Financial Aid Consumer Information

• Be enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a regular student in an eligible degree seeking program
• Demonstrate financial need for need-based federal student aid programs
• Be a U.S citizen or eligible noncitizen
• Have a valid Social Security number
• Have a high school diploma, GED, or have completed a high school education in a homeschool setting approved under state law
• Be enrolled at least half-time to be eligible for Direct Loan program funds and FSEOG
• Maintain satisfactory academic progress
• Not be in default on a Federal student loan or owe a refund to a Federal aid program

Federal aid is awarded in accordance with the Department of Education guidelines. Federal loans are awarded after any grants or scholarships (including external scholarships which must be reported to the Financial Aid office immediately) and are applied toward any unmet cost of attendance amount.

In order to determine eligibility for any federal financial aid program, students must file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and have the results sent to George Fox University. The financial aid office will receive the results through electronic transmission from the Central Processing System (CPS). Student eligibility is determined only through the CPS on behalf of the Department of Education using the Federal Methodology need analysis formula. The Financial Aid office must have an official EFC before eligibility for any federal funds may be determined.

The Federal Pell Grant is awarded only to undergraduate students who display exceptional financial need and have not earned a bachelor's, graduate, or professional degree. 

Determining Eligibility
A chart is provided each year by the Department of Education giving the eligible amounts for those who qualify for a Pell Grant. Pell eligibility and amounts are based on EFC and enrollment. Students must also meet the eligibility requirements described in the General Student Aid Eligiblity section above. George Fox University uses Formula 1. 

Students are notified of their Pell Grant amounts through award emails.

A student who is enrolled on a less-than-full-time basis may receive a prorated Pell Grant if they meet other eligibility requirements. 

Students who qualify for receiving 150% of yearly Pell or who do not use their entire Pell allocation during the fall and spring semesters may use the balance during the following summer period if they meet enrollment requirements. 

There are multiple PRD dates for each term, depending on whether the course runs the full length of the term or is offered in a modular format. The PRD’s are as follows: 

Full Length Courses: PRD = Term Census
Modular Courses: PRD = Add/Drop Date

If multiple PRD dates can apply to a student based on their enrollment, the latest PRD will be used. 

If a student fails to begin attendance in all courses, a Pell recalculation will be required regardless of the PRD date. Only courses the student began attendance in may be counted towards the student’s enrollment to determine eligibility. 

Payment
Pell Grant funds are disbursed directly to student accounts starting 10 days prior to the start of the student’s first class if all eligibility requirements have been met at the time of disbursement. 

Overawards
In the event of an over-award due to eligibility or enrollment, the student’s account is adjusted and funds are returned to COD. 

The Federal Direct Loan Program provides low-interest deferred payment loans to undergraduate, graduate, and parents of dependent undergraduate students to assist students with educational expenses. 

The Federal Direct Loan Program includes the following:

• Subsidized Stafford Loans
• Unsubsidized Stafford Loans
• Graduate PLUS Loans
• Parent PLUS Loans (for parents of dependent students)

The basic difference between the Subsidized and Unsubsidized/PLUS loans is that the government pays the interest on the Subsidized loans while the student is in school. Both the Unsubsidized and PLUS loans begin accruing interest at the point of disbursement. 

Determining Eligibility

Direct loans are awarded to a student if the student has remaining eligibility after all Federal Grants, scholarships, and FWS have been awarded. Students must also meet the eligibility requirements described in the General Student Aid Eligiblity section above.

Subsidized Stafford Loans

Subsidized Stafford loans require financial need and are awarded if any need remains after EFC,  grants, scholarships and FWS amounts are subtracted from the Cost of Attendance. The total amount received cannot exceed the annual or aggregate limits. 

Unsubsidized Stafford Loans

Graduate PLUS Loans

Parent PLUS Loans (for parents of dependent students)

Minimum and Maximum Awards

The minimum amount for all Direct Loans is $200. The maximum amount of loans available varies by loan type and dependency status.  Listed below are the maximum annual and aggregate amounts by individual loan type:

If an eligible dependent student’s parent applies for a Parent PLUS loan and is denied and the parent does not wish to appeal the credit decision, the student will be treated as an independent student for the purposes of annual and aggregate loan limits for that year. In some extenuating circumstances when it is determined to be unreasonable for a parent to borrow a parent plus loan, a professional judgment may be made to consider the student to be independent for Stafford loan annual and aggregate loan limits. These designations will only be applied to one academic year and must be re-established each year. 

Annual & Aggregate PLUS Loan Limits

For both the Graduate PLUS and Parent PLUS loan programs there is not a set minimum, maximum or aggregate amount applied to all borrowers. The maximum annual amount that may be borrowed for the PLUS loan is up to the Cost of Attendance minus other financial assistance.

A valid application and credit decision is required for each academic year before the loan will be awarded. If a student or parent wishes to request an increase after the original application is processed and the original crediti decision is not expired, a request may be submitted in writing by the loan borrower. If the credit decision has expired, a new application with an updated credit decision will be required. 

Origination of Loan Applications

The majority of loan originations occur electronically in Peoplesoft and are sent electronically through EdConnect. Loan originations will not be completed until the student has accepted the award in Peoplesoft for the case of Federal Stafford loans or an approved PLUS loan application is received. 

Origination Fees

To help cover the cost of making loans, the Department of Education charges a fee for every loan a school originates. The origination fee is a percentage of the gross loan amount that is proportionally deducted from each loan prior to disbursement. The percentage varies depending on when the loan is first disbursed. The amount a student will receive directly on their student account will be the amount borrowed minus the loan fee that has already been deducted by the Department of Education.

Origination fees vary by Direct Loan program. Current loan fee rates can be found at https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/loans/interest-rates

Payment

Federal Direct Loan funds are disbursed directly to the student’s accounts starting 10 days prior to the start of the student’s first class if all eligibility requirements have been met and a valid MPN and Entrance Counseling are on file with COD. Excess aid, if applicable, is processed by the Student Accounts office for eligible students beginning on the first day of each semester. 

Students and parent borrowers will receive a notification via email when a loan disbursement has been made within 30 days of the date the disbursement took place. Borrowers have 14 days from the date they receive notice to request their loan be reduced or canceled. All requests must be received in writing.

Overawards

If the student becomes ineligible between certification and receipt of the loan funds, the loan funds are returned and an adjusted amount is issued. If additional awards create an over-award, adjustments are made and loan funds returned to the federal government. 

Entrance Counseling

All first-time borrowers requesting a federal loan are required to complete entrance counseling. Students may complete this requirement online. A Financial Aid Administrator is available to answer questions during regular business hours. Students are required to complete entrance counseling indicating they understand all rights and responsibilities and those that have been presented entrance counseling information. Entrance counseling completion requirements are maintained in the student’s Peoplesoft record.

Exit Counseling

Students who are graduating, fall below half-time, or do not return are notified of the requirement for exit loan counseling via email. This requirement may be satisfied online at studentaid.gov  

Disclosures

When students or parents enter into an agreement regarding Title IV, HEA loans, the loan will be submitted to NSLDS and accessible by authorized agencies, lenders, and institutions.

Interest Rates and Repayment Obligations

The interest rates for Direct Loans are set in May of each year and are based on the high yield of the 10-year Treasury note plus a set percentage depending on the loan program and go into effect on July 1. While the interest rate may change annually, the interest rate for each specific loan is fixed as of the date of the first disbursement, and it remains at that rate until there is no remaining balance due on that loan.

Subsidized Loan Interest

For subsidized loans, interest does not accrue while the student is enrolled at least half-time in school, during a grace period immediately after the student ceases at least half-time enrollment, and during other authorized periods of deferment. During these periods, borrowers are not responsible for paying interest. In general, interest begins to accrue on subsidized loans when repayment begins. 

Unsubsidized and PLUS Loan Interest

• Pay interest while enrolled and during periods of grace or deferment, or
• Allow the interest to capitalize, which means it is added to the principal balance of the loan

Capitalization

The principal balance is the amount initially borrowed. When interest is capitalized, subsequent interest is assessed on the loan principal plus the accrued interest charges that were added to the loan principal. Capitalization typically occurs when repayment begins.

Repayment

For all loans made directly to student borrowers (Subsidized, Unsubsidized and Graduate PLUS loans), repayment begins six months after a student graduates, leaves school, or drops below half-time enrollment. During this grace period, the borrower will receive repayment information from their loan servicer, and will be notified of their first payment due date. Payments are usually due monthly.

For Parent PLUS loans, repayment officially begins on the date the loan is fully disbursed – that is, when the final disbursement on the loan is delivered to the borrower. Typically, the first payment is due within 60 days, even if the student is still enrolled. Upon request, repayment may be deferred for parent PLUS borrowers while the student (or the parent borrower) is enrolled at least half time, and for an additional six months after the dependent student graduates, leaves school, or drops below half-time enrollment. This request may be made at the time the PLUS loan application is completed or at any point by contacting the loan servicer directly.

There are several repayment options available that are designed to meet the individual needs of borrowers. Your loan servicer can help you understand which repayment options are available to you. Generally, borrowers have 10 to 25 years to repay their loans, depending on the repayment plan chosen. 

To learn more about loan repayment options, visit https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/repayment/plans. 

Borrower Loan History

To find information about the student loans a borrower has received, visit studentaid.gov to view information about all of the federal student loans and other financial aid you have received and to find contact information for the loan servicer of your loans. 

Determining Eligibility

• Selection Group 1 - Pell Grant eligible students with a Zero EFC. 
• Selection Group 2 - Other Pell grant eligible students with a higher EFC (starting with the lowest).
• Selection Group 3 - Non Pell grant eligible students with the lowest EFC’s

Students must also meet the eligibility requirements described in the General Student Aid Eligiblity section above.

The Executive Director will review FSEOG spending throughout the year and may increase the EFC threshold to allow more students to receive funding based on projected availability of funds. 

Students are notified of their FSEOG amounts through award emails. 

Minimum and Maximum Awards

The regulated minimum amount of FSEOG a student can receive is $100 and the maximum is $4,000. 
Due to the difference in cost structure and to ensure funding is spread out to have the largest impact on the most students, the award amount at George Fox University are as follows:

For students enrolled at George Fox in the Traditional Undergraduate program (TUDG), the maximum award amount will be $1,000 evenly distributed between the Fall and Spring semesters. 

For students enrolled at George Fox in the George Fox Digital First Year Online (TDDG) or Accelerated Online Degree (DCDG) programs, the maximum award amount will be $500 evenly distributed between the Fall and Spring semesters. 

Payment

Overawards

FWS requires financial need and is awarded if any need remains after EFC and  grants/scholarships amounts are subtracted from the Cost of Attendance. Students must also meet the eligibility requirements described in the General Student Aid Eligiblity section above.

Funds are reserved for students in the Traditional Undergraduate program (TUDG).

Minimum and Maximum Awards

The standard award for Traditional Undergraduate students is $4,000 for the academic year. If additional need exists and the student has a signed offer letter, these award amounts may be increased to a maximum of 15 hours per week times the current minimum wage rate for Yamhill county. Amounts will be monitored on a monthly basis by the Executive Director of Financial Aid and the Student Employment Specialist in Human Resources. 

Employment During Periods of Non-Enrollment

Students may be allowed to work during periods of non-enrollment (i.e. vacations, breaks, etc.) provided sufficient work-study allocations exist. FWS funds are not awarded for summer terms. 

Overawards

Students are only awarded FWS funds if, in combination with other resources, the award does not exceed the student’s need. If additional resources are received after FWS wages are paid, the overaward is the amount that exceeds the student’s need by more than $400. To rectify an overaward, an aid administrator should determine if there is additional (previously unforeseen) need. If an overaward remains, the additional wages will be paid with non-FWS funds. 

Students may earn work-study funds in excess of their FWS award. In the event that they have exhausted their FWS award, all future earnings will be paid with non-FWS funds. 

Placement Procedures

If a student is eligible for work-study, they will be notified through award emails. While the award of work-study is required for job placement eligibility, it is not a guarantee of employment or earnings. It is the responsibility of the student to secure an on-campus job and earn wages from working.

Available jobs are posted through Handshake (https://www.georgefox.edu/offices/career-academic-planning/index.html#resources_component). 

Limitations of Employment

FWS must not involve constructing, operating or maintaining any part of a building used for religious worship or sectarian instruction. 

In general, students are not permitted to work in FWS positions during scheduled class times. Exceptions are permitted if an individual class is canceled, if the instructor excused the student from attending for a particular day, and if the student is receiving credit for employment in an internship, externship, or community work-study experience. Any such exemptions must be documented. 

Payment

All FWS positions are paid at least the federal minimum wage for Yamhill county. Students who are returning to the same position/department will receive a 50 cent increase in pay per year additionally served in that role. All students are paid on an hourly basis only and must be paid for work performed.

Students must complete a timesheet to record hours worked. These timesheets must show, separately for each day worked, the hours a student worked, and the total hours worked during the job’s payment cycle.  FWS timesheets must be certified by the student’s supervisor. 

For George Fox University, all FWS position earnings will be paid directly to the student monthly on the 15th of each month. If the fifteenth of the month falls on a weekend or holiday, paychecks will be distributed the preceding business day. 

A student may complete a payroll deduction form with the Student Accounts office to request all or a portion of their earnings be directly applied to their Student Account. This authorization may be removed through a written request at any time by the student.

Determining Eligibility

In addition to meeting eligibility requirements described in Section 3.2,  students must be enrolled in an eligible program, maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.25 and agree to teach in a high-need field, at a low-income elementary school, secondary school, or educational service agency as a highly qualified teacher, for at least four years within eight years of ceasing enrollment at the school where the TEACH Grant is awarded. Students must complete a TEACH Grant Agreement to Serve or Repay (Agreement) that describes the service obligation requirements and TEACH counseling for the specific academic year in which they wish to receive a TEACH grant. Both documents can be completed online at studentaid.gov.

For George Fox University, the following are considered to be eligible programs:

• Master of Arts in Teaching
• BA in Elementary Education
• BA in Mathematics
• BA in Science
• BA in other High Need Fields identified by federal, state or local government as defined here - https://studentaid.gov/tcli/

TEACH Recalculation

Minimum and Maximum Awards

The TEACH Grant award amounts are dependent on enrollment status but may not exceed $4,000 per year. Per the Budget Control Act (BCA) of 2011, there is a required reduction in the TEACH Grant award amount that a student would otherwise be eligible to receive. These amounts are set each year in May and communicated through an Electronic Announcement.  

The minimum amount a student may receive in a given payment period is $25 and the maximum amount must be prorated based upon their enrollment as follows: 

Full-Time - 100% of maximum award amount divided by two
¾ Time - 75% of maximum award amount divided by two
½ Time - 50% of maximum award amount divided by two
Less-than-½-Time - 25% of maximum award amount divided by two

A student may receive up to $16,000 in TEACH Grants for undergraduate and post-baccalaureate study, and up to $8,000 for a TEACH Grant-eligible master’s degree program. 

Payment

Exit Counseling

Repayment

Institutional aid is awarded on a per semester basis and therefore all eligibility requirements must be met during the semester for which the aid was awarded. As a general rule, all institutional aid amounts will be evenly divided between the Fall and Spring semesters. Exceptions to this policy may be made with the approval of the Director of Financial and must be documented in the student’s file.

 
To qualify to receive institutional aid, students must meet the following: 

• Be enrolled full-time in the Traditional Undergraduate program (TUDG)
  • Enrollment for financial aid eligibility is locked as of the census date for term. Institutional aid will be subject to cancellation or reduction if your registration process is not completed by the term census date.
• Maintain satisfactory academic progress (minimum of cumulative 2.0 GPA) 

Amounts of institutional aid awarded are generally locked in on the first day of the semester in which the student was admitted. Those amounts will be automatically renewed at the same dollar amount each year the student is enrolled and continues to meet all eligibility requirements. 

Students are notified of all institutional aid eligibility through award emails. All institutional aid is subject to change based upon changes to enrollment, need, and or other eligibility requirement changes. Students will be notified through email of any changes that occur. 

Some exceptions to this policy may exist for individual institutional aid programs. Those exceptions will be noted under the individual aid program descriptions.

Institutional aid will not be reduced based on outside aid except for in the case that the total amount of all aid received would exceed the overall cost of attendance. In those circumstances, the most restrictive institutional aid will be reduced to prevent the student from being overawarded. If institutional aid is reduced to prevent an overaward in an academic year, the full amount will be restored during the next academic year. 

Determining Eligibility 

Every student who is admitted to George Fox is awarded a merit scholarship. Award amounts and eligibility are determined by the Admissions office at the time of admission and is based upon the student’s GPA. GPA may be reassessed by the admissions counselor upon request based upon updated transcripts. See the admissions office policy for specific details and deadlines.

Award Renewal Exceptions

No minimum GPA is required in order to continue to receive the merit scholarship. A student may continue to receive it even if placed on a SAP Revoke status. 

There are a handful of admissions based scholarships that may be awarded to a student depending on criteria set by admissions each year. Those awards include: 

Scholarship Summit Awards*

Students that apply to George Fox by the Early Action (November 1) or Priority Decision (February 1) dates may be eligible to participate in Scholarship Summit prior to enrolling at George Fox. Students must receive an invitation from admissions to be eligible. Award requirements are set and determined by individual departments. Individual award amounts may vary by student and range between $1,000 and $3,000 per year. 

Oregon Community College Scholarships

Students transferring from an Oregon community college with a 3.0 cumulative transfer GPA automatically receive an additional $5,000 per year. Students must be attending an Oregon community college at the time of admission to George Fox to be eligible for this scholarship. 

Washington Community College Scholarships

Students transferring from a Washington community college with a 3.0 cumulative transfer GPA automatically receive an additional $5,000 per year. Students must be attending a Washington community college at the time of admission to George Fox to be eligible for this scholarship.

Multnomah Transfer Scholarship

Students transferring from Multnomah will automatically receive an additional $5,000 per year.

Visit Experience Scholarship (Summit Trail 1 Award)*

Students that go on a George Fox campus tour, meet with an admissions counselor, and participate in a George Fox Campus Connection opportunity will automatically qualify for a $1,000 scholarship. 

Artistic Achievement Awards (Music, Esports, Theater)*

The various artistic achievement awards are intended to recognize students who demonstrate outstanding talent and who intend to contribute to the George Fox University community through participation and involvement (but not necessarily as majors) in music, theater or the Esports programs. Awards vary between $1,000-$1,500 per year and are awarded by the individual department. 

Honors Award*

Students participating in the George Fox Honors program may be eligible to receive an Honors Award. To be eligible, student’s must submit their admission application and honor’s supplemental application by November 8th. Student’s who are invited to interview for acceptance into the program will automatically be applied and considered as part of their program interview process. Award amounts range between $1,000 and $5,000 and are determined by the Honor’s department. Students are not required to remain in the Honors program in order to continue to receive the scholarship.

George Fox Additional Grants

New incoming students may petition to be considered for additional aid. Award amounts range between $1,000 and $4,000 per year and are finalized by the Director of Undergraduate Admissions.

True Blue Award

True Blue scholarships are similar a type of appeal grant awarded by admissions and are available for transfer students. Final awards amounts are decided by the Director of Admissions. 

Alumni Award

Students who had a parent attend George Fox University are automatically eligible to receive a $500 alumni award in their first year. Eligibility is determined by the student’s admission application materials. Awards are one time only and will not be renewed. 

Direct Admit Award

Students who qualify for the direct admit process through the admissions office may be eligible for a $2,000 direct admit scholarship. Eligibility is determined by the Admissions office.

MAT Student Grant

Students admitted into the MAT program may be eligible to receive an MAT student Grant. Eligibility and award amounts are determined by the admissions and MAT Department. 

*Note: Incoming students may not receive more than $5,000 ($6,000 for Honors) in university-funded scholarships in addition to their academic merit scholarship, which includes scholarships awarded through Scholarship Summit.

George Fox Need Grant

The George Fox Need Grant is awarded only to students who have a valid FAFSA and demonstrate financial need. The amount of the George Fox Need Grant is determined based upon a student's federal need and may be adjusted due to the results of verification, professional judgments or changes in EFC or quality group. 

In general, amounts are capped at census of a student’s entry term. If a change occurs that would result in the recalculation of the need grant, the grant may be decreased but will not be increased for the current academic year.  In the case a need grant should have increased after census, the amount may be adjusted for future years with approval from the Financial Aid Executive Director or Director. 

George Fox Supplemental Grant

The George Fox Supplemental Grant is awarded to students on a case-by-case basis by either the Director of Financial Aid or a member of the Executive leadership team. Amounts vary by student and may be rolled or awarded for a single year. 

Professional Judgment Grant

The Professional Judgment Grant is awarded to Traditional Undergraduate students after completing a Professional Judgment (PJ) on a case-by-case basis. This is intended to help students whose FAFSA does not reflect their current financial situation. 

Student Eligibility

The student must meet the following criteria: 

• Have a completed Professional Judgment

• Have an official SAI that is less than the standard tuition and fees (after the PJ is completed)

Deadline

The student must submit all PJ related required documentation prior to census of the semester for which they will receive an award. 

If a request for a PJ is received prior to census but the PJ cannot be officially completed, the Financial Aid Counselor may add a tentative award as estimated aid while awaiting final documentation and processing. In this case, the final grant amount cannot exceed the estimated aid award amount.

Be Known Appeal Grant

The Be Known Appeal Grant is awarded to continuing Traditional Undergraduate students on a case-by-case basis to help students with financial need pay for college.

Student Eligibility

The student must meet the following criteria: 

• Have an official EFC that is less than the standard tuition and fees

• Submit the Financial Aid Appeal form

• Be contributing to their education through resources such as: employment, stafford loans, or private loans in the student’s name

If the student is federally selected for verification or any conflicting information exists, both must be resolved before any award can be determined. 

Deadline

The student must submit all required documentation prior to census of the semester for which they will receive an award. 

If a request is received prior to census but not all documentation has been provided,  the Financial Aid Counselor may add a tentative award as estimated aid while awaiting final documentation and processing. In this case, the final grant amount cannot exceed the estimated aid award amount.

The Bridge Award

The Bridge Award is available to students who submit a Bridge Application and are within 31 credits of graduating and have financial need. Individual awards will be determined by the Director of Financial Aid. No full-time enrollment requirement applies. Students may receive this award regardless of enrollment level. 

GFU Yellow Ribbon Match

VA students in the Yellow Ribbon Program will receive a matching award for their Yellow Ribbon funds.  Award recipients and amounts are determined by the VA Coordinator.

Tuition exchange provides employees the opportunity to apply, on behalf of their undergraduate dependent child, for a tuition scholarship at other higher education institutions. George Fox University participates in three Tuition Exchange programs. If a dependent is awarded Tuition Exchange, tuition costs will be fully covered at the institution that has granted the exchange.

To be eligible to apply for a Tuition Exchange scholarship, a student must be eligible for 100% tuition remission as an undergraduate student at George Fox University as defined in the University’s Employee Handbook Section 4.8.

Specific eligibility requirements can be found under Employee Benefits. Application requirements, timelines, eligibility and percentages for this benefit are managed and determined by the Academic Affairs office. A final approval list will be sent to the Financial Aid office each year.

Students eligible for tuition exchange are not eligible to receive institutional scholarships or grants. Tuition exchange will replace all institutional aid awards. In the event that a student no longer qualifies for tuition exchange, their institutional aid package will be recalculated using the matrix and COA from their admit term. If no FAFSA was filed in that year, a more current FAFSA may be used.

The primary purpose of the university’s tuition remission benefit is to assist regular, eligible employees in meeting the educational costs of college for themselves or their immediate family members.  Primary consideration is given to obtaining a bachelor’s degree, although a more limited benefit is available for graduate programs as well. The tuition remission benefit is also intended to provide the opportunity for employees to take occasional classes for self-enrichment on a space-available basis. In this case the employee would be considered a special student and must follow the registration guidelines for special students. Educational costs covered by tuition remission include only regular tuition and audit fees. Room and board, books, and other fees are not included as part of the benefit.

Specific eligibility requirements and amount determinations can be found in the Employee Handbook. Application requirements, timelines, eligibility and percentages for this benefit are managed and determined by the Human Resources office. 

If a dependent marries during a semester or if an employee becomes legally separated or divorced during a semester, any tuition remission already granted will continue through the end of that semester.

Students eligible for tuition remission are not eligible to receive institutional scholarships or grants. Tuition remission will replace all institutional aid awards. In the event that a student no longer qualifies for tuition remission, their institutional aid package will be recalculated using the matrix and COA from their admit term. If no FAFSA was filed in that year, a more current FAFSA may be used.

In partnership with Degrees of Change and The Contingent, this leadership and scholarship initiative is the Northwest's only full-tuition, full-need scholarship for emerging urban community leaders who want to use their college education to make a difference on campus and in their communities at home.

Overall applications and selections to be selected for the program are made through the Act Six organization with participation from George Fox admissions and IRC offices. 

The Act 6 scholarship program only applies to the Fall and Spring semesters. No Summer funding will be provided. 

George Fox Specific Application Requirements

The Act 6 program is being sunsetted as of 2024-2025. No new cohort will be added for the 2025-2026 aid year. Funding will continue to provided for existing cohorts.

Minimum and Maximum Award Amounts

Actual award amounts will vary by student due to the nature of this program depending on a student’s need. In order to determine the student’s award, the student’s Need, Base Award, and Direct COA are all used and are defined below. Any federal and state grants received will be used to reduce the student’s overall Act 6 award and all students are guaranteed the Base Award (as seen below). 

Need

For the purposes of Act 6, the following formula will be used to determine a student’s need if a FAFSA is filed: 

Need = Standard COA - EFC

If a student is not eligible to file a FAFSA, it will be assumed the student’s EFC is zero.

Base Award

For all students, the following standard items will be used to determine the student’s base award amount:

• Tuition

• Comprehensive fee

• Course Fees

• Institutionally provided health insurance

Direct COA

In order to determine if a student qualifies for more than the Base Award, the student’s Direct Cost of Attendance (COA) is compared to the student's overall need. The following items are included in this amount and are based on the standard COA items used for all students for that year. 

• Tuition

• Comprehensive Fee

• Housing

• Food

Once need in relation to the Direct COA is determined, students will fall into one of the categories listed below. 

Need Greater than Direct COA

If a student’s need is greater than the Direct COA, the award amount will include the following minus any state or federal grants: 

• Tuition

• Comprehensive Fee

• Course Fees

• Institutionally provided health insurance

• Institutionally provided housing

• Institutionally provided meal plan

Need Less than Direct COA

If a student’s need is less than the Direct COA, the award amount will be the Base Award + Need - State & Federal Grants.

Act 6 Book Award

If a student’s need is greater than the Direct COA, the student may also qualify for a book award up to $1,000 or remaining need, whichever is lower. This amount is a placeholder on the student’s award package and will not disburse directly to the student. All book purchases are handled through the Intercultural Resource Center (IRC). 

External Scholarships

Students are strongly encouraged to apply for external scholarships and notify the Financial Aid office as they receive them. The Act Six award will only be reduced if the total of all grants and scholarships received would cause the student to exceed the overall COA. 

Costs That May Be Covered

The following costs may be covered by the Act 6 program if eligibility requirements are met:

• Tuition

• Comprehensive Fee

• Course Fees

• Institutionally provided health insurance

• Institutionally provided housing

• Institutionally provided meal plan

• Study Abroad (standard tuition only)

Costs NOT Covered

The following costs will NOT be covered by the Act 6 program unless a petition is granted by the IRC Director. 

• Credit by Exam

• Athletic Insurance

• Graduation Fees

• Music Lessons

• Over block costs

• Summer/May term

• Juniors Abroad

• Consortium Expenses (must be approved to be covered)

• Fines

• Additional Study Abroad charges above tuition

Maximum Timeframe

In general, student’s may only receive Act 6 funding for a total of 8 semesters while pursuing a first bachelor’s degree. If a student needs to take an additional semester(s), approval to continue to receive funding must be granted by the IRC. If no approval is granted, a student's aid package will be recalculated using the matrix and COA from their admit term. 

The George Fox Associates-to-Bachelors Beacon Transfer Scholarship Program is designed to provide first-generation students and students from underserved populations an opportunity to continue their education and earn a bachelor’s degree at George Fox University after completing an associate’s degree at a community college in Oregon or Washington.

Each year, 12 to 14 selected scholars will receive a full-tuition scholarship and will be expected to participate in transitional programming designed to ensure academic success. 

George Fox Specific Application Requirements

Students must be pursuing an AA degree at an Oregon or Washington community college with a minimum 3.0 GPA to be eligible to apply. Applications and award recipient selections are managed by the admissions office.

Minimum and Maximum Award Amounts

The Beacon Transfer Scholarship will cover 100% of tuition up to the designated block rate. It does not cover additional costs, including, but not limited to: 

• Fees
• Book and supplies
• Housing and meals
• Transportation
• Health insurance
• Any costs exceeding the block rate, even if those costs are tuition costs 

If a student enrolls in more than 18 credits, the scholarship will only cover the block rate, and the student will be responsible for all costs associated with the credits exceeding the block.

Students enrolled in fewer than 12 credits may continue to receive the scholarship at an amount equal to the actual tuition amount being charged.

Maximum Timeframe

In general, students may only receive the Beacon Transfer Scholarship for a total of 8 semesters while pursuing a first bachelor’s degree. If a student needs to take an additional semester(s), approval to continue to receive funding must be granted by the Vice President of Enrollment and Marketing. 

Students receiving the Beacon Transfer Scholarship are not eligible to receive other institutional scholarships or grants. The Beacon Transfer Scholarship will replace all institutional aid awards. In the event that a student no longer qualifies for the Beacon Transfer Scholarship, their institutional aid package will be recalculated using the matrix and COA from their admit term. If no FAFSA was filed in that year, a more current FAFSA may be used.

As part of our financial aid program, we offer a number of donor-funded scholarships to help students offset the cost of tuition and other educational expenses. We are deeply grateful to our donors for their generous support of our scholarship program, and are committed to ensuring that their gifts are used in accordance with their wishes. We take great care in administering these scholarships, and we are committed to providing transparency and accountability in our financial aid process.

Minimum and Maximum Awards

Award amounts vary by scholarship. 

Determining Eligibility

Eligibility criteria for each scholarship is outlined in the individual donor contract.

Traditional Undergraduate

To be eligible, students must submit the annual application and essay through Award Spring by March 1 of each year. The awarding of donor-funded scholarships is overseen by departmental committees, who review each applicant’s eligibility and select the most qualified candidates for each scholarship. Final review of award decisions is conducted by the Financial Aid Office. In most cases, these scholarships are not automatically renewable, meaning that students must reapply each year to be considered.

In general, all traditional undergrad specific scholarships must go to a full-time student unless otherwise specified in the contract and award amounts will be evenly distributed between the Fall and Spring semesters. 

Graduate

The awarding of graduate donor-funded scholarships is overseen by the individual department, who review each applicant’s eligibility and select the most qualified candidates for each scholarship. The actual scholarship application requirements are set out by the individual department.  In most cases, these scholarships are not automatically renewable, meaning that students must reapply each year to be considered.

In general, all graduate scholarships require a student to be enrolled at least half time. Exceptions to this policy may be made on a case-by-case basis and approval must be sent from the Department head to the Director of Financial Aid. 

Additional Requirements

For traditional undergraduate students, a thank you note to the donor will be required before the funds will be released to the student. Thank you notes are managed through our Award Spring system. Until the thank you note is received, the scholarship will not be added to the student's financial aid package.

Students will have until May 1 or 30 days from the date of notice to accept the scholarship and provide a thank you note. If a student fails to submit the required documentation, the scholarship may be re-awarded.

The Oregon Opportunity Grant (OOG) is Oregon's largest state-funded, need-based grant program for college students. The grant provides funding to more than 30,000 Oregon resident students each year.

OOG is a need-based grant awarded to Oregon residents of all ages who are pursuing their first associates degree or bachelor's degree at an eligible public or private institution. Award amounts vary based on the student's financial need and enrollment level. A chart is provided by OSAC each year that outlines the need and enrollment level amounts. There is not a separate application for the OOG. To be considered for the grant, students must submit their FAFSA or ORSAA by the deadline date each academic year. 

Determining Eligibility

Once authorized for an award, OSAC notifies George Fox University of eligible students by sending an authorization list that includes the student’s name and maximum annual award amount. These lists are usually available beginning  in March for the next year and  are updated every Monday.  Once this information is received, the Oregon Opportunity Grant will be added to the student’s award package. Amounts may be changed throughout the term as EFC and enrollment levels change. 

Specific eligibility requirements can be found online at the Oregonstudentaid.gov

In accordance with State of Oregon statute, eligible students may not major in a program leading to a degree in divinity, theology, or religious education. 

Students are notified of their Oregon Opportunity Grant amounts through award emails. 

Lifetime Eligibility Limitations

Students may only receive OOG for a maximum of 8 semesters. Eligibility and usage is monitored by OSAC.

Payment

OOG funds are disbursed directly to student accounts starting 10 days prior to the start of the student’s first class if all eligibility requirements have been met at the time of disbursement. 

Withdrawal and Return of Funds

If a student withdraws from the university, the amount of OOG that must be returned will follow our institutional refund policy for tuition. Any amount the student has not earned will be returned to OSAC. 

Oregon National Guard State Tuition Assistance (ONGSTA)

The Oregon National Guard State Tuition Assistance (ONGSTA) program provides funding toward undergraduate tuition, certain fees, and a book allowance, at eligible Oregon postsecondary institutions for current Oregon National Guard Members. The grant can be used for up to 90 credits at an Oregon community college and up to 180 quarter credits/120 semester credits at eligible Oregon universities and colleges. Award amounts vary depending on the type of institution the student attends and their eligibility for other military tuition assistance. 

Eligibility and application requirements are managed by OSAC. OSAC provides a list of all eligible students for which we certify their financial aid eligibility by the specified timelines per semester as provided by OSAC. Once the funds are received for a student, they will be added to the students award package and disbursed directly to the student’s account. 

Oregon Tribal Student Grant

The Oregon Tribal Student Grant provides funding for eligible Oregon tribal students to offset the cost of attendance at eligible Oregon colleges and universities. Current, new and continuing students are encouraged to apply for this grant. The grant is intended to cover the average cost of attendance after all federal and state grants/scholarships have been applied.

The Oregon Tribal Student Grant is currently only funded for the 2024-25 academic school year. Renewal of the grant for following years is dependent on funding being allocated for the 2025-26 academic year by the Oregon state legislature.

Eligibility and application requirements are managed by OSAC. OSAC provides a list of all eligible students for which we certify their financial aid eligibility by the specified timelines per semester as provided by OSAC. Once the funds are received for a student, they will be added to the students award package and disbursed directly to the student’s account. 

OSAC State Scholarships

The OSAC Scholarship Application provides current and future Oregon students one easy application to apply for multiple scholarships at one time. OSAC awards more than $10 million in scholarships annually through more than 600 scholarships.

George Fox receives a list of students who have been awarded scholarships through OSAC typically beginning in July each year and are updated every Monday. Once this information is received, the scholarship(s) will be added to the student’s award package. Amounts may be changed or updated per OSAC. 

Funds are sent to George Fox throughout the semester. Since these funds are guaranteed and may not be sent until part way through the academic year, George Fox will release the funds to the student prior to the actual receipt.

OSAC scholarship funds are disbursed directly to student accounts starting 10 days prior to the start of the student’s first class if all eligibility requirements have been met at the time of disbursement, or as soon as is reasonable after receiving notification from OSAC of the student’s award.

For the purposes of this policy, any funds that are not provided under the Title IV program, the institution, or the State are considered external scholarships and will fall under this policy. 

As a general rule, institutional aid will not be reduced based on outside aid, unless the total amount of all grants and scholarships received will exceed the total Cost of Attendance. In this case, the most restrictive institutional aid will be reduced to allow the aid to stay within the Cost of Attendance. 

Awarding

Awards may be reported by the student through the student’s MyGeorgefox account or by the scholarship committee through receipt of the check. Once reported, they will be reviewed and added to the student’s award package.

Unless otherwise requested in writing by the scholarship committee, awards will be evenly divided between the Fall and Spring semesters for traditional undergraduate students, or all expected enrolled semesters of the aid year for graduate and Accelerated Online Degree students.

Disbursements

Funds will be disbursed to students no sooner than 10 days prior to the start of the semester or upon receipt of the funds, whichever is later.

Withdrawals

If a student withdraws or ceases to attend the university, the following procedure will be followed: 

• If the student has a balance owing:

  • Apply all funds to the semester in which the balance is owed.

• If there is no balance owing: 

  • Return all funds to the scholarship committee

• If the student is taking a Leave of Absence and there is no balance owing and intends to return within the same academic year:

  • Apply funding to the semester in which they intend to return. 

Note: Any documentation from the external scholarship organization supersedes these instructions.

Any money received by a student that is a paid because of enrollment in a postsecodnary education institution, or to cover postsecondary education expenses is considered Estimated Financial Assistance (EFA) and must be made known to the financial aid office. Outside scholarships and grants are considered EFA and students are asked to report these and any other resources to the George Fox University Financial Aid office through their MyGeorgefox portal. 

There are some educational resources made available by other departments through George Fox University. If students receive assistance from these programs, that will be reported to the financial aid office by the department on behalf of the student.

Alternative loans are any loans that are not part of the Federal Direct Loan program. George Fox utilizes ELM to process all alternative loan requests, certifications, and fund management. 

A historical lender list is provided to students through Elmselect. Lenders that students have used within the past 3 years will be listed on the historical lender list. On this page, you can view and compare terms and conditions for lenders. Please note that you are not required to select a lender on this list. This is a historical list only. 

Awarding

For alternative loans, the maximum annual amount that may be borrowed is up to the Cost of Attendance minus other financial assistance or the lender approved amount, whichever is lesser. 

A valid certification from the lender through ELM must be received for each academic year before the loan will be awarded. If the full requested amount does not fit within a student’s budget and the student wishes to request an increase due to documentable cost of attendance increases, a request may be submitted in writing by the loan borrower. Final approvals will need to be made by the lender. 

If a student needs additional funds above the approved certified amount provided by the lender, the student may need to submit a new loan request. Talk with your individual loan lender for specific details. 

Award amounts may be reduced with the receipt of additional funds. 

Disbursements

Funds will be disbursed to students no sooner than 10 days prior to the start of the semester or upon receipt of the funds, whichever is later. 

Withdrawals

In the event that a student withdraws from the term and receives a 100% tuition refund, the entire loan will be returned to the lender. If the student withdraws and received no or a partial refund, the loan will be remain on the account. Once all adjustments have been made, if a refund exists and the student wishes to lower the loan, they will need to send the loan funds back to their lender directly.

Return Of Funds

In the event that funds need to be returned due to either the request of the student or receipt of additional funds, funds will be sent via EFT through ELM back to the lender within 3 business days. 

Disclosures

Private education loan borrowers may qualify for loans or other assistance under Title IV of the Higher Education Act. Title IV loans may have more favorable terms and conditions than private education loans.

Lenders require additional information to determine loan amount eligibility such as the student’s Cost of Attendance (COA), Estimated Financial Assistance (EFA), and the difference between those two amounts. Borrowers may request this information from the Financial Aid Office. To the extent we have the information, we will provide it to the student or parent borrower. While most lenders ask for this information directly in the application process, students may complete a Private Education Loan Applicant Self-Certification.

There are many forms which may be required to evaluate student aid eligibility. At George Fox University a student must complete the Federal Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to begin the process of applying for any sources of federal or institutional need based aid. 

The student must submit the FAFSA directly to the FAFSA Processing System (FPS) via FAFSA on the web either electronically or by paper.

Additional documents may be requested to complete processing of the aid request. Notification of these additional required documents is sent to students through email notification. 

Listed below are documents which may be required, however, this is not an exhaustive list. 

Free Application of Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

A need analysis document published by the Department of Education. Information is sent to the FAFSA Processing Service (FPS) for an analysis of the Student Aid Index (SAI). Students receive a FAFSA Submission Summary which shows the results of the analysis. Federal aid may only be awarded based on the official results of the FAFSA. 

Students are not required to provide copies of the FAFSA Submission Summary to George Fox University since we receive electronic copies via EDConnect. The institutional copy is called the Institutional Student Information Record (ISIR). 

Federal Direct Loan Application (Subsidized and Unsubsidized) 

Students who are awarded Federal Direct Loans must complete a Master Promissory Notes (MPNs) if they are new borrowers. First-time borrowers must complete loan entrance counseling requirements as well. 

Both documents can be completed electronically at studentaid.gov. A paper MPN may be made available upon request. 

Once the student completes this process, we will receive a confirmation electronically. 

Federal Tax Return Transcripts or signed 1040 federal returns

Federal Income Tax return transcripts or signed 1040 federal returns may be requested if a student is selected for verification, or if the Aid Administrator deems it necessary to verify conflicting information. Dependent students must submit their tax documentation and the tax documentation of their parents. Independent students must submit their tax documentation and the tax documentation of their spouse (if applicable). A complete copy of the specified tax documentation is required. 

Verification of Non-Filing

In limited circumstances, a student or parent may be required to show evidence that they did not file taxes when not confirmed directly with the IRS. A Verification of Non-Filing letter may be obtained on the IRS website, or by completing an IRS form 4506-T.

Verification Worksheet(s)

Students selected for verification must complete a Verification Worksheet that pertains to them and their FAFSA. This document collects updated information and is compared to the data submitted on the FAFSA. Dependent students must obtain their parents' signature. Independent students may obtain their spouse's signature if applicable. An Aid Administrator may request verification materials to resolve conflicting documentation even if the student was not selected for Federal verification.

ORSAA

If an Oregon resident is unable to complete a FAFSA, they may complete an ORSAA at oregonstudentaid.gov to seek state- and institutional- need-based aid.

The Priority deadline for filing a FAFSA is January 31st, preceding the academic year for which the student is applying for aid. 

The priority deadline for completing all other required documents is May 1st or 30 days from the date of notification, whichever is later. 

George Fox considers Pell Grants to be the first source of aid to the student, and packaging FSA funds begins with Pell eligibility. We utilize Peoplesoft Packaging Equations and Packaging Plans to assist in the packaging of student awards based on the eligibility criteria defined by the federal government, state, and the Financial Aid Office. 

Aid will be packaged up to the Cost of Attendance, but may not exceed it. Adjustments to the COA may be made on a case-by-case basis to allow room for additional funding to be added. 

A student’s need is used to calculate eligibility for many need based awards and is calculated using the following formula: Cost of Attendance - Expected Family Contribution (From FAFSA) = Federal Need

The order in which aid will be packaged to fill up need is as follows: 

• Federal Pell Grant

• Federal Supplemental Opportunity Grant

• State Grants and Scholarships

• External Scholarships / Educational Resources

• Institutional Grants and Scholarships

• Federal Work Study

• Subsidized Stafford Loans

• Unsubsidized Stafford Loans (may replace EFC)

• Federal PLUS Loans (with approved application) (may replace EFC)

• Private Loans (with approved application) (may replace EFC)

Student packaging occurs only after the student has been admitted and in some cases a valid FAFSA has been received. Verification is not required to be complete prior to a student being packaged.

For new incoming students, aid packages are typically sent out via email within 2-5 days of admission and/or receipt of the FAFSA, beginning in late November/early December. 

For all continuing students, aid packages are usually sent out in February. 

Students are notified of financial aid packaging via email and are given information on how to access it through their MyGeorgefox account. The Financial Aid Offer provides explanation of the following:

• The enrollment period, terms, or payment periods as they relate to the financial aid
• The amount and type of aid awarded and any conditions linked to financial aid eligibility for each type
• What must be done to accept or decline any part of the offered student loan aid, including the need to complete and return specific materials
• The general enrollment standards a student must meet to receive aid amount
• The cost of attendance for the enrollment period, terms, or payment periods as they relate to the financial aid
• Contact information for the Financial Aid Office

Financial Aid Offers and updated offers are automatically generated once a student has been packaged for financial aid.

Award revisions may occur for a variety of reasons including but on limited to: if there are changes in enrollment, changes in EFC due to verification or professional judgment, changes in EFC due to updated FAFSA information received, overawards, cost of attendance updates, additional aid being added, pell and or loan limits being reached, etc.

The Financial Aid office generates reports on at least a weekly basis to monitor elements that may cause a students aid package to be revised and updates student budgets and revises financial aid awards as needed.

Revisions are made as quickly as possible after the student list is generated. The student will be emailed notification of the change and referred to their MyGeorgefox account for specific award details.

If a student that was previously enrolled at George Fox leaves and is required to be readmitted to the university based on our admission policy, the amount of institutional aid they may receive depends on the length the student has been gone. 

4 Semesters or less

If a student returns to the university and no more than 4 semesters have passed (excluding summer), all institutional financial aid will be guaranteed at the original amounts awarded. 

5+ Semesters

If a student returns to the university and more than 4 semesters have passed (excluding summer), all previous institutional aid will be forfeited and they will be awarded under the current transfer matrix. 

The following logic will be used to determine their quality group:

• If they have completed 20+ semester credits (30 term) then their transfer GPA will be used
• Otherwise their cumulative George Fox GPA will be used

Act 6 Readmits

If any former Act 6 students is readmitted, they will be given a QG1 under the current matrix.

Students enrolling at George Fox to earn a post baccalaureate degree will be treated as a transfer student for admissions purposes and will be awarded under the transfer matrix. 

Students that are not eligible to file the FAFSA may qualify for a George Fox Need Grant if they meet the following criteria: 

• Be ineligible to file FAFSA based on citizenship status

• Not classified as an international student

• Submit an ORSAA or Rejected FAFSA

Amount

The award amount will be up to 50% of the whole thousand dollar amount of tuition (rounded down) minus their EFC.

To determine EFC, either the EFC from the ORSAA or a simulated EFC from a rejected FAFSA will be used. 

Need Grants will then follow the standard George Fox Need Grant awarding policy going forward.

A student who chooses to study abroad is eligible for Federal Student Aid through George Fox. Study abroad students are students who choose to study at another eligible institution while maintaining enrollment at George Fox.

To study abroad, the student must make sure that all classes being taken at the visiting institution can be transferred and applied to their degree. This approval must be done by an academic advisor or enrollment counselor. As a study abroad student, the student is responsible for having his or her grades transferred before their next term starts (or soon thereafter if the terms are continuously rolling).

Study Abroad Through George Fox University Programs

Study abroad through George Fox University must be coordinated through the study abroad office, which in turn works with eligible consortium institutions. As a study abroad student in the approved colleges that George Fox works with, a student is eligible for all financial aid (excluding work-study) that they would normally be eligible for as a George Fox student (institutional, state and federal aid).

The student is charged as a George Fox student (an additional fee may be applicable, depending on the study abroad program), and enrollment is maintained at George Fox.

Study Abroad Outside George Fox University Programs

To study abroad at a school outside of George Fox University’s study abroad partnerships means that the student is attending another eligible institution while maintaining enrollment at George Fox and wants financial aid for this study. In this case, the study abroad is coordinated through the financial aid office. This financial aid consortium agreement is approved on a case-by-case basis.

It is George Fox University’s financial aid policy to not enter into consortium agreements with another school unless it is an approved study through the study abroad office. Also, be aware that an approval to pursue a consortium agreement by George Fox University does not mean it will be approved by the visiting institution.

Every school has the right to approve or deny consortium agreements. In this case, a student is eligible for federal student aid only. The student will be responsible for making sure George Fox receives the bill from the visiting institution and must follow through in making sure all classes are transferred after the term is completed.

Upon receiving a bill from the visiting institution, George Fox University will send a check for the student’s federal aid to that institution.

1. An applicant who died during the award year
2. Applicants whose parents do not live in the United States and cannot be contacted by normal means 
3. A dependent student whose parents cannot comply because of other reasons including – (i.e., parents are deceased, are physically or mentally incapacitated).
4. A student who does not receive Title IV funds
5. A student who is eligible to receive only Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan funds.
6. A student selected for verification AFTER ceasing to be enrolled.

Aid Administrators are required to resolve any discrepancies discovered in a student's file even if a student is not selected for verification. George Fox reviews each subsequent ISIR received for a student to determine if there is any conflicting information. If there is conflicting information, George Fox requests documentation to resolve the conflict. This may equate to a complete verification of the file.

The U.S. Department of Education publishes a notice in the Federal Register annually which details acceptable documentation for Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) information subject to verification for each award year.

George Fox University requires students selected for verification to complete and sign a standardized verification worksheet (Dependent or Independent), which may also require a parent signature. This form is made available electronically and a paper copy may be made available upon request. Students and parents may indicate on this form that they used the IRS data retrieval tool on the FAFSA, and that information will be used to complete the verification process. In some cases, additional tax documents may need to be submitted in order to address changes in the household (separating income due to divorce, explanation of untaxed income, etc.). All required documentation will be listed on the student's To-Do List. 

George Fox University currently accepts all verification documents submitted via mail, in-person delivery, fax, or submitted electronically (PDF of signed physical copies) to the Financial Aid Office.

When all required documents are received, the student is considered complete and ready to be verified. The Financial Aid Counselor gathers all documentation and completes the verification process for selected students, as outlined later in this section. After that time, the student’s awards will be updated and the student will be notified of the results of the verification by receipt of an award email notification.

The U.S. Department of Education publishes a notice in the Federal Register annually which identifies the FAFSA information subject to verification for each award year. They establish Verification Tracking Groups and which data elements must be verified for each tracking group.

Verification Tracking Groups

Students who are selected for verification will be placed in one of the following groups to determine which FAFSA information must be verified.

V1—Standard Verification Group

Students in this group must verify the following if they are tax filers

• Adjusted gross income

• U.S. income tax paid

• Untaxed portions of IRA distributions

• Untaxed portions of pensions

• IRA deductions and payments 

• Tax-exempt interest income

• Education credits

• Family size

• Foreign Income Exclusion

Students who are not tax filers must verify the following

• Income earned from work

• Household size

V4—Custom Verification Group

Students must verify high school completion status and identity/statement of educational purpose (SEP).

V5—Aggregate Verification Group

Students must verify high school completion status and identity/SEP in addition to the items in the Standard Verification Group.

Students must complete a signed Dependent or Independent Verification Worksheet based on their FAFSA dependency status. Dependent students must have a parent signature on the document.

Student/spouse and parents who file taxes:

• FTI data obtained directly through the FAFSA form
• Signed 1040 tax return with Schedules 1, 2, and 3 if used, showing at least the last 4 digits of the filer’s SSN. International parent tax returns must be of the 1040 equivalent for the country. OR
• IRS Tax Return Transcript (TRT)
• If the individual filed an amended return, then a signed 1040-X tax return along with one of the above methods.

• W2s, if produced by the employer 
• Listing of every employer for the tax year and amount earned

• W2s, if produced by the employer 
• Listing of every employer for the tax year and amount earned
• Verification of Non Filing letter from the IRS (Any IRS document is acceptable as verification of nonfiling if it is dated on or after October 1, 2024 for the 2025-26 award year and clearly indicates that the IRS does not have a tax return record from the individual for the tax year being verified.)

• Verification of Non Filing letter from the IRS (Any IRS document is acceptable as verification of nonfiling if it is dated on or after October 1, 2024 for the 2025-26 award year and clearly indicates that the IRS does not have a tax return record from the individual for the tax year being verified.)

Individuals Who Attempt but Fail to Obtain a Verification of Nonfiling Letter from the IRS or Other Relevant Tax Authority

If the parent, independent student, or spouse attempts but is unable to obtain the verification or confirmation of nonfiling from the IRS or other relevant tax authority, and the school has no reason to question the individual’s good-faith effort to obtain the required documentation, the school may accept as a replacement for verification/confirmation of nonfiling:

1. A signed statement certifying that the individual: Attempted to obtain the verification or confirmation of nonfiling from the IRS or other tax authority and was unable to obtain it, andHas not filed and is not required to file an income tax return for the tax year being verified, and listed the sources and amounts from each source of any income earned from work by the individual for the tax year being verified; and
2. A copy of IRS Form W-2, or an equivalent document, for each source of employment income received by the individual for the tax year being verified.

V4—Acceptable Documentation

Students should appear in person and present a valid, unexpired, government-issued photo identification (ID) such as a U.S. passport, a driver’s license or other state-issued ID. An unexpired valid government- issued photo identification is one issued by the U.S. government, any of the 50 States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, a federally recognized American Indian and Alaska Native Tribe, American Samoa, Guam, the Virgin Islands, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, or the Republic of Palau.

Students must also sign (it must be a “wet” signature) a statement of educational purpose that certifies who they are and that the federal student aid they may receive will only be used for educational purposes and for the cost of attending the school for the relevant aid year. 

A student who is unable to appear in person must go to a notary public and sign the statement of educational purpose. He or she must then submit to our office the original statement (with the “wet” signature), the certification from the notary that he or she appeared before the notary and presented a government-issued photo ID confirming his or her identity, and a copy of the same ID.

V5—Acceptable Documentation

Since the V5 tracking group combines V1 and V4 verification requirements, acceptable documentation follows the V1 and V4 tracking groups. 

Students are notified that until the missing items are submitted to the Financial Aid Office, awards are not final and no disbursements of federal funding will be made.  Once a student turns in required documentation, George Fox generally completes their review, and makes corrections (when needed), within 2-3 weeks.

Students who submit verification documents late after the time they were requested will be awarded aid on an availability basis. Students only have 120 days after the last day of class to complete any verification for late submission of verification documents in order to receive a Federal Pell grant disbursement or to be eligible for late disbursements in some programs. The Director or Associate Director will make the determination. 

• Reapply for financial aid each year by filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and submitting all required documents to the Financial Aid office. Federal financial aid is not automatically renewed each year, and some need-based institutional aid may require annual reapplication.
• Complete and submit application materials within required or preferred timeframes and check MyGeorgefox To Do List to ensure all required forms have been submitted.
• Provide additional documentation or information as requested by the Financial Aid office.
• Read and understand all materials sent to you from the Financial Aid office and keep copies of all forms you sign.
• Comply with the provisions of any promissory note and all other agreements you sign.
• Know and comply with the federal, state, and institutional rules governing the financial aid you receive. This information is on the FAFSA, on the materials sent with your financial aid offer, and on the Financial Aid websites. These rules include, but are not limited to, not being in default on any prior educational loan and not owing a refund on a federal grant due to repayment.
• Report other sources of student financial aid to the Financial Aid office.
• Use student financial aid proceeds solely for direct educational costs and related living expenses.
• Complete the class registration process each semester by the end of the official add/drop and census period in order to ensure availability of all student financial aid funds you have been offered. Some aid programs may be subject to cancellation or reduction if your registration process is not completed by the census date for the term.
• Know the implications that dropping a course or withdrawing from George Fox will have on your student financial aid.
• Maintain satisfactory academic progress (SAP).
• Keep your residing and permanent addresses current in your MyGeorgefox account.
• Check your university-assigned email account often since some information and requests are sent via email.
• Complete direct deposit information on your MyGeorgefox account for any financial aid refunds.
• Complete direct deposit information for University Payroll to receive payment of work-study funds.

• Know the correct procedures for applying for student financial aid, your cost of attendance, and the types of aid available.
• Know how federal financial need is determined, what the criteria are for offering financial aid, how reasonable academic progress is determined, and what you have to do to continue receiving aid.
• Know the type and amount of assistance you will receive, how much of your financial need has been met, and how and when you will receive your financial aid funds.
• View the contents of your student financial aid file, in accordance with the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
• Know the conditions of any loan you accept.
• Know the terms, conditions, and pay rate for any student job you accept.

Federal regulations require that a student must actually begin attendance in the classes for which Title IV Aid is awarded. Verification of attendance is the process the Financial Aid Office will use to determine if a student began attendance in a course. If a student’s attendance cannot be verified, federal aid may be reduced or canceled. 

For the Federal Pell and TEACH Grant programs, students are required to begin attendance in all courses for which the grant eligibility was based on. For all other Title IV Aid programs, students must begin attendance in at least one course. 

If a student does not begin attendance in at least one course for the term, all federal aid will be canceled and returned to the Department of Education.

To verify a student began attendance in a course, the Financial Aid Office may use any of the following records:

• Passing midterm grade
• Passing final grade
• Canvas

If attendance cannot be verified through one of the above methods, verification will need to be provided by the course instructor. An email will be sent directly to the instructor requesting verification. 

A student is considered to have attended if they meet one of the following: 

• The student physically attended a face-to-face class on at least one day of scheduled classes.
• The student submitted an academic assignment.
• The student took an exam, interactive tutorial, or completed computer-assisted instruction.
• The student participated in an online discussion about academic matters.
• The student initiated contact with the instructor to ask a question about the academic subject studied in the course.

Instructors will have one week from the date of notice from the Financial Aid office to provide verification. 

If no verification can/is provided, the student’s federal aid eligibility will be recalculated using only the enrollment for which attendance was verified and the student will be notified via email.

It is up to the instructor to determine a student’s attendance. If a student’s attendance is not verified by the instructor and the student believes this to be inaccurate, the student may reach out to the instructor to request a review of this assessment. 

If an instructor would like to make a change to a student’s previously unverified attendance, they must do so in writing directly to the Director of Financial Aid.

George Fox University defines disbursement as the process through which funds are paid to a student (or parent for Parent PLUS loan funds). 

All disbursements are made directly to the student’s account rather than a cash disbursement made directly to the student or parent. 

Disbursement of Title IV grant and loan funds involving drawing down funds from G5 will be disbursed to the student account using institutional funds prior to draw-down and receipt of Title IV funds.

2023-2024 Disbursement Schedule

Fall 2023 - August 18, 2023
Spring 2024 - January 1, 2024
Summer 2024 - April 18, 2024

2022-2023 Disbursement Schedule

Fall 2022 - August 19, 2022
Spring 2023 - January 1, 2023
Summer 2023 - April 21, 2023

Student and parent notification of Title IV disbursement occurs via email nightly. 

Notifications include:

• Title IV loan proceeds credited to the student’s account

• The disbursement date and amount

• The student’s or parent’s right to cancel all or a portion of the loan and the procedures for requesting cancellation within 14 days of the notification

George Fox may return direct loan funds on behalf of the student if the funds are returned within 120 days of the disbursement date of the funds. If such a return is made, the funds will be treated as a partial or full cancellation, with the appropriate adjustment of the loan fee and interest. 

No return of loan funds on a borrower’s behalf will be made if more than 120 days have passed since the disbursement date. If a borrower asks the school to do this, they will be directed to the appropriate servicer for guidance on how he or she can return the money. Any return of Direct Loan funds made 120 days or more after the disbursement date are processed as a payment with no adjustment of loan fees or interest.

Written authorization must be provided by the student or parent in order to allow Title IV funds credited to the student’s account to pay allowable educationally related charges, including prior year charges, other than tuition, fees, and contracted room and board. 

Student authorization can be completed through the Financial Aid Permission form located on the student’s MyGeorgefox and may be revoked at any time with written notice. Parent authorization can be completed either in writing or through the PLUS Loan application request.

If a credit balance is created, the funds will be refunded to the student either via paper check, cash or direct bank deposit by the Student Accounts office no later than 14 days after: 

• The first day of class of a payment period if the credit balance occurred on or before that day, or

• The balance occurred if that was after the first day of classes. 

If a credit balance is the result of parent PLUS loan funds, the law requires that excess PLUS funds be returned to the parent. However, the parent may authorize George Fox (in writing or through the PLUS loan application request) to transfer the proceeds of a PLUS loan credit balance directly to the student for whom the loan is made. 

If payment is made via check or cash, we are considered to have issued the funds on the date the check is mailed or notification is sent to the student that a check/cash is available for immediate pickup. Checks/cash being held for pickup may be held for up to 21 days after the date of notification that it is available. If the student does not pick up the check/cash within this 21 day period, George Fox must immediately mail a check to the student or parent, initiate an EFT or return the funds to the appropriate FSA program.

Students may request a change to the method of refunds at any time by providing a written request to the student accounts office.