Departmental Assistance | Federal and State Aid 
  Rules and Regulations

Rules and Regulations

Return of Title IV Aid (for financial aid recipients only)
Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy

Return of Title IV Aid (for financial aid recipients only)
If a student withdraws before 60 percent of the enrollment period (semester) has passed, federal regulations require that Title IV funds be returned to the programs according to a prorated schedule. Title IV funds include Stafford Loans and PLUS Loans. The withdrawal date used to determine the return of federal funds is the date the student notifies the M Center of her/his intent to take a leave of absence or withdraw from the College. However, if a student leaves without beginning the Mills official withdrawal process or providing notification of her/his intent to withdraw, the withdrawal date will be the 50 percent point in the semester unless Mills determines the last date of an academically related activity of the student.

The percentage of Title IV funds to be returned is calculated by the number of calendar days not completed within a semester, as defined by the withdrawal dates above, divided by the total number of calendar days in the semester (from the first day of classes for the semester to the last day of finals). For example, if there are 100 calendar days in a semester and the student withdraws on the 25th day, 75 days have not been completed. This may result in the return of 75 percent of Title IV funds received by the student. However, if a student withdraws after 60 percent of the enrollment period has passed, no Title IV funds need to be returned.

Both Mills and the student may be responsible for returning federal funds to their source. Mills will return the lesser of the institutional charges times the percentage of unearned Title IV aid or the total of Title IV aid disbursed minus the amount of Title IV aid earned by the student. The student is responsible for returning the difference between the amount of Title IV aid returned by Mills and the total amount of unearned Title IV aid. In each case, funds must be repaid to the following sources, in order, up to the amount received from each source:

1. Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loan
2. Federal Subsidized Stafford Loan
3. Federal PLUS Loan
4. Other Title IV programs

Although Mills will return loan amounts directly to the lender, amounts to be returned by the student are repaid in accordance with the terms of the promissory note; that is, a student would begin making payments on her/his student loan after the grace period, if applicable, has expired.

If there is a credit balance on the student's account after the adjustment for tuition and/or room and board is made and the amount of unearned Title IV aid due from Mills is returned to the Title IV aid programs, any institutional or state funds received by the student will be returned to the aid programs up to the amounts received for each source and for as long as there is an amount to refund. Institutional aid will be prorated.

If there is a credit balance remaining on the student's account after institutional and state funds have been returned, a refund for the remaining credit balance will be issued to the student.

If there is a balance due remaining on the student's account after all aid is returned, a billing statement will be issued and is due upon receipt.

The federal formula for the return of Title IV funds is available upon request from the M Center.

back to top

Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy
Full-time graduate degree students, with the exception of MBA candidates, are expected to complete a minimum of 2 credits per semester and maintain a minimum 3.0 semester and cumulative grade point average (GPA). Part-time graduate students are expected to complete all credits for which they are enrolled and maintain a minimum 3.0 semester and cumulative GPA.

Full-time MBA candidates and certificate students are expected to complete a minimum of 2 credits per semester and maintain a minimum 2.75 semester and cumulative GPA. Part-time MBA candidates and certificate students are expected to complete all credits for which they are enrolled and maintain a minimum 2.75 semester and cumulative GPA. 

Master’s and doctoral degree candidates and certificate students are eligible for financial aid through their original anticipated degree date, which is established by the M Center upon entrance to Mills. Full-time students enrolled in a master’s degree program or the post-baccalaureate Pre-Medical Certificate Program may receive federal financial aid for a maximum of four semesters. Full-time students enrolled in an eligible certificate program may receive federal financial aid for a maximum of two semesters. Students pursuing a doctorate in education may receive federal financial aid for a maximum of six semesters.

Note: Students who are planning to take a reduced course load due to disability will need to submit an academic plan (forms are available from Services for Students with Disabilities) to the M Center before the end of the first week of classes for the semester, complete the number of credits indicated on the academic plan, and maintain a minimum 3.0 semester and cumulative GPA to maintain satisfactory academic progress. Any changes to the academic plan for a given semester should be submitted before the end of the first week of classes for that semester.

back to top