Undergraduate Financial Information

General Information

Communication with Students

The primary communication with students is through UM email and Banner Self Service. Students are urged to check UM email and Banner Self Service weekly to monitor requests for additional documentation, financial aid offer notifications, and other vital information. Students accept/decline aid award offers using Banner Self Service.

Enrollment Status 

Unless otherwise stated, all aid is based on enrollment as a full-time student, which is defined as a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester for undergraduate and a minimum of 9 credit hours per semester for graduate students. To receive federal loans, students must be enrolled at least half-time. Half-time for undergraduates is a minimum of 6 credit hours, and half time for graduate students is a minimum of 5 credit hours. If a student drops below full-time, certain types of aid may be canceled or reduced. 

Classifications

Full-time or part-time

For undergraduate students, a semester schedule of 12 credit hours or more is full-time. A semester schedule of 11 credit hours or fewer is part-time.

Alabama residency for tuition purposes

For the purpose of determining tuition, applicants are classified as in-state (Alabama) or out-of-state (non-Alabama) students. The University of Montevallo’s Residency Guidelines are based on Alabama Code 16-64 regarding residency practices for tuition purposes at all public institutions of higher education within the state. Additional information and definitions concerning residency reclassification can be located on the Registrar’s Office webpage.

In addition to those students who qualify according to the University’s Residency Guidelines, the following individuals shall be charged the in-state rate or otherwise considered an Alabama resident for tuition purposes:

• A veteran using educational assistance under either Chapter 30 (Montgomery G.I. Bill® - Active-Duty Program) or Chapter 33 (Post-9/11 G.I. Bill®), of Title 38, United States Code, who lives in Alabama while attending a school located in Alabama (regardless of his/her formal State of residence).
• Anyone using transferred Post-9/11 GI Bill® benefits (38 U.S.C. § 3319) who lives in Alabama while attending a school located in Alabama (regardless of his/her formal State of residence).
• Anyone described above while he or she remains continuously enrolled (other than during regularly scheduled breaks between courses, semesters, or terms) at the same school. The person so described must be using educational benefits under either Chapter 30 or Chapter 33, of Title 38, United States Code.
• Anyone using benefits under the Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship (38 U.S.C. § 3311(b)(9)) who lives in Alabama while attending a school located in Alabama (regardless of his/her formal State of residence).
• Anyone using transferred Post-9/11 G.I. Bill® benefits (38 U.S.C. § 3319) who lives in Alabama while attending a school located in Alabama (regardless of his/her formal state of residence) and the transferor is a member of the uniformed service who is serving on active duty.
• Anyone using educational assistance under Chapter 31, Vocational Rehabilitation/Employment (VR&E), will also be charged the resident rate.  Effective for courses and terms beginning after March 1, 2019, a public institution of higher learning must charge the resident rate to Chapter 31 participants, as well as the other categories of individuals described above.  When an institution charges these individuals more than the rate for resident students, The U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) is required to disapprove programs of education sponsored by VA.
• The policy shall be read to be amended as necessary to be compliant with the requirements of 38 U.S.C. 3679(c) as amended.

Rate Schedule

To view the current rate schedule and fees for undergraduate study at the University of Montevallo, visit the University’s website at www.montevallo.edu/cashier/tuition.

Other Fees

Application for admission
A non-refundable fee of $30 must be attached or enclosed with the application for admission. The check or money order is to be made out to the University of Montevallo, payable in U.S. funds. If the application is completed on the web, the fee can be paid on-line using a credit/debit card.

Audit payment
The audit tuition is $25 per credit hour, plus semester fees. Audit fees can be waived for persons 65 years of age and older. Audit registration is in the Registrar’s Office, on or after the first day of class, even when tuition is waived.

Continuing Education/In-Service
Charges for non-credit Continuing Education or In-Service courses are not considered as tuition. Information on payment will be provided upon registration for any Continuing Education activity.

Housing deposit
A $100 room deposit must be submitted at the time of application for on-campus housing. The deposit, less any debts or costs for damage to the room, will be refunded in accordance with the following stipulations.

At the conclusion of the final semester or summer term in the residence hall, the student must complete a room deposit refund request and submit it to a hall staff member upon checkout. Students may cancel a room reservation and receive a full refund, provided that the cancellation is submitted in writing, by July 15 for Fall Semester, December 1 for Spring Semester, or May 5 for Summer Session, to the Office of Housing and Residence Life (West Main Hall, Station 6235). Students who cancel their reservations in writing after these dates and before the opening date for the residence halls receive a 50 percent refund. Students who cancel a room reservation or withdraw from the University after the opening date for the residence halls forfeit the deposit. Any exception requires approval by the Director of Housing and Residence Life.

A student denied admission to the University shall be eligible to receive a full refund of the room deposit. Room deposits not claimed within one year after a student leaves the residence halls shall revert to the University.

Housing fees
Both undergraduate and graduate students in residence halls pay an amount that includes internet, utilities, a 24-hour movie channel, and basic cable television. Fees for private rooms are additional. Private room reservations cannot be guaranteed until 5 p.m. on the first day of classes. The private room fee will be refunded, or a credit will be given, if the resident does not receive a private room.

When it is necessary for a student enrolled in an internship or other similar experience to live away from campus, adjustments are made in charges for room and board.

On-campus resident students will be required to sign the 9-month Housing Agreement upon checking into housing. Residents who cancel after checking in, forfeit the $100 deposit, prorated monthly rent for time on campus, and pay a $500 breach-of-contract fee.

Students who withdraw from housing prior to the first day of class will receive a total refund of the housing portion of any preregistration payment received for the term. More information is available on the Housing and Residence Life webpage.

ID cards
Each University of Montevallo student is required to obtain an official ID card (UM ID) that displays the student’s photograph. The card is required for access to many of the services and activities at the University. Students may apply for a UM ID card in person at the Solution Center in Carmichael Library or by emailing www.solutioncenter@montevallo.edu. If UM ID cards are lost or stolen, students should contact the Solution Center. Please visit www.montevallo.edu/solution-center/ for UM ID card replacement information.

Returned checks
If a check received by the University fails to clear the bank, the person who presented the check to the University will be charged $35. If the returned check was presented on behalf of a student, the student’s account will reflect a returned check fee. Thereafter, should an individual have checks that fail to clear the bank, the University reserves the right not to accept personal checks and may require guaranteed funds (e.g., money order, or cashier’s check).

Vehicle registration

All students, staff, and faculty who park a motor vehicle on the University campus must register each year, secure a permit, and display it as directed. Student parking on campus must register their motor vehicle annually.  Registration of a vehicle costs $35 each year and is charged to the student’s account. Failure to comply with guidelines may result in a penalty to the vehicle operator. More information is available on the Public Safety webpage.

Payment of Tuition and Fees

Payment of student accounts (tuition, fees, and other charges) are due by 5 p.m. on the first day of the term. Payment for preregistration is due as announced during the preregistration period as noted on the University Calendar.

If a student does not comply with payment due dates, then the students schedule may be dropped for non-payment during the non-payment period. Students can view the University Calendar or contact the Office of Student Accounts to confirm payment due dates. A hold will be placed on any student account with a balance due after the payment deadline. Students withdrawing from the University prior to the first day of class will receive a total refund of out-of-pocket expenses paid for the term.

Students who do not meet their first summer term required payment deadline will be dropped for non-payment for the current and subsequent summer term enrollments. For example, if a student missed a required payment for May term and is dropped from a May term class, the student will also be dropped from any registered classes in Summer I and Summer II.

The University accepts personal checks, cashier’s checks, money orders, and most credit cards (VISA®, MasterCard®, Discover®, and American Express®) for payments. Payment can also be made by accessing the student account on the web for a one-time payment transaction. Students also have the option during the fall and spring semesters to set up a partial payment plan according to the terms stated at www.mycollegepaymentplan.com/montevallo.

Additional information is available on the Office of Student Accounts webpage.

Partial Payment Plan

For tuition, fees, room and board, the University of Montevallo offers a payment plan option administered by Nelnet Business Solutions. The payment plan option, available to all students during the Fall and Spring semesters, is a convenient alternative to lump-sum payments. It features monthly payments, no interest charges, low-cost enrollment ($40 non-refundable fee per semester), and automatic payments on scheduled dates after enrollment. Please consult the Office of Student Accounts website for more detailed information.

Preregistration and Payment

During each enrollment period, students may pre-register for subsequent study if the current term is paid for in full. A past due balance will result in a hold on the student’s account which may prevent pre-registration until the balance is cleared. 

Tuition Protection Insurance

UM partners with GradGuard™ to provide optional tuition insurance featuring special plans and rates not available to the general public. Plans also include Student Life Assistance: a 24-hour emergency hotline that offers students and parents even greater peace of mind. Please visit the website for more information for Tuition Protection Insurance.

Financial Aid 

Students and prospective students are encouraged to visit the Student Aid Office webpage to obtain comprehensive information concerning application procedures, priority dates, available federal aid programs, and a list of scholarships. Banner Self Service provides detailed information specific to an individual student. 

To apply for financial aid, a student must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), available on October 1 for the following academic year at studentaid.gov. Students must be unconditionally admitted into a degree-seeking program to be considered for federal student aid. 

Part-Time Employment 

Federal Work Study may be awarded to eligible students who file the FAFSA. Funds are limited. This provides students with an opportunity to earn wages while working on campus. For a list of job opportunities, please visit the Student Employment Office webpage. For more details regarding Federal Work Study, visit the Student Aid Office webpage. Some jobs may be funded through individual departments. Those positions are classified as “jobship” rather than Federal Work Study. 

Scholarships 

The University offers numerous scholarships to students. Information on scholarship opportunities can be found on the Student Aid Office webpage. 

Loans 

The Student Loans website contains detailed information regarding loans. 

Federal Direct Stafford Loans are awarded to eligible students who file the FAFSA. Additional information is available on the Student Aid Office’s webpage. 

Details such as the rights and responsibilities and terms of repayment for the Federal Direct Stafford Loan will be provided when the student electronically signs the promissory note and completes entrance counseling. PLUS loans are also available for parents of dependent students. 

Grants 

Federal Pell Grants 

Pell Grants are awarded based on need as determined by the FAFSA. Apply by completing the FAFSA. 

Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grants (FSEOG) 

FSEOG awards are based on need and generally awarded to students receiving the full Pell Grant. File the FAFSA to be considered. Funds are limited. 

Alabama Student Assistance Program (ASAP) 

ASAP awards are based on need and generally awarded to students receiving the full Pell Grant. File the FAFSA to be considered. Funds are limited. 

Veterans’ Educational Benefits 

The Alabama and Federal Departments of Veterans’ Affairs determine eligibility for educational benefits and maintain veteran benefits applications and records. Once approved, students may use the following benefits at the University of Montevallo: 

• Alabama G.I. Dependents’ Scholarship Program 
• Alabama National Guard Educational Assistance Program (ANGEAP) 
• Montgomery GI Bill®-Active-Duty Educational Assistance Program (Chapter 30) 
• Montgomery GI Bill®-Selected Reserve (Chapter 1606) 
• Post 9/11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33) 
• Reserve Educational Assistance Program-REAP (Chapter 1607) 
• Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program (Chapter 35) 
• Veterans Educational Assistance Program-VEAP (Chapter 32) 
• Vocational Rehabilitation (Chapter 31) 
• Yellow Ribbon Program (Chapter 33 YR) 

Complaint Policy for Students Receiving VA Education Benefits 

For students receiving VA education benefits, any complaint against the school should be routed through the VA GI Bill® Feedback System. The VA will then follow up through the appropriate channels to investigate the complaint and resolve it satisfactorily. The VA GI Bill® Feedback System is accessed at benefits.va.gov/gibill/feedback.asp.  

Office of Veteran & Military Affairs 

The Office of Veteran and Military Affairs serves as a liaison for veterans, service persons, and their dependents. This service is located at the GloCo building on the corner of Valley and North Boundary Streets. 

Office of Veteran and Military Affairs 
GloCo Building (Corner of North Boundary and Valley) 
(205) 665-6472 
vetmiloffice@montevallo.edu 
www.montevallo.edu/veterans-affairs/ 

Alabama G.I. Dependents’ Scholarship Program 

Students using the Alabama G.I. Dependents’ Scholarship Program or ANGEP should contact the Student Aid Office. 

Student Aid Office, Palmer Hall, First Floor 
(205) 665-6050 
finaid@montevallo.edu 

Alabama Department of Veteran Affairs 
(334) 242-5077 
va.alabama.gov/dependents-scholarship/ 

Federal VA and DoD Education Benefits 

Students using Federal GI Bill® benefits should contact the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs. Students must be admitted and registered at the University before an enrollment certification can be submitted to the VA. A completed VA Request for Certification form must be returned to the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs for each academic year. This form is available on the Office’s webpage. 

Office of Veteran & Military Affairs 
GloCo Building 
(205) 665-6472 
vetmiloffice@montevallo.edu 

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Education Benefits 
888-442-4551 
benefits.va.gov/gibill/ 

*GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at www.benefits.va.gov/gibill. 

Financial Consequences of Schedule Adjustments or Withdrawal

Course Drops

A student who drops a course will be reimbursed at the rate of 100 percent through the last day of the drop/add period as referenced in the University Calendar. No adjustment will be made for a class dropped after the last day on which classes may be added. More information is available on the Office of Student Accounts webpage.

Official Withdrawal

Students receiving Title IV (federal financial aid) aid are strongly urged to contact the Student Aid Office prior to deciding to withdraw. Students may be obligated to repay a portion of the aid to the Department of Education and/or their student account and may become ineligible for further Title IV federal aid assistance. A student who officially withdraws from enrollment at the University will have a tuition adjustment as follows from the start date of term (this does not apply for students who are dropping courses, only students who are officially withdrawing from the semester and will no longer be enrolled):

*More withdrawal rate information is available on the Office of Student Accounts webpage and more information regarding the withdrawal policy and process is available on the Registrar’s Office webpage.

Room and Board Credit

Room and board will be adjusted on a pro rata basis in units of one week in relation to the term. A partial week will be counted as one full week.

During the Summer semester, room and board is charged separately for May Term, Summer I, and Summer II and will be adjusted for withdrawing on the appropriate pro rata basis in units of one week in relation to the term. A partial week will be counted as one full week. You may review details of the Housing charges or cancellation rates on the Office of Student Accounts webpage.

Refunds for Drop or Official Withdrawal

The University and federal financial aid funding agencies receive prorated shares of the refund, according to the Federal Refund and Repayment Policy. If a credit balance remains after the financial aid programs are repaid, this amount is refunded to the student address on their UM student record. Students may elect to sign up for Direct Deposit. Students should contact the Office of Student Accounts for questions regarding direct deposits or refunds.

Financial Aid Effects When a Student Withdraws

Prior to withdrawing or otherwise ceasing to attend classes, students should contact the Student Aid Office to determine the potential impact of the withdrawal. Students intending to withdraw from the semester prior to the term withdrawal deadline must submit to the Registrar’s Office a withdrawal form signed by the Student Aid Office, who will determine the effect the withdrawal may have on their aid. Withdrawal forms and policy are available on the Registrar’s Office webpage.

The law specifies how the school must determine the amount of Title IV program assistance that the student will earn if the student withdraws from school. The Title IV programs that are covered by this law at the University are: Federal Pell Grants, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOGs), Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grants, Direct Loans, and Direct PLUS Loans. Though aid is posted to the student’s account at the start of each period, the student earns the funds as the period is completed.

If the student withdraws during the payment period or period of enrollment, the amount of Title IV program assistance that the student has earned up to that point is determined by a specific formula. If the student received (or the school or parent received on the student’s behalf) less assistance than the amount that was earned, the student may be able to receive those additional funds. If the student received more assistance than earned, the excess funds must be returned by the school and/ or the student.

The amount of assistance that the student earns is determined on a pro rata basis. For example, if the student completed 30% of the payment period or period of enrollment, the student would earn 30% of the assistance originally scheduled to receive. Once the student has completed more than 60% of the payment period or period of enrollment, the student will earn all the assistance that was scheduled to be received for that period.

If the student did not receive all the funds earned, the student may be due a post-withdrawal disbursement. If the post-withdrawal disbursement includes loan funds, the school must get permission before it can disburse them. The student may choose to decline some or all the loan funds so that additional debt is not incurred. The school may automatically apply all or a portion of the post-withdrawal disbursement of grant funds for tuition, fees, and room and board charges (as contracted with the school). The school needs permission to use the post-withdrawal grant disbursement for all other institutional charges. If the student does not give permission (some schools ask for this upon enrollment), the student will be offered the funds. However, it may be in the student’s best interest to allow the school to keep the funds to reduce debt at the school.

There are some Title IV funds that were scheduled to be received that cannot be disbursed once withdrawn because of other eligibility requirements. For example, a first-time, first-year undergraduate student who has not completed the first 30 days of a program before withdrawing will not receive any Direct Loan funds that would have been received had the student remained enrolled past the 30th day.

If the student receives (or the school or parent receive on the student’s behalf) excess Title IV program funds that must be returned, the school must return a portion of the excess equal to the lesser of:

1. Institutional charges multiplied by the unearned percentage of funds, or

2. The entire amount of excess funds.

The school must return this amount even if it did not keep this amount of Title IV program funds.

If the school is not required to return all the excess funds, the school must return the remaining amount.

Any loan funds (including parent’s Direct PLUS Loan) that must be returned must be repaid in accordance with the terms of the promissory note. That is, the student must make scheduled payments to the holder of the loan over a period.

Any amount of unearned grant funds that must be returned is called an over payment. The maximum amount of a grant over payment that must be repaid is half of the grant funds received or were scheduled to receive. The student does not have to repay a grant over payment if the original amount of the over payment is less than $25. Instead, the student must arrange with the school or the Department of Education to return the unearned grant funds.

The requirements for Title IV program funds when withdrawing are separate from any refund policy that the school may have. Therefore, the student may still owe funds to the school to cover unpaid institutional charges. The school may charge for any Title IV program funds it was required to return. The school can supply a copy of the refund policy and requirements and procedures for officially withdrawing upon request.

For questions about Title IV program funds, call the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 1-800-4-FEDAID (1-800-433-3243). TTY users may call 1-800-730-8913. Information is also available at studentaid.gov

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)

SAP Policy for Students to Receive Federal Student Aid

Federal regulations require a student receiving federal student aid to maintain satisfactory academic progress (SAP) towards a degree. Eligibility is determined based on the student’s Qualitative measure (grade point average), Quantitative measure (pace of progress towards the degree), and the Maximum Time frame (the total number of credit hours attempted).  If the student does not meet all three of the SAP requirements, the student may no longer be eligible for Federal Student Aid.

Qualitative Measure (Grade Point Average GPA)

Eligibility will be determined based on the student’s overall grade point average (GPA) hours (transfer and institutional) and the student’s cumulative institutional GPA (UM GPA).

GPA hours are credit hours for which a standard letter grade is received (A, B, C, D, and F).

For example, a student attempted 30 credit hours during their college career, 15 credit hours earned with a 2.00 transfer GPA from another college and 15 credit hours earned from UM with a 1.50 UM GPA for a total of 30 overall GPA hours. Their overall GPA is 1.75. The student is not meeting this measure since the cumulative UM GPA is 1.50 which is less than the minimum cumulative 1.70 UM GPA a student must earn based on 30 overall GPA hours.

Quantitative Measure (Pace of Progress towards a degree or percentage of hours earned)

Students must earn a minimum of 67 percent of all credit hours attempted, including transfer hours placed on the UM transcript and for UM classes for which the student received grades of W, I, IP, NC, CR and P. Earned hours include credit hours for which the student receives a passing grade (A, B, C, D, CR or P). This percentage may be rounded up to 67 percent from 66.66 percent.

For example, a student has attempted 24 credit hours during their college career and earned credit for 16 credit hours. The student passed 66.67% of credit hours attempted (16 divided by 24) which is less than the 67% required. However, the student is meeting this measure since 66.66% may be rounded up to 67%.

Maximum Time frame (Total hours a student may attempt and receive Federal Student Aid):

Students may not receive Federal Student Aid which includes Federal Direct or Parent Plus loans after attempting 150% of the hours required for completion of the degree. This includes transfer hours placed on the UM transcript and for UM classes for which the student received grades of W, I, IP, NC, CR, P, S, and U.

For example, a student must earn 120 credit hours to be eligible for a degree. Once a student attempts 180 credit hours the student is no longer eligible for Federal Student Aid.

Incomplete grade - Grades of I and IP are included in hours attempted but not in GPA hours or GPA calculation until the student completes the course. If the student does not complete the course in the allotted time for which he or she received an I grade, the grade automatically becomes an F.

Withdrawals - Grades of W are included in hours attempted but not in GPA hours or GPA calculation.

Repeat Courses - The credit hours for every completed attempt of a course are included in attempted and GPA hours. The credit hours for only one attempt of a repeatedly completed course are included in earned hours.

Transfer Hours - All credit hours that are from other schools placed on the UM transcript will be included in hours attempted and credit hours from other schools for which a student received a standard letter grade of (A, B, C, D, and F) will be included in overall GPA Hours. The credit hours for passed courses (and only one occurrence of a repeated, previously passed course) are included in overall earned hours.

Remedial Courses - Any remedial courses will be treated the same as regular courses.

Frequency of check - A student’s SAP will be checked at the end of each semester. Transfer students’ SAP will be checked after admission. If a student’s transcript from another college is received after initial SAP review, any transfer hours will be included in the next SAP check.

Warning Status - A student not meeting the Quantitative or Qualitative SAP measures will be assigned a SAP status of Warning for the next semester, meaning the student will be able to receive Federal Student Aid one more semester. If the student is not meeting SAP standards at the end of the next semester, they will not be able to receive Federal Student Aid.

Regaining Eligibility - Students who lose eligibility for Federal Student Aid by not meeting SAP measures may regain eligibility by getting back in compliance with the SAP measures explained above. Sitting out of college will not help a student improve their GPA on order to regain Federal Student Aid eligibility.

Probation Status - A student not meeting the SAP standards and has had an appeal for financial aid suspension approved will be assigned a SAP status of Probation for the next semester. The student must meet SAP standards and/or other academic plan, as determined by the Student Aid Office, to be eligible for Federal Student Aid for the subsequent semester.

Appeal Process - A student who does not meet the requirements for SAP may choose to appeal to the Student Aid Office for an exception on the grounds that a special or extenuating circumstance contributed to his or her failure to meet standards and what has changed that will allow the student to make SAP at the next semester. Such appeals must be submitted on the SAP Appeal Form available in the Student Aid Office. The appeal should contain documentation, if available, to support the claim of extenuating circumstances.  In addition, the student will be required to provide an academic plan from the student’s dean or dean’s designee. Changes to an academic plan may also be appealed by the student by submitting the appeal form following the same appeal procedures.

Decisions made by the Student Aid Office relative to appeals, as well as changes in SAP status to Warning or Failure will be sent to the student through the student’s UM email and noted on Banner Self Service.

It is the student’s responsibility to initiate an appeal for reinstatement of federal financial aid eligibility. Academic reinstatement by the Registrar or Undergraduate Admissions does not automatically constitute reinstatement of aid eligibility.

Second bachelor’s degree - SAP for students pursuing a second bachelor’s degree will be determined using the same requirements of this policy, except for the 180-credit hour maximum time frame. Students pursuing a second bachelor’s degree and who are meeting measures 1 and 2 above but have attempted 180 credit hours or more must provide an academic plan prepared by their dean or dean’s designee to the Student Aid Office showing the courses needed to complete the second bachelor’s degree after all other previous coursework has been applied towards the second bachelor’s degree. The plan will be reviewed at the end of each semester by the Student Aid Office and if the student is successfully following the plan, the student may be eligible for Federal Student Aid.

Graduate students - SAP details for graduate students is found in the Graduate Financial Information section of the Bulletin.