Regis University seeks to make higher education accessible to qualified students. The Office of Financial Aid assists students and their families as they apply for financial aid and reviews their financing options. Students are encouraged to call 303-458-4126 or email RUfinancialaid@regis.edu if they have any questions. More information is available at www.regis.edu/financialaid.

Applying for Financial Aid

Eligibility for financial aid is determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), available online at www.studentaid.gov. Students should allow ample time for the processed document to reach the Office of Financial Aid.

All continuing students should submit a FAFSA annually by the March 1^st priority date in order to allow sufficient time for processing and to be considered for all types of financial aid, including grants, work study, and institutional scholarships. The FAFSA code for Regis University is 001363.

Copies of signed IRS federal tax return, an official IRS tax return transcript, an Institutional Verification form, or other documents may be requested. In order to meet Regis’ priority funding date for the following academic year (summer, fall and spring semesters), a completed FAFSA must be received by the government processor by March 1 and Financial Aid files should be complete by May 1.

How Eligibility is Determined

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is processed according to a need analysis approved annually by the U.S. Congress and implemented by the U.S. Department of Education. Components such as income, number in family, and asset strength are integrated into the formula. The need analysis attempts to determine the amount students and their families can afford to contribute toward the student’s education for one year. This amount is called the Student Aid Index (SAI). Results of this analysis are forwarded to the Office of Financial Aid specified by students on the application.

The Regis University Office of Financial Aid and the state of Colorado determine the cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, books, course materials, supplies and equipment, living expenses (for both campus resident students and students living off campus), personal expenses, and transportation costs. The budgets are designed to permit students to live at a modest but adequate standard during the period of education. The student’s SAI is subtracted from the cost of attendance budget to determine financial need or eligibility. Students who do not demonstrate financial need through this process may still be eligible for scholarships, Federal PLUS loan, Unsubsidized Federal Direct loan, or other forms of assistance offered by Regis University.

Notification and Disbursement

When a student’s financial aid application is complete (all forms and reports received), it is reviewed by Financial Aid personnel. If a student is eligible and funds are available, an offer letter is prepared and can be viewed on the Ranger Portal. The student can accept, reduce or decline their loans online.  Most aid is divided into two or three equal payments, based on the number of semesters for which the student is enrolled. Federal loans require that students complete Entrance Counseling and a Master Promissory Note and funding will only disburse once these steps are completed.

Funds that have been awarded, accepted and complete are credited to the student’s account within a week after the end of the add/drop period when the student has begun enrollment for the appropriate credit hours. The student will be contacted if any funds are received by check that require personal endorsement. Any funds in excess of student expenses billed by Regis University may be used for other allowable educational expenses such as living expenses. These funds may not be available until 14 days after the appropriate add/drop period. Therefore, students should plan ahead and have sufficient resources to meet these costs.

Undocumented/DACA Students

Regis University is dedicated to providing financial support to undocumented students within the limits of state and federal law. Federal financial aid is not available for undocumented students as it requires the recipient to be a US citizen, permanent resident (green card holder), or an eligible non-citizen. Students who qualify as Colorado residents may be considered for state need based grants. Students should fill out the ASSET application available via our website.

Regis University provides institutional funds to undocumented students by awarding academic and other talent-based scholarships. The majority of these scholarships are awarded at the time of admission and students are notified in their admissions letter. Students who are eligible to work in the United States can apply for on-campus student employment by reaching out to the Office of Financial Aid. For more information visit www.regis.edu/financialaid

Types of Financial Aid

After the student’s completed need analysis has been received, Financial Aid personnel prepare an offer letter to notify the students of their eligibility. An offer may include the following types of assistance.

Grants (Gift Assistance)

Federal Pell Grant

This is a federally funded program for undergraduate students with extreme financial need who are seeking a first baccalaureate degree. Application is made by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Federal legislation limits Federal Pell Grant funds to students who have not earned a bachelor’s degree. The Federal Pell Grant will be disbursed only if students have not already received the lifetime maximum amount which is the equivalent of awards for twelve semesters of full-time enrollment.

The student’s Student Aid Index (SAI), estimated costs, and enrollment status determine the amount of the Federal Pell grant.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

This federally funded supplemental grant may be awarded to a student seeking a first baccalaureate degree. Application is made by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the priority date of March 1 and completed financial aid file by May 1. These funds are limited and students must qualify for Federal Pell Grant to be considered for Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants.

TEACH Grant

The Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant program provides up to $4,000 per year in grant funds to students who commit to

1. teach full-time
2. in high-need subject areas
3. for at least four years and
4. at schools that serve students from low-income families.

Graduate students may be eligible for $4,000 per year ($8,000 total) with the same commitment to teach. If the commitment is not fulfilled, the TEACH award is converted to an unsubsidized Federal Direct Loan with interest retroactive to the time of the award disbursement. Eligible applicants must meet certain academic requirements, file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and sign the required commitment statements each year.

The College Opportunity Fund (COF)

COF provides an amount of money (stipend) per semester hour paid by the State of Colorado on behalf of an eligible undergraduate student. The amount of stipend is set annually by the Colorado General Assembly. The stipend for eligible private institutions is 50% of the amount set for public institutions. The maximum stipend semester hours are capped at 145 semester hours, with an additional 30 hours of undergraduate semester hour eligibility available. For eligible Regis University undergraduate students, the stipend is awarded through the financial aid process.

A COF undergraduate student at Regis University is a student who:

• is classified as an in-state student;
• is a graduate of a Colorado high school or has successfully completed a non-public home-based education program in Colorado or received a GED in Colorado;
• demonstrates financial need through the student’s eligibility for the Federal Pell Grant program (student must complete the FAFSA); and
• meet any other eligibility requirements established by the Colorado Department of Higher Education.

Students are required to apply for the COF stipend program through the College Assist website. This application needs to be completed only once in a student’s lifetime. The link to the College Assist application is at https://cof.college-assist.org/Apply.

Colorado Student Grant

Colorado Student Grants are state funds awarded to Colorado resident undergraduate students with high financial need. Application is made by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the priority date of March 1 and completed financial aid file by May 1.

Colorado Graduate Grant

Colorado Graduate Grants are state funds awarded to Colorado resident graduate students with high financial need, who major in certain fields as specified by the state, and preference is given to students enrolled full-time These majors include math, science, computer science, and health fields. Application is made by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the priority date of March 1 and completed financial aid file by May 1.

Regis Institutional Grants

Regis University may offer institutional grant funds for undergraduate traditional students. Regis grants are typically awarded to students based on financial need. As such, students must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the priority date of March 1 and completed financial aid file by May 1.   

Regis Housing Grant

Regis may award an institutional housing grant to incoming eligible students. The gran may be offered for one year only or for the first two years of on-campus housing, which aligns with the on-campus residency requirement through the Office of Student Housing and Residential Engagement for traditional students. Students may receive the grant their Junior and Senior years if they continue to live in Regis Residential Housing, excluding the Boryla Apartments. On-campus housing may be granted to juniors and seniors based on available space. Regis University does not guarantee on- campus housing availability for the duration of your four-year program. Additional conditions may apply. Students receiving Employee Tuition Benefit (ETB), FACHEX or Tuition Exchange Program awards are not eligible for the Regis Housing Grant.

Loans (Repayable Assistance)

Federal Nursing Student Loan

The Federal Nursing Student Loan is a federally funded loan with a portion of the loan contributed by Regis University. Loans may be made directly by Regis University to nursing undergraduate students who provide evidence of financial need through the FAFSA application. Loans must be repaid to Regis University. The interest rate is 5% and the repayment period begins nine months after the borrower ceases to be enrolled on at least a half-time basis. The aggregate maximum for the loan is $17,000. Descriptions of reasons for deferment and cancellation are detailed in the promissory note. Students must complete an exit interview before leaving the University at which time the loan obligations and contingencies are discussed.

Federal Direct Loan

The Federal Direct Loan is a federal education loan designed to help students pay for college. To apply for a Federal Direct Loan, students must submit a FAFSA application. The FAFSA results determine a student’s financial need, which affects the amount of subsidized loan that an undergraduate student can borrow. Students may be offered a subsidized or unsubsidized Federal Direct Loan, or both. If the loan is subsidized, the federal government pays the interest while the student is enrolled and through a six-month grace period after the student has graduated or ceased to be enrolled at least halftime. Students begin to pay interest on the loan when repayment begins. Graduate students are not eligible for subsidized loans.

Students may be eligible for unsubsidized loans if educational costs remain after all other financial aid is subtracted within annual and aggregate loan limits. The unsubsidized loan amount is not determined by need. Students are responsible for the interest from the time the unsubsidized loan is disbursed until it is paid in full. Students can choose to pay the interest or allow it to accumulate and be capitalized, that is, added to the principal amount of the loan. Capitalizing the interest will increase the amount to repay. A federal origination fee will be deducted prior to disbursement.

Federal PLUS Loan

Parents of dependent undergraduate students may borrow on the student’s behalf. The annual maximum loan limit equals the student’s cost of attendance minus any financial aid. There is no cumulative loan limit for a Federal PLUS Loan. Interest capitalization and repayment begin immediately upon loan disbursement. A federal origination fee will be deducted prior to disbursement. A FAFSA and a Federal PLUS Loan application are required. Need is not a factor. A credit check and the absence of adverse credit history are required.

Federal Graduate PLUS Loan

A Federal Graduate PLUS loan is available to graduate students. To be eligible, a graduate student must be attending Regis University at least half time (3 graduate semester hours per term or 6 required undergraduate semester hours), file a FAFSA, apply for the Federal Direct Loan, and not have any adverse credit when a credit check is conducted.

A graduate student may borrow up to the full cost of education (as determined by the Office of Financial Aid) less the amount of other financial aid awarded, including Federal Direct Loans and alternative loans. The estimated cost of attendance includes tuition, room, board, books, personal, transportation, and other educationally related expenses.

The Federal Graduate PLUS interest rate is fixed annually on July 1. Federal origination fees will be deducted from the loan amount prior to disbursement. Graduate PLUS loan repayment begins within 60 days after graduation or dropping below half-time status. Students who are enrolled at least half time will be placed in deferment status. The standard repayment period is ten years.

Work Study (Earned Assistance)

Federal Student Work Study

Federal Student Work Study is a federally funded work program with a portion of the funds provided by Regis University. Awards are based on need. Payment of work-study earnings is made every two weeks based on the number of hours worked. A designated number of student jobs are in community service. Application is made by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the priority date of March 1 and completed financial aid file by May 1. Priority awarding is given to full-time new traditional students and to traditional continuing students who earned on campus during the previous award year.

Colorado Student Work Study

Colorado Student Work Study is a state-funded Work Study program for Colorado resident undergraduate students and may be awarded to those with or without need. Payment of work-study earnings is made every two weeks based on the number of hours worked. Application for need based Work Study is made by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the priority date of March 1 and completed financial aid file by May 1. Students must complete the Regis University Student Work Study Application if they are interested in no-need student Work Study. Priority awarding is given to continuing students who are earning on campus the previous award year.  

Merit-Based Awards

Some types of assistance do not have financial need eligibility as a qualifying factor. Rather, they are based upon academic, leadership or athletic excellence. If the student receives both need-based and merit-based assistance, the aggregate total may not exceed the student’s demonstrated need. Scholarship amounts vary but most do not exceed tuition.

Merit Awards

Merit Scholarships are offered to entering students through the Office of Admissions based on scholastic achievement. The award is typically renewed each year for a total of four years (eight semesters) as long as the student maintains Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress and is enrolled full-time in their traditional undergraduate degree program they were admitted into. These scholarships are not available during the summer semester.

Other Merit-Based Awards

Regis University offers additional merit-based scholarship opportunities to students based on other talents, including, but not limited to, music scholarships, debate scholarships, and honors scholarships. As with admissions merit-based awards, these scholarships are only applicable to the fall and spring semesters based on full-time enrollment. These additional scholarships may be renewed at the discretion of the department. 

Endowed/Annual Scholarships

Regis University offers over 200 endowed and annual scholarships to students enrolled at Regis University. These scholarships have been established through the generous support of foundations, corporations, and the University’s alumni, parents, and friends. Scholarships are an investment in the students of Regis, and the University community is grateful for the vision of our scholarship donors. Scholarships are a very meaningful way to honor families, friends, and loved ones.

Criteria for each scholarship are determined by the donor, and selection is made by the Office of Financial Aid, or in some cases, a scholarship committee. Eligibility is based on merit and/or financial need. In most cases, selection is based on information provided by students in the general application process, including the FAFSA and academic records. Students are automatically considered for these scholarship awards at the time of application to the University. On occasion, students may be asked to provide additional information for selected scholarships. In most cases, unless the donor specifies otherwise, scholarships are renewable for four years if the student maintains certain academic and financial aid eligibility requirements and funding is available.

Donors are interested in basic information about scholarship recipients. By accepting the scholarship, a student agrees to allow the University to share this type of information with the donor.

Athletic Awards

Athletes may be awarded athletic grants by the Athletic Department at Regis University. Students should contact the Athletic Department or coach of their sport for additional information.  A FAFSA is required to receive an athletic scholarship, and additional aid may be awarded from other sources if the FAFSA is completed within the priority deadlines and further eligibility is indicated. Students who receive full athletic grants for tuition and living expenses may not receive other gift aid except for Federal Pell Grant and COF (College Opportunity Fund) Stipend if applicable. All awards must comply with NCAA rules, including the academic eligibility prescribed. Renewal conditions are set by the athletic department.

Other Sources of Assistance

Bureau of Indian Affairs

Grants are available to students who are at least one-fourth Native American, Eskimo, or Aleut and who are issued an Indian Certification by their tribe. This grant is usually a supplement to other types of financial aid. Students should apply to a Bureau of Indian Affairs agency.

Dependent’s Tuition Assistance Program (DTAP)

This program provides tuition assistance for dependents of National Guardsmen, law enforcement officers, or firefighters killed or disabled in the line of duty. It also assists dependents of Coloradans who were prisoners of war or missing in action. Students should apply through the Colorado Department of Higher Education.

Division of Vocational Rehabilitation

Students with physical or emotional needs may be eligible for assistance with tuition, fees, books, supplies, maintenance, medical services, and transportation. Students should inquire with the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation regarding eligibility at https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/dvr.

Employee Tuition Benefit (ETB)

ETB is available to eligible employees of Regis University and to their spouse and dependent children. Eligibility for benefits varies according to the number of hours and months an employee has worked. Students must be admitted to an eligible program and be eligible to receive the benefit, including meeting the minimum requirements of the financial aid Satisfactory Academic Progress policy. Complete details are included in the ETB application available in the Human Resources Department.

Tuition Exchange and Faculty Children’s Exchange (FACHEX)

Faculty and Staff Children Exchange Program is an undergraduate tuition scholarship program available to the children of full-time faculty, administration, and staff of participating institutions. It allows children who are eligible for tuition remission at their home institution (parent’s employer) to be considered for tuition scholarship funds from one of the other participating Jesuit colleges. It is not a guaranteed benefit since Regis University does not control the selection/awarding process at the other participating Jesuit colleges and universities and Regis University does not have sufficient funds to award every student who applies to attend here with FACHEX or Tuition Exchange. Contact the Office of Admissions for more information.

Outside Scholarships

Outside scholarships are scholarships offered by individuals or organizations outside of Regis University and are considered other financial assistance. Regis University provides general information regarding outside scholarships as well as a few scholarship databases for students to begin their search. Regis University is not affiliated with any outside scholarship entities and searching and applying for outside scholarships is at the student’s discretion.

State Scholarship/Grant Programs

Some states, such as Alaska, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Massachusetts, Vermont, Pennsylvania, and New Hampshire, offer grant and scholarship assistance for students attending Regis University. Information on these programs may be obtained from a school counselor or the Higher Educational Assistance Agency in the student’s home state.

Veterans’ Benefits

The University is approved by the State Approving Agency of Colorado, a division of the State Board for Community Colleges and Occupational Education, to offer courses of education and training for veterans and eligible dependents under the provisions of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Veterans and other eligible persons should obtain their certificates of eligibility from the regional office of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) before entrance into the University.

The payment of benefits by VA differs according to half-time or full-time enrollment. Students who are eligible for veterans’ benefits should check with the Regis University certifying official in the Office of the Registrar for specific information about their particular program. Additionally, students receiving veterans’ benefits must notify the Regis University certifying official under the following conditions:

• the student is temporarily withdrawing from the program;
• the student is permanently withdrawing from the program;
• the student is changing programs and/or majors; or
• the student is attending another college or university.

International Students

Federal and state financial aid funds are restricted to citizens and permanent residents of the United States. International students with F-1 or J-1 visa types who seek employment on or off campus must follow procedures specified by the Designated School Official in the Office of Global Education in order to maintain legal status. If required standards are met, International students may apply be eligible for institutional scholarships.

Consortium Agreements

The Financial Aid Consortium Agreement is an agreement between Regis University and an eligible college to share enrollment information and records for student financial aid eligibility.

Under a Consortium Agreement, Regis University may act as the Home school, meaning the student intends to receive his or her degree or certificate from Regis. The other school acts as the Host school. Students may take classes that Regis University approves for credit at the other college, the credits are required for the degree, and those credits will be transferred to Regis. Under this agreement, students can be considered for financial aid if they are at least half-time students, combining classes at both schools the student is attending. Students must renew their consortium agreement each semester and other qualifications and limitations may apply.

Registration/Enrollment for Consortium Agreements

Students should enroll in a degree-granting program at Regis University and create a degree plan with a Regis University advisor. This plan may be altered with the advisor’s approval.

At the beginning of each semester, students must register for all courses they will take during that semester. If a student is taking courses at Regis University, they follow the standard registration process at Regis. Students who are taking courses at a Host school must meet with a Regis University academic advisor for pre-approval of their planned courses before they register. When registering at a Host school, students should identify themselves as a Regis University student. If courses are taken at Regis, tuition is paid to Regis. If courses are taken at a Host school, tuition is paid by the student to the Host school.

Students attending a Host school should apply for financial aid through Regis University. Students must:

• submit a FAFSA;
• complete an Authorization to Release Information form; and
• contact the Office of Financial Aid at Regis University to complete any additional forms as appropriate.

Courses approved by the Regis University academic advisor and taken at a Host school are considered for financial aid eligibility. Students must notify the Office of Financial Aid if their enrollment plans change, since enrollment status affects financial aid eligibility.

Financial aid is not paid until the Office of Financial Aid receives verification from the Host school that a student is enrolled for the minimum required credits. This occurs after the Host school's add/drop period. Any credit refund from financial aid proceeds is processed within two weeks after financial aid is credited to the student account at Regis University.

 For more information concerning consortium agreements, students should contact the Office of Financial Aid.

Study Abroad

Enrollment in a program of study that is approved for credit by the student’s academic advisor may be considered as enrolled at Regis University for the purpose of being eligible for certain forms of financial aid. Students should contact the Office of Global Education for approved study abroad programs. If approved for participation, interested students should contact the Office of Financial Aid for more information.

Enrollment Requirements for Study Abroad

In many cases, the student must be enrolled full-time in order to qualify for financial assistance. Most aid programs allow for less than full-time attendance, but the student must generally be enrolled at least half time in order to qualify. The student financial aid offer letter specifies the enrollment requirements upon which the financial aid awards are based.

Undergraduate Status Credit Hour Requirement

Undergraduate Enrollment

Undergraduate Status	Credit Hour Requirement
Full-Time	12 or more semester hours
Three-Quarter Time	9 to 11 semester hours
Half-Time	6 to 8 semester hours

Graduate Status Credit Hour Requirement

Graduate Enrollment

Graduate Status	Credit Hour Requirement
Full-Time	6 or more graduate semester hours
Half-Time	3 to 5 graduate semester hours

Note: If undergraduate classes are required for a graduate degree, the student must have at least six undergraduate semester hours to be considered a half-time student.

Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress

The federal and state governments require the Office of Financial Aid to monitor the academic progress of students who are receiving federal, state, or institutional assistance. All hours attempted and completed are reviewed. Cumulative grade point averages and maximum hours of financial aid eligibility are monitored once per year. The full policy for Satisfactory Academic Progress is available on the Regis University Financial Aid website.

Refunds Due To Withdrawal

Scholarships, grants and loan funds normally are not credited to a student’s account until after the appropriate add/drop period based on the student’s academic program each semester. At this time enrollment status is verified and, if required, adjustments are made. Financial aid is not credited to a student’s account if no enrolled hours can be verified or enrolled hours are insufficient based on the level on the award letter. Students who completely withdraw after aid has been credited may have their aid adjusted in accordance with federal and state regulations.

Withdrawal does not eliminate financial obligation to the University. Charges owed to the University at the time of withdrawal are the student’s responsibility based on the University’s tuition and housing refund policies. Details of these policies are available in the Office of Student Accounts.

There are specific federal, state and University withdrawal policies regarding tuition and fees, housing charges, refunds to financial aid programs, and repayments resulting from withdrawal.

The student’s withdrawal may result in a return of funds to the federal financial aid programs, and the student may have to repay those funds.

There are three situations that may require immediate repayment of financial aid funds when a student withdraws:

• If University charges are reduced as a result of withdrawal, and a student account credit balance is created, these funds may be used to repay financial aid programs, depending on the amount of financial aid and the date of withdrawal.
• A student may have to repay financial aid funds that are in excess of an amount determined to be reasonable for the length of enrollment. This repayment is based on federal guidelines.
• If withdrawal occurs prior to fully establishing enrollment eligibility, the entire financial aid award, including any credit balance, will be repaid to the financial aid programs. This may result in a balance due to the University. 

Earnings in student Work Study programs are paid through the time of withdrawal. Students may not continue student Work Study after withdrawing from the University.

Financial aid is for enrolled students only. Except in rare situations, financial aid cannot be disbursed after withdrawal. Students who receive financial aid and withdraw may lose future financial aid eligibility. Refer to the full Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy on the Regis University Financial Aid website.

Information regarding the federal regulations for calculating refunds and repayments and the order of financial aid programs to which aid is restored is included in detail on the Financial Aid website.