scholarships, loans, grants and work-study programs) from the Financial Aid Office, https://sau.edu/tuition-financial-aid/how-to-pay-for-college/#work-study .

To be considered for financial aid, students must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and send it for processing. These forms are available at the https://studentaid.gov/ .

For Iowa residents, this information will be released to the Iowa College Student Aid Commission and should reach the processor prior to July 1. Only students who submit this form on time are considered for Iowa Tuition Grant. Iowa Tuition Grant is free money from the State of Iowa that does not have to be paid back. For more information about the Iowa Tuition Grant, please see https://educate.iowa.gov/higher-ed/financial-aid .

Need must be established by completing the FAFSA form for all institutional, federal, and state funds such as loans, grants, and work-study programs. This form must be completed each year for possible renewal of need based funds.

Scholarships

General

Scholarships are awarded to students with general and special abilities. These are given on the basis of academic achievement, need, and talent.

Students must maintain satisfactory progress to remain eligible for any financial aid awards.

Requirements

To receive scholarship money, students need to be enrolled in an undergraduate program on a full-time basis (minimum of 12 semester credits). The scholarship for first year students may be renewed for a maximum of four years. For transfer students, attendance at prior schools is counted in the four year eligibility. To renew the scholarship, students need to meet all of the established financial aid policies as found at https://sau.edu/tuition-financial-aid/financial-aid/financial-aid-policies/.

Students are encouraged to apply for all other types of financial assistance by completing the FAFSA form.

Loans

Students may be eligible for a student loan assigned from the following sources:

Federal Direct Stafford Loans

Most students who are at least half time and eligible for financial aid may borrow a Federal Direct Stafford Subsidized or Unsubsidized Loan. To apply, they must have completed the FAFSA form and complete the Master Promissory Note and Loan Entrance Counseling found at www.studentaid.gov.

Federal Direct Plus Loan

A loan made available to parents to help pay college expenses for dependent students. This loan is guaranteed by the Dept. of Education and has a fixed rate. Loan may be deferred for up to 48 months. To apply, parents should go to www.studentloans.gov.

Students who need loan money to pay other education related expenses should be aware of the time factor involved in the receipt of funds. It is imperative to file for financial aid and send all needed documents in a timely manner. For more information or to apply, please go to https://sau.edu/tuition-financial- aid/financial-aid/.

Grants

Alumni

Persons who have earned an undergraduate or a graduate degree from St. Ambrose University will be entitled to a 50 percent tuition discount on undergraduate courses for which they register three or more years after the completion of their earliest St. Ambrose degree. The application for this discount is available in the Financial Aid Office.

Persons who have earned a graduate degree from St. Ambrose will be entitled to a one-third tuition discount on graduate courses in their original graduate degree program and they may enroll any time after the completion of their graduate degree. The application for this discount is available from the graduate degree program director and must be completed by the student and graduate degree program director.

This discount may not be applied to the tuition for graduate courses by alumni whose previous degree was at the undergraduate level.

Students are not eligible if they are receiving any other form of tuition assistance (i.e. state, federal, employer assistance).

Institutional Grants

Certain institutional grants are available to those students demonstrating financial need who do not have sufficient sources of other funds to cover that need. All applicants are considered for these grants automatically. Eligibility is determined by the FAFSA.

Iowa Tuition Grant Program

Qualified undergraduate Iowa students may receive financial assistance for attendance at a private Iowa college. The amount of the grant depends upon enrollment status and state budget. Students must file a FAFSA to be considered for eligibility by July 1.

Supplement Educational Opportunity Grant

This federal aid program is available to students showing exceptional financial need. Funds are limited and awarded first to full-need Pell Grant students.

Pell Grant Program

This government-financed program aids students with high financial need. Eligibility is determined by the FAFSA.

Work-Study Program

This government program provides another source of funds to assist students in obtaining their college education. The program is based on need. Eligibility is determined by the FAFSA.

University Employment

St. Ambrose has a number of opportunities for part-time employment in the University to supplement students’ financial assistance program. Jobs also are available in the community through the Career Center.

Satisfactory Academic Progress

In order for students to receive financial aid, they must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) toward a degree. Students are required to complete 67% of the credit hours attempted, as well as to maintain a minimum GPA as listed in the table below:

Satisfactory Academic Progress

Hours Earned	Cumulative GPA
0-15	1.70
16-30	1.80
31-45	1.90
46-120	2.0

Attempted Hours Include

• Incompletes: which are treated as Fs.
• Course repetitions: when a course is repeated, the most recent grade will be used in the calculation of GPA but the credits are counted as attempted for each course taken; and remedial coursework. Credits are counted even if financial aid was not being received at the time. The 67% completion rate ensures that a student will complete their degree within the maximum time frame allowed, and still be eligible for Federal student aid, which is 180 credits. Federal aid eligibility ends at 180 credits if they have not earned their first bachelor's degree. This does not guarantee receipt of institutional scholarships.
  • Note: academic scholarships require a minimum GPA of 2.0 at all times and premier academic scholarships (Ambrose, Honors, Trustees, and Presidential scholars) require a minimum GPA of 3.25 at all times and eligibility lasts up to four academic years.
• All transfer credits accepted and applied toward an SAU degree plan are counted at 100% completed. A maximum of 90 credits will be counted for a student enrolling who has a prior bachelor's degree. We do not count transfer GPA in our calculation.
• If a student changes majors, all credits attempted at the University are counted toward SAP.

Graduate Students

Most Graduate students are required to maintain a 3.0 GPA by their respective departments. The exception for graduate work holds that a GPA of 2.8-2.99 shall be deemed satisfactory progress provided the GPA is raised to 3.0 after no more than two consecutive semesters. This equates to no more than 2 C grades, which are then offset by 2 A grades. Students will be monitored both by the Financial Aid Office and by their departments.

Appeal Process

SAP is monitored annually after each spring semester. If a student fails to maintain SAP, he/she will be deemed unsatisfactory and financial aid will be suspended for future terms, including summer term.

A student may appeal the suspension to the SAP Appeals Committee by submitting an SAP Appeal form (sent with your notice and also available in Student Financial Services Office), a letter of appeal, and an academic plan that’s been completed with the Advising Office. Financial Aid Office staff comprise the SAP Appeals Committee. The letter must include an explanation as to why Satisfactory Academic Progress was not maintained and what has changed that will allow the student to make SAP at the next evaluation at the end of the following spring term. Documentation to support the appeal must accompany the letter, academic plan, and SAP Appeal Form. Appeals will be considered for pertinent situations that were beyond the student's control. For example, a health issue that prohibited class attendance or a documented, work-related interruption. Please contact the Financial Aid Office for further guidance at 563-333-5775.

The SAP Appeals Committee will approve an appeal if it is determined that the student will be able to make SAP standards by the end of the next academic year OR as determined by advising that it will take multiple terms to regain satisfactory standing, which is outlined in the plan. The student will be monitored each term to make sure they are following the outlined course plan and making progress.

If an appeal is approved and the student still does not make SAP by the end of the next monitoring period or Academic Plan period, whichever the case may be, the student's financial aid will be suspended until they regain satisfactory standing. If new or additional extenuating circumstances occurred during the probationary period, the student may appeal in person to the SAP Appeals Committee. Further eligibility for financial aid will be determined at that time.

Withdrawing from the University

Important considerations before dropping a class or withdrawing from school:

• Students should consider consulting with an advisor or counselor.
• Students should consider a possible reduction of financial aid.

To initiate the withdrawal process, a student must contact the Office of the Registrar to complete the Official Withdraw form.

Student refunds are computed by using:

1. The date the Office of the Registrar receives a formal drop form from the student or
2. The date the Office of the Registrar receives a phone call from the student requesting a drop.

Students who do not go through the “official” withdrawal process, e.g. leave campus without filing withdrawal papers, or fail to earn any passing grades in their registered courses, will be deemed to have attended through the semester mid-point unless the last date of attendance at an academically-related activity can be documented. They will have their charges and financial aid adjusted accordingly.

Title IV Aid Refund Policy

Federal law specifies how St. Ambrose determines the amount of student financial aid program assistance that you earn if you withdraw. The law requires that when you withdraw during a payment period, the amount of student financial aid program assistance that you have earned up to that point is determined by a specific formula. If you received (or St. Ambrose University received on your behalf) less assistance than the amount that you earned, you will be able to receive those additional funds. If you received more assistance than you earned, the excess funds must be returned.

The amount of assistance that you have earned is determined on a prorated basis. That is, if you complete 10 percent of the payment period, you earn 10 percent of the assistance you were originally scheduled to receive. Once you have completed more that 60 percent of the payment period, you earn all of your assistance. If a student has earned more than the 60 percent, then no return of funds is necessary.

If you received excess funds that must be returned, St. Ambrose University must return a portion of the excess equal to the lesser of:

• Your institution charges multiplied by the unearned percentage of your funds, or
• The entire amount of the excess funds.

St. Ambrose University is required to return all of the excess funds; you must return the remaining amount. Any loan funds that you must return, you (or your parent for a Plus Loan) repay in accordance with the terms of the promissory note. That is, you make scheduled payments to the holder of the loan over a period of time.

If you are responsible for returning grant funds, the law provides that you are required to return 50 percent of the grant assistance that you receive. Any amount that you do have to return is a grant overpayment, and you must make arrangements with St. Ambrose University or the Department of Education to return the funds.

Official Withdrawal Example

Joe Student had to withdraw during the semester due to personal reasons. Joe had been awarded and credited to his student account, a Pell Grant for $998, FSEOG for $250 and a subsidized loan for $1,261. Joe completed only 11 days of the semester or 10 percent of the payment period. Joe was assessed $951 in tuition and fees.

Amount and Order of Return

The school must return the lesser of:

• The unearned amount of the financial aid; or
• An amount equal to the student’s total institutional charges for the period multiplied by the unearned percentage (Example: $951 X 90% = $855.90)

Amount the student returns:
The student must return the unearned amount of Title IV assistance minus any funds the school has returned (Example: $1261-$855.90 = $405.10). In effect, a student whose financial aid exceeded institutional charges will have to return funds. However, if the amount the student is required to repay is to a grant program, the student is required to only pay half of the amount.

In this example, both SAU and Joe will return loan proceeds. After initiating the withdrawal process, it was determined that $855.90 of the loan proceeds were to be returned by SAU and $405.10 of the loan proceeds returned to the loan program by Joe, in accordance with the terms of the promissory note.

Based upon the calculation, the Pell Grant amount to be returned was $997.10; however, because the Pell is to be repaid by the student, only 50% or $498.55 must be repaid. ($997.10 X 50% = 498.55) In this case, no FSEOG funds are returned as the loan and Pell repayments cover the excess award. Joe is now in a Pell Grant overpayment situation.

Withdrawals from Modules and Summer Sessions

Modules are courses which do not span the entire academic semester, but fall within the academic semester time frame. The standard academic semester is 16 weeks of instructional time. A module course will be 8 weeks of instructional time. This includes semester based programs with a summer term consisting of two consecutive summer sessions; for instance, the summer term has courses that begin on May 15th, ending on June 26th, and another course beginning on June 29th, ending on August 11th.

As defined in the October 29, 2010 final regulations, for all programs offered in modules, a student is a withdrawal for Title IV purposes if the student ceases attendance at any point prior to completing the payment period or period of enrollment (unless the institution has written confirmation from the student that they will attend a module that begins later in the enrollment period). Written confirmation is identified during the drop process with the advisor or the Registrar’s office.

Students are required to answer the question: If you are registered for other courses during this term, do you intend to complete those courses? Students who answer “Yes” to this question will have their financial aid reviewed and adjusted accordingly. Students who answer “No” to this question will be reviewed under the Return of Title IV Funds calculation process. The regulation requires the institution to determine whether Title IV funds must be returned based on the number of days actually completed versus the number of days the student was scheduled to attend in the payment period. The new regulations prevent the students from enrolling in modules or compressed courses spanning the period, completing a portion of the period, and retaining all aid for the period.

The Financial Aid Office has established the following procedures associated with handling withdrawals from programs offered in modules.

How to determine whether a student in a program offered in modules has withdrawn

Schools can determine whether a student enrolled in a series of modules is a withdrawal by asking the following questions:

1. After beginning attendance in the payment period or period of enrollment, did the student cease to attend or fail to begin attendance in a course he or she was scheduled to attend?
   • If the answer is no, this is not a withdrawal
   • If the answer is yes, go to question 2.
2. When the student ceased to attend or failed to begin attendance in a course he or she was scheduled to attend, was the student still attending any other courses?
   • If the answer is yes, this is not a withdrawal; however, other regulatory provisions concerning recalculation may apply.
   • If the answer is no, go to question 3.
3. Did the student complete all requirements for graduation?
   • If the answer is yes, this is not a withdrawal. Aid may need to be recalculated
   • If no, go to question 4
4. Did the student successfully complete coursework applicable to the student’s Title IV-eligible program of study in one module or a combination of modules that equals 49% or more of the number of countable days in the payment period or period of enrollment?
   • If the answer is yes, this is not a withdrawal. Aid may need to be recalculated
   • If no, go to question 5
5. Did the student successfully complete coursework applicable to the student’s Title IV-eligible program of study equal to or greater than what the school considers to be half-time enrollment for the payment period or period of enrollment?
   • If the answer is yes, this is not a withdrawal. Aid may need to be recalculated
   • If no, go to question 6
6. Did the student confirm attendance in a course in a module beginning later in the period?
   • If the answer is yes, this is not a withdrawal, unless the student does not return.
   • If the answer is no, this is a withdrawal and the Return of Title IV Funds requirements apply.

Dropping a course from the student’s fall, spring, or summer schedule may cause the financial aid awards to be revised. The date of the drop affects the eligibility. If the student drops below full-time status (12hours for undergraduates and 9 hours for graduates), they may lose financial aid eligibility. Keep in mind, Federal Direct Student Loans require at least half-time enrollment (6 hours for undergraduates and 4.5 hours for graduates).

Dropping courses prior to the first day of instruction, but remaining enrolled in future courses: financial aid will be adjusted to reflect the change in enrollment and disbursement dates will be adjusted.

Students may contact the Financial Aid Office to inquire how a dropped course will affect their financial aid.

Withdrawing may affect your eligibility to receive financial aid in subsequent terms base on Satisfactory Academic Progress rules. Please contact the Financial Aid Office if you are planning to return.

If you have borrowed a student loan at any time during your education, we also recommend that you contact your Federal Student Loan Servicer of your enrollment status. By withdrawing from the university, you are subject to the rules and regulations of the Federal Student Loan Program. If your loans should go into repayment once you withdraw from school, it is important to make your payments on time to prevent default. If you default on a loan, you will lose your eligibly for any future financial aid. The Federal Student Loan Servicer can help you with various repayment options, deferment or forbearance options.

Title IV Grant Overpayment

If you have a grant overpayment, you will remain eligible for Title IV aid up to 45 days after you have notified of the overpayment. You may correct the overpayment situation by repaying the overpayment in full to the institution or arranging to make satisfactory repayments to the institution or with the Department of Education.

Post Withdrawal Disbursement

St. Ambrose may credit a student’s account for institutional charges, but the university must seek the student’s permission (in writing) within 30 days of the withdrawal to do so. Please contact the Financial Aid Office for additional information concerning the Return of Title IV Aid.

Billing

Expenses

The following expenses are for the 2026-27 academic year. Charges are billed on a per semester basis. Payment of the charges, or financial arrangements for payment, is necessary two weeks before the semester begins. Tuition charges are standardized, and students will have no additional fees except those listed under special expenses. Fees are subject to change.

Tuition

These rates are for the 2026-27 academic year.

Undergraduate – Main Campus

• Part-time: 1–11 semester credits, per semester credit: $1,200
• Full-time: 12–18 semester credits, per year: $39,348
• Other: 19 or more semester credits, per semester credit: $1,200
• Flex or Online: $573 per semester credit
• Online course fee: $60 per credit hour

The online course fee reflects the added costs of online instruction and support services based on the instructional delivery method.

Graduate & Doctoral

See below for other graduate program tuition rates.

• Accounting: per semester credit: $1,152
• Business Administration: per semester credit: $804
• Exercise Physiology: per semester credit: $906
• Organizational Leadership: per semester credit: $804
• Pastoral Theology: per semester credit: $793
• Physician Assistant Studies: Students should contact the MPA program directly for information on the One Price Tuition Plan.
• Social Work: per semester credit: $750
• Speech-Language Pathology: Students should contact the MSLP Program directly for information on the One Price Tuition Plan.
• Doctor of Occupational Therapy: Students should contact the OTD Program with questions about the current One- Price Tuition Plan rate and details. Policies and published fees are subject to change.
  The One Price Plan ensures tuition costs remain at one rate throughout the normal course of full time graduate study — making financial planning easier.
  The One Price Tuition Plan includes all tuition, course fees, liability insurance, technology fees, graduation fees, and a number of other costs incurred by occupational therapy students (such as CPR training, and background checks required for fieldwork experiences). While this plan covers major expenses of the OTD Program, there are additional costs not included such as room and board, textbooks, immunizations, loan fees, and additional fieldwork costs that vary based on clinical site placements.
• Doctor of Physical Therapy: Students should contact the DPT Program directly for information about the modified one price plan.
  This set price includes all tuition, course fees, liability insurance, technology fees, graduation application fees, and a physical therapist tool kit that is used throughout the curriculum.
  While this plan covers the major expenses of the DPT Program, there are additional costs not included in this amount. These items are not included because they may vary based on the student’s prior training, clinical site placement and decisions on what course supplies to purchase.
  These additional costs include the following: All housing and living related expenses, books and optional course supplies, parking fees, CPR Certification, background checks required for clinical education, immunizations for clinical education, travel and housing during clinical education, and graduation regalia.

Board

These rates are for the 2026-27 academic year. Students who live on campus are required to choose a meal plan.

One of five meal plan options is required of all resident students per semester:

• 7 meal plan + $225 spending/semester: $2,101
• 12 meal plan + $275 Buzz Bucks/semester: $2,657
• 19 meal plan + $200 spending/semester: $2,948
• Flex 160 + $100 spending/semester: $2,756

Room

These rates are for 2026-27 academic year. Room charges are listed on a per semester basis.

Traditional Hall

• Traditional double (Cosgrove): $3,702
• Traditional double (Franklin, North, Rohlman): $4,248
• Traditional single (Bechtel): $5,283

Preferred Housing

• Preferred double (Tiedemann, Townhouse, McCarthy): $4,878
• Preferred single (North): $5,283
• Preferred single (Hagen): $5,283

Super Single¹

For students who want to be the sole occupant in a double room

• Cosgrove (traditional): $4,783
• Franklin, North, Rohlman (traditional): $5,283
• Tiedemann, Townhouse, McCarthy, House: $6,083

¹

When available.

Room assignments are subject to contractual arrangements through the Residence Life Office. SAU reserves the right to move any student on campus whenever the student or the university will be better served by such a change.

Special Expenses

• Application Fee: free when completed online
• Assessment of prior experiential learning through individually designed methods
  • Fee for portfolio submission: $180
  • Fee per credit awarded: $30
• College-Level Examination Program (CLEP)
  • Fee per credit awarded: $20
•  DPT Admission Fees
  • Acceptance fee: $200
• Graduation Fee: $50
• Late Payment Fees: $25 per month
• Matriculation Registration Fee
  • Graduate Student: $10
• NLN Fee: $20 per credit
• Student Parking:
  • Zone 1: $130/year or $65/semester
  • Zone 2: $70/year or $35/semester
  • Zone 3: free
  • CHSE: $85/semester
• Retired Learner Audit Fee: $100 (Per class; limit 1 per semester)
• Special Examination Fee
  • Each credit awarded: $30
  • Each examination taken: $60
• Technology Fee, full time, per semester: $150
• Technology Fee, part time, per semester: $75

Course Fees (Per Semester, Per Course)

ACCT-312: $25
ASTR-201: $30
BIOL-211, BIOL-301, BIOL-303, BIOL-307: $30
BIOL-205, BIOL-230, BIOL-231, BIOL-232: $40
CHEM-105, CHEM-106: $100 
CHEM-108: $50
CHEM-301, CHEM-313, CHEM-320, CHEM-429: $150
CHEM-428: $30
EDUC-128, EDUC-129, EDUC-149, EDUC-168, EDUC-188, EDUC-189, EDUC-228, EDUC-248, EDUC-288 , EDUC-328, EDUC-368, EDUC-388: $50
KIN-206: $35
KIN-390: $25
MBA-690: $450
MOL-690: $450
MATH-191, MATH-192: $25
ME-310, ME-315, ME-405, ME-410, ME-412, ME-415, ME-490: $75
MUS-238: $30
MUS-104: $75
MUS-103, MUS-203, MUS-303, MUS-403: $315
Subsequent one-half hour private instruction lessons in a second instrument or voice during the same semester: $215
NSS-101: $14
NURS-313: $65
NURS-312: $80
NURS-337, NURS-373, NURS-383: $130
NURS-336, NURS-372, NURS-382, NURS-422, NURS-432, NURS-482: $160
NURS-347: $195
NURS-302, NURS-326, NURS-346, NURS-356, NURS-376, NURS-386, NURS-426, NURS-436, NURS-446, NURS-466, NURS-472, NURS-476, NURS-486: $240
NURS-367, NURS-377, NURS-423, NURS-427, NURS-433, NURS-483: $260
NURS-316, NURS-366, NURS-416: $320
NURS-303, NURS-327, NURS-357, NURS-387, NURS-437, NURS-447, NURS-467, NURS-473, NURS-477, NURS-487: $390
NURS-317, NURS-417: $520
PHYS-203, PHYS-204, PHYS-251, PHYS-253, PHYS-329: $30
Psychology Major Field Test (MFT): $33
STBE-237: $25

Refunds

Tuition Refunds

Students are obligated for the full amount of tuition for courses for which they are registered, subject to the refund schedule.

• Drop a course up to 12.5% completion of the course for a 100% refund. Fees are non-refundable after the start of term. Please check with Student Financial Services for exact tuition drop dates each semester.
• Drop a course from 12.6% to 25% completion of the course for a 50% refund of tuition. Please check with Student Financial Services for exact tuition drop dates each semester.
• Any changes made after 50% completion of the course will result in a full charge of tuition.
• If you receive financial aid of any kind, your package will be re-evaluated and possibly adjusted to reflect your new enrollment status.
• Note: Any 8 week courses are considered modular, and any change could result in adjustment of aid, or a Return of Title IV Withdraw calculation. Please speak with an advisor in your program prior to making any changes to your enrollment to see how it will affect you. For details on the Return of Title IV Refund Policy, please see the Procedures for Financial Aid Applicants section.
• This rule does not apply if you fully withdraw from the university. In that case, your tuition will be prorated based on the number of days attended. For details on the Return of Title IV Refund Policy, please see the Procedures for Financial Aid Applicants section.
• Summer term courses are charged at 100% cost once class has started (no refunds). Does not apply to MBA and MOL.

Other Refunds

Upon withdrawing from the University, a refund for room and board will be made on a pro rata basis dating from the day the student has successfully completed the checkout procedure with Student Affairs. Adjustments are made up to the 60% point in the semester. No refund will be given on fees.

Resident Students

A residence hall is more than a place to live; it is a place to learn awareness, consideration, acceptance, and compromise. Residence halls also provide recreational, educational, spiritual and cultural programs to enhance students’ learning experience and to contribute to their overall growth and personal development. Full-time students are required to live on campus until they have completed two years of post-high school studies at St. Ambrose or another accredited institution of higher education (community college, college or university). Students who live with a parent or legal guardian within 50 miles of campus can be exempted from the residency requirement. Students who begin college more than one year after graduating from high school may be eligible to have the residency requirement waived. Students living on campus must maintain full-time student status (12 or more undergraduate/9 or more graduate credits) in order to maintain on-campus residence eligibility. Exceptions to this are given when the student is in her/his final semester before graduation. Students living in the residence halls are expected to maintain a standard of conduct consistent with the educational objectives and priorities of St. Ambrose. Respect and consideration for the rights of others, including the need for study time and rest, must receive priority. The residence hall staff helps create an atmosphere conducive to studying, socializing and learning to live with other individuals. Each resident is expected to respond appropriately to requests from staff and fellow residents concerning behavior that does not honor this priority. Residents are also responsible for the conduct of their guests. Rooms will be inspected or assessed at any time a University official suspects illegal, dangerous or threatening behavior is occurring in a student’s room.

Retired Learners

Individuals who are retired and 65 years of age or older may take up to one undergraduate course per semester with $100 registration fee per course. As retired learners, students will have audit status. The University reserves the right to limit class size and to cancel classes in accordance with normal institutional policy. If a student drops a course, another course may not be taken that term. If, going forward, three courses are dropped, the student is no longer eligible to take any course at St. Ambrose. Online courses and individual lessons will not be permitted. Details are available from the Admissions Office.

Financial Aid - Mount Mercy Campus

Financial Aid Awards

It is the goal of the Financial Aid Office to make it financially possible for all qualified students to attend Mount Mercy. The financial aid programs at Mount Mercy are administered in conjunction with the policy that the family is the primary and responsible resource for helping students meet their educational costs. The financial aid programs are available to assist in meeting the difference between potential resources and college expenses.

Financial Aid Award Notification

The amount of the financial aid award (federal, state, and institutional grants, scholarships, and loans) depends on the student’s enrollment status. The amount will vary depending on full-time (12-18 credit hours); three-quarter time (9-11 hours); half-time (6-8 credit hours); or less than half-time status (1-5 credit hours).  Within an academic year, students must complete at least 50% of their coursework in their chosen program.

If there are any questions about the amount of aid to which the student is entitled, please contact the Financial Aid Office for a review of the student’s awards. The student should retain the award offer for their records and to use as a reference whenever there are questions about the financial aid package.

Incoming Students

Mount Mercy’s financial aid award offer will serve as official notification of the student’s financial aid eligibility. The award offer, while not a commitment of funds, is an initial indication of state, federal, institutional, and outside agency funds available. The award offer will include the amounts of federal, state, and institutional aid for which the student is awarded and the award period.

The award offer is extremely important. A student’s aid will not be applied to his or her billing account until the student has accepted the award. To accept an offer, the student should log into their online financial aid portal, review their awards and accept those they wish to keep and decline those they do not want or need. Awards that are declined will not be replaced with other sources of aid. If financial aid awards are not accepted by the first day of class, the student’s financial aid may be canceled, and the student will be responsible for paying all tuition, food, housing and fee charges. If a student’s account becomes delinquent prior to the first day of class, his or her course registration may be canceled.

Accepting the awards by the due date reserves funding in the student’s name. Mount Mercy does not guarantee that funds will be available to the student beyond the due date. Mount Mercy supports the National Candidate Reply Date, which allows admitted students to choose, without penalty, among offers of admission and financial aid until May 1^st.

The financial aid award offer is designed to give the student a complete summary of their financial assistance. Scholarships and grants listed on the award offer may be contingent on the maintenance of a specific grade point or other academic or performance benchmarks. Please be aware that the award offer may be revised if the student does not achieve specific scholarship or grant criteria.

Continuing Students

Mount Mercy’s financial aid award offer for continuing students will serve as official notification of the student’s financial aid eligibility. The award offer, while not a commitment of funds, is an initial indication of state, federal, institutional, and outside agency funds available. The award offer will include the amounts of federal, state, and institutional aid for which the student is awarded and the award period.

There is no need for a student to accept all awards via their online financial aid portal. If the student wishes to reduce or decline any of the awards, they should notify the Financial Aid Office via email. Awards that are declined will not be replaced with other sources of aid. 

The financial aid award offer is designed to give the student a complete summary of his or her financial assistance. Scholarships and grants listed on the award offer may be contingent on the student maintaining a specific grade point average or performance benchmarks. Please be aware that the award offer may be revised if the student does not achieve specific scholarship and grant criteria.

Enrollment Changes

Changes in enrollment status can affect financial aid awards. Please contact the Financial Aid Office prior to increasing or reducing a course load. It is the student’s responsibility to notify the Financial Aid Office of any changes. Notification prior to the beginning of the term will facilitate proper disbursement of financial aid. For example, the academic award is based on whether the student’s enrollment status is half-time (6-8.5 hrs.), three-quarter time (9-11.5 hrs.) or full-time (12 hrs. or more). Awards are prorated and reduced to 25% for half-time and 33% for three-quarter time of the full-time amount. For example, if an academic award for full-time is $8,000, the award will be $2,000 if the student changes to half-time, or $2,640 if the student changes to three-quarter time.

Students who are enrolled in the accelerated or graduate programs (block programs) should speak with a Financial Aid Counselor prior to dropping any courses. Any enrollment change may result in a change in financial aid eligibility and require an aid adjustment. If the enrollment change is dropping all credits within a current block, students will need to confirm future enrollment with the Financial Aid Office to avoid being withdrawn from the University. Per federal regulations for the accelerated program, we are required to revise Pell grants any time a student adds or drops a course throughout the semester, regardless if the student attended the course or not. For example, if a student is enrolled in 9 credit hours for the semester and they are eligible for $1500 in Pell grant funds, then drops to 6 credit hours, the Financial Aid Office will be required to reduce the Pell grant to $1000. This may result in a balance being owed to Mount Mercy.

Funding

A student’s financial aid offer is based on projected funding from institutional, state, and federal sources and is therefore subject to change. Employer reimbursement must be taken into account when determining your eligibility for these funds.

Pell Grant

The amount shown on an award offer is an estimate of the grant a student will receive. This amount can change as a result of any federal regulation.

Iowa Tuition Grant

In the event that available state funds are insufficient to pay the full amount of each approved grant, the Iowa College Student Aid Commission has the authority to administratively reduce the award. The amount of grant money you receive from the Iowa Department of Education may change based on available state funding.

TEACH Grant

The amount shown on an award offer is an estimate of the grant a student will receive. This amount can change as a result of any federal regulation or failure to maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or higher.

Employer Reimbursement

It is the students responsibility to notify the Financial Aid Office if they will be receiving employer reimbursement. Per Federal regulations, this must be used in calculating other eligibility.

Verification

Federal regulations require that designated applicants for financial aid must complete a verification process. Students may be selected for this process by the U.S. Department of Education or, in limited cases, by Mount Mercy. If a student is selected for the verification process, the student is required to provide the Financial Aid Office with supporting documents (i.e. copies of the student’s and their parent’s, if applicable, federal 1040 form or IRS tax transcripts, W-2’s, verification worksheet, proof of child support paid, etc.) that confirm the information reported on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). It is important to provide Mount Mercy with any requested materials as soon as possible. A student’s financial aid offer is not final until all requested materials have been submitted to the Financial Aid Office. The Financial Aid Office will verify the information reported and make any necessary corrections. The student will receive a new student aid report if corrections are made. The financial aid offer is subject to change if verification procedures result in a different calculation of need. If the student is selected for verification, financial aid will not be posted to their billing account until the process has been completed.

Types of Financial Aid

Financial aid consists of two types of assistance: gift aid and self-help aid. Gift aid is in the form of scholarships, grants, and awards that do not need to be repaid. The sources of gift aid are Mount Mercy, the federal government, the State of Iowa, and private donors. Self-help aid refers to student employment and loans. A student assisted by employment must work a specific number of hours in order to receive the aid. Loans will need to be repaid. The following is a description of various programs that are available.

Deadlines for Institutional Assistance

In order to be eligible for institutional aid from Mount Mercy, the Financial Aid Office must receive all necessary documents for processing aid by October 1^st for the Fall Semester and March 1^st for the Spring Semester. This policy applies to incoming students as well as continuing students.

Institutional Assistance

Mount Mercy institutional financial aid is available for only the fall and spring semesters. If a student receives 100% tuition reimbursement or VA Vocational Rehabilitation, they are not eligible for institutional funds.

Academic Scholarships, Grants, and Awards*

Academic scholarships and awards are awarded to accepted students on the basis of their previous academic performance and potential for achievement at Mount Mercy. These awards include the Presidential Scholarship, Dean's Scholarship, and Founder's Scholarship.

A student who is currently enrolled in their first semester of college after graduation from high school or who has completed only one semester of college after graduation from high school will be awarded academic scholarships based upon his or her high school GPA and ACT. 

A student must be enrolled for at least 6 semester hours to be eligible for an academic scholarship or grant.

Academic scholarships and awards are available for only fall and spring semester. A separate application is not required.

Scholarships and awards are generally available for four, full-time academic years as long as the renewal criteria are met.

*

A student’s Academic scholarship or award may be funded, in whole or part, by Mount Mercy’s endowed and annual funds. These funds are a result of the generous contributions made to the institution by both individuals and corporations. To encourage the continued support of these donors and to obtain funding for future students, some students may be asked to write a thank you to those that have helped fund the student’s academic award.

Catherine McAuley Scholarship

Catherine McAuley scholarships are a need-based full tuition award open to new, first year students entering the University directly from high school. To be eligible for the scholarship a student must be an Iowa resident, have graduated from an Iowa high school, have completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and have a family income (both student and parent income are considered) of approximately $50,000 or less annually as determined by the FAFSA form. Recipients are also required to be full Pell grant and Iowa Tuition Grant eligible, file the FAFSA prior to July 1, and reside all four years on Mount Mercy's campus during the academic year.

Creative Talent Scholarships in Design and Writing

Creative Talent scholarships are open to new, first-year students entering the University from high school and transfer students. The scholarships are in the areas of graphic design and writing.  For graphic design, students must provide a portfolio of 10-12 artworks (any medium) plus any sketchbooks and complete an interview session to review these. Digital images of artworks may substitute for actual artworks. For writing, students will submit 5 to 10 pages of sample work. These can be creative writing (poetry, short stories, personal essays, novel excerpts), journalism (editorials, features, news stories, sports coverage, movie or book reviews), or any essays about literature.

Instrumental Music Scholarships

Instrumental Music Scholarships are open to new, first-year students entering the University from high school and transfer students. The scholarship is based on the students' potential skills and interest. An application must be submitted along with a personal statement that speaks to creative interests and experiences and contact information for a reference (teacher, coach, or instructor who is familiar with the student's work). A demonstration of skill and achievement is also required. This includes an in-person audition or recording of your performance.

Show Choir and Vocal Music Scholarships

Show Choir and Vocal Music Scholarships are open to new, first-year students entering the University from high school and transfer students. The scholarship is based on students' potential skills and interest. An application must be submitted along with a personal statement that speaks to creative interests and experiences and contact information for a reference (teacher, coach, or instructor who is familiar with the student's work). A demonstration of skill and achievement is also required. This includes an in-person audition or recording of your performance.

Social Work Scholarships

Social Work scholarships are awarded to entering full or part-time students intending to complete a major in Social Work. Selection of recipients is based on academic ability, demonstrated interest in issues relevant to social work, and involvement in social services. A major purpose for the scholarship is to support students from groups that have been under represented in the department, including those experiences and perspectives that can add diversity to the classroom experience. Scholarship application deadline is February 1^st. However, scholarships will be awarded until funding is exhausted.

Holland Honors Scholarships

Holland Honors Scholarships are available to students entering from high school (new freshmen) who are enrolled full-time. Students eligible for the Honors Program are generally from the upper quarter of their high school class, have ACT scores of 26 or above, and have high school GPA's of 3.60 or above. To participate in the program students are expected to complete honors-designated coursework. Students must apply by March 1 for consideration.

Phi Theta Kappa

Open to incoming transfer students only who have a college GPA of 3.3 or higher and a member of Phi Theta Kappa. Applicants must be seeking full-time enrollment at Mount Mercy. The award is renewable annually for up to four years.

Athletic Scholarships

Athletic Scholarships are awarded each year to entering, full-time students who are academically eligible to compete in NAIA athletic events, based on the student’s current and potential ability. Coaches of each sport will work with the Athletic Director and Financial Aid Office to award the scholarships. Students will keep their scholarships for the length of their stay at Mount Mercy as long as they remain a member of their respective team and are in good standing. If a student chooses to leave the team or is removed from the team for disciplinary or academic reasons (as determined by NAIA by-laws), his or her athletic scholarship will be withdrawn immediately. The scholarship will be prorated at the time of dismissal. A student will have the right to appeal the decision to withdraw the Athletic Scholarship by a committee composed of the Director of Athletics, Vice President for Enrollment and Student Life, and the Faculty Athletics Representative.

Catholic Scholarship

The Catholic Scholarship is available to incoming freshmen or transfer students who enroll full-time and who identify as Catholic, as indicated on their admission application.

Legacy Scholarships

Legacy Scholarships are available to entering full-time students completing their first baccalaureate degree. The student must have a sibling who is currently attending or is an alum, or have a parent or grandparent who is an alum. Online application is required.

Engagement Grant

The Engagement Grant is available to incoming freshmen and transfers who enroll full-time and who attends an official visit to the Mount Mercy campus prior to July 1 (fall entry) or December 1 (spring entry) and also who submits the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to Mount Mercy.

Out-of-State Grant

Out-of-State Grants are need-based awards available for students whose state of legal residency is not the state of Iowa. Students must file the FAFSA by July 1^st to determine eligibility. 

Campus Employment

Employment is available to students not eligible for federal work-study. The procedural guidelines for campus employment are the same as for the federal work-study program.

AmeriCorps Matching Scholarship

To be eligible for the AmeriCorps Matching Scholarship, a student must have completed one year of service after July 1, 2008. Supporting documentation of service may be required. The maximum award is $1200 per academic year.

Federal Programs

To receive aid from the major federal student aid programs, a student must:

1. Be enrolled as a regular student in an eligible program. A regular student is someone who is enrolled for the purpose of obtaining a degree.
2. Have a high school diploma or its recognized equivalent or pass a U.S. Department of Education-approved test. Home-school students are also eligible under certain circumstances.
3. Be making satisfactory academic progress as defined later in this section.
4. Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen.
5. Certify that he or she is not in default on any Federal Student Aid (FSA) loan or owe an overpayment on any FSA grant or loan.
6. Provide a correct Social Security number.
7. Register with Selective Service, if required.
8. File the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The result yielded from this form is a Student Aid Index (SAI).
9. Provide federal tax returns, W-2’s verification worksheets, and any other information if requested.
10. Attend class on a regular basis.

All federally funded programs are subject to change as a result of legislative action.

Federal Pell Grant

This grant is available to undergraduate students who meet certain financial need qualifications and meet the other FSA requirements as stated above. Application is made by filing a FAFSA. The final amount a student receives is determined by the number of credit hours that he or she is enrolled in at the end of the refund period and the Student Aid Index (SAI). No repayment is required unless the student changes credit hours or withdraws from school. The maximum grant is determined by federal legislation.

Federal TEACH Grant

To be eligible for the Federal TEACH Grant a student must be a U.S. citizen enrolled in a qualified teacher education program. Students must also sign an Agreement to Serve (ATS) that obligates them to teach for 4 years within 8 years of completing or ceasing enrollment in a TEACH grant eligible program. A student must teach in a low income elementary or secondary school in a high need field. A cumulative GPA of 3.25 must be maintained. Students should contact the Financial Aid Office to begin the application process.

Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

A Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) is awarded to undergraduates with exceptional financial need, that is, students with the lowest Student Aid Index. There is no guarantee every eligible student will be able to receive a FSEOG. Awards are based on the availability of funds at Mount Mercy.

Federal Work-Study (FWS)

The Federal Work-Study program is based on need. Application is made by filing the FAFSA. The student’s eligibility depends upon the need for employment to defray educational expenses, with preference given to those with the highest financial need. Many students are offered employment as part of their financial aid award. The student is expected to work during those hours agreed upon with the supervisor and cannot work while they are scheduled for class. Every effort will be made to place the student in a job related to her or his field of interest and/or past experience. However, there is no guarantee of employment or the amount the student will earn. There is no guarantee to earn the amount awarded, that will depend on hours worked. Funds are NOT applied directly to a student's account; they will be paid via direct deposit and can then use those funds to pay towards their student account.

William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program

The Direct Loan Program helps students meet their education costs. The Direct Loan Program offers both Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Stafford Loans.

A subsidized loan is awarded on the basis of financial need. If the student qualifies for a subsidized loan, the federal government pays interest on the loan (“subsidizes” the loan) until the student begins repayment and during authorized periods of deferment thereafter.

An unsubsidized loan is not awarded on the basis of need. If the student qualifies for an unsubsidized loan, the student will be charged interest from the time the loan is disbursed until it is paid in full. The student can choose to pay the interest or allow it to accumulate. If the student allows the interest to accumulate, it will be capitalized. This means interest will be added to the principal amount of the loan and will increase the amount repaid. If the student pays the interest as it accumulates, the student will repay less during the loan repayment period.

The student can receive a subsidized and an unsubsidized loan for the same enrollment period.

If the student is a regular (degree-seeking) student enrolled in an eligible program of study at least half-time, the student may receive a Direct Loan. The student also must meet other general FSA eligibility requirements as noted previously.

The current interest rate is fixed at 6.52% for undergraduate subsidized and unsubsidized loans and 8.07% for graduate unsubsidized loans.

Each loan has an origination fee. The subsidized and unsubsidized loans have a fee of 1.057% which will be subtracted from the loan proceeds.

A dependent student can borrow on a subsidized loan up to: $3,500 if the student is a first-year student; $4,500 if the student has completed 30 semester hours; $5,500 a year if the student has completed 60 semester hours and the remainder of the program is at least a full academic year. Students may also borrow up to $2,000 per academic year on an unsubsidized loan. Graduate level students may borrow up to $20,500 on an unsubsidized loan per academic year. However, students are encouraged not to take a loan for an amount larger than necessary.

If the student is an independent undergraduate student or a dependent student whose parents are unable to qualify for a PLUS loan, the student can borrow an additional amount in unsubsidized loan: $4,000 a year if the student has earned less than 60 semester hours; $5,000 a year if the student has earned at least 60 semester hours.  This is in addition to the original $2,000 awarded.

The total debt the student can have outstanding from all Direct Loans is: $31,000 for a dependent undergraduate student (no more than $23,000 of this amount may be in subsidized loans); $57,500 as an independent undergraduate student (no more than $23,000 of this amount may be in subsidized loans); $200,000 as a Professional student, or $100,000 as a Graduate student (no more than $65,000 of this amount may be in subsidized loans).

The student must complete the required Master Promissory Note and entrance interview session online. Instructions for these procedures will be sent from the Financial Aid Office. The loan proceeds will be applied to the student accounts in two or three disbursements – one each semester. The loan proceeds will first be applied to any outstanding balance on your student account. Any excess funds can be obtained by requesting a check through the Financial Aid Office.

Federal Direct PLUS Loans

For parents of student borrowers, the Direct Loan Program offers the Federal Direct PLUS loan (Direct PLUS Loan). This enables a parent with good credit history to borrow to pay for educational expenses. For a parent borrower, a PLUS loan can be used for each child who is a dependent undergraduate student enrolled at least half-time.

To be eligible to receive a Direct PLUS loan, the student's parent will be required to pass a credit check. If the credit check is not passed, the borrower might still be able to receive a loan if someone (such as a relative or friend who is able to pass the credit check) agrees to co-sign the loan, promising to repay it if the borrower should fail to do so. The student and/or parent must also meet other general federal student aid eligibility requirements.

The yearly limit on a PLUS loan is equal to the student's cost of attendance less any other financial aid for which the student is eligible, up to $20,000. For example, if the student's cost of attendance is $18,000 and the student is eligible for $15,000 in other financial aid, the student's parent could borrow up to, but no more than $3,000. If that same student's cost of attendance was $40,000 and they still received $15,000 in other financial aid, the student's parent could only borrow up to $20,000.

The current interest rate is 9.07% and subject to change.

The PLUS loan has a fee of 4.228% which will be subtracted from the loan proceeds.

Repayment begins within 60 days after the loan is fully disbursed, unless a deferment condition applies. More information on the loan can be obtained by contacting the Financial Aid Office.

State Assistance

To be eligible for state financial aid programs, a student must be: a resident of Iowa (as defined by the State Board of Regents) and a United States citizen; or residing in the United States on a permanent visa; or a refugee (as defined by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services); and currently enrolled or planning to enroll at least part-time (3 hours minimum) in an undergraduate degree program.

Iowa Tuition Grants

The Iowa Tuition Grant is based on financial need with priority given to the most needy applicants. The maximum grant is set annually by the State Legislature. The grant is available for up to four years of full-time undergraduate study and may be adjusted for less than full-time study. The maximum grant award is contingent on available state funds and is subject to modest across-the-board reductions. To be considered for an Iowa Tuition Grant, the Department of Education processor must receive the student’s FAFSA form no later than July 1^st.

Additional Financial Aid Programs

Special Programs

The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation of the Iowa Department of Public Instruction or a similar division in other states make assistance available to physically and mentally challenged students who are residents of the state. More information is available from the Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services, 510 East 12th St., Des Moines, IA 50309, or the student’s home state office.

Veterans or dependents of veterans planning to enroll should contact their Regional VA office and the Registrar’s Office at Mount Mercy to ensure proper certification of status and benefits.

Outside Scholarships

An outside scholarship is one awarded by an independent grant source such as a civic organization or a foundation. This scholarship is considered a part of the student’s financial assistance award and must be reported to the Financial Aid Office.

Scholarships and grants administered and regulated by the State of Iowa and the federal government are not considered outside scholarships.

If the student’s financial aid is based on financial need and contains federal and/or state funds, the financial aid award cannot exceed the student’s financial need from any source. If a student’s financial need has not been met in full, the outside scholarship will be added to a student’s financial aid award. If the student’s need has been met in full, reductions will be made in the Federal Direct Subsidized loan. If the financial aid award does not contain a Federal Direct Subsidized loan, but does contain federal or state funds, and the need has been met in full, the federal or state funds will be reduced by the value of the outside scholarship. This is mandatory in order that the institution not exceed the student’s financial need and stay in compliance with state and federal regulations.

A student receiving Mount Mercy scholarships or grant aid will receive the outside scholarship in addition to any financial aid offered by the institution, providing the total financial assistance award does not exceed the cost of attendance at Mount Mercy for the academic year awarded.

It is the responsibility of the student receiving the outside scholarship or the donor of the scholarship to notify the Financial Aid Office of all the details pertaining to the scholarship. At that time, the appropriate adjustments will be made in the student’s financial aid award. No student may receive financial aid in excess of the budgeted cost of attending Mount Mercy.

Private Loans

Privately-funded loans from various agencies are available to students who require additional financial aid in order to fund their education. For further information about these loans, please contact the Mount Mercy Financial Aid Office.

Summer Financial Aid

Summer financial aid eligibility is based on the preceding academic year’s FAFSA and aid already awarded during that academic year. Students seeking financial aid through the Federal Direct Stafford and/or Federal Direct Plus Loan programs must be enrolled in at least six credit hours, while students may be eligible for Federal Pell Grants with only three credit hours of enrollment. Mount Mercy does not award institutional or state financial aid for the summer term.

Student Accounts

Student accounts are maintained by the Business Office. Tuition, food and housing are charged to your student account each semester. Students are also able to charge books.

Applying Financial Aid to a Student’s Account

Upon completion of a student’s financial aid file, institutional, federal, and state scholarships and grants are credited directly to the student’s account in two equal installments, once each semester. This happens approximately ten (10) days prior to the start of each semester.

Federal Work Study awards reflect a student’s eligibility. Until a student secures a job on campus and works the assigned hours, he or she will not receive these funds. First year students will receive an award if they have completed the student employment application for working on campus. A student employment application will be included with the student’s award letter. The application must be returned to the Financial Aid Office so that the student may be assigned a work-study position. Notification of the student’s placement will be mailed out during the summer months. For returning students, it is the student’s responsibility to secure a student employment position prior to leaving school each spring. Student employment is earned by working an average of 6 - 10 hours per week. Payments for campus employment are paid directly to the student by direct deposit or check each month for the hours the student has worked. Work study earnings are not automatically applied to student accounts. If a student would like their earnings to be applied to their student account, they will need to make a payment to the University.

Students awarded a loan through the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program must have a Master Promissory Note (MPN) on file with the Department of Education. An entrance interview must be completed prior to the first disbursement of funds. The loans are disbursed in two equal installments, once each semester.

Any outside scholarships the student has earned will not be credited to his or her account until the check is received.

Vocational Rehabilitation funds are available when the funds are received from the state. This usually occurs after the mid-point of the semester.

Student Account Credit Balances

Federal regulations authorize Mount Mercy to apply Title IV federal financial aid funds to allowable charges on a student’s billing account. These allowable charges include tuition, lab fees, food and housing. During the year, a student may also have other non-allowable charges such as bookstore charges, library fines or parking tickets added to the student’s account. Without the student’s authorization, Title IV financial aid funds can not be applied to these non-allowable charges.

Federal regulations require Mount Mercy to refund all excess Title IV financial aid funds to the student within 14 days of Title IV funds being applied to the student’s billing account. To help a student manage his or her account, the student may authorize the institution to hold the excess funds on the student’s account to pay for any future charges that may be added during the semester. 

Payment Options

Please see the tuition and fees section of the catalog.

Satisfactory Academic Progress

The U.S. Department of Education and the State of Iowa require students to maintain satisfactory academic progress toward their degree objectives to be eligible for federal, state, and institutional aid. In compliance with prescribed regulations, Mount Mercy has established guidelines that are designed to ensure students successfully complete courses and advance toward degree objectives. These requirements serve as standards against which to evaluate student progress, grade point average and overall time period in which a student must complete their program.

Mount Mercy’s Satisfactory Academic Progress standards apply to all students who want to establish or maintain financial aid eligibility. These standards apply to a student’s entire academic transcript, including terms for which financial aid was not applied or disbursed. These standards require that students successfully complete a specific number of credit hours each academic school year and maintain a minimum grade point average as defined by the standards. These are minimum standards that must be attained. Specific aid programs or department standards may require more than these minimum standards.

The academic progress of financial aid recipients is monitored a minimum of once each academic year. Students should contact the Financial Aid Center with questions regarding the intent and/or interpretation of these standards.

Completion Rate and Grade Point Average (GPA) Requirements

Full-time students (students attempting 12 or more credit hours each semester) must progress according to the following schedule:

• Year 1 
  • Minimum Credits Successfully Completed = 24
  • Minimum Required Cumulative GPA = 2.00
• Year 2
  • Minimum Credits Successfully Completed = 48
  • Minimum Required Cumulative GPA = 2.00
• Year 3
  • Minimum Credits Successfully Completed = 72
  • Minimum Required Cumulative GPA = 2.00
• Year 4
  • Minimum Credits Successfully Completed = 96
  • Minimum Required Cumulative GPA = 2.00
• Year 5
  • Minimum Credits Successfully Completed = 120
  • Minimum Required Cumulative GPA = 2.00

These credit hours must be earned during the academic year (fall, winter, and spring). However, if a student does not meet these required hours, they may be earned during the following summer session(s). Failure to achieve this standard by the end of the summer will result in the loss of financial aid eligibility until the completed cumulative hours meet the minimum standards. Loss of aid is not the same as academic suspension, which is handled by the Provost's Office. It is the responsibility of the student to notify the Financial Aid Office if they complete courses during the summer and would like us to review their progress.

Part-time students must successfully complete 67% or two-thirds of the credit hours they attempt. Students blending terms of full- and part-time enrollment must achieve a cumulative total that satisfies the combined full- and part-time standards.

Students will be notified by letter if they fail to meet Satisfactory Academic Process and may be eligible to appeal the decision.

Maximum Timeframe

Undergraduate and graduate students will be considered for financial aid eligibility for up to 150% of their program time. At the end of each academic year, each student’s credits earned are reviewed to ensure that satisfactory academic progress is occurring at the required rate. If, at the time of the official satisfactory academic progress point, Mount Mercy learns a student cannot complete their program within the maximum time-frame, the student immediately becomes ineligible for Title IV funds for the upcoming award year.

Incomplete Coursework

Courses with a grade of incomplete must be completed in the following semester. For students enrolled in an undergraduate program an Incomplete grade will not be considered as credits completed toward qualitative or quantitative academic progress until the faculty member assigns the grade. Financial aid may be revoked until a satisfactory letter grade has been assigned.

Students enrolled in a Ph.D. program may receive a grade of Incomplete on their dissertation writing course and continue to receive financial aid because the coursework being done is somewhat different every semester. 

Withdrawals

Withdrawal from courses that result in a grade of "W" will be included in the calculation of the completion rate. For example, if a student withdraws from a course after the add/drop period, this course will be assigned a "W" grade and will be counted toward completion rate.

Grade Changes

If we receive notification of a grade change after Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) has been reviewed, we will recheck SAP utilizing the updated grade information.

Changing Majors

When students change majors, all attempted coursework will be included when assessing academic progress. All coursework, regardless of changing majors, must be completed in a reasonable length of time, which is defined as no more than 150% of the credit hours required for graduation in that program.

Additional Degrees

Coursework applicable to the additional degree will be taken into consideration in determining satisfactory academic progress compliance.

Transfer Students

Transfer students will be assumed to be maintaining satisfactory academic progress at the time of admission. Transfer credits and GPA that are accepted at Mount Mercy are counted toward the total attempted credits and cumulative GPA in determining satisfactory academic progress compliance.

Repeated Coursework

When students repeat a course, the most recent grade received is used in the calculation of the cumulative grade point average. The credit hours for the class are not counted in the minimum credit requirement.

Non-credit Coursework

Non-credit coursework is not counted in the minimum credit requirement.

Appeal Process, Probation, Suspension

Extenuating circumstances that result in a student failing to achieve the minimum completed credit hours and/or GPA requirements are evaluated by Committee. To appeal, a student must request an appeal form from the Financial Aid Office, complete the form as instructed, and submit it with documentation to the Financial Aid Office. The student will receive written notification of the appeal decision.

If a student’s appeal is approved, he or she will be placed on Financial Aid Probation, and their financial aid eligibility will be reviewed each semester for continued aid eligibility until minimum SAP requirements have been achieved. For full-time students, failure to complete a minimum semester GPA of 2.00 and 12 credits each of these semesters will result in immediate suspension of future financial aid. Part-time students must maintain a minimum semester GPA of 2.00 and complete at least two-thirds of the credits attempted in order to retain future financial aid.

In certain cases, a student may be placed on probation for more than one semester and will be required to develop an academic plan. The student's progress will be reviewed at the end of one semester to determine if the student is meeting the requirements of the academic plan. If the student is meeting the requirements of the academic plan, the student will be eligible to receive aid as long as they continue to meet those requirements and are reviewed according to the requirements specified in the plan.

A student may file a SAP appeal form on the basis of the following reasons; death of a relative, injury or illness of the student, or other special circumstances, such as; difficult transition to Mount Mercy, family issues, legal troubles, work, or budget problems, etc.

Please Note: Up to three appeals may be accepted. Per federal financial aid regulations, appeals are not automatically accepted and may be denied based on the failure to maintain the Satisfactory Academic Progress standards set forth at Mount Mercy.

Reestablishing Eligibility

Students who have lost financial aid eligibility after failing to successfully complete their probationary period will have their aid revoked. However, they can regain eligibility by achieving the minimums established in this policy. In cases where the student's aid has been revoked, it is the student’s responsibility to notify the Financial Aid Office when this has been accomplished in order to request the aid to be reinstated.

Renewal of Awards

Each year the student must fully complete the FAFSA. Electronic filing is also available online at www.fafsa.ed.gov.  You may fill out the FAFSA anytime after October 1st for the upcoming school year.  We encourage students to apply early so they do not miss the state deadline of July 1st.  We will begin to process awards for the upcoming school year after students have registered.

Renewal of aid is also contingent on all Financial Aid forms and documents being received by the Financial Aid Office by October 1^st for the Fall Semester and March 1^st for the Spring Semester.

Presidential, Dean's, and Founder's Scholarships

The student must maintain a minimum cumulative Mount Mercy grade point of 2.0 at the end of each year.

Catherine McAuley Scholarship

The student must maintain a minimum cumulative Mount Mercy grade point of 2.0 at the end of each year, file the FAFSA by May 1st, be Pell grant and Iowa Tuition Grant eligible, and reside on campus.

Holland Honors Program, Creative Talent, and Other Scholarships and Grants

The appropriate departments or committees determine the renewal of the Holland Honors Program, Creative Talent, Instrumental Music, Social Work, Show Choir, and Vocal Music Scholarships.

Holland Honors Program Scholarships may be renewed annually contingent upon continuing successful participation in the Holland Honors Program. Students must maintain full-time status.

Creative Talent Scholarship recipients are required to be an active member in the Art Club and participate in Art Club events and receptions. Students must also take at least one class per year that focuses on fine arts, graphic design, or art education. Writing students will serve on, contribute to, at least 1 student publication each year; take at least 1 writing or literature class per year beyond composition; and participate in at least two Visiting Writer Series events per year.

Instrumental Music Scholarship recipients are required to be a member of the University Band and participate in ensembles every semester.

Social Work Scholarship recipients are expected to maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.75 and be working toward the completion of a social work major. Scholarship recipients who fall below those expectation will be reviewed on an individual basis.

Vocal Music Scholarship recipients must be a member of the University Choir and participate in ensembles every semester.

Out of State Grant eligibility is determined annually upon meeting the July 1^st FAFSA deadline, demonstrating specific financial need, and whether the student is residing on or off campus.

Athletic, Legacy, and Sibling Scholarship recipients are required to maintain full-time status.

Federal and state aid will be determined each year by filing the FAFSA. Thus, this aid can change each year depending on the family’s financial situation.

In addition to the above requirements set by the federal government, department, or committee, students must maintain satisfactory academic progress.

Financial Aid Refund Policies

Return of Title IV Funds – Semester Based Programs

A student earns aid based solely on the length of time he or she attends. Until a student has passed the 60% point in the semester, only a portion of the student’s disbursable aid has been earned. If a student completely withdraws or is expelled prior to the 60% point, then the Return of Title IV funds policy applies.

Title IV funds refer to the Federal financial aid programs authorized under the Higher Education Act of 1965 (as amended) and include the following programs: Direct Unsubsidized loans, Direct Subsidized loans, Direct Plus loans, Federal Pell Grant, Federal SEOG, and Federal TEACH Grant. Though the Federal Work-Study Program is also included in Title IV funds, it is not included when calculating the Return of Title IV funds.

A student starts the withdrawal process in the office of Academic Affairs. This can be done either in person or over the phone. The withdrawal date is the date on which the student starts the withdrawal process or the date that the student otherwise provides official notification to Mount Mercy of his or her intent to withdraw. However, if Mount Mercy can document an academically related activity different than the date the student officially withdrew, that date may be used.

If a student leaves school and fails to follow the withdrawal process or fails all of their courses, it is assumed the student withdrew at the midpoint of the period of enrollment, unless academically related activity can be documented past the 60% point. The Financial Aid Office is responsible for the calculation of the amount of Title IV funds a student has earned at the point of withdrawal. The software provided by the Department of Education is used and review of the software is available upon request from the Financial Aid Office.

Mount Mercy will return any unearned aid that was applied to a student’s institutional charges. The student must return any unearned funds allocated to a loan program under the terms and conditions of the promissory note. If a student owes a grant over-payment, the student must make satisfactory repayment arrangements with the Financial Aid Office at Mount Mercy.

In accordance with Federal regulations, the student (or parent for a PLUS loan) must return unearned aid for which the student is responsible by repaying funds to the following sources in order: Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan, Direct Subsidized Stafford Loan, Perkins Loan, Direct PLUS Loan, Pell Grant, FSEOG, and other Title IV programs.

Example of Return of Title IV, State, and Institutional Funds Calculation

This example is for illustration purposes only. Actual charges and refund amounts may vary. The following is an example of a return of funds for a student who totally withdrew from classes on the 42^nd day of a 102 day fall term (42/102 = 41.2%).

The student would have earned 41.2% of the financial aid for the fall semester. The remaining amount would have to be returned to the appropriate source.

• Original Financial Aid = $1,698
  • Loan Name = Direct Stafford Loan (received amount)
  • Revised Financial Aid = $0
• Original Financial Aid = $1,000
  • Loan Name = Mount Mercy Grant
  • Revised Financial Aid = $700
• Original Financial Aid = $700
  • Loan Name = Pell Grant
  • Revised Financial Aid = $700
• Original Financial Aid = $2,000
  • Loan Name = Iowa Tuition Grant
  • Revised Financial Aid = $1,176
• Original Financial Aid = $4,500
  • Loan Name = Dean's Scholarship
  • Revised Financial Aid = $2,646
  • Total Original Aid = $9,898
  • Total Revised Aid = $5,222

Return of Mount Mercy and State Aid

In calculating the unearned Mount Mercy and State aid, the procedure for determining the withdrawal date is the same as the federal policy. Once the federal policy has been applied, the Mount Mercy and State aid will be returned using the same unearned percentage as calculated in the federal policy.

Partial Refunds

Partial refunds will be calculated during the add period each semester as posted in the academic calendar. After that time, if a student withdraws from a class, no financial aid adjustment will be made. For periods of enrollment that are less than the full semester, partial refunds will be calculated during the add period as posted in the academic calendar.

Refund of Institutional Charges

A description of the refund of institutional charges when a student withdraws is available from the Financial Aid Office or on the Mount Mercy web site.

Return of Title IV Funds – Block Programs

A student earns aid based solely on the length of time he or she attends. Until a student has passed the 60% point of the days they are scheduled to attend only a portion of the student’s aid has been earned. If a student completely withdraws prior to the 60% point, then the Return of Title IV Funds policy applies.

Title IV funds refer to the Federal financial aid programs authorized under the Higher Education Act of 1965 (as amended) and include the following programs: Direct Unsubsidized loans, Direct Subsidized loans, Direct PLUS loans, Federal Pell Grant, Federal SEOG, and Federal TEACH Grant. Though the Federal Work Study program is also included in Title IV funds, it is not included when calculating the Return of Title IV Funds.

A student starts the withdrawal process with their Program Director. This can either be done in person or over the phone. The withdrawal date is the date on which the student starts the withdrawal process or the date that the student otherwise provides notification to Mount Mercy of his or her intent to withdraw. However, if Mount Mercy can document an academically related activity different than the date the student officially withdrew, that date may be used.

If a student leaves school and fails to follow the withdrawal process or fails all of their courses, it is assumed the student withdrew at the midpoint of the period of enrollment unless academically related activity can be documented past the 49% point. The Financial Aid Office is responsible for the calculation of the amount of Title IV funds a student has earned at the point of withdrawal. The software provided by the Department of Education is used and review of this software is available upon request from the Financial Aid Office.

Mount Mercy will return any unearned aid that was applied to a student’s institutional charges. The student must return any unearned funds allocated to a loan program under the terms and conditions of the promissory note. If a student owes a grant over-payment, the student must make satisfactory repayment arrangements with the Financial Aid Office at Mount Mercy.

In accordance with Federal regulations, the student (or parent for a PLUS loan) must return unearned aid for which the student is responsible by repaying funds to the following sources in order: Direct Unsubsidized Stafford loan, Direct Subsidized Stafford loan, Direct PLUS loan, Pell Grant, FSEOG, and other Title IV programs.

Example of Return of Title IV Calculation

This example is for illustration purposes only. Actual charges and refund amounts may vary. The following is an example of a return of funds for a student who totally withdrew from classes. This student was enrolled in Blocks 1, 2, and 3 so the total days of attendance for the Fall semester would be 105 days. The student withdrew in the first week of Block 2 and completed 45 days of the semester. The student completed 42.9% of the semester (45/105=42.9%).

The student would have earned 42.9% of the financial aid for the Fall semester. The remaining amount would have to be returned to the appropriate source.

• Original Financial Aid = $6,219
  • Loan Name = Direct Stafford Loans
  • Revised Financial Aid = $1,812
• Original Financial Aid = $1,500
  • Loan Name = Pell Grant
  • Revised Financial Aid = $1,500
• Original Financial Aid = $1,300
  • Loan Name = Iowa Tuition Grant
  • Revised Financial Aid = $558
  • Total Original Aid = $9,019
  • Total Revised Aid = $3,870

All financial aid information is subject to change per Department of Education and federal regulations.

Billing - Mount Mercy Campus

Students will receive eBills weekly via their Mount Mercy email account while they are attending Mount Mercy. It is the student’s responsibility to check their eBill online. Fall tuition, food, housing and fees must be paid in full by September 10th and Spring tuition, food, housing and fees by January 25th, or the student must enroll in the Mercy Payment Plan. If the student is not enrolled in the Mercy Payment Plan and their tuition, food, and housing is not paid in full at the beginning of the semester, the student will be subject to monthly late fees and their future registration will be at risk. If additional financial aid is received after the full payment has been made, the student will receive a refund of the credit balance on his/her account. Payments may be made by cash, check, debit or credit card (Visa, MasterCard or Discover). Payments made by US credit or debit card are subject to a 2.95% convenience fee while international credit or debit cards are subject to a 4.25% convenience fee.

If payments are not received by their due date, late fees will be added to the student’s account. Late fees will only be waived due to University responsibility causing a delay in payment, or the failure to act by a student because of a sudden disabling illness or accident.

Late Fees

• < $999.99 Outstanding Balance = $0 Late Fee
• $1,000 - $2,500 Outstanding Balance = $30 Late Fee
• $2,501 - $5,000 Outstanding Balance = $50 Late Fee
• $5,001 - $7,500 Outstanding Balance = $75 Late Fee
• $7,501 - $10,000 Outstanding Balance = $100 Late Fee
• >$10,001 Outstanding Balance = $150 Late Fee

Because of rapidly changing economic conditions, it may become necessary to alter the tuition and fee structure before the next edition of this Catalog is published.

Tuition, Food and Housing, Estimated Cost of Attendance and Other Fees 2026-27

Full-time Traditional Students - Total Billed Cost

A student is considered full-time if she or he is registered for 12 or more hours per semester. Enrollment in more than 18 credit hours will result in additional tuition being charged at a rate equivalent to the part-time tuition rate per hour.

• Tuition
  • Fall = $21,721
  • Spring = $21,721
  • Total = $43,442
• Food & Housing*
  • Fall = $6,318
  • Spring = $6,318
  • Total = $12,636
• Total
  • Fall = $28,039
  • Spring = $28,039
  • Total = $56,078

*

VIP Meal Plan and Double Occupancy Room.

Part-time Traditional Students - Total Billed Tuition

A student is considered part-time if he or she is enrolled in less than 12 hours per semester. Tuition for part-time students is assessed based upon the number of hours for which a student is registered.

• Part-time tuition (1 - 11.5 semester hours) = $1,314 / semester hour

Estimated Cost of Attendance 

The estimated cost of attendance is a combination of billed campus expenses and estimated living expenses that students may or may not incur during their time in school.

On-Campus Billed Expenses

• Tuition 
  • Full-time = $43,442 ($14,621 average net tuition)* 
  • Part-time = Charged per credit
• Food & Housing (Living Expenses)**
  • Full-time = $12,636
  • Part-time = $6,318
• SGA Student Fee
  • Full-time = $200
  • Part-time = $200
• Technology Fee
  • Full-time = $500
  • Part-time = $250
• Wellness Fee
  • Full-time = $300
  • Part-time = $150
• Total Billed Expenses 
  • Full-time = $57,078
  • Part-time = $6,918 + per-credit tuition
• Average total net price = $28,407

*

Average Net Tuition After University, State, Federal Financial Aid Applied

**

Calculated for normal capacity room/VIP Plan. ED requires the official Cost of Attendance used to award aid will use the average of all on-campus residents. That average to be used in the COA is $12,850 for full-time and $6,425 for part-time.

 On-Campus Estimated Expenses

• Books
  • Full-time = $1,200
  • Part-time = $600
• Personal Expenses
  • Full-time = $3,300
  • Part-time = $1,650
• Transportation
  • Full-time = $1,700
  • Part-time = $850
• Loan Fees
  • Full-time = $70
  • Part-time = $35
• Total
  • Full-time = $6,270
  • Part-time = $3,135

Data was used from www.commongoodiowa.org for Linn County for 2022, reviewed on 10/30/2025. Personal expenses are approximately 12 months of health care and 3 months of clothing/household expenses lines. Included $300 for average cost of computer for education purposes. Transportation is approximately 3 months of transportation line. 

Off-Campus Billed Expenses

• Tuition
  • Full-time = $43,442 ($14,621 net tuition)*
  • Part-time = Charged per credit
• SGA Student Fee
  • Full-time = $200
  • Part-time = $200
• Technology Fee
  • Full-time = $500
  • Part-time = $250
• Wellness Fee
  • Full-time = $300
  • Part-time = $150
• Total Billed Expenses
  • Full-time = $44,442
  • Part-time = $600 + per-credit tuition
  • Average total net price = $15,771

*

Average Net Tuition After University, State, Federal Financial Aid Applied

Off-Campus Estimated Expenses

• Living Expenses (Food & Housing)
  • Full-time = $10,000
  • Part-time = $5,000
• Books
  • Full-time = $1,200
  • Part-time = $600
• Personal Expenses
  • Full-time = $4,300
  • Part-time = $2,150
• Transportation
  • Full-time = $6,000
  • Part-time = $3,000
• Loan Fees
  • Full-time = $70
  • Part-time = $35
• Total
  • Full-time = $21,570
  • Part-time = $10,785

Data was used from www.commongoodiowa.org for Linn County for 2022 reviewed on 10/30/2025. Living expenses are approximately 12 months of rent/utilities and food lines. Personal expenses are approximately 12 months of health care and 12 months of clothing/household expenses lines. Included $300 for average cost of computer cost for educational purposes. Transportation is approximately 12 months of transportation line.

Other Tuition and Fee Details

Accelerated Program Students

Tuition for students in the Accelerated Program is due the first night of the course. If you are reimbursed by your employer and have a completed Deferred Payment Plan Enrollment Form which is on file with the Student Accounts team, tuition is due 45 days from the end of each block. Please refer to the Accelerated section of this Catalog for a description of this program.

• Accelerated = $634/semester hour
• PREP and TEACH Program = $634/semester hour

Graduate Program Students

Tuition for students in the Graduate Program is due the first night of class. If you are reimbursed by your employer and have a completed Deferred Payment Plan Enrollment Form which is on file with the Student Accounts team, tuition is due 45 days from the end of each block. Please refer to the Graduate Programs section of this Catalog for a description of these programs.

• Master of Arts in Education = $634/semester hour
• Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy = $634/semester hour
• Master of Business Administration = $804/semester hour
• Master of Science in Education = $634/semester hour
• Master of Science in Nursing = $804/semester hour
• Master of Science in Supply Chain Management = $804/semester hour
• Master of Strategic Leadership = $804/semester hour
• Doctor of Nursing Practice = $1,035/semester hour
• PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy = $867/semester hour

Food And Housing Options

Academic Year:
Students have a number of options regarding both food and housing. Please note that the charges below are adjustments to the food and housing charges previously detailed.

Residence Halls:

• Regina Double and McAuley Triple/Quad = $3,126/semester
• Andreas Triple = $3,126/semester
• Lower Campus Double = $3,917/semester
• Medical Single Room, McAuley or Regina = $3,126/semester
• McAuley Double-in-Triple = $3,907/semester
• Andreas Double-in-Triple = $3,907/semester
• Single-in-Double Regina, McAuley, Andreas, and Lower Campus = $5,740

Food Plans:

• Mustang Meal Plan - an average of 7 meals per week (only eligible for Juniors, Seniors, and Graduate students) = $2,600/semester
• VIP Meal Plan - unlimited swipes for personal use = $3,192/semester

Other Housing Options

Summer Housing: Current students (were enrolled spring semester) who are enrolled in summer courses or have pre-enrolled for fall semester classes may choose to live on campus in either Andreas or Lower Campus. There is no food plan for the summer. Summer housing rates:

• Double Room = $982
• Single-in-Double = $1,472

If the student ceases enrollment during the summer, he or she will be asked to move out of campus housing. New students must be enrolled in summer courses in order to choose on campus summer housing.

Special Fees

(All fees are non-refundable except where noted.)

• Anatomy Lab Fee = $100
• Art Fees = Varies by course, see individual course description
• Assessment of Prior Learning Experience Assessment Fee = $60 per semester hour
• Audit Fee for Center of Learning for the Church = $150
• Audit Fee for a Regular Course = $100
• Audit Fee for Activity or Lab Course = $150
• Challenge Exam Fee = $25/semester hour for credit; $10/semester hour for waiving credit
• Lab Course Fee (applies to all lab courses except Nursing and Biology) = $50
• Meal Plan Change (after Aug 1st) = $25
• Medical Laboratory Science Fee = $100
• Mercy Payment Plan Enrollment Fee = $75 per semester
• Mount Mercy I.D. Card Replacement Fee = $15
• Music Lesson Fee = Refer to Curriculum/Music section of catalog
• Nursing Undergraduate Fee - Sophomore, Junior and Senior = $1,000 per semester
• Nursing DNP Fee = $500 annual
• Nursing NU 504 = $250
• Official Transcript = $15
• Parking Fees = See the Good Book
• Replacement Diploma = $75
• Returned Check = $25
• Room Contract Cancellation Fee = $500 - $1000
• Student Government Association (SGA) Fee - Traditional Students Only (Full Time and Part Time) = $100 per semester
• Technology Fee - Full Time Traditional Student = $250 per semester
• Technology Fee - Part Time Traditional Student = $125 per semester
• Tuition Deposit for all Full-time Students (paid at time of acceptance and credited to tuition) = $200
• Wellness Fee - Full Time Traditional Student = $150 per semester
• Wellness Fee - Part Time Traditional Student = $75 per semester

Other student costs include:

• Books and Supplies = est. $1,200
• Transportation (full-time students living on campus) = est. $1,400
• Transportation (full-time students living with parents) = est. $2,280
• Transportation (full-time students living off campus) = est. $3,360

Mercy Payment Plan

The Mercy Payment Plan allows each semester’s tuition, food, housing and fees to be paid in 4 equal installments due on the 10th of September, October, November, and December for Fall semester and the 25th of January, February, March, and April for Spring semester. If the due date falls on a weekend, payment is due the following business day. The Mercy Payment Plan can only be used for the payment of tuition, food, and housing. Students must enroll in the payment plan by September 10th and January 25th respectively to avoid being charged late fees. Students who have not paid their account in full by September 10th for the Fall semester or by January 25th for the Spring semester, and have not enrolled in the Mercy Payment Plan, will be charged monthly late fees starting on September 15th and February 15th respectively. There is an enrollment charge of $75 per semester to participate in the payment plan. Enrollment in the Mercy Payment Plan must occur each semester; participation doesn't carry over from one semester to the next.

All enrolled students are eligible for the Mercy Payment Plan unless:

1. The student is reimbursed by their employer.
2. The student's account is considered delinquent (see below).
3. A student has declared bankruptcy at any time in which a Mount Mercy account has been written off.

International Student Accounts

International students must have their student account balance paid, in full, by the start of the semester. Students are encouraged to use Flywire to complete international payments (www.flywire.com) for convenience in tracking the payment from start to finish. 

Delinquent Accounts

All students, except those receiving employer reimbursement, are required to have their entire account paid in full by the end of the semester (December 10th for Fall semester, May 10th for Spring semester, and by the end of all other semesters). Any balance remaining after the dates listed above will be considered delinquent.

Students who are reimbursed by their employers are required to have their entire account paid in full within 45 days from the end of the course or their account will be considered delinquent.

Students with delinquent accounts may be subject to the following actions until the balance is paid in full.

1. All current and future registrations will be cancelled.
2. All financial aid for future terms will be cancelled.
3. Student will no longer be able to reside in student housing.
4. Reimbursed students will be required to have their account paid in full before class starts.
5. Delinquency may be reported to a credit bureau.
6. Account may be referred to a collection agency for the full amount due plus all collection costs and legal fees.

Graduation Policy

No diplomas will be issued until all financial obligations have been paid in full.

Refunds

Tuition and Fees

Fall and Spring Semesters

A student’s final bill will be determined on the last day to add classes for each semester. This is generally seven days after the beginning of the semester and is referred to as the final bill date. Before the final bill date students may adjust their class schedules and tuition adjustments will be made if necessary. Students who drop classes after the final bill date will not be eligible to receive a refund for any of the tuition charged for that class unless they withdraw from the University.

Students who withdraw after the final bill date may be eligible to receive a refund of a portion of the tuition charged for the semester. Please contact the Student Accounts team for more information regarding tuition refund amounts. 

Summer Term

A student’s final bill will be determined on the last day to add classes for each term which is generally one to two days after the beginning of the semester (final bill date). Students may adjust their class schedules and necessary tuition adjustments will be made.

Students who drop classes after the final bill date will not be eligible to receive a refund of any of the tuition charged for that class unless they withdraw from the University. 

Food and Housing

The food and housing terms and conditions are as stated in the contract signed by the student. During the semester there may be a proportional refund of food and housing charges if the student officially withdraws from the University and/or moves off campus with the approval of the Director of Residence Life. There is a $500 - $1,000 contract cancellation fee that will be imposed on any student who does not fulfill the food and housing contract.