Admissions, Expenses, Financial Aid

Undergraduate Admission

Admissions Requirements - General

Candidates for admission to the freshman class must be graduates or anticipating graduation from an approved secondary school or preparatory school or have earned their GED (Graduate Equivalent Diploma). Families involved in home study programs are urged to contact the Director of Admissions for further information. Criteria used when making an admission decision are: the student’s transcript of academic work, rank in class, the SAT or ACT, letters of recommendation, and the Admissions essay.

It is the policy of Delaware Valley University to offer admission to applicants without regard to race, color, creed, sex, age, religion, or national origin.

Students seeking admission from other nations should follow the application procedures pertaining to their respective student type (freshman/transfer). In addition to the steps listed international students should:

1. Submit TOEFL, SAT, or ACT scores as necessary (if applicable).
2. Submit official transcripts accompanied by World Education Services (WES) evaluation (if applicable).
3. International Student Financial Statement

The University uses the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) to facilitate compliance with regulations set forth by the United States Citizen and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Advanced Placement and Standing

Applicants for admission who have completed secondary school Advanced Placement Courses are encouraged to take the appropriate examinations administered by the College Entrance Examination Board. Students with an advanced placement score of “3” or better will receive credit for an appropriate introductory course or free elective credit.

Incoming freshmen with college credit should notify the Admissions Office upon enrollment. The University also grants academic credit for satisfactory performance on a number of specific subject examinations that are part of the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) and the Defense Activity for Nontraditional Education Support (DANTES) program, both of which are administered by the Educational Testing Service, Princeton, NJ 08541. The University is officially designated as a CLEP Testing Site for DelVal students. Details on the University’s policy regarding CLEP may be obtained from the Continuing Education Department at 215-489-4848.

The admissions application should be submitted as early as possible in the senior year, preferably by the end of the first marking period.

Note: Placement into College Algebra, MP 1102, requires a score of 465 or greater on the mathematics portion of the SAT. Placement into Calculus I, MP 1204, requires a score of 620 or higher on the mathematics portion of the SAT.

Admissions Procedures - Freshmen Applicants

1. Applicants are encouraged to submit an online application, which is free of charge. Completed paper applications should be sent with a $50 check or money order, a non-refundable application fee.
2. Submit official high school transcript, including current grades and senior coursework.
3. Have SAT or ACT scores sent to the Admissions Office, either through the high school transcript or the College Board. Our code numbers are SAT-2510 and ACT-3551.
4. A personal interview is recommended, but not required, for all applicants. Arrangements may be made with the Admissions Office by phone at 215-489-2211, or 800-2-DELVAL.
5. Admissions decisions are made on a rolling basis, continuing until full enrollment is reached. Early applications are encouraged.
6. The Admissions Committee will evaluate applicant credentials and will inform the applicant of its decision.

Admissions Procedures - Transfer Applicants

1. Submit an online application, which is free of charge. Completed paper applications should be sent with a $50 check or money order made payable to Delaware Valley University, a nonrefundable fee.
2. Forward official transcripts of all college work and a high school transcript or copy of their GED.
3. Credits will be transferred only for those courses which are appropriate to the selected curriculum. (For more information see index for transfer credit policy ).
4. Veterans and Active Military should submit a copy of form DD-214. If presently serving in the military, the applicant must submit a letter of reference from the commanding officer.

Subjects Required for Admission

The requirements for admission cover 15 units of secondary school work. A unit represents a year’s work in a subject at a secondary school.

The following preparation is required for all applicants. However, additional units in science and mathematics are desirable. Applicants whose preparation differs from the following outline are encouraged to confer with the Director of Admissions.

Minimum Unit Recommendations

* Business Administration, Criminal Justice Administration or English majors and students applying for the Equine Science program need only one unit of science. They may take any one of the following: Biology, Chemistry or Physics.

** It is recommended that all students accumulate as many units in advanced science and advanced mathematics as they can. Additional units may also be obtained in social science, foreign languages and other subjects.

Graduate Admisson

All DelVal graduate applicants are required to have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in the US.  Alternatively, applicants may furnish proof of the equivalent from a foreign college or university.  Students must have also earned a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA on a 4.0-point scale. Applicants earning lower GPAs may be considered for admission on an individual basis, and may be required to submit additional information.

The MBA and MPP programs offer an option for DelVal seniors to begin earning their graduate degree as 4+1 students.  Please consult these programs for specific eligibility and admission requirements.

All applicants submit:

• A completed application for admission with the $50 application fee
• Official transcripts from all previously attended academic institutions
• Three professional or academic recommendations with information about the candidate’s potential and capacity for graduate study on the form provided
• A minimum 500-word personal statement that includes personal and career goals, interest in the chosen DelVal graduate program, and a summary of strengths and areas for growth
• A comprehensive and current professional résumé

INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS

Applicants for whom English is not their first language must submit the results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a minimum score of 80 (IBT) or an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 6.5.  DelVal’s TOEFL institution code is 2510.

Course-by-course evaluations of all academic transcripts from institutions outside of the U.S. are required.  Additional documentation will be required upon acceptance, which includes a certification of finances and visa forms.

VISITING STUDENTS

Visiting or non-matriculated students, defined as students who are not seeking a degree or certificate but wish to enroll in graduate-level classes at DelVal, may register via the Visiting Student Registration form.  An application for admission is not required for visiting students. The upcoming class schedule can be viewed on myDelVal.

Please note that not all graduate programs accept visiting students, so please consult with the individual graduate program director.

MASTER’S PROGRAMS ADMISSION DETAILS

M.A. in Counseling Psychology    

Specializations:  child and adolescent counseling, social justice community counseling

Admission term: fall only

Classes: evenings

Additional admission criteria:  All applicants must have completed 4 pre-requisite courses in psychology with a 3.0 grade point average in each.  Those with degrees in psychology, counseling or a related field are preferred and will likely not need additional prerequisites.  Personal interview, by invitation only, is also required.

Advanced Counseling Psychology graduate certificate

Classes: evenings

Additional admission criteria: Master’s or Doctoral degree in counseling, clinical psychology or a closely related field.

Master of Public Policy (MPP)    

Specializations: community and international development, food and agriculture, sustainability and the environment

Admission terms: fall, spring

Classes: evenings

Additional admission criteria for 4 + 1 students:  Current DelVal undergraduate student, senior standing, minimum 3.0 cumulative grade point average

M.A. in Criminal Justice    

Admission terms: fall, spring

Classes: evenings

Master of Business Administration (MBA)     

Specializations: general business, accounting, food and agribusiness, supply chain management

Admission terms: fall (I and II), spring (I and II), summer (I and II), winter

Classes: evenings, online traditional and/or online accelerated

Additional admission criteria: Applicants with GPAs lower than 3.0 but higher than a 2.7 may be admitted on a conditional basis. Applicants with GPAs lower than a 2.7 are required to submit GMAT scores of 500 or higher.

Additional admission criteria for 4 + 1 students:  Current DelVal undergraduate student, junior standing, minimum 3.0 cumulative grade point average

M.S. in Educational Leadership and Post-graduate Administrative/Curriculum certifications     

Specializations: school administration, supervisor of curriculum and instruction

Certificates: Post-graduate school administration or supervisor of curriculum and instruction

Admission terms: fall (G1 and G2), spring (G3 and G4), summer (G5 and G6)

Classes: evenings, off-campus cohorts

M.S. in Special Education and Post-Graduate Special Education Supervisory Certification    

Specializations: assistive technology, transition education skills, supervisor of special education,

supervisor of special education and principal (dual)

Certificates: Post-graduate assistive technology specialization, transition education skills specialization, or supervisor of special education

Admission terms: fall (G1 and G2), spring (G3 and G4), summer (G5 and G6)

Classes: evenings, off-campus cohorts

M.S. in Teaching and Learning and Post-Baccalaureate STEM Courses 

Specializations: lead teacher, S.T.E.A.M. education

Admission terms: fall (G1 and G2), spring (G3 and G4), summer (G5 and G6)

Classes: evenings

 Undergraduate Tuition, Fees, & Expenses

The major charges for the 2017-2018 Academic Year are: tuition, fees, room and board as detailed under the Undergraduate Tuition and Fee Schedule. All resident students are required to take advantage of one of the six meal plans offered. There are also meal plans available for commuter students, staff and faculty. Tuition, fees, room and board may be paid by mail or in person with cash, personal check or money order. Payment may also be made by American Express®, Discover®, MasterCard®, PIN-less debit cards with the MasterCard® logo, and electronic checks via myDelVal, or through www.delval.edu/touchnet. Credit card payments for tuition, fees, room and board cannot be made by mail, in person, or over the telephone.

Upon acceptance to the University, new students must pay a non-refundable $200 matriculation fee. New students who will be living on campus must also pay a non-refundable $200 room reservation fee.

Returning Students

It is the responsibility of each student to pay the charges as listed below. A late fee of $200 is charged after the term due date.

In the event of any financial default, the University shall have the right to employ a collection agency and/or any other legal means to collect sums due. The student is required to pay all collection costs, including legal fees, and interest. Term charges are payable as follows:

Undergraduate Tuition and Fee Schedule*

*Rates are subject to change

-Discount Meal Plan Rates do not include Starbucks

**Equine Course Fee charge per course for students not enrolled in AS.EQSC, BS.ANSC.EB, BS.ANSC.ET, BS.EQMN.BT, AND BS.EQMN.IT.  Courses: ES-1050, 2050, 3010, 4010, 1010, 2118, 2219, 2250, 2450, 3218, 3219, 3371, 4018, 4111, 4250.

***Contingency deposit of $150 is required of all full-time students as a guarantee for payment of damage to or loss of university property, residence hall damages, library and parking fines, or similar penalties imposed by the university. Approximately three months after graduation or withdrawal from the University, the student will receive a refund of the unused portion of the contingency deposit.

****Students who register for online courses will be charged a distance education fee of $102 per course.

*****Students registering for more than 19 credits in a term will be charged $258 overload per credit over the 19 credit load. No one may register for 21 or more credits in a term without written permission from the vice president for academic affairs.

Upon acceptance, new students must pay a non-refundable $200 (non-residents) or $400 (residents) matriculation fee.

In addition to the fees listed above, additional fees will be charged for the following:

Medical insurance: The University offers a medical insurance plan for students, the cost of which is pre-billed to each student’s account.  Students who already have coverage are required to provide proof of insurance by completing an online waiver.  Those who do not comply will be automatically enrolled in a health insurance plan at their own expense. Students who do not waive the insurance by the term due date, and have not made satisfactory financial arrangements to pay for the coverage, will be charged a $200 late fee. For more information, visit our Health Insurance Waiver/Enrollment webpage.

Independent study courses.

Field trips required for certain courses.

British Horse Society exam preparation fees for students in eligible equine majors.

Books, supplies and equipment are not charged to the student account. Books and supplies may be purchased at the University bookstore. 

The board plan is controlled by the student ID card. Flex dollars must be used by the end of the academic term, or they will be forfeited. All resident students are required to purchase one of the six resident meal plans. Meal plans are optional for students who live off-campus. All meal plan requests, changes, and cancellations must be requested through the student housing portal by the end of the add/drop period each term.  No meal plan additions, cancellations or changes will be permitted after the deadline.

Students registering for less than 12 credits are charged $982 per credit, plus additional per course fees as applicable. Registration for less than 12 credits may affect the amount of scholarships and other financial aid. For more information on financial aid, contact finaid@delval.edu. 

In the event of any financial default, the University shall have the right to employ a collection agency and/or any other legal means to collect sums due. Students will be required to pay all collection fees, including legal fees and interest.

Diplomas and official transcripts will not be released until a student has made satisfactory settlement of his or her student account and, if applicable, unless his or her federal Perkins loan account is in good standing.

Continuing Professional Studies Undergraduate Tuition and Fee Schedule*

*Rates are subject to change

**Per course for registering after deadline, which is seven (7) days prior to the start of the term in which you are registering.

Organic Farming Students are charged $538/credit for coursework.

For any questions on the cost of taking a course through Continuing and Professional Studies, please contact the Office of the Bursar at bursar@delval.edu or call 215.489.2376.

Payment in full is due prior to the first day of the term in which you are registered unless satisfactory financial arrangements are made in advance with the bursar’s office. Pending financial aid, enrollment in a payment plan, and anticipated military benefits are considered satisfactory financial arrangments. If payment in full is not received by the start of the term, and no financial arrangements are approved and in place, then a hold will be placed on your student account and you will not be permitted to register for future terms or receive transcripts until your student account balance is paid in full.

Continuing and Professional Students Undergradate Tuition Refund Policy

If a Continuing and Professional Studies student withdraws from a course, refunds are calculated from the date the student notifies the Office of the Registrar in writing.  Phone calls, voicemails, failing or ceasing to attend a class is not an official drop or withdrawal and will not result in tuition refund.  Tuition and fees paid for canceled courses are refunded in full. All other refunds, minus a $50 processing fee per course, will be made according to the following schedule for terms that are 10 weeks or longer:

• Dropping courses before the official start date of the term: 100% tuition refund.
• Dropping courses during the first week of the term:  100% tuition refund, charge of $50 processing fee per course.
• Dropping courses during the second week of the term: 50% tuition refund, charge of $50 processing fee per course.
• No refund if withdrawing from courses after the second week of the term.

For terms that are less than 10 weeks in length, including Spring I, Spring II, Summer I, Summer II, Fall I and Fall II, dropping a course before the start of the term or during the first week results in a 100% tuition refund and you will be charged $50 drop fee per course. Fees are not refundable. There are no refunds for drops after the first week of the term. Questions regarding a tuition refund should be directed to the Office of the Bursar.

For the Winter term, dropping a course before the start of the term or during the first three (3) days results in a 100% tuition refund, and you will be charged a $50 drop fee per course.  Fees are not refundable.  There are no refunds for drops after third day of the term.  Questions regarding a tuition refund should be directed to the Office of the Bursar.

The refund policy for Summer Sessions follows the Continuing and Professional Studies polices for all undergraduate credit bearing courses. In all cases, a $50 non-refundable processing fee per course is assessed to the student’s account. Fees are not refundable. Questions regarding a tuition refund should be directed to the Office of the Bursar.

The refund policy for non-credit Continuing and Professional Studies programs are published on the CPS website.  Please contact the Office of Continuing and Professional Studies at 215.489.4848 for details about these programs.

Graduate Tuition, Fees and Expenses

*Rates are subject to change

**Per course for registering after deadline, which is seven (7) days prior to the start of the term in which you are registering.

For any questions on the cost of taking a course through the Graduate Program, please contact the Office of the Bursar at bursar@delval.edu or call 215.489.2376.

Payment in full is due prior to the first day of the term in which you are registered unless satisfactory financial arrangements are made in advance with the bursar’s office. Pending financial aid, enrollment in a payment plan, and anticipated military benefits are considered satisfactory financial arrangments. If payment in full is not received by the start of the term, and no financial arrangements are approved and in place, then a hold will be placed on your student account and you will not be permitted to register for future terms or receive transcripts until your student account balance is paid in full.

Graduate - Master’s Students Tuition Refund Policy

If a Graduate program student withdraws from a course, refunds are calculated from the date the student notifies the Office of the Registrar in writing. Phone calls, voicemails, failing or ceasing to attend a class is not an official drop or withdrawal and will not result in a tuition refund. Tuition and fees paid for canceled courses are refunded in full. All other refunds, minus a $50 processing fee per course, will be made according to the following schedule for terms that are 10 weeks or longer:

• Dropping courses before the official start date of the term: 100% tuition refund.
• Dropping courses during the first week of the term: 100% tuition refund, charge of $50 processing fee per course.
• Dropping courses during the second week of the term: 50% tuition refund, charge of $50 processing fee per course.
• No refund if withdrawing from courses after the second week of the term.

In all cases, a $50 non-refundable processing fee per course is assessed to the student’s account. Fees are not refundable.

For terms that are less than 10 weeks in length, such as Spring I, Spring II, Summer I, Summer II, Fall I, Fall II, and Graduate Education terms, dropping a course before the start of the term or during the first week results in a 100% tuition refund, less a $50 drop fee per course.  Fees are not refundable.  There are no refunds for drops after the first week of the term.  Questions regarding a tuition refund should be directed to the Office of the Bursar.

For the Winter term, dropping a course before the start of the term or during the first three (3) days results in a 100% tuition refund, and you will be charged a $50 drop fee per course. Fees are not refundable. There are no refunds for drops after the third day of the term.  Questions regarding a tuition refund should be directed to the Office of the Bursar.

Graduate - Master’s Students Tuition Refund Policy

If a Doctoral student withdraws from a course, refunds are calculated from the date the student notifies the Office of the Registrar in writing.  Phone calls, voicemails, failing or ceasing to attend a class is not an official drop or withdrawal and will not result in tuition refund.  Tuition and fees paid for canceled courses are refunded in full.  All other refunds for Doctoral students are calculated based on the following:

• Dropping course before the official start of the term: 100% tuition refund, charge of $50 processing fee per course.
• Dropping course after the first Friday meeting: 100% tuition refund, charge of $50 processing fee per course
• Dropping course after the first Saturday meeting: No tuition refund.

Fees are not refundable. Questions regarding a tuition refund should be direct to the Office of the Bursar at bursar@delval.edu, or 215.489.2376.

Return of Title IV Funds

The Office of Financial Aid is required by federal statute to recalculate federal financial aid eligibility for students who withdraw, drop out or take a leave of absence prior to completing 60 percent of a payment period or term. The federal Title IV financial aid programs must be recalculated in these situations. The calculation is made for all federal financial aid recipients to determine whether a student who completely withdraws during a term has “earned” the monies disbursed. A student “earns” his/her aid based on the period of time they remain enrolled. During the first 60% of the term a student “earns” student aid funds in direct proportion to the length of time he/she remains enrolled. After the 60% point in the payment period or period of enrollment, a student has earned 100% of the Title IV funds he or she was scheduled to receive during the period. Any aid received in excess of the earned amount is considered unearned. If a student earned less aid than was disbursed, the institution would be required to return a portion of the funds and the student may be required to return a portion of the funds. This policy also applies to students who receive federal funds and receive all FA grades for ceasing to attend classes and failure to notify the Registrar’s office. The last day of class attendance will be determined by the Registrar’s office. Please refer to the Withdrawal policy of the university under Academic Regulations.

This policy does not apply to those students who cancel their registration prior to the first day of classes nor does this policy apply to students who drop some but not all of their classes. In these particular cases, the financial aid office may have to recalculate your award based on your revised enrollment status. Please contact the financial aid office for more information.

Calculating Earned and Unearned Financial Aid

The amount of earned financial aid is calculated on a daily basis from the first day of classes. The process uses calendar days rather than business days. Earned aid is determined by taking the number of days attended before withdrawing divided by the total number of days in the term (first day of instruction until the last day of finals). Breaks of at least 5 days are excluded.

For example, if you completed 30% of your payment period or period of enrollment, you earn 30% of the assistance you were originally scheduled to receive; therefore, 70% of the assistance would be considered as unearned. Once you have completed more than 60% of the payment period or period of enrollment, you earn all the assistance that you were scheduled to receive for that period.

Calculating the amount of Title IV aid to be returned

Once the earned and unearned aid percentages are determined, the next step is to calculate the dollar amount of unearned aid that must be returned. The Return amount is determined by multiplying the unearned aid percentage by the total of all Title IV aid received.

The responsibility to repay the unearned Title IV aid is shared by Delaware Valley University and the student. For example, the calculation may require Delaware Valley University to return a portion of federal funds to the Federal Title IV programs. In addition, the student may also be required to return funds based on the calculation.

Calculating the amount of Title IV aid due by the School

The amount of unearned aid that must be returned by DVU is a percentage of the institutional charges for the term. The school must return the lesser of -

• Amount of title funds that the student does not earn; or
• The amount of Institutional charges that the student incurred for the payment period multiplied by the percentage of funds that was not earned.

Aid will be returned in the following order, up to the total net amount disbursed from each source:

1. Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans
2. Federal Direct Subsidized Loans
3. Federal Perkins Loans
4. Federal Direct Parent (PLUS) Loans
5. Federal Pell Grants
6. Federal Supplemental Opportunity Grant (SEOG)
7. TEACH Grant
8. Iraq Afghanistan Service Grant

Once the institution’s portion of the return of funds has been calculated, the financial aid office will reduce the student’s original financial aid award and return the funds within 45 days to the appropriate program(s). If this creates a balance owed to DVU, the student will be responsible for repaying the amount to the Office of the Bursar. The student will not be allowed to register and/or receive an official transcript until the balance has been paid in full.

Calculating the amount of Title IV aid due by the Student

After the school returns the correct amount of aid, any amount of the total unearned aid that remains becomes the student’s portion of the return. The student portion of the return is calculated by subtracting the amount that the school had to return from the total unearned aid. Depending on the remaining sources of aid after the school return, the student portion of the return is distributed back to the aid program from which it was awarded. Please be aware that if you (the student) are required to return either your entire Direct Loan or a portion thereof, the loan proceeds will be returned based on the terms and conditions of your Master Promissory Note (MPN). You will not be billed for these funds upon withdrawal.

Any amount of unearned grant funds that you (the student) must return is called an overpayment. The grant funds returned by the student are applied in order as indicated below, up to the amount disbursed from that grant program minus any grant funds the school is responsible for returning to that program.

1. Federal Pell Grants
2. Federal Supplemental Opportunity Grant
3. TEACH Grant
4. Iraq Afghanistan Service Grant

*Note: the student is not responsible for returning funds to any program to which the student owes $50.00 or less.

Keep in mind that when Title IV funds are returned, the student borrower may owe a debit balance to the institution. If a student earned more aid than was disbursed to him/her, the institution will offer the student a post-withdrawal disbursement via a letter, which, if accepted, must be paid within 180 days of the student’s withdrawal. The student must accept or decline the post withdrawal disbursement within the time frame indicated in the letter.

If you (the student) did not receive all of the funds that you earned, you may be due a Postwithdrawal disbursement. If your Post-withdrawal disbursement includes loan funds, your school must get your permission before it can disburse them. You may choose to decline some or all of the loan funds so that you don’t incur additional debt. Delaware Valley University will automatically use all or a portion of your Post-withdrawal disbursement of grant funds for tuition, fees, and room and board charges (as contracted with the school). In order to use the Postwithdrawal grant disbursement for all other school charges, Delaware Valley University will need your permission. If you do not give your permission, you will be offered the funds. Please keep in mind that it may be in your best interest to allow DVU to keep the funds to reduce your debt incurred.

*PLEASE NOTE* There are some Title IV funds that you were scheduled to receive that cannot be disbursed to you once you withdraw because of other eligibility requirements. For example, if you are a first-time, first-year undergraduate student and you have not completed the first 30 days of your program before you withdraw, you will not receive any Direct Loan funds that you would have received had you remained enrolled past the 30th day.

The requirements for Title IV program funds when you withdraw are separate from any refund policy that Delaware Valley University has. Therefore, it is possible that you (the student) may still owe funds to Delaware Valley University to cover unpaid institutional charges. As mentioned previously, DVU may also charge you for any Title IV program funds that the school was required to return. For additional information regarding Return of Title IV or DVU’s Refund policy, please contact: The Office of the Bursar 215-489-2376

There are other refund policies that students must adhere to which include, but are not limited to such as Tuition and Fees, Housing and Meals.

Refund Policy for Full-Time Undergraduate Students

1. FEES are not refundable.
2. TUITION, ROOM and BOARD are fully or partially refundable ONLY when a student officially withdraws from the University. Refunds for withdrawal are prorated based on the number of days the student was in attendance at the University.
3. Students who withdraw prior to the end of the 9th week of classes in the current term receive a pro-rata refund of tuition, room and board, and are charged a $350 withdrawal fee. NO REFUNDS are processed for withdrawal once 60% of the term has been completed.
4. The term “pro-rata refund” is defined as a refund of not less than the portion of tuition, room and board charged to the student that is equal to the portion of the term that remains, as of the student’s last recorded day of attendance.
5. If a student who is on financial aid is entitled to a refund, the student’s financial aid monies will be repaid to the programs in the following order:
   1. Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan
   2. Federal Direct Subsidized Loan
   3. Federal Perkins Loan
   4. Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loans
   5. Federal Pell Grant
   6. Federal SEOG
   7. T.E.A.C.H.
   8. Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant

Tuition refunds are processed by the Office of Financial Aid and the Office of the Bursar. A withdrawing student is charged a $350 Administrative Withdrawal Fee. A resident student who breaks his/her Housing Contract after the beginning of the academic year by moving off campus with or without approval is charged a $600 Housing Contract Cancellation fee. A student who breaks the Contract prior to the beginning of the Fall term forfeits the $200 payment that was paid before room selection.

Student who intend to live on campus are required to sign a Housing Contract that stipulates that they will reside on campus for the full academic year, consisting of fall and spring semesters, and excluding recesses and scheduled vacations. 

An exception to these rules may be granted in the case of a student who is involuntarily called to active duty in the Armed Forces of the United States; such student will receive a proportionate refund of tuion or room charges for the period after the date of withdrawal.

Any student suspended or expelled from the University for disciplinary reasons will not be granted a room refund.  A $600 Housing Contract Cancellation fee will be charged if a student moves off campus during the school year.

Board Refunds: Board refunds will be prorated on a daily basis through the 9th week of classes.  If a student moves off campus or officially withdraws from the University, the refund will be based on the date of the meal plan is voided.  Any student who is suspended or expelled from the University for disciplinary or academic reasons will be granted a refund of board charges.  The refund will be based on the date the student’s meal plan is voided.  No refunds will be issued for any reason after 60% of the term has passed.

Continuing Education

The rates for Continuing and Professional Studies Students can be found on the Bursar’s website and are subject to change.
 

Undergraduate Financial Aid

Student Financial Aid

Delaware Valley University provides and administers need based and merit-based assistance to enable students to finance the costs of higher education. Each student situation is evaluated individually. The Financial Aid office is available to help identify sources of financial support, and to discuss funding resources and opportunities. The amount of financial aid available to any student is based on academic performance, need and the availability of funds. Students must be accepted, matriculated (or enrolled in a program determined eligible for financial aid), remain in good academic standing and meet the individual requirements to qualify for federal state and institutionally funded financial aid.

All students are encouraged to meet with The Office of Financial Aid upon entering the University and throughout their enrollment at the University. It is a student’s responsibility to notify The Office of Financial Aid of any change in degree program, semester enrollment or other circumstances which may change their eligibility for financial aid programs.

To apply for financial aid, students should submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) electronically at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Priority deadline is April 15 and Delaware Valley University’s school code is 003252. Applicants are considered for all types of aid for which they might qualify. Entering students must be accepted for admission before their requests for aid can be considered. Late applicants will be considered as long as funds continue to be available.

Awards are made for one academic year. Students must reapply each year to qualify for financial assistance. Renewal awards are based on academic performance and continuing financial need. Aid can be withdrawn if a student fails to make satisfactory academic progress, fails to report financial aid from sources outside the institution, owes a refund on a federal or state grant or is in default on a federal student loan.

The University participates with the federal government in the Federal Pell Grant Program, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant Program, Federal Perkins Loan Program, Federal Work Study Program, and the Teacher Education Assistance for University and Higher Education Grant Program (TEACH), Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Direct Loan and Federal Parent PLUS loan programs.

Pell Grants are awarded to students with demonstrated financial need. Pell grants may range up to $5,815 per academic year.

The Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) is awarded to students who qualify for Federal Pell Grants and would be unable to enter or remain in an institution of higher education without such assistance. Renewal is available if the applicant can demonstrate continued financial need in succeeding years and availability of funds.

The Perkins Loan Program is aggregate in nature and allows a student to borrow up to $20,000 for an undergraduate program of no more than five years’ duration. The act provides that a borrower shall repay the loan at 5% per annum simple interest on the unpaid balance over a period beginning nine months after the date on which he or she ceases to pursue at least a half-time course at an institution of higher education and ending ten years after such date.

Federal Work-Study Program

The Federal Work-Study Program is designed to stimulate and promote the part-time employment of University students who have demonstrated financial need and who require the wages from the employment to pursue their studies. Students in the Federal Work-Study Program are employed by the University. Students are paid biweekly for the hours worked during the preceding pay period. Federal Work-Study is not deducted from the student’s bill unless the student so chooses. Employment under the Federal Work-Study Program is awarded as part of the financial aid package and students must show a demonstrated financial need to qualify for this program.

The Financial Aid Office assists in matching students with a job based on completion of a job application and other forms as required.

Students who do not qualify for Federal Work-Study may apply for a Campus Employment job on campus by filling out an application through The Office of Financial Aid. Students are placed upon availability of employment and availability of funds. Student financial need may be a consideration for placement.

TEACH Grant

The Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant Program was established under the College Cost Reduction and Access Act (CCRAA), to benefit current and prospective teachers. This is a federal grant designed to assist students who plan on becoming a teacher and meet specific requirements.

Delaware Valley University Scholarships and Grants

Each year, Delaware Valley University awards a number of different scholarships that are based on high school academic performance. They are renewable each year provided the recipient maintains high academic and citizenship standards.

Delaware Valley University is committed to working with you and your family to make private higher education as affordable as possible. Most students enrolling at Delaware Valley University receive financial assistance.

Below are examples of available awards Delaware Valley University offers to academically qualified students.

Presidential Scholarship: up to $21,000
Faculty Scholarship: up to $20,000
Board of Trustees Scholarship: up to $19,000
Challenge Grant: up to $15,000
Heritage Award: up to $12,000
Achievement Award: Amount varies
Founder’s Award: Amount varies

Grants awarded by the University are based on demonstrated need and the prospect of the student meeting the standards of academic performance of the University and contributing positively to the University community. Renewals are contingent upon continued financial need and the maintenance of satisfactory academic and citizenship standards.

Additional Sources of Financial Aid

There are also other major sources of financial assistance which are administered outside the Office of Financial Aid of the University and are awarded under procedures established by each program or agency. Since each has its own procedures of application, the student should contact each agency directly. The major sources available to Delaware Valley University students are Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) grants: PHEAA is a state grant program for undergraduate Pennsylvania residents enrolled at least half time (6 credit hours) in an eligible program.

Other State Grant Programs

Other state grant programs may offer state grant awards to students who are residents of those states. Students should contact the appropriate state grant agency for more information.

Privately Sponsored Scholarships

Most libraries have books and brochures that list scholarships available to students. Many of theses awards are given to students meeting special conditions such as academic major. Contact The Office of Financial Aid for more information on obtaining outside scholarship assistance. The Financial Aid Office website lists scholarships available to eligible students at the University .

Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Student Loan Programs

Federal loans available to students who qualify. Information on procedures and conditions of the Federal Direct Loan program can be found on the Delaware Valley University website under financial aid or www.studentloans.gov.

Federal Direct PLUS Loans

Parents of dependent undergraduate students may borrow up to the students full cost of attendance minus estimated financial aid. Information on Federal Direct student and parent loans can be found on the Delaware Valley University website under financial aid or at www.studentloans.gov.

Private Education Loans

These are privately funded loans through banks and/or credit unions designed to help students pay for educational expenses. Students should always borrow the maximum allowed under the Federal Direct Student loan program before using private loan assistance. Information about private education loans can be found on The Office of Financial Aid website under financing options.

Contact The Office of Financial Aid for additional information on the sources listed above and for information on other sources of financial assistance not described here.

Students who are eligible to collect Education Benefits through the Veterans Administration (veterans, dependents of veterans, or active military) should contact the Certifying Official for Veterans Affairs at 215-489-2475.

Monthly payment plans are available. Details are available from The Office of the Bursar at 215-489-2376.

Financial Aid Policies

Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy for Financial Aid Recipients
(Effective July 1, 2011)

Colleges and universities are required to establish minimum standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) for students receiving federally funded (Title IV) financial aid, as well as all Delaware Valley University grants and scholarships.  In order to maintain eligibility for Federal Title IV financial aid that falls under the United States Department of Education a student must continue to make both satisfactory qualitative ( grade point average)  and quantitative (pace) academic progress.  Title IV aid programs governed by the United States Department of Education: 

• Federal Pell Grant
• Federal Work-Study Program
• ( SEOG) Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants
• Perkins Loans
• Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans
• Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loans
• Federal TEACH Grant

The Office of Financial Aid will monitor student progress towards their degree annually and cumulatively at the end of each academic year (end of spring semester). 

Undergraduate students receiving financial aid must maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average (qualitative) and make steady progress toward the completion of their degree (pace) as described in the sections below.

Qualitative Standard: A student must earn a GPA of 2.0 or better to earn his/her degree at Delaware Valley University.  In order to remain in good academic standing and retain federal and institutional financial aid eligibility the student must reach the following GPA levels as he/she attempts credits toward the desired degree. This is the same academic standard published in the college catalogue under Academic Regulations however please note that Satisfactory Academic Progress for continued financial aid monitors attempted credits - not only credits earned as outlined under the Academic Regulations.  Failure to meet the standard will result in the loss of Title IV aid.  ** Please note that Satisfactory Academic Progress for financial aid eligibility should not be confused with the College’s academic progress policy. These are two distinct and totally separate policies that student must be aware of.  It is possible to fail to meet minimum standards of one policy and pass the minimum standards of another. 

See standard below:

Student’s must complete 67% of attempted credits.

Students enrolled in certificate programs one year or less are monitored per semester. Students must have a 2.0 after term completion to meet Satisfactory Academic Progress.

Quantitative Standard:  A student must make steady progress towards their degree. This includes the total time to earn a degree and the rate of completion or credits towards the degree.

Financial aid cannot exceed more than 150 percent of the normal time it takes for a student to achieve a degree. As an example: if the student curriculum is structured to allow a student to earn a bachelor’s degree in four years, students who take longer than four years can keep their financial aid eligibility for up to six years.    A student must complete 67% of their attempted credits in order to meet the quantitative (pace) requirement. 

Examples of Credit Completion Requirement:

• A student who has attempted 24 credits must have successfully completed at least 16 credits.* (24 x .67 = 16.08).
• A student who has attempted a total of 59 credits must have successfully completed at least 40 credits.* (59 x .67 = 39.53)
• A student has 30 transfer credits and 50 DVU credits for a total of 80 attempted the student must have successfully completed 54 credits.*
• (30 TR + 50 DVU) x .67 = 53.6

*Calculations not resulting in whole numbers are rounded to the nearest whole credit

If a student has failed to meet both the qualitative (gpa) and/or quantitative (pace) standards will receive notification from the Office of Financial Aid in writing - by mail and/or by email.  Students who fail to make satisfactory progress after the warning period lose their aid eligibility for the following term unless they successfully appeal and are placed on proba­tion or the student attends summer school and successfully meets the stated requirements.   

Students who have failed to meet both the qualitative (GPA) and/or quantitative (pace) standards will receive notification from the financial aid office in writing - by mail and/or by email.  Students who fail to make satisfactory progress after the warning period will lose their aid eligibility for the following term unless they successfully appeal and are placed on proba­tion or the student attends summer school and successfully meets the stated requirements.   

Attempted Credits:  Transfer credits brought in to the university are counted towards attempted credits and are also counted as earned credits and are applied to pace.  Withdraws (W), incompletes (I), and course failure (F, FA) are counted towards attempted credits. Remedial courses are counted as attempted credits and will be counted towards the pace requirement.  Repeat courses will not count towards attempted credits if the repeat course is taken to achieve qualitative (gpa) Satisfactory Academic Progress. As defined by the Department of Education, Delaware Valley University will only allow a student to retake previously passed coursework one time and count the coursework in the student’s enrollment status. For example: the student is retaking the coursework in an attempt to meet an academic standard such as better grade for financial aid consideration.

Incomplete grades: The student must contact the Office of Financial Aid when the Incomplete is graded. If an Incomplete grade is not completed by timeline indicated in the Academic Regulation policies the grade could revert to and F and will then count towards the qualitative (gpa) progression requirement.  Students who change majors will have their coursework for their original major count as attempted credits.

Reinstatement of Financial Aid after SAP failure:  As stated above students who fail to successfully complete the minimum credit completion rate, or fail to complete their program in the maximum timeframe, or fail to meet the cumulative gpa requirement will have their financial aid suspended for the following term. Reinstatement of financial aid can be achieved as follows:

• Student attends summer school to eliminate deficiency (consult academic support); student attends DelVal during the suspension semester and pays for tuition and fees without the help of student aid and does well enough to satisfy SAP standards; the student submits a letter of appeal (see Appeal Process).
• All student are to notify the Office of Financial Aid in writing regarding plans to satisfy SAP policy.

Appeal Process:  Any student may appeal the discontinuation of financial aid if failure to meet the standard was the result of undue hardship or special circumstances that prevented academic progress.  All appeals must be submitted in writing to the Director of Financial Aid. The appeal must explain the following:

• Explain and specify the extenuating circumstances which prevented the student from achieving academic progress.
• Explain what has changed in the student’s situation that will allow him/her to make satisfactory progress at the next evaluation.
• Explain what steps the student will take to correct the situation.

In addition, the appeal should include any supporting documentation of the mitigating circumstance.

As an example the following types of mitigating circumstances may be considered when a student appeals, injury or extended illness of student, death in the family, or change in educational objectives. Students will be notified in writing of the decision.

If an appeal is denied, financial aid will be reinstated only after the student achieves the minimum standards as listed above.

If an appeal is granted the student will have federal funding reinstated for one semester and the student will be placed on “probationary status” for Title IV aid. The “probationary status” is for one payment period only. Students will be required to have an academic plan in place prior to beginning the term. The academic plan should be made in conjunction with the student academic advisor and student support services.  The academic plan must be submitted to the Office of Financial Aid. Progress will be monitored after the probationary term and if progress is achieved federal funding will continue until the next SAP review period.

Students who fail to achieve satisfactory progress after the probationary term will be notified in writing.  The student may appeal this determination.  If the student appeals he/she must continue to have an academic plan in place in order to continue federal funding. The new academic plan must be submitted in writing to the Office of Financial Aid at the time he/she submits the appeal. If this appeal is granted, federal aid will continue during that semester. Should the student fail to make progress federal funding will cease until the student has met the qualitative (gpa) and quantitative (pace) standards as listed above.

Students Returning After a Leave of Absence

If a student previously left the university after failing to make satisfactory academic progress an returns to the university, the student is required to appeal his/her status.  The student must also be on an academic plan.  If the appeal is granted, the student is placed on financial aid probation for one semester.  The student’s academic status will be reviewed after the semester to determine if the student successfully achieved satisfactory academic progress.          

State grant financial aid requirements

State grants may have a different standard of academic progress then the federal standards. Students who have other state grant funds should check with their state for academic eligibility requirements. Pennsylvania state grant recipients are required to complete 24 credits per academic year to retain Pennsylvania State Grant assistance. The Office of Financial Aid will notify students in writing if they have failed to make this requirement. Students’ decisions to withdraw from courses after the term begins may affect their ability to complete the academic standards for state or federal assistance. It is the students’ responsibility to contact the Office of Financial Aid to verify the affect that any course withdrawal may have on financial aid eligibility.

Graduate Financial Aid Information

Delaware Valley University Office of Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy for Graduate Students

The purpose of this policy is to provide graduate students with information on Delaware Valley University’s Satisfactory Academic Progress standard for Federal Title IV sources of aid. These sources of aid are Federal Direct Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan and Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loans. This document describes the qualitative and quantitative standards that make up this policy, how standards are measured, and how financial aid is reinstated if eligibility is lost during enrollment

Overview

The Office of Financial Aid is required in accordance with Federal Title IV regulations to monitor satisfactory academic progress for students who receive federal financial assistance. In order to continue to receive financial aid while enrolled at Delaware Valley University, graduate students must maintain the minimum standards as defined below. The satisfactory academic progress standards for financial aid that are listed below are either the same or stricter than the individual colleges’ academic policy for students enrolled in the same academic program who are not receiving financial assistance. Students must make both quantitative and qualitative progress towards their educational goals each academic year to receive federal financial assistance. The Office of Financial Aid reviews each student once per academic year at the end of the spring semester for quantitative and qualitative progress.

Qualitative Standard

Graduate students and doctoral students must maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 calculated at the end of the academic year in order to be considered a student making satisfactory academic progress for financial aid consideration. Only credits earned at Delaware Valley University will affect the cumulative GPA calculation. The grade point average from transfer coursework at a previous college or university will not affect a student’s Delaware Valley University grade point average.

Quantitative Standard

Students must pass the minimum number of credit hours during the academic year that is associated with their enrollment status for that academic year. For example if a student is enrolled half-time in the Delaware Valley University Policy Studies graduate program, which is a minimum of 3 credit hours per semester, then the student must complete at least 6 credit hours for the academic year. Doctoral candidates must complete 18 credits per academic year. Credits are considered successfully completed when a grade of A, B, C, or D is earned. Failures (“F”) Incompletes (“I”), Withdrawals (“W) are not successfully completed credits.

*”In Progress” exception for students pursing a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership.

The “IP” or “In Progress” grade given for Dissertation or Dissertation Research is an indication that the student who receives this grade is making satisfactory progress towards completing his/her doctoral dissertation.

Repeated Coursework

As defined by the U.S. Department of Education, Delaware Valley University will include and fund any repeated coursework previously taken by the student in his or her enrollment status one time. The institution will only allow a student to retake previously unpassed coursework one time and count the coursework in the student’s enrollment status (e.g., the student is retaking the coursework in an attempt to meet an academic standard such as a better grade) for financial aid consideration. A student may not receive Federal funds to retake previously passed coursework. If a graduate/doctoral student is repeating the same course for thesis or dissertation continuation, this can be counted towards academic progress. There are no other exceptions.

Pace (Maximum Timeframe)

Within the Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy, the institution is required to establish a maximum time frame in which graduate and doctoral students must complete their program of study in order to remain eligible for financial aid funds. The maximum time frame for graduate/doctoral degree completion at Delaware Valley University is 6 years for a Graduate degree and 8 years for a doctoral candidate. Once a student reaches the maximum amount of credits attempted as specified by the program(s) for graduation, the student will be ineligible to receive further Federal Title IV aid. Students in this category may submit appeals in accordance with the Appeals section of this policy.

Measuring Academic Progress

Academic Records are reviewed by the Office of Financial Assistance at the end of each spring term after final grades are entered. Measurement begins with the Fall semester and ends with the last summer session. Students who were enrolled during the Fall, Spring and who failed to meet the qualitative and/or quantitative requirements for academic progress can attempt to complete additional credits and raise their cumulative GPA during the summer sessions. Upon completion of additional credits, a new determination of academic progress will be made. All financial assistance applicants are subject to the Satisfactory Academic Progress Standards regardless of whether or not they received financial assistance previously.

When the Minimum Standard of Academic Progress is Not Achieved

A student who does not make satisfactory academic progress will be placed on financial assistance suspension until the requirements are met. During this suspension, a student is denied Federal aid. The student will be notified in writing of the financial assistance suspension.

Appeals

If a student has failed to achieve satisfactory academic progress, the student can appeal the decision to the Office of Financial Aid. The appeal must be submitted in writing and specify the extenuating circumstances which prevented the student from achieving academic progress. The following types of mitigating circumstances may be considered when a student appeals: injury or extended illness of the student, death in the family, or a change in educational objectives. Mitigating circumstances do not include the withdrawal from classes to avoid failing grades, pursing a second major or a second degree. The student must explain what has changed that will allow him/her to make satisfactory academic progress by the end of the semester. A copy of the student’s academic plan developed in conjunction with the student’s faculty advisor, academic dean or his/her representative should also be submitted at this time. The Office of Financial Assistance may request additional documentation and/or require a personal interview with the student.

Students must appeal within three weeks of receiving a notice from the Office of Financial Aid of the financial aid suspension. Appeals will not be accepted after the three week period has passed and the student will be responsible for all charges on their student account. The student will receive a reply from the Office of Financial Aid within four weeks of receipt of their appeal.

A student who is denied assistance based on qualitative or quantitative standards will be considered for assistance when standards have been achieved.

Academic Plan

The academic plan is a written document developed by the student and his/her college that ensures that the student is able to meet the Satisfactory Academic Progress standards by a specific point in time. It could include qualitative and quantitative requirements necessary to achieve that plan. The academic plan could take the student to completion of their program rather than meeting the Satisfactory Academic Progress standard at a specific point in time as determined by an appropriate academic official.

Financial Aid Probation

The institution will assign this status to a student who fails to make satisfactory academic progress and who has successfully appealed and had eligibility for aid reinstated. If the Office of Financial Aid determines that the academic progress standards can be waived for one semester, the student will be placed on Financial Aid Probation. As part of the student’s Financial Aid Probation, the office requires a student, along with their academic advisor, to develop and submit an academic plan that includes a strategy of improving progress and reaching the student’s educational goals. A student placed on Financial Aid Probation may receive federal funds for one semester. The student will be required to meet the institution’s Satisfactory Academic Progress standards at the end of the semester or meet the terms and conditions of their academic plan as well as the plan established by the academic advisor.

At the end of the probationary semester, the Office of Financial Aid will determine if academic progress requirements have been met or if the student continues on the path of the designated academic plan. If requirements have been met, the probationary status will be removed. If academic requirements have not been met, and the student has deviated from the academic plan, the student may not receive federal funds for the following semester.

Reinstatement of Financial Aid

Once financial assistance has been discontinued, it will be reinstated provided:

• The student has successfully achieved the required number of credits and cumulative grade point average; and,
• The student has requested reinstatement in writing.

Reinstatement is not automatic. The student is responsible for making certain that the grades and credits completed have been properly posted with the Office of the Registrar prior to requesting reinstatement of financial assistance.

Students Returning After a Year or More

If a student previously left the university after failing to make satisfactory academic progress and returns to the university, the student is required to appeal his/her status. The student should also submit an academic plan. If the appeal is granted, the student is placed on financial aid probation for one semester. The student’s academic status will be reviewed after the semester to determine if the student successfully made satisfactory academic progress.

As a graduate or doctoral student, you may be eligible for Federal Aid. Listed below are the steps and requirements.

Financial Aid Process

• Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Please indicate if you are a first-year graduate/professional or continuing graduate/professional or beyond for the academic level. Be sure to indicate the information be sent to Delaware Valley University, code number 003252.
• FAFSA information will be reviewed to determine eligibility for the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan program.
• Additional forms may be required including information on tuition reimbursement from an employer. The Office of Financial Aid will contact you if this information is needed.
• Post-graduate certificate programs are not eligible for federal loan funding.

Financing Options

• Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans are available to matriculating students enrolled in at least 3 credits per term. Students must file the FAFSA to be considered.
• For more information and to complete an application for the Direct Loan, visit https://studentloans.gov/. Graduate/professional-level Federal Direct Loan levels are a maximum of $20,500 per academic year.  Amount per term is determined by the Office of Financial Aid and cost of the program.
• Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loans are also available for graduate and doctoral students. After Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans are exhausted, a Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan can assist with costs. Subject to credit approval. Visit https://studentloans.gov/ to apply and for more information.
• Private Educational Loans should be accessed after exhausting the Federal Direct Loan Program. Terms and conditions are determined by the lender through review of the applicant’s credit history and market conditions. Information on private educational loans can be found at www.Elmselect.com or www.delval.edu/finaid/finance under Student Alternative Loans. Be sure to determine if the lender supports graduate/doctoral programs.

Student Responsibilities

• Fill out the appropriate Student Financial Aid Application for your degree program and return to the Office of Financial Aid:

           Master’s Programs: MBA, Policy Studies, Counseling Psychology

           Master’s Programs: Education

           Doctoral Program - Education

• Make sure all forms are filed in a timely manner for financial aid review to be completed.
• Please click here to view the Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy for Graduate/Doctoral Students.
• Report any changes of enrollment to the Office of Financial Aid at finaid@delval.edu.
• Contact the bursar’s office with questions regarding billing, refunds and/or discrepancies at 215.489.2376 or bursar@delval.edu.
• Further questions about financial aid can be directed to finaid@delval.edu or 215.489.2272.

The Office of Financial Aid is located on the second floor of Lasker Hall. Office hours are Monday - Friday: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.    Please call or email if you need a specific appointment time after hours.