Admissions
Traditional Undergraduate
Wisconsin Lutheran College welcomes applications anytime after completion of a student’s junior year in high school. Admission decisions are made on a rolling basis.
The admissions committee at Wisconsin Lutheran College evaluates prospective student candidates in terms of both achievement and promise, emphasizing the extent to which students have taken advantage of their educational opportunities. The most successful applicants are those who have completed a strong college preparatory curriculum and have contributed in a significant way to the life of the school, church, or community.
Students admitted after April 1 of their senior year in high school will be considered for Merit Awards on a space-available and funds-available basis.
The college recommends the following high school preparation to those who wish to meet the college’s requirements:
- English: 4 years of study
- Mathematics: 3-4 years of study
- Foreign Language: 3 years of study
- History and Social Science: 3 years of study
- Laboratory Science: 3 years of study
Entrance Requirements
- High school diploma or GED
Transfer
Wisconsin Lutheran College accepts transfer credits from accredited institutions on a case by case basis. Although there is no limit to the number of credits which may be transferred, to receive a degree from WLC, transfer students must complete all general education requirements and earn 30 credits in residence, including at least 15 credits of upperdivision courses within the major. Please see the Registrar’s Office for detailed transfer credit policies.
Transfer credit is awarded for those courses in which a student receives a grade of C (2.0 on a 4.0 scale) or higher. Appeals may be made after the transfer student has successfully completed at least one semester as a full-time student at Wisconsin Lutheran College. Credits accepted for transfer may be used to satisfy WLC degree requirements. However, only grades earned at WLC will be used in computing the student’s cumulative grade point average.
AP, CLEP, IB Policies
To receive credit for Advanced Placement (AP) or CLEP, please see the approved score requirements here.
To receive credit for International Baccalaureate (IB), a student must earn a score of 5 or higher on the higher level exams.
A total of 30 credits may be earned through AP, CLEP, and IB.
Retroactive Credits
Students may receive retroactive credits in foreign language and calculus if a grade of “B” or better is earned at WLC in a higher level course. For specific policies, please see the Registrar’s Office.
Readmission
Students who honorably withdrew from the college may submit a Special Admission Application form to the director of admissions. Application forms are available from the admissions office and should be completed at least three weeks prior to registration.
Students seeking readmission after academic suspension may apply for readmission after the lapse of two semesters. Their applications will be reviewed by the Academic Cabinet, and they must complete an interview with a college dean before the application is accepted. Upon readmission the student’s previous work shall remain as part of the official academic record, but the academic standing will be determined only on the basis of the credits attempted and grade points earned at Wisconsin Lutheran College following readmission. Students should be aware that employers, graduate schools, and accrediting agencies may evaluate their entire academic record.
International Students
Applicants for undergraduate admission should contact the office of admissions for information and assistance. Three general criteria are considered
- High academic ability
- Positive personal recommendation
- Demonstrated English language ability
International applicants can meet these criteria by providing the following evidence:
- WLC international application for admission and $35 fee
- Letter of recommendation
- Secondary school academic records
(SAT or ACT scores may be required)
- English proficiency as demonstrated by a minimum TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score of:
- 550 (paper)
- 213 (computer-based)
- 79 (Internet-based), or
- IELTS score of 6.5
- Financial Affidavit of Support (included with an official bank statement)
Candidates with scores below the minimum may need to complete an ESL program as a condition of acceptance to WLC.
All non-English documents must be accompanied by official English language translations.
The college will issue a student a Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Non-Immigrant [F-1] Student visa), when the student is admitted, demonstrates proof of financial resources for the first year, and after the deposit for an academic year is paid.
Early Admission Program
The Wisconsin Lutheran College Early Admission Program has been established to permit high school students to enhance their educational experience prior to college. Through this program qualified students may enroll in WLC courses concurrent with their high school program.
To qualify for participation in the Early Admission Program, a student must have completed all requirements for the junior year of high school. Wisconsin Lutheran College is a registered participant in the State of Wisconsin’s Early College Credit Program whereby high school students may enroll in college courses. Either all or part of the tuition is paid for by the local school district.
Application Procedures: The student must provide the admissions office with the following credentials:
- The completed “Special Admission Application” and the application fee
- Transcript of high school credits
- Recommendation from the high school principal or counselor
Concurrent Enrollment
Concurrent enrollment may assume one of two forms:
- A student enrolled in a degree program at another college may apply for admission to Wisconsin Lutheran College as a special student. Registration normally is limited to one or two courses per semester with the intent of transferring the credits to the degree program at the other institution.
- A student enrolled in a degree program at Wisconsin Lutheran College may apply to the Registrar’s Office for approval to enroll concurrently at another college with the intent of transferring the non-resident credits toward a Wisconsin Lutheran College degree.
Four Year Guarantee
Wisconsin Lutheran College is committed to providing a quality, Christian-based, undergraduate education within the traditional four-year timeframe. Therefore, Wisconsin Lutheran College guarantees that a student who enters as a first-time freshman and enrolls in an average of 15 credits per semester, does not fail, repeat or withdraw from any courses, and maintains a 2.50 cumulative grade point average will graduate in four years.
If a student who qualifies for this guarantee does not complete his or her degree requirements in four years, Wisconsin Lutheran College will waive that student’s tuition for the courses needed to complete his or her degree requirements.
Additional provisions:
- A student must delcare a major prior to registration for his or her fifth semester of study to qualify.
- A student who elects more than one major or a minor does not qualify.
- A student who, because of a change of major, is required to go beyond four years to meet his or her degree requirements does not qualify.
- A student enrolled in a program such as Education or Accounting (CPA track) who must take additional semester(s) to meet certification requirements does not qualify.
- A student who elects to pursue a minor or a pre-professional track (such as pre-med) should do so carefully in order to complete his or her programs within four years.
- For students enrolling in nursing as a major, students will need to be admitted to the nursing major at the end of their first year. Additionally, students need to satisfactorily meet all requirements for continued persistence in their assigned cohort to graduate in four years.
- A student enrolled in a dual degree program with another institution or affiliate does not qualify.
To exercise the guarantee, the student must be approved for the guarantee by the Registrar and apply for financial aid. Any portion of tuition not covered by federal or state gift assistance will be waived by the College.
Financial Aid
Wisconsin Lutheran College provides full-time degree seeking students in the traditional undergraduate program with financial assistance intended to supplement personal and family resources. Students applying for financial aid are considered for all programs for which they are eligible. Financial aid available to students enrolled less than full time is noted below in the individual program descriptions. For financial aid purposes full-time student status is established as a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester; half-time status is a minimum of six credit hours per semester. The amount of financial aid awarded is generally a combination of scholarships, grants, employment, and loans. It is based on the qualified financial need as determined primarily by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).WLC reduces institutional aid based on any outside aid or benefits that would result in the student’s cost of attendance being exceeded.
Classification of Students
For loan eligibility purposes, a student is classified as a freshman if he or she meets the entrance requirements, as a sophomore when 27 credits have been earned, as a junior when 60 credits have been earned, and as a senior when 90 credits have been earned.
How to Apply
Students applying for merit-based aid alone need only submit a WLC Financial Aid Application. All other filers need to complete the steps below.
- Submit a WLC Financial Aid Application to the college financial aid office.
- Complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) listing Wisconsin Lutheran College as the recipient of the application information (WLC’s federal school code is 014658). Filing the FAFSA can be done electronically at https://studentaid.gov/.
Review of Information. After receiving FAFSA results from the financial aid application, the financial aid office will review all statements pertaining to a student’s financial situation. At that time, necessary adjustments for any errors in calculation or special circumstances will be noted. If necessary, the student and family will be contacted.
Determination of need: The aid for which a student qualifies is calculated as follows:
Cost of attending WLC (tuition, fees, housing, meals, books, transportation, and personal expenses) less family contribution (an estimate of a family’s capacity over time to absorb some costs of education) equals qualified financial need (the aid for which a student is applying).
Not all financial aid is based on need. Merit-based aid is available for the student with superior academic achievement or special talent in the fine arts.
Financial Aid Package. Once a student’s need is determined, it will be met with various types of financial aid available to the student. Most financial aid packages will consist of three types of assistance: gift aid (scholarships/grants), employment (federal or college work-study), and loans. These are listed and described in the next sections.
Notification and Acceptance of Financial Aid. Financial Aid offers for new students will be sent beginning December 15 to those who have filed all required forms before the December 1 recommended filing date. After that, new students will receive financial aid offers within two weeks after the financial aid office has received the necessary completed forms. Students will have 30 days after receipt of their offer to respond. Upon request, deadline extensions may be granted through the college’s financial aid office. If a student fails to respond by the deadline, WLC cannot guarantee the receipt of any funds offered in the aid award.
Adjustment of Aid. Students who receive private (non-WLC) scholarships, grants, or loans are required to report these funds to the financial aid office. In certain cases, federal and state regulations may require an adjustment to the student’s financial aid package to prevent an over-award. Adjustments may also be made if there are changes in a family’s financial situation during the academic year or if a student’s enrollment or housing status changes.
Scholarships and Grants
All of the following scholarships and grants are non-repayable. Students may apply for all scholarships and grants for which they qualify. A student must attend full-time to be eligible for WLC aid. All merit scholarships and grants are based on an unweighted GPA and are mutually exclusive.
Merit Awards
Students must be first-time, full-time freshmen and admitted by May 1 for scholarship consideration. Students admitted after this date will be considered on a space-available and funds-available basis. Consideration for these awards is automatic, and no additional scholarship application is required. Students selected for merit-based scholarships are notified by the Office of Admissions at the time admissions notices are sent.
Merit-based scholarships are based on your highest ACT/SAT score(s) and cumulative high school GPA. Cumulative GPA is based on an unweighted 4.0 scale. SAT score is comprised of critical reading and math scores.
PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARSHIP: $17,000/YR
This scholarship is renewable each year, at a maximum of four years, by maintaining a cumulative GPA of 3.00 at WLC, for a lifetime value of $68,000.
ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIP: $15,000/YR
This scholarship is renewable each year, at a maximum of four years, by maintaining a cumulative GPA of 2.75 at WLC, for a lifetime value of $60,000.
COLLEGIATE SCHOLARSHIP: $13,000/YR
This scholarship is renewable each year, at a maximum of four years, for students who remain in good academic standing at WLC, for a lifetime value of $52,000.
FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP: $7,000/YR
This scholarship is renewable each year, at a maximum of four years, for students who remain in good academic standing at WLC, for a lifetime value of $28,000.
TRANSFER SCHOLARSHIPS
Scholarship awards for transfer students are renewable annually if a student remains in good standing.
- $15,000 Transfer Scholarship - College GPA of 3.25, renewal 2.75 WLC GPA
- $13,000 Transfer Scholarship - College GPA of 2.75, renewal 2.25 WLC GPA
- $11,000 Transfer Scholarship - College GPA of 2.50, renewal 2.00 WLC GPA
- $7,000 Transfer Scholarship - College GPA of 2.25, renewal 2.00 WLC GPA
Additional Scholarships
Partners in Christian Education Scholarship
The Partners in Christian Education Scholarships is a $2,000 per year scholarship awarded to first-time, full-time freshmen graduating from a Christian high school. Transfer students who graduated from a Christian high school receive a $1,000 scholarship.
Fine Arts Scholarship
Fine Arts Scholarships are available in the areas of art, music and theatre. Scholarships range from $1,000 to $2,000 per year and are renewable. Scholarships are awarded by the respective departments.
Homeschool Scholarship
First-time, full-time freshmen who were homeschooled for high school. The award is $1,000 per year.
Endowed Scholarships
Numerous scholarships in varying amounts have been established by private donors. The majority of scholarships are awarded on a combination of both need and merit.
Restricted and/or Special Scholarships
Donors and foundations provide annual funds for special scholarships for upper-classmen with specific donor criteria.
Wisconsin Academic Excellence Scholarship
A $2,250 scholarship for selected valedictorians of Wisconsin high schools. One-half of the scholarship is funded by the state and the other half by Wisconsin Lutheran College.
Need-Based Grants
Grants are based on individual criteria as listed below. WLC grants are awarded to full-time students only.
WLC Regents Grant
Grants in varying amounts are reserved for students who demonstrate financial need. The amount may vary from year to year, depending on the federal need analysis and available funds.
WLC Out-of-State Grant
A grant program established to help full-time non-Wisconsin students who have financial need but are ineligible for any state aid. The grants range from $1000 - $3650. and are based upon the same formula as the State of Wisconsin uses.
Pell Grant
A federal grant, the Pell program provides direct need based grants ranging from $695 to $6495. Students enrolled for 3 credits or more may be eligible based on the expected family contribution established by the FAFSA.
Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG)
A federal program which provides funds for undergraduate students who are Pell recipients with exceptional financial need.
Wisconsin Grant
This program provides grants to students with financial need who are legal residents of the State of Wisconsin, enrolled at least half time, and have good academic standing. Students are eligible for a maximum of ten semesters. Grants range from $1000 - $3650.
Wisconsin Talent Incentive Program (TIP)
A state grant over and above all other forms of financial aid made to Wisconsin students who demonstrate exceptional need and meet certain state determined criteria. Maximum amount of $1,800.
Wisconsin Minority Grant Program
A state grant available to returning upper-classmen who are black, Hispanic, American Indian, Cambodian, Laotian, or Vietnamese; Wisconsin residents; and demonstrate financial need. Limited funds available.
Student Employment
Student employment falls into two categories: on-campus and off campus work.
On-campus Employment. Students are employed in a variety of jobs on campus. Interested students contact the financial aid office to determine their eligibility for employment. Students are hired under one of the following programs:
Work Study: There are two types of Work Study. Federal Work Study is a federally funded job in which the government and Wisconsin Lutheran College share the payroll cost of employing a student. Federal Work Study also provides the opportunity to work in community service positions. College Work Study is funded by Wisconsin Lutheran College. Students with lower expected family contributions established by the FAFSA may be eligible for Work Study. It is considered part of a student’s financial aid package. A student cannot earn more than the dollar amount of his or her Work Study award. Students who have been offered Work Study receive first priority in the job selection process before the beginning of the academic year.
Non-work Study: Students who are ineligible for work study receive their hourly wage through college funding.
Resident Hall Assistants: Upper-classmen interested in becoming involved in the personal growth experience of other students and leadership development may apply for the position of resident hall assistant. Application is made through the residence life office. Compensation is in the form of free room and board and a small monthly stipend.
Off-Campus Employment: Students seeking part-time community employment can check the Library bulletin board for job openings in the area or the WLC Handshake website. The college recommends that students limit their employment to no more than 20 hours per week in deference to academic priorities.
Loans
The Federal Direct Loan Program provides low interest loans to students enrolled at least half time and their parents. The lender is the U.S. Department of Education. The program has two main components: Direct Subsidized/Unsubsidized Loans for students and Direct PLUS Loans for parents.
Direct Subsidized Loans. Students with demonstrated financial need, as determined by federal regulations. No interest is charged while a student is enrolled at least half-time.
Direct Unsubsidized Loans. Not based on financial need; interest is charged during all periods, even during the time a student is in school and during grace and deferment periods.
Students may qualify for a combination of the two Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans up to the amounts listed.
| |
All Students |
Dependent Students |
Independent Students |
|
| |
Subsidized |
Total Direct Loan |
Total Direct Loan |
|
| FR |
$3,500 |
$5,500 |
$9,500 |
|
| SO |
$4,500 |
$6,500 |
$10,500 |
|
| JR/SR |
$5,500 |
$7,500 |
$12,500 |
|
Dependent undergraduate students may borrow a maximum total loan enrollment of $31,000 (maximum $23,000 subsidized). Independent undergraduate students are eligible for a maximum total loan amount of $57,500 (maximum $23,000 subsidized).
The interest rate for a 2021-22 subsidized loan is a fixed rate of 3.73%. The interest rate for an unsubsidized loan is a fixed rate of 3.73% for undergraduates and 5.28% for graduate students. A 1.057% origination fee is subtracted from the loan amount.
Direct PLUS Loan. This program makes loans available to parents of dependent students. These federally insured loans enable parents to borrow the total cost of education, minus other financial aid, for each student who is enrolled at least half time. The interest rate for each PLUS loan is a fixed rate at 6.28%. Origination fees of 4.228% are subtracted from the loan. In conjunction with the Direct PLUS Loan, WLC offers its PLUS Partner Program where WLC pays a portion of the interest while the student is enrolled at WLC.
Veterans
Students eligible for educational benefits from the Veterans Affairs (VA) should apply for entitlement through their local county veterans’ service offices or through any regional office of the VA prior to college registration. The VA will issue a Certificate of Eligibility. The student must send a copy of this to the WLC Financial Aid Office.
WLC is a participant in the Yellow Ribbon Program. The Yellow Ribbon Program is an agreement between WLC and the VA that guarantees full coverage of tuition and fees for veterans at the 100% eligibility level. WLC does not limit the number of Yellow Ribbon recipients it awards. Active Duty Personnel and spouses of Active Duty Personnel using Transferred Entitlement are not eligible for the Yellow Ribbon Program.
The policy for receipt of institutional scholarships or grants is the same for students with VA benefits as those without. WLC reduces institutional aid based on any outside aid or benefits that would result in the student’s cost of attendance being exceeded. VA benefit eligible students are not required to waive and do not lose eligibility for institutional aid if need exists within their cost of attendance budget or if they use up their benefits. They may save their months of VA eligibility for a future term and/or program.
Students receiving educational benefits from the VA must report immediately any change of program (adds, drops, withdrawal) to the college registrar’s office. The VA will be notified of any condition which would affect entitlement such as low grade point average, change in program, or probationary status.
Other Financial Assistance
Other sources of financial aid include the Department of Health and Social Services, private corporations or foundations, and civic organizations which sponsor scholarship programs.
Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) for Financial Aid Recipient
In accordance with federal regulations, Wisconsin Lutheran College requires that a student be making satisfactory academic progress toward a degree to be eligible for financial aid. Satisfactory academic progress is monitored both by a qualitative standard (GPA) and a quantitative standard (pace by which a student is completing his or her degree). Satisfactory academic progress will be reviewed at the end of each term of attendance including summer. All enrolled semesters are counted towards a student’s maximum number of semesters of eligibility even if a student doesn’t receive Title IV aid. Any financial aid recipient failing to meet SAP requirements at the end of a term of attendance receives written notification from the financial aid office informing them of their status along with a copy of the SAP policy.
Qualitative
- A student must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 at the end of each term of attendance except the first term of attendance where a 1.75 minimum cumulative GPA is required. Students who do not meet this requirement will be placed on financial aid warning for the next term of attendance
- A student on financial aid warning is eligible for financial aid, but the student must reestablish a minimum cumulative GPA by the end of the term. A student who does not reestablish the minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA will be placed on financial aid suspension and will not be eligible for financial aid for the next term of attendance. A student can regain Title IV eligibility for future terms once SAP standards are met during the term in which no aid was awarded.
Quantitative
Federal regulations determine the maximum time frame to complete a degree is within 150% of the length of the degree program. In accordance with this policy, WLC students must successfully complete at least 67% of their cumulative credits attempted.*
- A student not meeting the minimum percentage of credits attempted will be placed on financial aid warning for their next term of attendance
- A student on financial warning is still eligible for financial aid but the student must complete enough credits to meet the minimum percent by the end of the term. A student who does not complete enough credits to meet the minimum percent during the financial aid warning term will be placed on financial aid suspension and will not be eligible for financial aid for the next term of attendance. A student can regain Title IV eligibility for future terms once SAP standards are met during the term in which no aid was awarded. A student becomes ineligible for aid when it is mathematically impossible to complete the program within 150%.
*Further Details
- A student’s enrollment level is determined by what he or she is registered for as of the second Friday of each term.
- Attempted credits include all credit bearing courses in which a student remained enrolled in past the add/drop period - successfully completed credits (grades A -D), grades of F, incompletes (I), withdrawals (W), and repeated courses. Withdrawals (W) are not included in a student’s grade point average. In repeated courses, only the highest grade is used in computing the cumulative grade point average. Incompletes (I) are not included in a student’s grade point average until the course is completed. Grade changes that occur between formal SAP evaluations will cause a rechecking of SAP and any grade changes will be accounted for in the next scheduled SAP evaluation.
- A student who repeats a failed course will receive financial aid for the repeated course each time it is attempted. A person who repeats a previously passed course in order to receive a higher grade can only receive financial aid for the repeated course one time.
- Transfer credits accepted from other schools will be counted toward completion of the degree program as both hours attempted and hours completed regardless of whether aid was received for the courses and regardless of their treatment in a student’s current WLC degree requirements.
- Students who change majors or are seeking second undergraduate degrees are subject to the maximum timeframe component for undergraduate study. All credits and grades from the previous major count toward the new major in the satisfactory progress determination. A student who is seeking a second undergraduate degree will have SAP determined on the credits required for the second undergraduate degree.
Appeals
Students may appeal the suspension of their financial aid eligibility. Appeals should be submitted in writing to the financial aid office, addressed to the financial aid director. Students will be able to file an appeal due to extenuating circumstances such as health reasons, injuries, death of relative, family emergencies or other documented extenuating circumstances. Appeals must include why the student failed to make satisfactory progress and what has changed in the student’s situation that will allow them to make satisfactory academic progress at the next evaluation point. A student will be notified in writing if a student’s appeal is denied. The denial will include why the appeal was denied and what the student needs to do to reestablish his or her eligibility to receive Title IV assistance. Students are limited to two suspension appeal requests throughout their enrollment at WLC.
Financial Aid Probation
A student whose appeal has been approved will be placed on financial aid probation for the next term of attendance and eligible for aid. While on financial aid probation, the student must reestablish a minimum cumulative 2.0 GPA and complete at least 67% of cumulative credits attempted. Failure to do so will result in suspension of financial aid for the next term of attendance and any future terms until SAP standards are met.
Academic Plan
A student on financial aid probation may have an Academic Plan developed on an individual basis. Plans are developed and monitored by the Dean of Student Success in conjunction with an Academic Dean and the student’s academic advisor. An Academic Plan could include certain performance requirements, a limited credit load, only certain courses to be taken, required meetings with an academic advisor, use of the Academic Success Center, or use of Counseling Services. Failure to meet the Academic Plan requirements will result in suspension of financial aid for the next term of attendance.
Refund and Repayment Policies
Refund and repayment policies apply to a student who withdraws or is terminated during the semester. It does not apply to a student who withdraws from some classes but continues to be enrolled in other classes. A refund is the difference between the amount paid towards institutional charges (including financial aid and/or cash paid) and the amount the school may retain under the appropriate refund policy. Refunds are based on the student’s withdrawal date. The refund process begins with the completion of a student withdrawal form with the Dean of Student Success and Retention.
Institutional Refund Policy
The student may be eligible to receive a refund of a portion of institutional charges through Wisconsin Lutheran College’s refund policy. Wisconsin Lutheran College’s Refund Policy exists for calculating the refund of institutional charges. Wisconsin Lutheran College’s Traditional-Undergraduate Institutional Refund Policy is as follows:
Students who withdraw from Wisconsin Lutheran College will receive a prorated refund of educational fees and housing/meal fees, according to the following schedule:
| During first week of classes |
90 percent |
| During second week |
80 percent |
| During third week |
60 percent |
| During fourth week |
40 percent |
| During fifth week |
20 percent |
| After fifth week |
none |
All institutional and state aid funds are prorated and refunded according to the same schedule.
Refunds and the “Return of Title IV Funds”
If a student withdraws or is expelled from Wisconsin Lutheran College, then the school or the student may be required to return some of the federal funds awarded to the student. If the student received financial assistance from outside of the family, then a portion of the refund will be returned to the grant, scholarship or loan source from which the assistance was received. The federal Return of Title IV Funds formula determines how much of the federal funding was “earned” up to the time of withdrawal and the amount that was disbursed in excess of the earned amount. This “unearned” amount must be returned to the federal government by the school and/or the student. A student who will be withdrawing should contact the Dean of Student Success and Retention and complete a student withdrawal form to begin the withdrawal process.
Return of Title IV Calculation
The federal formula requires a return of Title IV aid if the student received federal financial assistance (Pell Grant, Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, Direct Loan or PLUS Loan) other than Federal Work Study and withdrew on or before completing 60% of the semester. The amount to be refunded to the federal government will be calculated from the date a student officially notifies Wisconsin Lutheran College of their intent to withdraw from classes. In case of an unofficial withdrawal, the amount to be refunded will be based on the last date a student was involved in an academically related activity. The percentage of Title IV aid to be returned is equal to the number of calendar days remaining in the semester divided by the number of calendar days in the semester. Any scheduled breaks of five or more consecutive days are excluded.
Student who fail to earn a passing grade in any class in a semester due to ceasing attendance in class and have not officially withdrawn will be considered, for Title IV purposes, to have unofficially withdrawn. Wisconsin Lutheran College will perform a Return of Title IV Funds calculation based on the student’s last date of attendance. If the student’s last date of attendance cannot be documented, the date equivalent to 50% of the semester will be used in the calculation.
Allocating Refunds and Repayments
When distributing a refund or repayment, money must first be distributed in the following order as allocated by law:
- Direct Unsubsidized Loans
- Direct Subsidized Loans
- PLUS Loans
- Federal Pell Grants
- Federal SEOG
- Other Title IV Assistance
- State, Private, or Institutional Aid
- The Student
Federal dollars are returned in full up to the amount of the Title IV refund, which is the amount of funds that the student does not earn. Any unearned Title IV aid must be returned within 45 days of the date of determination of the student’s withdrawal. If any funds remain, after the return of Title IV aid, they are used to repay Wisconsin Lutheran college funds, state funds, other private sources, and the student in proportion to the amount received from each non-federal source as long as there was no unpaid balance at the time of withdrawal. If there was an unpaid balance, then all aid sources are repaid before any funds are returned to the student. Wisconsin Lutheran College will notify the student in writing of the amount the student must repay as a result of the Return of Title IV funds calculation.
The student is responsible for all unearned Title IV program assistance that the school is not required to return. The student loans that remain outstanding consist of the loans disbursed to the student minus any loans the school repaid as determined by the Return of Title IV calculation. If funds were released to a student because of a credit balance on the student’s account, then the student may be required to repay some of the federal grants if the student withdraws. The amount of grant overpayment due from a student is limited to the amount by which the original grant overpayment exceeds half of the total Title IV grant funds disbursed and could have been disbursed to the student. The student would receive money only after all financial aid programs have been refunded. Typically, a student who received federal aid does not receive a cash refund. If a student owes unpaid charges to the school, the student’s account is automatically credited with a portion of the student’s refund up to the amount owed by the student. Any remaining Title IV credit balance fund will be disbursed within 14 days of the date that Wisconsin Lutheran College performed the Return of Title IV calculation.
If you did not receive all of the funds that you earned, you may be due a Post-withdrawal disbursement. If your Post-withdrawal disbursement includes loan funds, Wisconsin Lutheran College will notify a student, or parent for a Direct Parent PLUS Loan, in writing prior to making any post-withdrawal disbursement of loan funds within 30 days of the date of determination that the student has withdrawn. Wisconsin Lutheran College must get your permission before it can disburse them. You may choose to decline some or all of the loan funds so that you don’t incur additional debt. If the student or parent does not respond within 14 days Wisconsin Lutheran College is not required to make the post-withdrawal loan disbursement. Wisconsin Lutheran College may automatically use all or a portion of your Post-withdrawal disbursement of grant funds for tuition, fees, and room and board charges (as contracted with the school). The school needs your permission to use the Post-withdrawal grant disbursement for all other school charges. If you do not give your permission you will be offered the funds. However, it may be in your best interest to allow the school to keep the funds to reduce your debt at the school. For any amount of a post-withdrawal grant disbursement not credited to the student’s account to cover allowable charges, the school must make the disbursement as soon as possible but no later than 45 days after the date of the school’s determination that the student withdrew.
Detailed rules and examples of the refund calculations, as defined by federal statute, are available on request from the financial aid office.
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