Graduate Admissions
Requirements for Admission - MA:
- Completion of a baccalaureate program at a regionally accredited institution;
- MA Program Recommendation Forms completed by two individuals to attest to candidate’s readiness for graduate study;
- Submission of MA online application;
- Official transcripts of all post-secondary coursework;
- Professional writing sample which demonstrates research capability and proper citation recommended;
- Personal goal statement per guidelines;
Requirements for Admission - MA Transition to Teaching:
- Completion of a baccalaureate program at a regionally accredited institution;
- MA Program Recommendation Forms completed by two individuals to attest to candidate’s readiness for graduate study and work with K-12 learners;
- Submission of MA online application;
- Official transcripts of all post-secondary coursework;
- Professional writing sample which demonstrates research capability and proper citation recommended;
- Personal goal statement per guidelines;
- Disclosure questionnaire and background check;
- Interview with the Director of Teacher Education or their designee;
- Entrance cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 with a 2.75 in the subject area major/minor. (Exit GPA requirement is a 3.0 or better.)
- Proof student has passed the Core Test, has corresponding ACT/SAT scores within 5 years or equivalency GPA in identified coursework.
Requirements for Admission - MA Administrative Specialty with Licensure:
- Completion of a baccalaureate program at a regionally accredited institution;
- MA Program Recommendation Forms completed by two individuals to attest to candidate’s readiness for graduate study and prior teaching abilities;
- Submission of MA online application;
- Official transcripts of all post-secondary coursework;
- Professional writing sample which demonstrates research capability and proper citation recommended;
- Personal goal statement per guidelines;
- Disclosure questionnaire and background check;
- Evidence of teaching licensure and years of teaching;
- Interview with the Director of Teacher Education or their designee;
- Entrance cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 with a 3.0 in the subject area major/minor. (Exit GPA requirement is a 3.0 or better.)
Requirements for Admission - Post-Baccalaureate Certification
- Completion of a baccalaureate program at a regionally accredited institution;
- Letter of recommendation from principal or school administrator;
- Interview with the Director of Teacher Education or their designee
- Proof student has passed the Core Test, has corresponding ACT/SAT scores within 5 years or equivalency GPA in identified coursework.
- Submission of online application;
- Official transcripts of all post-secondary coursework;
- Disclosure questionnaire and background check;
- Entrance cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 with a 3.0 in the subject area major/minor. (Exit GPA requirement is a 3.0 or better.)
Requirements for Admission - Non-Degree Courses:
- Completion of a baccalaureate program at a regionally accredited institution;
- Submission of online application;
- Official transcripts of all post-secondary coursework (related certificate work);
International Students
International applicants for admission to the ADC program should contact the registrar’s office for information and assistance. Three general criteria are considered for acceptance:
- 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;
- Letter of recommendation;
- Official English translation of international transcripts from an accredited agency;
- 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
Wisconsin Lutheran College issues a student an 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 has paid the deposit for an academic year.
Readmission
Students who honorably withdrew from the college may reapply using the MA Application.
Students seeking readmission after academic suspension may apply for readmission after the lapse of two semesters. Students must complete an interview with the Dean of Professional Studies before an application for readmission is accepted. Those applications are reviewed by the Graduate Standards Council.
Upon readmission the student’s previous work remains as part of the official academic record, but the academic standing is determined only on the basis of the credits attempted and grade points earned at WLC following readmission. Students should be aware that employers, graduate schools, and accrediting agencies may evaluate their entire academic record.
Transfer Credit Policy
Wisconsin Lutheran College accepts transfer credits from accredited institutions on a case by case basis. There is a limit of six (6) credits which may be transferred to receive a graduate degree from WLC; transfer students must complete all degree requirements of the specific program.
Transfer credit is awarded for those courses in which as student receives a grade of BC (2.5 on a 4.0 scale) or higher. Please see the Registrar’s Office for detailed transfer credit policies not addressed in this section.
Transfer Non-Accredited Institutions
Even though the absence of accreditation of an institution raises questions about the nature and quality of its programs, the College acknowledges that such institutions may not be accredited for a variety of reasons related to mission, sponsoring entity, or other legitimate reasons. WLC is willing to review credentials from unaccredited institutions at the student’s written request. An official transcript and a copy of the institution’s catalog must accompany that written request.
If, for some reason, that institution has been denied accreditation, then WLC must abide by the stipulations of the regional accrediting body. Usually in those cases, students have been informed of their rights and their transcripts should reflect information useful for communicating with future institutions.
If courses are accepted, then all other transfer credit policies apply as to grades and maximum number of credits, etc. It is the student’s responsibility to gather essential materials if requested to provide additional information regarding the nature of the academic program of study. Upon acceptance of the coursework and/or degree for entry into the program, the student is considered provisionally admitted until at least six (6) credits have been earned in the post baccalaureate and/or Master’s program.
Age of Transfer Credits
No restrictions are placed on the age of transfer credits as long as they meet the criteria for transferability; however, regional accreditation must have been held by the granting institution at the time the courses were taken. Certain licensure programs may have time limit requirements on courses used to satisfy the major.
Transfer Credit After Enrollment
Once enrolled, students are to obtain permission from the Registrar’s Office or the college dean to have coursework from another institution accepted in transfer. Grade point deficiencies at WLC cannot be made up with transfer course credit.
Repeated Courses
Courses count only once in total credits earned. If a student repeats a course at WLC which was previously accepted for credit at the time of transfer, the transferred credits are removed from the student’s record.
Credit Hour Equivalencies
WLC operates on a semester system. Transfer credits based on a different unit of credit are converted to semester credits before being transferred.
Financial Aid
Wisconsin Lutheran College processes federal student aid for graduate students seeking financial assistance intended to supplement personal and family resources. Federal student aid eligibility is based on U.S. Department of Education enrollment regulations. For financial aid purposes full-time student status for graduate (MA; master’s program) students is established as a minimum of six credit hours per semester; half-time status is a minimum of three credit hours per semester. The amount of financial aid awarded is based on the qualified financial need as determined primarily by the Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA).
Students seeking only certficates do not qualify for financial aid.
How to Apply
Complete and submit the FAFSA online, listing Wisconsin Lutheran College as the recipient of the application information. (WLC’s code is 014658.) Filing the FAFSA can be done electronically at www.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.
Adjustment of Aid Award. Students who receive private (non-WLC) scholarships, grants, loans, or employer tuition reimbursement 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. Adjustment may also be made if there are changes in a family’s financial situation during the academic year or if a student’s enrollment status changes.
Federal grants are awarded to eligible undergraduate students who have not earned a bachelor’s or professional degree. The grant amount is based on the expected family contribution established by the FAFSA.
Student Employment
Federal Work Study (FWS): A federally funded program established to expand part-time employment opportunities for students, particularly those with low expected family contributions established by the FAFSA. Only those students with demonstrated financial need are eligible to participate. If awarded, FWS is considered part of a student’s financial aid package. Interested students should contact the Financial Aid Office to determine their eligibility for Federal Work Study employment. The nature (i.e. schedule, limited hours, pay-rate) of FWS positions on campus may not be conducive to students in the Adult and Graduate Studies program.
Loans
The Federal Direct Loan Program provides low interest loans to students and parents. The lender is the U.S. Department of Education. The program has two main components: Direct Subsidized and 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 halftime.
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.
Undergraduate 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 |
Graduate students may qualify for a maximum annual direct unsubsidized loan limit of $20,500.
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). Graduate students may borrow a maximum total loan amount of $138,500.
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 is reviewed at the end of each term of attendance including summer.
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 are 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 is placed on financial aid suspension and is not eligible for financial aid for the next term of attendance.
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 are 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 is placed on financial aid suspension and is not eligible for financial aid for the next term of attendance.
* Further Details
- Attempted credits include successfully completed credits (grades A -D), earned F’s, incomplete, withdrawal and courses that were grade replaced.
- Transfer credits accepted from other schools are counted toward completion of the degree program as both hours attempted and hours completed.
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 a 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. 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. 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 academic advisor in conjunction with the Dean. An Academic Plan could include certain performance requirements, a limited credit load, only certain courses to be taken, required meetings with an academic advisor or use of the Academic Success Center. Failure to meet the Academic Plan requirement results 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 Academic Advisor and Dean of the College of Professional Studies.
Refunds and the “Return of Title IV Funds”
Wisconsin Lutheran College’s Refund Policy exists for calculating the refund of institutional charges. The federal “Return of Title IV Funds” formula dictates the amount of Federal Title IV aid that must be returned to the federal government by the school and the student. The federal formula is applicable to a student receiving federal aid other than Federal Work Study if that student withdraws on or before the 60% point in time in the semester. The student may also receive a refund of institutional charges through Wisconsin Lutheran College’s refund policy. The amount of refund of institutional charges is the greater of the amount the school must return to federal Title IV programs or the amount determined by Wisconsin Lutheran College’s Refund Policy.
Wisconsin Lutheran College’s Adult and Graduate Studies Refund Policy is as follows:
Course drop:
During week 1 of the course only, student is unregistered from the course with no tuition charges; the course is not listed on the transcript
Course withdrawal:
After week 1 until Monday of week 6; after week 1 until Wednesday of week 12 for cross module, student receives a grade of “W” for the course with full course tuition charges applied. Course and grade are listed on the transcript.
The federal formula requires a return of Title IV aid if the student received federal financial assistance in the form of a Pell Grant, Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, TIP Grant, Direct Loan or PLUS Loan and withdrew on or before completing 60% of the semester. 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. Scheduled breaks of more than four consecutive days are excluded. If any funds are to be returned 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.
Note: If funds are 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.
Allocating Refunds and Repayments
When distributing a refund or repayment, money must first be distributed in the following order as allocated by law. Federal dollars are returned in full up to the amount of the Title IV refund. Remaining monies are pro-rated and allocated among state, private, and institution sources up to the refund percentage.
- 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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