Expenses and Financial Aid

Tuition and Fees

Tuition rates are set one year at a time by the Board of Trustees. Students should anticipate annual increases in tuition and fees, just as they anticipate that their living expenses will increase over the period in which they are enrolled at Alliant; therefore, the actual cost of the program may be higher than the amounts listed in this catalog. The actual cost of tuition may vary, based on schedule, full-time or part-time enrollment status, transfer credit, failure of courses, or if a student chooses to take courses beyond the basic program curriculum, and/or similar circumstances.

Alliant reserves the right to increase tuition and fees and to set new fees without prior notice. Any changes may be made applicable to students already enrolled in the school, but will not be retroactive for any coursework already completed.

For questions regarding tuition, fees, other expenses and/or payment methods, students should contact Student Business Services at sbs@alliant.edu.

The 2019-2020 tuition rates are as follows. All amounts are per unit unless otherwise indicated.

Schedule of Fees

Not all fees apply to all programs. Fees are not charged for Alliant sponsored tutoring, transferred credit, general registration.

Books & Supplies

Alliant estimates the below costs for books and supplies. The cost of books and supplies is not paid to Alliant and the actual cost may vary.

Schedule of Charges

The following table provides, for each program, estimated total charges for a period of attendance and estimated total charges for entire education program. The estimates are inclusive of tuition and fees and utilize 2019-20 tuition and fee rates. Alliant defines the period of attendance as the first term/semester of a program.

California Student Tuition Recovery Fund

The State of California established the Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) to relieve or mitigate economic loss suffered by a student in an educational program at a qualifying institution, who is or was a California resident while enrolled, or was enrolled in a residency program, if the student enrolled in the institution, prepaid tuition, and suffered an economic loss. Unless relieved of the obligation to do so, you must pay the state-imposed assessment for the STRF, or it must be paid on your behalf, if you are a student in an educational program, who is a California resident, or are enrolled in a residency program, and prepay all or part of your tuition.

You are not eligible for protection from the STRF and you are not required to pay the STRF assessment, if you are not a California resident, or are not enrolled in a residency program.

It is important that you keep copies of your enrollment agreement, financial aid documents, receipts, or any other information that documents the amount paid to the school. Questions regarding the STRF may be directed to the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education, 2535 Capitol Oaks Drive, Suite 400, Sacramento, CA 95833, (916) 431-6959 or (888) 370-7589.

To be eligible for STRF, you must be a California resident or are enrolled in a residency program, prepaid tuition, paid or deemed to have paid the STRF assessment, and suffered an economic loss as a result of any of the following:

1. The institution, a location of the institution, or an educational program offered by the institution was closed or discontinued, and you did not choose to participate in a teach-out plan approved by the Bureau or did not complete a chosen teach-out plan approved by the Bureau.

2. You were enrolled at an institution or a location of the institution within the 120 day period before the closure of the institution or location of the institution, or were enrolled in an educational program within the 120 day period before the program was discontinued.

3. You were enrolled at an institution or a location of the institution more than 120 days before the closure of the institution or location of the institution, in an educational program offered by the institution as to which the Bureau determined there was a significant decline in the quality or value of the program more than 120 days before closure.

4. The institution has been ordered to pay a refund by the Bureau but has failed to do so.

5. The institution has failed to pay or reimburse loan proceeds under a federal student loan program as required by law, or has failed to pay or reimburse proceeds received by the institution in excess of tuition and other costs.

6. You have been awarded restitution, a refund, or other monetary award by an arbitrator or court, based on a violation of this chapter by an institution or representative of an institution, but have been unable to collect the award from the institution.

 7. You sought legal counsel that resulted in the cancellation of one or more of your student loans and have an invoice for services rendered and evidence of the cancellation of the student loan or loans.

To qualify for STRF reimbursement, the application must be received within four (4) years from the date of the action or event that made the student eligible for recovery from STRF.

A student whose loan is revived by a loan holder or debt collector after a period of noncollection may, at any time, file a written application for recovery from STRF for the debt that would have otherwise been eligible for recovery. If it has been more than four (4) years since the action or event that made the student eligible, the student must have filed a written application for recovery within the original four (4) year period, unless the period has been extended by another act of law.

However, no claim can be paid to any student without a social security number or a taxpayer identification number.

Payment Policy

Alliant offers the following payment options:

1. Payment in full;
2. Official University payment plan set up through CASH Net with automatic payment option;
3. Financial Aid; and/or
4. Other officially approved third party funding.

Tuition that is not expected to be covered by Financial Aid or other outside resources must be paid in full to the University by the payment due date. Alliant does not allow students to carry a balance from one semester/term to the next. Enrollment constitutes a financial contract between the student and the University. 

Students’ rights to university services and benefits are contingent upon making all payments as agreed upon. If payments are not made when due, the university has the right to cancel a student’s registration, withhold access to grades, transcripts, diplomas, scholastic certificates and degrees. Failure to maintain good financial standing with the university will result in denied participation in any deferred payment plan.  Failure to maintain good standing on University held Perkins Loans may also result in withheld access to grades, transcripts, diplomas, scholastic certificates and degrees. In addition, balances due the university are reported to credit agencies, which may negatively impact students’ credit rating.

Prior to registering for a new semester/term, students must pay any outstanding balances. Students who do not pay their outstanding balances will not be permitted to register. Returning students who are not in good standing on University held Perkins Loans will not be allowed to enroll in the University.

Late Tuition Payment

Students who have a balance on the last day of courses and do not have prior arrangements made with Student Business Services will incur a Late Tuition Payment Fee (see Schedule of Fees).

Payment Due Date

Students must pay all charges by the Friday before the applicable semester/term start date or have a valid payment plan on file by this payment due date. Specific semester/term payment due dates are published in the Academic Calendar.

Students who do not have Financial Aid funds accepted by the posted payment deadline will be deregistered. 

Payment for Late Registration

Any class that is added after the payment deadline must be paid for in full within 72 hours of being added to a schedule and requires clearance from the Student Business Services Office. Students may not add courses after the Add/Drop period. 

Deregistration for Failure to Pay

To have a student’s schedule reinstated, the student will be required to provide the Student Business Services office with payment in full, proof of guaranteed financial aid funds or a valid payment plan. Students must have approved to be reinstated from the University Director of Student Business Services and pay the Reinstatement Fee (see Schedule of Fees). A Student Business Services Hold will be placed on a student account at any point if satisfactory payment arrangements have not been made or maintained.

The student account statement is available online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Access to the account is available at https://my.alliant.edu. For assistance logging in for the first time, please contact the Alliant IT Help Desk at IThelp@alliant.edu.

Payment Methods

The University accepts the following forms of payments:

1. CASH Net online Automated Clearinghouse (ACH) payment directly from your bank account;
2. Credit Cards;
3. Check or money order;
4. Bank wire;
5. Western Union Business Solutions international funds transfer through CASH Net; or
6. Cash

An account paid by a check which is returned by the bank uncollected, or by ACH online payment using an invalid bank account or incorrect data entry by the student, is not considered paid. If your check or ACH payment for tuition is returned by the bank for any reason, you will be billed a Returned Payment fee (see Schedule of Fees) and your registration may be canceled.

If a student has three (3) or more returned payments the university will refuse payment by personal check and ACH moving forward; and will require that all future payments be made by cashier’s check, wire, or money order. The university is required to report all cash or equivalent payment methods (cashier’s check and money orders) from a student over $10,000 to the IRS.

Payments made through a bank wire must be initiated early enough to arrive by the payment deadline. Alliant recommends initiating bank wire transfers at least ten (10) business days prior to the tuition deadline.

When payment is made using a credit card, and a refund is necessary, the refund will be credited to the same credit card account from which the payment was made. Processing refunds as a credit back to the card is a requirement of the merchant agreement; therefore no other form of refund payment will be made on credit card payments.

Payment Plans

Payment plans may be available under the following circumstances:

Monthly Installment Payment Plan with Automatic Payment Selected

If you have a balance, the balance is not covered partially, or in full by Financial Aid, and you do not have a past due balance from a prior semester/term you may be eligible for a monthly installment payment plan. Payment plans are available via your CASHNet account online. Installment payment plans consist of monthly payments.

Students choosing to pay by CASHNet payment plan will be required to set up an automatic payment method, which automatically charges a student’s credit card or processes an automatic ACH debit on the payment due date for the scheduled payment amount. If a student wishes to use a different payment method other than the selected default method for one or more payments, they must make the respective payment in full prior to the payment plan due date. Otherwise, the student’s automatic payment methods may be charged.

To ensure your automatic payment method is not charged, be certain the payment is applied to the payment plan and you are not making a general account payment. Alliant will not be held responsible for any overdraft charges that occur as a result of not properly maintaining payment plans. For questions on this process, please contact the Student Business Services office at sbs@alliant.edu.

If you have successfully logged in and believe that you should see an “Installment Payment Plans” option, but do not have one, make sure that:

1. You do have a balance due for the current semester/term (it may take up to 24 hours after registration for a balance to show on your account);
2. You do not have awarded and accepted Financial Aid that will pay your balance in full; and
3. You do not have a prior semester/term balance due or a hold on your student account.

Third Party Funding

Some students are entitled to third party funding through their employer, a government agency, or other third-party organization. If you are expecting another party to pay any part of your tuition and fees, all required paperwork must be received by the Student Business Services office at least one (1) week prior to the payment deadline. If for any reason payment is not received from the third party, the student is responsible for all outstanding charges. To qualify for third party funding assistance, the funding must be paid directly to Alliant and not directly to the student. Please visit the Student Business Services page on the Student Portal for more information.

Non-Alliant Scholarship Deferment

If a student is receiving non-Alliant scholarship funds that are not available by the payment due date, the student may defer payment pending receipt of the scholarship. To qualify, the student must apply for the deferment prior to the payment due date and have documentation of the award. Upon receipt of the scholarship, the student’s tuition must be paid in full. Students receiving tuition reimbursements are not eligible. If the deferment is not obtained prior to the due date, all associated late payment and other fees will apply.

Miscellaneous Fines

Fines on a student account are due and payable immediately. If any such charge is in dispute, a student should contact their Student Advisor for information on the appeals process. Financial disputes regarding fines can be appealed directly to the office that issued it.

Finance Petition Committee

Alliant’s Finance Petition Committee reviews requests for the tuition and fee exceptions. Exceptions will only be made in cases where evidence of a serious and unexpected circumstance beyond a student’s control is presented. Along with the Financial Petition form, the student must attach documentation verifying this circumstance for the petition to be reviewed. Any documentation submitted becomes the property of Alliant and will not be returned. The petition process is confidential and the petition will only be reviewed by members of the committee which includes representatives from the Office of the Registrar, Student Business Services, and Student Financial Services. Submission of the form authorizes the committee to approach an instructor or any other member of the university to investigate or verify the claims made in the petition.

The committee will only consider the petition if all the following conditions are met. Any petition not meeting these requirements will be returned without review. Students who submit incomplete petitions will be required to supply additional information and will be held to the 30-day deadline after the last day of the course:

1. The petition is submitted within 30 calendar days of the last day of the course. The committee will only review any petitions that are submitted after that date if there are extenuating circumstances as determined by the committee. The petition must be submitted in total (including formal finance petition committee form, any appropriate add/drop forms, and any supporting documentation) to finpetitioncomm@alliant.edu, or mailed to the address on the form, or faxed to 858-635-4775 within that 30-day period. Submissions cannot be made to any other office or email address;
2. It is the student’s responsibility to include all pertinent documentation related to their case. Requests that do not contain any supporting documentation will be dismissed.

The decision of the committee is final and binding and will be issued within 35 business days of receiving all necessary documentation.

Financial Aid

The Office of Alliant Financial Aid Administration is committed to helping qualified students who would otherwise be unable to pursue the attainment of their educational and professional goals. Most, but not all, financial aid is based on financial need as determined by the Free Application for Federal Aid (FAFSA). Some types of scholarship aid do not depend on student financial need. Financial aid is available for students primarily through federal student loans; however, students are encouraged to pursue grants and private scholarships as well.

All processing of financial aid is completed by the Alliant Financial Aid Administration Office.  In partnership with University, Federal, State, and outside organizations, the Alliant Financial Aid Administration Office coordinates the administration of all student financial assistance to ensure equity and consistency in the delivery of funds to students.

Financing is available at Alliant in the form of scholarships, grants, part-time employment, and loans. The federal government, state government, Alliant, and private sources finance these programs. Federal and state financial aid funds are only available to students who are United States citizens or permanent residents of the United States. International students are not eligible for federal financial aid; however, they may qualify for scholarships or grants at the San Diego or Irvine campuses.

Each applicant is expected to provide all requested information fully and accurately. Full reporting and updating of current financial circumstances are essential requirements of all financial aid programs. Failure to notify the Alliant Financial Aid Administration Office of a change in circumstances from those indicated on the financial aid application may result in withdrawal of aid.

To receive financial assistance, students are required to maintain good academic standing (see Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy). Financial aid recipients who withdraw from school during the semester will be expected to repay an appropriate amount of financial aid awarded (see Financial Aid Refund Policy section).

If the student obtains a loan to pay for an educational program, the student is responsible to repay the full amount of the loan plus interest, less the amount of funds returned to the lender. If the student receives federal student financial aid funds, the student is entitled to a refund of the funds not paid from federal financial aid funds.

Because circumstances vary from year to year, an award for one year does not guarantee the same assistance in subsequent years. Thus, there may be variations in the amount of assistance offered to a student from one year to the next because of changes in the student’s resources or changes in the availability of financial aid funds.

Any questions that are not answered in this section should be directed to the Alliant Financial Aid Administration Office at (858) 635-4700 (phone), (858) 635-4848 (fax), or e-mail AFAA@alliant.edu.

Types of Aid Available

Alliant participates in the following financial aid programs:

Federal Aid

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

These federal funds are awarded to undergraduate students with exceptional financial need who are pursuing their first undergraduate degree. Priority is given to Federal Pell Grant recipients.

Federal Work Study Program (FWS)

FWS is an employment program largely funded by the federal government and supplemented by employer contributions. The goals of the program are to help students meet their educational expenses, encourage participation in community service activities, and instill a sense of social responsibility and commitment to the community. FWS strives to complement and reinforce the student employees’ educational programs and career goals.

Under the Federal Work-Study (FWS) program, students are employed in part-time jobs on campus or in other nonprofit agencies to help meet a portion of their cost of attendance. FWS earnings are considered taxable income and must be reported as such. Doctoral extension students are eligible to work under FWS if they are enrolled at least half-time (3 credits). Students may earn up to the maximum amount specified in their financial aid package. On average, FWS students work 10-20 hours per week during the academic year.

The actual amount earned depends on the student’s employability, class schedule, and the number of hours worked.

Each year, at least seven percent of an eligible institution’s FWS allocation must be used for Community Service. Alliant encourages students to investigate opportunities for on-campus community service employment.

In general, community services include:

1. Health care, child care, literacy training, education (including tutorial services), welfare, social services, transportation, housing and neighborhood improvement, public safety, crime prevention and control, recreation, rural development and community improvement
2. Support for students (other than for an institution’s own students) with disabilities
3. Activities in which a FWS student serves as a mentor for such purposes:
   1. Tutoring
   2. Supporting educational and recreational activities
   3. Counseling, including career counseling

Federal William D Ford Direct Loan

The following information pertains to the Federal William D. Ford Direct Loan. Starting July 1, 2010, all student borrowers will be using Direct Loan as their lender which includes the following programs:

1. Federal William D. Ford Subsidized Direct Loan (for Undergraduate students only)
2. Federal William D. Ford Unsubsidized Direct Loan
3. Federal William D. Ford Direct Loan Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students
4. Federal William D. Ford Grad Plus for Graduate Student Direct Loan
5. Federal William D. Ford Unsubsidized HEAL Direct Loan

Federal Subsidized Direct Loan and Federal Unsubsidized Direct Loan Programs

These are long-session, low-interest loans borrowed directly from Direct Loan as the lender.

There are two types of Direct Loans-subsidized and unsubsidized. Eligibility for subsidized Direct Loans is based on financial need (demonstrated via the FAFSA or Renewal Form) and they are only available to undergraduate students. Students who do not demonstrate (sufficient) need may borrow unsubsidized Direct Loans. Maximum loan eligibility is indicated on each student’s financial aid award letter. When students are eligible for a subsidized Direct Loan, the government pays the interest that accrues on the loan while in school. Students receiving an unsubsidized Direct Loan are charged the interest on the loan while in school, in grace period and in deferment.

Starting July 1, 2019, the interest rate for a Subsidized and Unsubsidized Stafford loan for undergraduate students is 4.53% fixed rate. 

The fixed interest rate for Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans for graduate students starting July 1, 2019 is 6.08%.

Rates are subject to change each July 1.

Annual Loan Limits Additional Unsubsidized

(Subsidized and Limits for Independent Unsubsidized) Student Borrowers

If you are eligible for a Federal Direct Loan, you must complete a copy of your current Financial Aid Award indicating how much you wish to borrow. Moreover, if you are a first-time borrower, you must complete and submit a Master Promissory Note electronically through www.studentloans.gov. All students are required to complete the Financial Awareness Counseling at www.studentloans.gov each award year.

Lifetime Maximum Loan Limits

Federal GRADPLUS for Graduate Students

The Federal GRADPLUS for Graduate students is a federal loan program. The interest rate is 7.08% as of July 1, 2019. Interest is charged on the loan within 60 days that the disbursement is made to the school as it is with the unsubsidized Direct. Students must be preapproved for the loan as it is dependent on the credit of the borrower. A separate Master Promissory Note must be filled out for this loan through the lender.

Federal Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS)

The Federal Direct Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS) is a federal loan program available for parents of undergraduate students. Interest rates are a fixed rate of 7.08% as of July 1, 2019. The Federal Direct PLUS may be used to replace the expected Parent and/or Student Contribution to supplement the total financial aid package up to the amount of the budget.

State Aid

Cal Grant A and Cal Grant B

These California State funded programs are designed to assist California residents. The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) determines eligibility for new recipients. The Office of Alliant Financial Aid Administration determines renewal eligibility after all FAFSA information is received, need determined, and CGPA calculated.

Cal Grant A

This grant assists low and middle-income undergraduate students with tuition expenses. Grant recipients are selected based on grade point average and documented financial need.

Cal Grant B

This grant aids undergraduate students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Students receive assistance for tuition and a stipend for books and supplies.

Note: Students notified by CSAC that they will receive a Cal Grant A and Cal Grant B and that this aid is not included in their financial aid packages should notify the Alliant Financial Aid Administration as soon as possible

Institutional Aid

Institutional Scholarships & Grants

Alliant offers scholarships each academic year to new and continuing students. Scholarship awards are applied to tuition and fees on the student account at the University. Specific information on institutional scholarships and grants is available at: https://alliant.scholarships.ngwebsolutions.com/CMXAdmin/Cmx_Content.aspx?cpId=997

Applicants and students with access to the Internet are encouraged to take advantage of several sites that provide useful financial aid information. One of the best sites is The Financial Aid Information Page (https://www.finaid.org/). Among the many services offered free of charge are:

1. Information about funding for graduate school
2. Access to several online searchable databases containing over 200,000 private sector scholarships, fellowships, grants and loans
3. EFC Estimator, an online calculator that computes an estimate of the student’s expected family contribution and financial need using the Federal Need Analysis Methodology
4. A loan repayment calculator that calculates manageable debt levels based upon anticipated income
5. An annotated bibliography of financial aid resource materials

Other Aid Sources

External Scholarships

External scholarships are scholarships that are developed and funded by private donors, foundations, businesses and many other sources outside of Alliant, and are available to students who meet eligibility qualifications and requirements. Your eligibility depends upon several factors, all of which are set forth by the organization which offers the scholarship. These scholarships can potentially help students cover the costs of their education and other education-related expenses. Students are encouraged to search for outside grant and/or scholarship funding to help pay for their education.

Any student who receives additional funds from an outside scholarship or grant must report the source and the value of the award to Alliant Financial Aid Administration. Additional funds could require an adjustment or cancellation to a portion of the existing financial aid award per federal and state regulations. We advise students to thoroughly research an organization prior to submitting a scholarship application; students using the Internet to apply for scholarships should be aware of potential scams.

For additional scholarship resources, visit https://www.alliant.edu/admissions/financial-aid-scholarships/.

Assistantships

Positions as teaching assistants, research assistants, library assistants and administrative assistants are available on a limited basis at Alliant locations. At some locations, these positions are paid exclusively through Federal Work Study (FWS) and, consequently, are available only to FWS eligible students. A limited number of these positions, however, are paid with institutional funds and are open to all qualified students.

All student employees are expected to maintain confidentiality; student employees must sign a confidentiality form each year prior to beginning work at the University.

Financial Aid for Study Abroad

Financial aid for study abroad is available at Alliant. Courses taken through a study abroad program must in all cases be acceptable for transfer into the student’s program of study at Alliant. Approval for study abroad must first be obtained through an Academic Advisor. Upon obtaining approval from their Academic Advisor, Alliant students must obtain a Consortium Agreement from the Academic Advisor. This form must be completed well in advance of the student’s departure. Contact the Office of Alliant Financial Aid Administration for further details.

Financial Aid for Consortium Agreement Coursework

Students that must attend another college or university to complete their required coursework may be eligible for federal aid if the following conditions have been met:

1. Request for consortium agreement must be approved by academic advisor and financial aid prior to attendance of course
2. Required coursework is not available through the university during a student’s time in their program
3. The course is transferable to the student’s program and approved by the academic advisor
4. Only the cost of the tuition and fees will be considered for the other college.  No living costs above the normal university budget will be considered.
5. Students must have all grades sent to the university prior to future aid disbursal.

Disbursal of Financial Aid Awards

Annual Financial Aid awards will be divided by the number of sessions for which the student is enrolled and disbursed by semester/term if the student meets the eligibility requirements for the aid. The earliest that aid will disburse to a student statement is within the third week of the semester/term.

Student Loan Fund Release Policy

If all paperwork, Stafford entrance test, verification and loan funds are received, student loan funds will post to the student’s school account within the third week of the semester/term. Any questions regarding delay in financial aid refund after aid has disbursed to the student’s statement should be directed to the Student Business Services office.

The Application Process for Federal, State and Institutional Financing Programs

This section applies to U.S. citizens and permanent residents only. Students that are considered through the California Dream Act may apply for California Cal Grant through the California Student Aid Commission website.

United States citizens and permanent resident students may qualify for U.S. federal financial aid programs or for aid from the state of California. To qualify, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which provides an in-depth analysis of the financial condition of the student and his/her family. This analysis (done on a yearly basis) determines how much the student/family is expected to contribute toward the cost of education. This figure is called the “expected family contribution,” or EFC. Parents’ income and asset information is included in the EFC calculation for dependent students. To determine if you are independent from your parents for financial aid, you will need to answer the questions on the FAFSA application.

Students who received financial aid for the previous year should receive a renewal email from the Federal Department of Education sometime in January. It is the student’s responsibility to reapply for funding by completing the FAFSA and any subsequent document requested by Alliant Financial Aid Administration. 

If a student does not complete the financial aid process in advance of his or her last date of attendance, he or she forfeits eligibility for financial assistance that might otherwise have been available during that period of enrollment, and becomes fully responsible for all remaining balances. Students are encouraged to file their renewal FAFSA applications electronically at https://www.fafsa.ed.gov.

If you do not receive a Renewal email from the Federal Department of Education or if you did not apply for Financial Aid for the previous year, but wish to apply for coming award year, you should do the following:

Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You may complete the FAFSA online at https://www.fafsa.ed.gov. Regardless of how an applicant completes the renewal FAFSA, the March 2 priority filing deadline applies for undergraduate students to be eligible for campus-based aid. Graduate students must file by February 14 to meet the priority deadline for campus-based aid including Federal Work Study. Applicants should make sure the Institution Code for Alliant (011117) is indicated on their FAFSA or Renewal Form.

California Residents: Undergraduate California residents who have not been awarded the Cal Grant A or Cal Grant B but wish to apply, must submit the FAFSA by March 2.

Applicants for programs with later admission application deadlines should consult the Office of Alliant Financial Aid Administration website for the applicable financial aid application dates.

It is the student’s and/or applicant’s responsibility to obtain and file all the forms by the proper deadlines to be considered for aid at Alliant. Students selected for verification will have 30 days from the date of notification to turn in all necessary documents.

Only applicants for admission who meet the priority financial aid application deadlines will be considered for institutional aid, i.e., Federal SEOG, and Federal Work Study assistance. Late applicants may apply for Direct Loans and other available loan programs.

For entering students, notification of financial aid may be sent in an award letter shortly after admission application. Applied students also receive information and forms concerning application for other available loan programs.

Financial Aid Eligibility

Eligibility for federal student financial aid is based on financial need and on several other factors. Financial aid eligibility for need-based aid is determined using the following formula:

  Cost of Attendance

- Expected Family Contribution (EFC)

= Financial Need

Financial need is the difference between the EFC (federally calculated from the FAFSA) and the cost of attendance. For example, if the cost of attendance is $20,000 per year including both tuition and living expenses in the local area, and the expected family contribution is $5,000, then the student’s financial need is $15,000.

The aid students receive from all sources of aid (including non-need-based aid) may not exceed their cost of attendance. Many students may choose only to seek aid for the cost of tuition and fees, since their housing, food, and other basic household costs may be supported with ongoing income.

Cost of Attendance and Standard Student Expense

The cost of attendance budgets estimates costs for completing an academic year and include tuition, fees, the average costs of books, supplies, living expenses, and other items. Alliant includes the following expenses in the cost of attendance budgets:

1. Tuition and fees
2. Books and supplies
3. Room and board
4. Transportation
5. Personal expenses
6. Loan fees, if any.

Each year the Alliant Financial Aid Administration Office develops a cost of attendance. Continuing students’ tuition budget is based on the 1st term/semester amount of tuition charged after registration. Each session tuition will be assumed to be the same as term/semester 1 of the loan period.

In most cases, these budgets are for four 8 week terms/two semesters. In some cases, such as for students in a 12-month internship, the cost of attendance may be adjusted to reflect the increased period of enrollment.

Full-Time Commuter Undergraduate Student (for nine months)

Full time Commuter Graduate Student (for nine months)

Enrollment Status

Course Load for Financial Aid Programs

Please note that some courses may be considered full or half-time based on academic workload outside of the courses (e.g., some internship, practicum, and other courses).

Semester-based Programs (15-week and 16-week semesters)

For all Federal and State financial aid, the definition for enrollment statuses are as follows:

Full-time enrollment:

1. Undergraduate & Credential students = 12 units of required coursework for degree completion
2. Graduate students & Law students = 8 units of required coursework for degree completion
3. Graduate students enrolled in dissertation/project courses in the 9900 and above range, with the exclusion of 9940 are considered full-time
4. California School of Education students in practicums, internships, and student teaching who are spending 30 or more hours a week at their sites are considered full-time

Half-time enrollment:

1. Undergraduate & Credential students = 6 units of required coursework for degree completion
2. Graduate students & Law students = 5 units of required coursework for degree completion
3. San Francisco Law students only = 3 semester units for summer session
4. California School of Education students in practicums, internships, and student teaching who are spending 15-29 hours a week at their sites are considered half-time

Students enrolled less than half-time are not eligible for the Federal Direct Loan programs.

Term-based Programs (8-week terms)

For all Federal and State financial aid, the definition for enrollment statuses are as follows:

Full-time enrollment:

1. Undergraduate & Credential students = 6 units of required coursework for degree completion
2. Graduate students = 6 units of required coursework for degree completion per term
3. Graduate students enrolled in dissertation/project courses in the 9900 and above range, with the exclusion of 9940 are considered full-time
4. California School of Education students in practicums, internships, and student teaching who are spending 30 or more hours a week at their sites are considered full-time

Half-time enrollment:

1. Undergraduate & Credential students = 3 units of required coursework for degree completion
2. Graduate students = 3 units for required coursework for degree completion
3. California School of Education students in practicums, internships, and student teaching who are spending 15-29 hours a week at their sites are considered half-time
4. California School of Professional Psychology students enrolled in PSY73600A/PSY7360A  are considered half-time.

Students enrolled less than half-time are not eligible for the Federal Stafford Loan program in financial aid.

Dissertation Extension

Three (3) units of dissertation extension qualify students as full-time enrollment and for full-time federal financial aid. Students may receive financial aid for dissertation extension for a maximum of eight (8) terms/four (4) semesters.

Financial Aid Student’s Rights & Responsibilities

As a financial aid applicant or recipient, a student has the right to:

1. Know what financial aid/assistance is available to you, including information on all federal, state, local and institutional financial aid programs.
2. Know the procedures and deadlines for submitting applications for applicable financial aid programs.
3. Know how your financial need is determined, including how cost of attendance budgets are developed.
4. Expect fair and equitable treatment from FA staff.
5. An explanation of the types of aid contained in your financial aid award as well as how to retain eligibility for those funds (if applicable).
6. Request a review of your current financial situation if you meet certain criteria based on changes since filing the current aid year FAFSA application.
7. Know what portion of your aid package is grant aid, and what portion must be repaid. In addition, you have the right to know interest rates, total amount to be repaid, procedures for repayment, when repayment begins, and how long you must repay the loan.
8. Know the criteria for continued financial aid eligibility, including guidelines for the determination of Satisfactory Academic Progress as defined by the Department of Education.
9. Know the method and frequency of financial aid disbursements.

As a financial aid applicant or recipient, a student has the following responsibilities:

1. Be aware of your ability to pay any institutional charges based on your available financial aid and personal resources.
2. Review and understand the sessions and conditions of your financial aid award.
3. Complete all requirements accurately, in a timely manner, and by the appropriate deadlines.
4. Inform us if you intend to enroll less than full time for any given session so that your aid can be properly adjusted and disbursed.
5. Inform us of any outside scholarships, assistantships, or additional resources that you receive.
6. Fill out the FAFSA application completely and accurately. If selected for verification you will provide all requested documents in a timely manner and ensure that all submitted materials are complete and accurate. Falsification of information on application forms for federal financial assistance is considered a criminal offense, and you may be subject to penalties under the U.S. Criminal Code.
7. Read and understand all forms that you are asked to submit or sign, realizing that you are legally responsible for all agreements that you sign.
8. Know and comply with all policies and procedures of the University.
9. Manage your financial aid experience.

Repayment of Loans

If a student obtains a loan to pay for an educational program, the student will have to repay the full amount of the loan plus interest, less the amount of any refund. If the student receives federal student financial aid funds, the student is entitled to a refund of the moneys not paid from federal financial aid funds.

Financial Aid Fraud

Alliant is required to refer applicants who are suspected of having engaged in fraud or other criminal misconduct activities contact or related to Title IV programs will be referred to the Office of Inspector General (OIG) of the US Department of Education. Fraud is the willful misrepresentation or falsification of information to secure financial aid that the individual is not eligible for or not eligible to the extent received.

As stewards of Title IV federal funds, Alliant is obligated to have processes in place to protect against fraud by either applicants or staff. All staff are responsible for detecting and reporting fraud. Title IV fraud includes, but is not limited to:

1. Falsified documentation, signatures, or other information;
2. False claims of independent student status;
3. Falsified identities, names, aliases, addresses, or SSNs;
4. Falsified signatures or certifications;
5. False statements of income; and
6. False claims of citizenship.

Code of Conduct for Federal Student Aid

The Office of Alliant Financial Aid Administration sets policies and standards that students are required to adhere to per the guidelines published by the National Association of Financial Aid Administrators. Specifically, Alliant Financial Aid Administration abides by their State of Ethical Principles and Code of Conduct.

Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Policy

Federal financial aid guidelines require that Alliant Financial Aid Administration conduct reviews of student progress at the end of each semester/term to determine if students are making Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) towards earning their degree and therefore remain eligible for federal financial aid. A student will be sent a warning letter each semester/term that they are not meeting the SAP requirements. 8-week term students are allowed 3 warning letters prior to disqualification.   Semester students will be given one warning period prior to disqualification. These SAP standards may be different from, and at times, less stringent than, the academic guidelines and policies adopted by Alliant’s academic programs. Students meeting all SAP standards may still be academically dismissed from the program for failing to meet academic standards. SAP reviews are distinct and different from any Student Evaluation and Review Committee (SERC) reviews conducted by Alliant’s academic programs.

SAP Standards

Cumulative Minimum Grade Point Average (GPA)

Undergraduate students must achieve and maintain 2.0 cumulative GPA throughout their program enrollment. Credential and Graduate students must achieve and maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA throughout their program enrollment. Law students must achieve a 2.0 (70%) GPA by the end of their first term of enrollment and maintain at least a cumulative 2.0 (70%) GPA throughout their program enrollment.

The cumulative GPA includes all coursework attempted at Alliant related to the student’s program enrollment, excluding grades of Transfer Credit (CT), Credit (CR), No Credit (NC), In Progress (IP, IN), Withdrawal (W), Incomplete (I), Pass (P), Marginal Pass (MP), No Pass (NP), In Session (IS), and Not Reported (NR). Only the higher grade is counted in the cumulative GPA for any repeated course (See Course Repeat section for additional details). Credits accepted and applied in transfer and any credits waived, where applicable, are not included in the GPA calculation.

Successful Completion Rate (Pace of Progression)

Undergraduate, Credential, and Graduate students must maintain a successful completion ratio of at least 67%. Law students must have a course completion ratio of at least 48% using the formula: number of credit hours earned/ number of credit hours attempted. Pace is measured as: number of credit hours successfully completed (earned)/number of credit hours attempted.

Attempted credit hours are defined as all courses attempted at the university for a student’s program of enrollment and recorded on the academic record, including course repeats, withdrawals, and incompletes. Credits accepted and applied in transfer count as both credit hours attempted and credit hours completed in the Pace calculation.

Grades that negatively impact Pace are: Fail (F), Incomplete (I), Withdrawal (W), Marginal Pass (MP), No Credit (NC), and No Pass (NP). In Progress (IP, IN), In Session (IS), and Not Reported (NR) grades are not included in the Pace calculation until the final grade is provided. Repeated courses negatively impact Pace since the original and repeated credits are counted as attempted units. Please see the Grading scale for additional grade information.

Maximum Timeframe

Federal regulations require an institution to establish a maximum number of credit hours to complete a program while also remaining eligible for federal, state and/or institutional financial assistance. Consideration of eligibility includes all sessions of enrollment, regardless of whether aid is received.

Undergraduate, Credential, and Graduate programs must be completed within a period no longer than 150% of the published length of the educational program as measured in credits attempted towards the program. Law programs must be completed within a period no longer than 233% of the published length of the educational program for full-time attendance.

Maximum is measured as: number of total credits in program X maximum timeframe percentage.  For example, if the published length of a bachelor’s program is 120 credits, then the student must complete their program within 180 attempted credits (120 credits X 150% = 180 credits).

Aid eligibility is limited to these maximum time frames. Credits accepted in transfer toward the program are included as attempted and earned credits in determining the maximum timeframe.

Review Process

The Alliant Financial Aid Administration Office will review students’ academic records each award year or loan period after grades are posted to determine whether all SAP standards have been met. Students in a Financial Aid Probation status will be reviewed at the end of each payment period.

Failure to Meet SAP Standards

Students who do not meet all SAP standards will receive a letter from the University Administrative Office of Alliant Financial Aid Administration placing them on Disqualification Status for purposes of financial aid eligibility.

Appeal Process

A student can appeal to the Financial Aid Appeals Committee, and if extenuating circumstances are found in accordance with the SAP policy, the student may be reinstated to a Financial Aid Probation status. Some appeals may require that the student meet certain standards each term/semester to remain eligible for financial aid.

Appeals can only be made only based on extenuating factors that contributed to a student’s inability to maintain satisfactory academic progress. All SAP appeals must include:

1. A detailed explanation for the student’s academic performance, including verifiable extenuating circumstances; and
2. Evidence that the student can succeed in his/her academic program moving forward due to changed conditions and/or circumstances; and
3. Any additional information requested.

Financial Aid Probation

Financial Aid Probation status will be given to any student in a financial aid Disqualification Status that has their SAP Appeal approved. Students who are provided a Financial Aid Probation will be eligible for financial aid for the following payment period. Students in a financial aid Disqualification Status that do not have their SAP Appeal approved will continue to be disqualified for financial aid. Disqualified students are not eligible to receive Title IV financial aid.

Probation students may be required to re-take coursework previously completed and will be placed on an Academic Plan to meet all SAP standards moving forward. Students who do not meet all SAP and Academic Plan requirements will be disqualified from future federal financial aid.

Repayments

A repayment is cash disbursed directly to the student for non-institutional costs that must be repaid to the Title IV programs. A student will owe a repayment if he or she received a cash disbursement more than what was reasonably incurred before the student ceased attendance. Federal Family Education Loan Program and Federal Work Study funds are excluded from repayment calculations.

Repayments are allocated in the following order:

1. Federal Pell Grant Program
2. Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) Program
3. Any other non-loan Title IV program
4. Other state, private, or institutional student financial assistance programs.

Refund Policies

Institutional Refunds for Withdrawal

Students who have voluntarily withdrawn or have been administratively withdrawn or otherwise removed from the University will receive a pro rata tuition refund if the student has completed 60% or less of the period of attendance (session or semester) for which the student was charged. If the student has completed more than 60% of the session/semester for which the student was charged, the student will receive no refund.

For determining the amount of the refund, the student’s withdrawal date will be the last day of recorded attendance. The pro-rata refund percentage is calculated by dividing the number of weeks remaining by the total number of weeks in the course. If a student’s tuition is paid by a third-party organization, any refund due will be issued directly to the third party. Any refund will be less any non-refundable fees and any other equipment or materials not returned in good condition.

If the student is a financial aid recipient, being withdrawn from the institution before 60% of the session/semester has expired will result in a Return of Title IV calculation. This calculation will determine the percentage of the financial aid award earned and may result in returning funds to the lender. Such action may cause the student to owe a balance to the institution.

Institutional refunds will be processed within 30 calendar days from the date of withdrawal/dismissal.

Tuition Refund Policies

If a student drops a course he/she will be entitled to a credit per the following schedules. The University does not refund tuition for any completed courses. All refunds are based on a student’s last date of recorded attendance.  Fees are refunded per the Tuition and Fee tables.

Students who drop a course prior to the applicable session/semester start date will also receive a 100% refund for that course. Students who have completed 60% or less of the course are eligible for a pro-rata refund. The pro-rata refund percentage is calculated by dividing the number of weeks remaining by the total number of weeks in the course.

For one (1) weekend only courses: 100% credit if officially recorded before the beginning of the course. No partial refund option is available for 1 weekend only courses.

After a credit balance occurs on a student account, refunds and return of funds to lenders and third party payers, per appropriate regulations. Credit balances will be refunded to the student after all lenders funds have been returned, if applicable.

Students who receive federal financial aid and withdraw from a course(s) must contact their Financial Aid representative for assistance in determining the impact of this action has on their student account balance and financial aid prior to dropping classes. Military and international students should also contact their advisors to help understand the academic and financial impact dropping classes may have on their status and account.

Return of Title IV Funds

Any time a recipient of Title IV financial aid withdraws from Alliant International University, or does not complete the applicable payment period, Alliant Financial Aid Administration is required to calculate how much Title IV student financial aid a student has earned based on the period he/she was in attendance. Any unearned Title IV student financial aid will be returned to the Title IV programs. This pro rata schedule is calculated up through the 60% point in time of the enrollment period at Alliant International University for which the student was charged (measured from the first day of classes through the end of the related session/semester).

The Return of Title IV calculation may result in the student owing the University for unpaid tuition and fees and the Department of Education for grants and Direct Loans. If a return of Title IV funds creates a balance on the student’s account, the student is responsible for full payment. Funds returned to any Title IV student financial aid program may not exceed those disbursed to the student (or credited to his/her account) from that program. If a return of Title IV funds creates a credit balance, where the student earned more than what has been received, the student may be eligible for a post-withdrawal disbursement. All Title IV refunds will be made within 45 days of the date the student’s date of determination, the date the school determines that the student has withdrawn. Please see Withdrawal Policies for additional information.

Any recipient of Title IV federal student financial aid who withdraws or does not complete the payment period must complete a clearance process, including a financial aid exit interview for students who have received educational loan assistance. The clearance and exit interview will explain students’ rights and responsibilities as they pertain to tuition refunds, financial aid refunds and return of Title IV funds and educational loans. (See Return of Title IV Funds examples below.)

New student matriculation deposits become tuition paid as of the first day of class and will be treated accordingly in any refund calculations. Any refund calculated must be returned first to the Title IV programs. Refunds are allocated in the following order:

1. Unsubsidized Federal Direct Loan Program
2. Subsidized Federal Direct Loan Program
3. Federal PLUS/GRADPLUS Loan Program
4. Federal Pell Grant Program
5. Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) Program
6. Any other Title IV program
7. Other federal, state, private, or institutional student financial aid programs.