School of Education Graduate Programs
Financial Aid
Heather Regalado
Assistant Director of Financial Aid
What are your options?
Financial aid is based on your individual financial need. Your financial need is calculated using a formula set by the U.S. Department of Education on their Free Application for Federal Student Aid website.
You can still apply for federal financial aid even if you plan to receive 100% company reimbursement for tuition and books. However, estimated company reimbursement and outside scholarships you receive will be taken into account when aid eligibility is determined.
Financial Aid Information Sheet
Office of Financial Aid
How to Apply for Financial Aid
1. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Once the form is completed, please print off the FAFSA confirmation page and keep it for your records.
2. Complete Baker’s financial aid application.
3. Complete the Title IV authorization form.
4. Complete the entrance counseling and loan application online. When completing the entrance counseling, choose the state “Kansas,” and your school is “Baker University SPGS-Overland Park.” When completing the loan application sign-on using your FSA ID. On the left side of the page click on “Complete MPN.” Your state will be “Kansas,” and the school is “Baker University, Baldwin City, KS.”
5. Submit additional documents as requested. You will be notified if additional documentation is required to complete your financial aid application. You can expedite your application by submitting all requested documentation within 10 business days of notification.
6. Accept or decline your award(s). You will be issued an award letter one to two weeks after beginning your program. You need to either accept or decline the funds available to you and return the form to our Financial Aid Office by the indicated due date via email, fax, or U.S. mail.
Financial Aid Frequently Asked Questions
What is financial aid and how is it determined?
Need-based financial aid is available to students who demonstrate a need for additional resources to help pay college costs. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) must be completed annually to determine eligibility for applicable financial aid programs.
Financial aid at Baker University is awarded based on a student’s financial need. Simply put, financial need is the cost of education minus the student aid index. The cost of attending Baker University is listed in the “Educational Expenses” section in the Course Catalog and Student Handbook. The student’s family contribution is derived from the financial figures as calculated on the FAFSA using a formula set by the Department of Education.
What type of aid is available for undergraduate students at the School of Professional and Graduate Studies?
- Federal PELL Grant – Targeted to highest-need students
- Federal SEOG Grant – Targeted to Federal Pell Grant recipients
- Federal Direct Subsidized Loan – Based on need. Fixed interest rate. Interest free while you are in school. Repayment begins 60 days after student is less than half time.
- Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan – Not based on need. Fixed interest rate. Interest accrues while you are in school. You have the option of paying the interest while you’re in school or having it added to the principle when you go into repayment. Repayment begins 60 days after student is less than half time.
- Federal Direct PLUS Loan – Available to parents of dependent students. Fixed interest rate. Interest accrues while you are in school. Repayment begins 60 days after the loan is fully disbursed for the academic year.
What type of aid is available for graduate students at the School of Professional and Graduate Studies and the School of Education?
- Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan – Not based on need. Fixed interest rate. Interest accrues while you are in school. You have the option of paying the interest while you’re in school or having it added to the principle when you go into repayment. Repayment begins 60 days after student is less than half time.
- Federal Direct Grad PLUS Loan – Available to graduate students. Fixed interest rate. Interest accrues after funds are disbursed, but can be deferred as long as you are enrolled at least half time. The interest is added to the principle. Repayment begins 60 days after student is less than half time.
What are eligibility requirements for financial aid?
To be eligible, you must satisfy the following:
- Be accepted for admission
- Have a valid Social Security Number
- Be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen
- Certify compliance with Selective Service Registration requirements (males only)
- Not be in default on any loan or owe a refund on any grant made under any Title IV program
- Be in good academic standing
- Be enrolled in an eligible academic program on at least a half-time basis
- For most programs, demonstrate a financial need
- Have a high school diploma or recognized equivalent
How much can I borrow?
*Please note: Maximum amounts for the academic year are listed below; you may or may not qualify for the maximum.
Dependent Bachelor’s Students
0-23 hours – $5,500
24-47 hours – $6,500
48+ hours – $7,500
Independent Bachelor’s Students
0-23 hours – $9,500
24-47 hours – $10,500
40+ hours – $12,500
Graduate Students
$20,500 for each academic year of at least 18 credits and 30 weeks
*MLA Degree Program
Amount varies by enrollment period and number of credit hours. Maximum loan eligibility can exceed the direct costs of tuition and books.
What are the exceptions to financial aid eligibility?
- Financial aid cannot be awarded for Directed Field Experience (DFE) course work.
- Financial aid cannot be awarded for the doctoral 1-credit-hour continuous enrollment course.
- Continuing education courses do not qualify for financial aid.
How do I apply for financial aid?
- Apply early. A minimum of four weeks is recommended to assure that financial aid eligibility can be determined before classes begin.
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Please print off the confirmation page once completed. The Baker University school code is 001903.
- Complete Baker’s Financial Aid Application.
- Complete the Direct Loan Master Promissory Note and Entrance Counseling at studentaid.gov.
- Complete the Title IV authorization form.
Are scholarships available?
Alumni Referral Scholarship | If referred by a Baker graduate you could qualify for a one-time $1,000 award. Learn More
Alumni Legacy Scholarship | This $1,000 per year (for up to four years) scholarship is available to freshmen applying to the College of Arts and Sciences for an undergraduate degree who have at least one parent, step-parent, grandparent, or legal guardian that has received a degree from Baker University. Learn More
Alumni Advisory Council Undergraduate Scholarship | The Alumni Advisory Council awards scholarships to deserving undergraduate students. Learn more and apply.
Additional Resources
fastWEB – Financial aid search through the Web
FinAid – Unusual sources of funding links
American Educational Guidance Center – Free college scholarship search
Scholarships.com, LLC – Free college scholarship
Kansas Board of Regents
Financial Aid Information
Scholarships for all minorities
American Indian College Fund – Provides funding and assistance
Hispanic Scholarship Fund
International Education Financial Aid – Provides a free searchable database of scholarships for international students
United Negro College Fund
When will I know what I am eligible for?
If all paperwork is finalized you will receive an award letter during your first week of class. You should sign the award letter and return it to us immediately so the first loan funds can be disbursed. Please note: Your award letter will give you the timeframe (loan period) you are awarded for and the projected disbursement dates.
How do I receive my funds?
Your loan funds will be disbursed directly to Baker. You will be emailed a notification when the funds have been applied to your account. Please be aware that you must be attending class before the scheduled disbursement will be released.
There are usually two disbursements per loan period: the first near the beginning of your course work and the second after you have earned half of the credits for the loan period.
How do I receive a credit balance?
Credit balances will be available approximately two weeks after your loan funds have disbursed. Credit balances can be distributed electronically or via paper check. You will receive an email after you begin the program that will allow you to choose how you want your credit balance funds to be distributed.
How do I defer my undergraduate student loans?
You must contact your current loan servicer(s) and request an in-school deferment form. Complete your section of the in-school deferment form and return it to the Office of the Registrar at Baker University. The form can be emailed to records@bakerU.edu, faxed to 785.594.4521, or mailed to PO Box 65, Baldwin City, KS 66006. The form will then be completed and returned to your loan servicer(s) once your class has started.
How often do I have to reapply?
Undergraduate Degree Programs
Each academic year is a minimum of 24 credit hours and a minimum of 30 weeks. Once you have successfully completed the academic year, the Financial Aid Office will email you renewal instructions.
Graduate Degree Programs
Each academic year is a minimum of 18 credit hours and a minimum of 30 weeks. Once you have successfully completed the academic year, the Financial Aid Office will email you renewal instructions.
What happens if I withdraw?
Financial aid is based on the percentage of time that you remain enrolled. If you plan to withdraw from a course or a program, you must notify our Student Services in writing. A refund will be calculated once the Student Services Office provides us with official notification of your withdrawal. Institutional charges and financial aid are adjusted once the withdrawal date is determined. For more details, ask a financial aid counselor or refer to the Course Catalog and Student Handbook.
What is a leave of absence?
If you experience a serious medical, family or scheduling problem greater than two weeks, you can request a leave of absence, to avoid jeopardizing your financial aid. This leave is not to exceed 90 days per 12-month period. It is possible for more than one leave to be granted, provided the total days of leave do not exceed 90 days per 12-month period.
Your first step should be to contact Student Services immediately regarding a proposed schedule change. You must then request your leave of absence in writing before beginning your leave. Letters should be directed to the Financial Aid Office, and must bear your signature, per the requirements of the U.S. Department of Education. In emergency situations, we may accept your written request after leave has begun. Your loan repayment will not begin during this time period provided you have followed the steps necessary to gain an approved leave of absence. If you do not return from your approved leave of absence, we will use your last day of class attendance before your leave when calculating repayment scheduling.
What is Baker’s School Code?
The Title IV School Code for all Baker University campuses is 001903.
How does company reimbursement affect my aid?
You can apply for federal aid even if you will receive 100% company reimbursement for tuition and books. However, estimated company reimbursement and outside scholarships must be taken into account when aid eligibility is determined.
Is Baker University approved for veterans education benefits?
Yes. Any veteran who wishes to apply for veterans education benefits should contact the Baker University veterans certifying official. The certifying official can provide application forms, points of contact, and details about the application process. Veterans should notify the certifying official of changes to their course schedules because a reduction in course load may result in a reduction of benefits. If reductions are not promptly reported, the veteran may accrue indebtedness to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
You may choose to send your benefits application to Baker University or to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Veterans Affairs processing takes 60 to 90 days; the student is responsible for tuition payments to the university. Veterans Affairs checks are sent directly to the student.
Learn more about veterans education benefits at Baker.
How will I be notified after I have completed my FAFSA or if the FAFSA needs corrections?
Students who provide a valid email address on their FAFSA will be sent an email by the federal processor that contains a secure link to their Student Aid Report (SAR) information on the Web. Students can see all of their application processing results, including their student aid index (SAI), database match results, and all SAR comments associated with the transaction. Students can access their SAR information on the Web an unlimited number of times. Students who do not provide an email address will be mailed a paper SAR within 10 days of submitting the FAFSA.
I will be getting married soon; how should I fill out my FAFSA?
The FAFSA requires that students indicate their current marital status as of the date the FAFSA is completed. If a student is not married as of the date the FAFSA is filed, the student must file as single. Once an application has been submitted, the marital status cannot be changed.
What does it mean if my file has been selected for verification?
Because students sometimes make significant errors when reporting application information, the federal government has incorporated a verification process as part of the student financial aid program requirements. The university is required to verify that the information submitted by the student is accurate and to make necessary corrections before proceeding further with the application.
To simplify the verification process, it is recommended that you use the IRS data retrieval tool to transfer your federal tax information directly to your FAFSA. The tool is not available in all circumstances; however, if it is available to you, it is highly recommended that you use it.
If you are selected for verification, the university may ask for a copy of your (and your spouse’s) tax return transcript and for the completion of a verification worksheet, which will provide additional corroborating information (such as names and ages of family members and nontaxable income items). Once the university completes the verification process and makes necessary corrections, the aid application can be advanced, aid eligibility determined, and an award made to the student.
What happens if I get more financial aid than my tuition costs?
When calculating your financial need, the formula takes into consideration estimated tuition, fees, books, transportation, and personal expenses. Once your tuition and fees are paid, excess funds will be disbursed to you. These funds are available for your other educational expenses.
Can I lose my eligibility for financial aid if I fail a course?
Failing a course will affect aid eligibility and delay future disbursements. Students are expected to complete (get a passing grade) a minimum number of credits each year and to maintain a minimum grade point average to be eligible for aid. Additional information on satisfactory academic progress and financial aid can be found in the SPGS Catalog and Student Handbook.
When will I repay my federal student loans?
In most cases, repayment of student loans begins six months after graduation, withdrawal from school, or dropping below half-time status.
Will my application be kept confidential?
All records are held in strict confidence. Information related to your academic, financial aid or accounting files will be released only to you, and only with proper identification. If you want other parties (including your spouse) to have access to this information, you must complete a FERPA Authorization release form.
Financial Aid Forms
Renewal Form
Financial Aid Policies
Withdrawals and Refunds
Current federal regulations require the Return of Title IV Funds Policy to be used for all students who receive any type of federal aid when calculating the aid a student can retain after withdrawing. This policy relates to Federal Pell, SEOG, and TEACH Grants as well as all federal loans.
These regulations govern the return of aid disbursed for a student who completely withdraws from a term or payment period. During the first 60% of the payment period, a student “earns” aid in direct proportion to the length of time he or she remains enrolled. The percentage of time that the student remains enrolled determines the percentage of disbursable aid for that period. A student who remains enrolled beyond the 61% point of the payment period earns all aid for the period.
Students who plan to withdraw must start with Academic Advising to submit written notification of withdrawal from a course or the program. Institutional charges and financial aid are adjusted once the withdrawal date is determined. For students receiving financial aid, the refund must first be repaid to the Title IV programs in accordance with existing regulations in effect on the date of withdrawal and with respect to various types of aid. It is possible that the student who withdraws may still have an outstanding balance due to the University. The withdrawal date is determined as follows:
- Official withdrawals: the later date of when the student began the institution’s withdrawal process OR officially notified the institution of intent to withdraw.
- Unofficial withdrawals: If the student has to leave without notification because of circumstances beyond the student’s control, the institution will use the documented last date of participation in an academic activity.
The percentage of the period that the student remained enrolled is calculated based on number of countable days the student was enrolled. This calculation is determined by dividing the number of days enrolled by the total days in the enrollment period. Calendar days are used, including weekends.
Distribution of Unearned Aid
If a student has not earned all of the federal aid received to date at the point of withdrawal, funds are repaid in the following order:
- Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loan
- Federal Subsidized Stafford Loan
- Federal Grad PLUS Loan
- Federal Parent PLUS Loan
- Federal PELL Grant
- Federal SEOG Grant
- Federal Teach Grant
Unearned aid must be returned as soon as possible but no later than 45 days after determining the student has withdrawn.
45-Day Allowable Break in Enrollment
The Department of Education has defined Baker’s SPGS and GSOE programs as programs offered in modules. The University does not have to consider students as withdrawn or put them on an approved Leave of Absence (LOA) if the following occurs:
- Student will begin a module within 45 calendar days from the end of the current module that starts later in the same payment period.
- Student provides written confirmation with a signature that he or she will begin a module within 45 calendar days in the same payment period.
If above process is completed timely, days out of class will not count against the allowable LOA days. For example, a student starts a course and has a family emergency, requiring the student to drop the current course. If the student will be back in class within 45 days of the last day of the current class in the same payment period, the student just needs to complete a form stating intent to return within 45 days of the end of the current course. If the student’s plans change, the student can submit an updated notification.
If payment period or loan period has been completed, the student can request a Leave of Absence.
- Total LOA days cannot exceed 90 days in a 12-month period.
- If student does not complete either process timely, the Office of Financial Aid will need to complete a return of federal funds calculation, even if the student is not withdrawn from the University.
Leave of Absence
Students experiencing serious medical or family problems can request a leave of absence, not to exceed 90 days per 12-month period. This request must be submitted to the Office of Financial Aid.
It is possible for more than one leave to be granted, as long as the total days of all leaves of absence do not exceed more than 90 days per 12-month period. The request for leave must be in writing before the leave is granted. In emergency situations, the institution may accept the student’s written request after the leave has begun. Students participating in the federal loan programs do not have to go into repayment on their loans during the approved Leave of Absence period. However, if the student does not return from the Leave of Absence, the last day of attendance prior to the beginning of the Leave of Absence is the date used when notifying the lender of when the student ceased attending classes. Students requesting a Leave of Absence must make their request in writing. This letter must bear the student’s signature and should be directed to the Office of Financial Aid.
Post-Withdrawal Disbursement
A student that is determined to have received less Title IV aid than earned will be offered a post-withdrawal disbursement for the amount of earned aid that was not received. Any post-withdrawal disbursement made must meet required conditions for late disbursement.
Disbursement of Title IV Grant Funds
Post-withdrawal grant disbursements will be credited to a student’s account for outstanding allowable current semester charges or refunded to the student if their balance is zero. The school is permitted to credit any Title IV grant funds to the student’s account without the student’s permission. The school will post any credit applying to current charges to the student’s account. If the student has no current allowable charges, the disbursement must be made no later than 45 days of the school’s determination the student withdrew.
Disbursement of Title IV Loan Funds
Post-withdrawal loan disbursements will be credited to a student’s account for outstanding allowable current semester charges or paid directly to the student or parent for a Direct Parent PLUS Loan. Prior to making any disbursement, the student/parent must be notified in writing within 30 days of the school’s determination the student withdrew. The letter must identify the type and amount of the funds. If loan funds are available, the school must explain the student/parent has the option to accept/decline all or part of the loan. The letter must also inform the student/parent a response must be received within 14 days of the date of notice. If the school does not receive a response, no further disbursement is made. If the request is denied due to a late response, the school will send the student/parent notification.
Credit Balance Due to Return of Funds Calculation
The school must determine the correct Title IV credit balance, considering the results from both the Return to Title IV calculation and the institutional refund calculation. If after the Return to Title IV funds and the institutional refund calculations are applied to the student’s account and a credit balance results, the credit balance will be disbursed as soon as possible but no later than 14 days after the date of the Return to Title IV calculation is performed.
Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
This process is separate from the academic Satisfactory Academic Progress. Federal regulations require institutions to monitor both quantitative and qualitative progress towards a degree.
- Quantitative – student must be able to complete the degree program within 150% of the reported program length. In addition, the student must successfully complete 67% of the attempted hours in each payment period.
- All transfer hours accepted by Baker University are considered when reviewing attempted hours.
- All hours earned when not receiving financial aid count.
- Undergraduate students who earn grades of F, I, W, WP, WF, NC, or AU will have the courses counted as attempted hours, but not completed hours.
- Graduate students who earn grades of D, F, I, W, WP, WF, NC, or AU will have the courses counted as attempted hours, but not completed hours.
- Repeating a course counts as attempted credit hours each time the course is repeated.
- Qualitative – student must maintain the minimum cumulative GPA for their specific program.
- Minimum GPA for undergraduate students is 2.0.
- Minimum GPA for graduate students is determined by degree, see Graduation Requirements section.
Student’s academic progress must be reviewed by the Office of Financial Aid after each payment period. Federal regulations allow an institution that monitors SAP every payment period to place a student on “Warning” for one more payment period if the student can reach minimum SAP standards by the end of the next payment period. The student can receive Title IV aid during this “Warning” payment period.
If a student is not maintaining SAP after the “Warning” payment period has ended, the student loses Title IV eligibility. Students who are placed on Financial Aid Suspension will receive written notification from the Financial Aid Office of their status. Such students will be offered the opportunity to appeal the Financial Aid Advisory Committee for reinstatement of Title IV aid.
- Appeals can be made in some circumstances, such as medical problems, illness, death of a family member, relocation, or employment changes.
- Appeal must be in writing.
- Student must explain why he/she failed to make SAP, and what has changed to allow the student to make SAP by the end of the next payment period.
- Appeals are reviewed by the Financial Aid Advisory Committee. The student is informed of the decision within one week. Decision notifications are sent to the student’s Baker email.
If appeal is approved, the student has one more payment period of Title IV aid eligibility. If the student is not successful in meeting SAP standards, the student will no longer be eligible for Title IV aid of any kind, including grants and loans.
In order to regain Title IV eligibility the student must meet minimum SAP standards. The student may appeal for reinstatement of financial aid eligibility after completing a payment period and meeting GPA minimum standards. Such students might be filing two petitions, one to the Office of the Registrar and a separate one to Financial Aid. The two petitions will not be evaluated by the same committee. It is possible for a student to be on financial aid suspension and still be allowed to enroll at the University at the student’s expense.
Office of Financial Aid Code of Conduct
In compliance with federal law and to promote confidence in the operation of our office, Baker University and the Office of Financial Aid have adopted the following principles to provide guidance to officers, employees, and agents of the university relative to the administration of financial aid resources.
- The Office of Financial Aid prohibits all individuals who have responsibilities with regard to the administration of financial aid resources from soliciting or accepting any gift, gratuity, favor, discount, entertainment, hospitality, or other items of value from entities involved in making, holding, consolidating, or processing student loans.
- The Office of Financial Aid prohibits all individuals who have responsibilities with regard to the administration of financial aid resources from accepting any fee, payment or other financial benefit as compensation for any type of consulting or other service contract with a lender or on behalf of a lender relating to education loans.
- The Office of Financial aid will exercise care and due diligence in selecting lenders for a lender list (in the event that a list is created and utilized). The Office of Financial Aid will enter into no revenue-sharing agreement with any lender.
- The Office of Financial Aid will make available the criteria and process used to select lenders for a lender list (in the event that a lender list is utilized) and will disclose any business relationships with lenders.
- The Office of Financial Aid will process loans for all lenders of choice, and will advise students and parent borrowers that they have the right and ability to select a lender of their choice independent of any lender list developed and maintained by the Office of Financial Aid.
- The Office of Financial Aid will not assign a lender to a first-time borrower or delay certification of a loan because of a borrower’s choice of lender (or guarantor).
- The Office of Financial Aid will provide no funds for private loans, including opportunity pool loan (in exchange for a specified number of federal loans, specified federal loan volume, or a preferred lender arrangement for federal loans).
- In order to prevent a potential conflict of interest or the perception of a conflict of interest, the Office of Financial Aid requires all individuals with responsibilities with regard to the administration of financial aid resources to advise supervision about any request for service on an advisory board, commission, or group established by a lender, guarantor, or group of lenders or guarantors prior to the acceptance of any such position.
- The Office of Financial Aid will provide comprehensive financial aid counseling for students, prospective students, families, and the community.
- The Office of Financial Aid will continuously strive to provide the highest quality service to its constituents and it will continuously evaluate its services to students and families. The Office of Financial Aid will also conduct regular reviews and audits to provide assurance as to compliance with this Code of Conduct.
- The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships has adopted the NASFAA Statement of Ethical Principles.