Entrance and Exit Counseling

Before we can process your federal loans, regulations require that you complete an entrance counseling session. The counseling session provides information about how to manage your federal loans, both during and after school. Please complete the online Entrance Counseling.

Before you graduate, drop below half-time attendance, or withdraw, regulations require that you complete an exit counseling session. The counseling session helps guide you in managing your federal loans after school. Please complete the online Exit Counseling.

Credit

Good credit will play an important role in financing your education if you play on using a Direct Graduate PLUS loan prior to completing your education. A credit check is completed each time you apply for a PLUS loan. Poor credit could hinder your ability to secure a PLUS loan. Student Financial Services encourages all prospective students who intend to apply for a PLUS loan take a look at their credit report. You can request a free credit report for the three main credit reporting agencies on annualcreditreport.com. If something is wrong, contact us and we will work with you to figure it out.

Credit Criteria:

Credit approval is based on federally mandated criteria, not a credit score. In order to qualify you must not have any of the following items on your credit report:

Any current delinquency of 90 days or more any of the following within the preceding five years of the date of the credit check: default, bankruptcy, discharge, foreclosure, repossession, tax lien, wage garnishment, write-off of a Title IV debt, open collection.

Recent changes in the law that governs the terms an conditions of Grad PLUS Loans establish a specific circumstances for certain Grad PLUS Loan applicants who would otherwise be considered to have an adverse credit history. Specifically, a Grad PLUS Loan application may qualify for a Grad PLUS Loan based on extenuating circumstances if the applicant:

Has been or is delinquent for 180 days or less on mortgage loan payments, or on medical bill payments for the application or the applicant's family, AND

Does not otherwise have an adverse credit history as determined in accordance with the federal regulations that apply to Grad PLUS Loan applicants.

Credit Approval:

Credit approval is valid for 90 days. Your credit is evaluated every time you request a new loan unless you have had a credit decision within the preceding 90 days.

If you think you may have one or more of the items outlined in the credit criteria listed above you may want to obtain your credit report in advance of applying for a Grad PLUS Loan. You should work to correct negative items on your credit as soon as possible.

Credit denial options include:

• Applying for the loan with an endorser, which is a credit worthy loan cosigner
• Correct any invalid information on your credit report and reapplying
• Appeal the denial with Application Services (contact Student Financial Services for details)

Satisfactory Academic Progress

Satisfactory Academic Progress ("SAP") ensures students are able to complete their academic program in a timely manner while achieving and maintaining compliance with minimum academic standards. Federal regulations mandate that all students are required to conform to SAP standards as they work towards a degree in order for them to qualify to receive financial assistance through all Rosalind Franklin University eligible Title IV Federal Financial Aid programs. Complying with the Rosalind Franklin University SAP policy ensures students complete their academic program in a timely manner while achieving and maintaining compliance with minimum academic standards.

To read more, visit the Satisfactory Academic Progress policy.

Leave of Absence

RFU expects students to maintain continuous enrollment in an academic program with the exception of scheduled breaks. However, at times it may be necessary or desirable for a student to take a leave of absence. All leave of absence requests must be approved by the appropriate dean or dean’s designee. Individual leave of absences are granted for no more than one year. In special circumstances a leave may be extended if requested in writing and approved prior to the end of the initial leave of absence. Maximum approved leave of absence time may not exceed Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science 57 2019-2020 Academic Catalog two years. Approved time does not have to be consecutive. If the leave of absence exceeds two years, the student will be involuntarily withdrawn and may re-apply for admission.

Students on leave of absence retain their matriculated student status. Academic program and degree requirements may change during a student’s leave of absence. Once the student has been approved for return, it is at the discretion of the dean or dean’s designee to define the program and graduation requirements in accordance with degree requirements at the time of the leave initiation or the requirements at the time of return (if they have changed). In exceptional circumstances, the requirements may reflect a combination thereof in order to satisfy all requirements for degree. The Continuous Enrollment Policy will help advise as to the enrollment effects of Leave of Absence. Suspension, dismissal or expulsion overrides a leave of absence.

To read more about the policy, visit the Academic Catalog

Guide to Request Leave of Absence

Rights and Responsibilities

Students have the right to know:

• What financial aid programs are available and how to apply for them.
• The cost of attendance and how financial need is determined.
• The criteria used to determine financial aid eligibility.
• The type and the amount of assistance you will receive.
• How financial aid will be distributed.
• The terms and conditions of all awards made.
• The schools refund policy.
• The satisfactory academic policy for financial aid eligibility.

Students are responsible to:

• Check RFU email frequently for up to date communications.
• Submit all forms required to complete the application process in a timely and accurate manner.
• Respond to requests for additional information in a timely manner.
• Keep RFU informed of any change of address, name, marital or enrollment status while you are a student.
• Keep your lender or servicer informed of any change of address, name, marital or enrollment status until you loan is paid in full.
• Notify the financial aid office of any additional financial aid resources you expect to receive.
• Maintain satisfactory academic progress.
• Re-apply for aid each year.
• Use aid only for educational related expenses.
• Repay all loans according to the term of the promissory note.
• Borrow responsibly.

Return of Title IV Funds (R2T4)

Federal law and regulations require Rosalind Franklin University to calculate a return of Title IV funds for any student who withdraws, takes a leave of absence or does not complete an enrollment period or payment period, and who has received financial aid through the federal Title IV programs. This calculation is performed using a specific formula required by the U.S. Department of Education.

Title IV programs include Direct Unsubsidized loans and Graduate PLUS loans. Title IV funds are awarded to a student under the assumption that the student will attend school for the entire enrollment period or payment period for which the aid is awarded. When a student withdraws, or takes a leave of absence the student may no longer be eligible for the full amount of Title IV funds received. The return of Title IV funds calculation is based on the percentage of the enrollment period or payment period completed and the amount of Title IV aid disbursed. The return of Title IV funds calculation is separate and different from the calculation for refund of Tuition and Fees.

To read more, visit the Return of Title IV Funds policy page.

Tuition Refund Policy

When a student withdraws from a program, a refund of tuition may be granted based on the official withdrawal date.

• Withdrawal before the end of the 1st week of classes - 100% tuition refund
• Withdrawal before the end of the 2nd week of classes - 75% tuition refund
• Withdrawal before the end of the 3rd week of classes - 50% tuition refund
• Withdrawal before the end of the 4th week of classes - 25% tuition refund
• Withdrawal any time after the 4th week of classes - no tuition refund

Default Rate as of September 2019

Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science Default Rate: 0.3%

Average Debt for the Class of 2019

Chicago Medical School: $231,956

Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine: $213,480

School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies: N/A

College of Pharmacy: $196,246

Doctor of Nursing Practice: Nurse Anesthesia (MS/DNAP): $115,734

Pathologists' Assistant (MS): $101,817

Physician Assistant Practice (MS): $97,658

Physical Therapy (DPT): $115,896

Psychology (PhD): $142,838

Psychology: Clinical Counseling (MS): $94,340

Biomedical Sciences (MS): $54,743

Online Education: $21,042