Expenses and Student Aid

Heidelberg University is a privately supported, non-profit, church-related university. Tuition fees paid by students cover a major part of the instructional and operating costs of the University. The balance of these costs is provided by income from endowments representing gifts from many friends since the University was founded and by current gifts and contributions from individuals, corporations, alumni and the United Church of Christ. The cost of the student is thus kept to an amount consistent with adequate facilities and instruction of high quality. Heidelberg University reserves the right to change tuition, fees and other charges as the economic situation dictates.

Tuition and Fees 2024-2025

Tuition adjustments will not be made for reduction in academic hours after the first week of classes unless approved by the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost of the University, in which case the refund policy will apply.

No student may have a transcript of his or her record or receive a degree until all obligations to the University are met.

Heidelberg University is a non-profit institution of higher learning. As such, student receivable accounts are considered to be educational loans offered for the sole purpose of financing an edu­cation and are not dischargeable in bankruptcy proceedings.

Average Estimated Budget

Returning Students (Students Entering prior to 2021):

The preceding estimated charges are for a student taking not more than 18 semester hours, per semester and having a double room in the residence hall.

New Students entering in Fall 2021, Fall 2022, Fall 2023, Fall 2024:

The preceding estimated charges are for a student taking not more than 18 semester hours, per semester and having a double room in the residence hall.

Payment Options and Billing Information

The University offers three plans for payment of tuition, room and board. Information regarding payment plans will be sent to the mailing address on file with the Registrar’s Office. For international students, tuition and fees are due at the beginning of each semester and must arrive at Heidelberg three days prior to arriving on campus.

Two-payment Plan

This plan, beginning August 1, enables students to pay room, board and tuition costs on a semester basis. No contract fee is required.

Four-payment Plan

This plan allows you to pay tuition, room and board in four payments, two during the first semester and two during the second semester. A contract fee of $45 is required and nonrefundable.

Eight-payment Plan

This plan, beginning August 1, enables students to pay room, board and tuition costs on a monthly basis over an eight-month period. A contract fee of $45 is required and non-refundable.

Due Dates for Fee Payment for 2024-2025

Once you are on a payment plan and making payments, the payments must be received no later than ten days after the due date. Payments are due the 1st of each month. If you miss two consecutive payments on the payment plan, you will be canceled from the payment plan. The contract fee is non-refundable. In order to complete registration, all payment arrangements must be made prior to the beginning of class each semester. Failure to do so will result in the cancellation of the registration. Any arrangements for loans for financial aid should be made well in advance of each semester so that all fees are paid by the time they are due. A 1% interest charge is assessed to all unpaid balances that are not on a payment plan.

Participation in commencement, issuance of a diploma or transcript, or registration for a succeeding semester is dependent upon the student paying all financial obligations to the Business Office. Tuition and Fees help pay for the facilities and services available to students and are not based on an individual’s use of facilities or services, such as free admission to all regular-season athletic events and most campus programs, events, and activities.

VA Benefits Paid Directly to the University

In compliance with the Veterans Benefits and Transition Act of 2018, students receiving VA benefits paid directly to the University (Chapter 31 or Chapter 33) will not be penalized with interest charges due to delayed payment or eligibility notification from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. If interest has been applied to the account, it will be removed when payment is received. Students will be allowed to begin classes prior to the receipt to VA payment. No other penalties or access to facilities will be charged.

Enrollment for Persons 65 or Older

Persons 65 years or older may enroll in undergraduate courses for half tuition. Or, they may elect to enroll in undergraduate courses without credit or examination (Audit). Both options are on a spaceavailable basis and require permission of the instructor and the Office of Admission. The reduced fee schedule does not apply to non-traditional courses. The reduced fee to officially audit a course is $50.00.

Schedule of Charges

Enrollment fee for first-year and transfer students: $250.00
Application fee: $25.00
(This fee is non-refundable from the date of remittance and is not affected by the disposition of
the application for admission.)

Room rates in residence halls per semester:

Brown, France, Krieg, Miller, and Talmage Halls:

King Hall:

Rates per semester unless otherwise noted.

Meal Plans, per semester:
Unlimited Meal Plan with $150 Berg Bucks: $3,045
Unlimited Meal Plan with $250 Berg Bucks: $3,098
Unlimited Meal Plan with $350 Berg Bucks: $3,300
Apartment Meal Plan: $1,680

American Junior Year Expenses (USD)

Tuition:

Full Academic Year - (September to July): $31,000
Fall Semester - (September to December): $15,000
Full Fall Semester - (September to February): $15,500
Spring Semester - (March to July): $15,500
Summer 2024 Program: $6,030

Housing Rates:

Full Academic Year - (September to July): $5,600
Fall Semester - (September to December): $2,800
Full Fall Semester - (September to February): $2,800
Spring Semester - (March to July): $2,800

Withdrawal Policy and Return of Title IV Funds Policy

The University has a formal withdrawal process. Students choosing to withdraw from Heidelberg must contact the Dean of Student Affairs Office on the third floor of the Campus Center. Students must then talk to a representative from the Financial Aid Office and the Business Office before the withdrawal is official. The official withdrawal date is then determined and communicated to other campus officials. Students who withdraw prior to completing more than 60% of an enrollment period will have their eligibility for aid recalculated based on the percent of the term completed. The law assumes that you “earn” your federal financial aid awards directly in proportion to the number of days of the term you attend. The percentage of Title IV funds earned shall be calculated as follows:

Number of days completed by student
Total number of days in term = Percent of term completed

Example: If you complete 30% of the semester, you earn 30% of the federal assistance you were originally eligible to receive. The Federal guidelines require that we refund the 70% of unused funds in the following order: Unsubsidized Stafford Loan, Subsidized Stafford Loan, PLUS, Pell Grant, SEOG, and TEACH.

This policy governs all Federal grant and loan programs, including Federal Pell Grant, Federal SEOG, and Federal Stafford Loans. The University will use the tuition adjustment percentage for the university and state fund adjustment. Please contact the Director of Financial Aid with specific questions concerning the refund calculation.

Tuition Adjustments

Students who totally withdraw from the University will have their tuition charges adjusted by 10% per week through the 60% of the enrollment period. There will be no refund of tuition charges after 60% of the enrollment period has passed. Please see the Business Manager for specific information.

Students who withdraw from a class but not from the University will have their tuition charges adjusted according to the Tuition Adjustment Schedule. Please note that falling below full time status could affect your Financial Aid eligibility. Please visit the Financial Aid office for more information prior to withdrawing from a class to see how it will affect your award.

Room and Board Adjustments

Students who totally withdraw from the University will have their room and board charges adjusted by 10% per week through the 60% of the enrollment period. There will be no refund of room and board charges after 60% of the enrollment period has passed. Please see the Business Manager for specific information.

Military Deployment Adjustments

For military deployment adjustments plrease refer to the Military Withdrawal policy in the Academic Policies and Resouce Section.

Student Financial Aid

Heidelberg University awards financial assistance to students based on financial need, academic merit and special circumstances. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Renewal FAFSA is required for all need-based assistance. The FAFSA is available each year beginning October 1. Students are encouraged to file their FAFSA no later than April 1 for timely processing. The application is electronic and can be found at www.studentaid.gov.

Heidelberg University feels the primary responsibility for financing a student’s education rests with the family. Financial aid is based upon the family’s ability to contribute. Dependency guidelines for the FAFSA form are determined by Congress and are different from those of the IRS. The majority of students are considered to be dependent on their parents unless special conditions apply. Even if a student fully supports himself/herself, pays his/her own bills and files his/her own taxes, the student may still be considered a dependent student for federal aid purposes. Students who believe they qualify as an Independent Student should contact the Financial Aid office to verify eligibility.

The FAFSA calculatesa Student Aid Index(SAI) based on an assessment of family income, assets, and number of dependents in the household. Financial aid eligibility is determined utilizing this Federal Methodology (FM). The FAFSA no longer takes into consideration the number of dependants enrolled in secondary education. Families experiencing a hardship due to multiple dependents enrolled should reachout to the office of Financial Aid for an appeal.

Heidelberg University is a NCAA Division III school and a member of the Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) and complies with all rules and regulations governing student athletes.

Approximately 98% of students on the Heidelberg University campus receive financial assistance in one or a combination of sources.

Heidelberg University students are awarded over 35 million dollars annually in scholarships, grants, loans and jobs from Federal, State and University sources. Federal Programs that assist Heidelberg students include: Pell Grant, Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG), Direct Student Loan, Federal Work-Study, and TEACH. State assistance includes: Ohio College Opportunity Grant (OCOG), Gear Up, Ohio Safety Officers College Memorial Fund, Ohio War Orphans, Ohio National Guard, Choose Ohio First and the Governor’s Merit Scholarship. Please contact the Financial Aid Office for more information about these programs.

Students who have graduated with a bachelors degree and are pursuing a second bachelors degree are considered a second-degree student. Students who have completed all coursework required for an undergraduate degree and are eligible to graduate would also be classified as second-degree when applying for future aid. Second-degree students are only eligible for federal loans or private loan options. Loan eligibility will be based on what has been borrowed as an undergraduate student.

Scholarships and Grants

The following merit based scholarships are available to first-time (or transfer students with an Associates Degree), full-time students upon their acceptance to Heidelberg University for the 2024-25 academic year. All awards are based on overall admission application and seventh semester high school GPA. Scholarships are renewable based on achieving Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP).

• Presidential Scholarship - $20,000
• Dean’s Scholarship - $17,000
• Faculty Scholarship - $15,000
• Academic Award - $10,000
• Prince Promise - $5,000

Heidelberg Scholars Event

Based upon high school GPA, a select group of students are invited to attend one of our Scholars Day events. Scholars Day is an opportunity for students to experience our campus on a deeper level. Any student that attends this event will be awarded an additional financial award from Heidelberg in addition to their current academic award.

Heidelberg University also makes available the following scholarships and grants to new students for 2024-25 academic year:

Alumni Family Grant - Awarded to students whose parent, grandparent or sibling or other family mambers graduated from Heidelberg. Must meet satisfactory academic progress for renewal.

UCC Tuition Grant - Awarded to students who are members of the United Church of Christ. A letter of recommendation by their minister is required. UCC students are guaranteed this award regardless of need. The guideline for renewal is compliance with satisfactory academic progress.

Grants to Children of UCC Ministers - Awarded to children of ordained UCC ministers and full-time missionaries. Verification of eligibility is required. The guideline for renewal is compliance with satisfactory academic progress standards.

Out-of-State Grant - Awarded to students from a state other than Ohio who live on campus as a first year student.

University Grant - Additional University grant dollars may be awarded to meet a student’s need based upon Heidelberg’s packaging policy and available funds.

Transfer Academic Scholarship - This award ranges from $13,000-$17,000 per year. Students must have attempted at least 15 semester hours or 23 quarter hours and earned a minimum 2.5 or higher GPA. Full-time enrollment status is required.

Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship - Awarded to students who are members of the Phi Theta Kappa Honorary, have earned at least 15 semester or 23 quarter hours and earned a 3.5 GPA or higher. Documentation of membership is required.

The total of all Heidelberg gift assistance cannot exceed full tuition plus fees. Renewal of all sources of financial aid is contingent upon maintaining Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) and full time status. Graduating Seniors in their final semester who opt for part time status may appeal for their Financial Aid to be prorated for their final semester.

Yellow Ribbon Program

The Yellow Ribbon Program allows eligible military veterans to attend Heidelberg tuition-free for up to four years. The Yellow Ribbon Program is a provision of the Post-9/11 Veterans Education Assistance Act of 2008. As a participant in the program, Heidelberg pledges to cover 50 percent of any tuition and fees that remain after Post-9/11 benefits have been awarded by an eligible service member. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs will match the Heidelberg contribution to cover military veteran’s tuition and fees in full.

Eligibility includes those military veterans who have served at least 36 months of active duty after September 10, 2001, as well as those veterans who have served 30 continuous days after September 10, 2001, and who were honorably discharged from active duty for a service-connected disability. Eligibility also extends to dependents who qualify for Transfer of Entitlement under the Post-9/11 GI Bill® based on a veteran’s service under the eligibility criteria listed above.

Additional information about the Yellow Ribbon Program and the Post-9/11 Veterans Education Assistance Act can be obtained through the Heidelberg Financial Aid Office. GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

Collegiate Purple Star

The Collegiate Purple Star will recognize those public and independent colleges and universities in Ohio that are supportive and inclusive of military-connected students. Designations will be determined by a Collegiate Purple Star Advisory Committee after evaluation and recommendation. The advisory committee will be appointed by the Chancellor and composed of members from organizations that include but aren’t limited to ODHE, the Ohio Veterans Education Council (with representation from two-year colleges, four-year universities, and independent institutions), the Ohio Department of Veterans Services, the Ohio Adjutant General’s Department, and the Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission K-12 Purple Star Committee.

Federal Student Aid Programs (Title IV)

The following sources of federal aid are administered at Heidelberg. Grants are financial aid that students don’t have to pay back. Work-Study allows students to work and earn money to help pay for school or other expenses. Loans are borrowed money that must be repaid with interest.

Federal Pell Grant - A need-based grant with amounts ranging from $740-7,395. Eligibility is determined by the federal methodology based upon the information provided on the FAFSA.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG) - A need-based grant with amounts ranging from $100-1,000 per year. A student must be full-time and Pell eligible.

Federal Work-Study - Provides jobs for students with financial need, allowing students to earn money to help pay their educational expenses. Awards range from $800-2,000 per year.

TEACH Grant (Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education) - A new program which began in 2008-09 awards up to $4,000 grant for students interested in education. Students must have a 3.25 GPA and agree to teach in a high-need field and low income school.

Federal Direct Loans - These guaranteed loans are the Department of Education’s major form of self-help aid for students. First-year students can borrow up to $5,500 with no more than $3,500 being subsidized, sophomores up to $6,500 with no more than $4,500 being subsidized, and juniors and seniors up to $7,500 with no more than $5,500 being subsidized.

There are two types of Direct Loans, subsidized and unsubsidized. The subsidized loan is awarded based upon need. No interest is charged during the in-school period. The unsubsidized loan is awarded regardless of need. Students are responsible for the interest that accumulates during the in-school and deferment period. Repayment begins 6 months after graduation or when the student is enrolled less than half-time and is over a ten year payment period.

Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS) - Parents of dependent undergraduate students are eligible to borrow up to the cost of education minus the student’s financial aid. Parents must have good credit. Repayment begins 60 days after the second disbursement or can be deferred until the student graduates and is over a ten-year repayment schedule. Please contact the Financial Aid Office before borrowing.

State of Ohio Programs

The State Grants and Scholarships Department of the Ohio Department of Higher Education offers the following financial aid sources that Heidelberg administers.

Ohio College Opportunity Grant (OCOG) - Need-based, Ohio resident. Must complete the FAFSA by October 1. Students with an SAI of 3750 or less are awarded $5,000 for 2024-25.

War Orphan Scholarship - Children of deceased or severely disabled Ohio veterans who served during a period of war or declared conflict. Award amount upto  $6,818 for 2024-25.

Choose Ohio First - Awards up to $5,000 in competitive scholarship funding to support undergraduate and qualifying graduate students in eligible STEM related academic programs.

Governor’s Merit Scholarship - Provides up to $5,000 per year in financial assistance to high school seniors who are identified as graduating in the top 5% of their class.

Other programs include: the Ohio Safety Officers College Memorial Fund and the Ohio National Guard.

Outside Scholarships

Students are encouraged to explore financial sources above and beyond the programs administered through the Financial Aid Office at Heidelberg University. Many organizations, communities and high schools have scholarship and/or loan programs available to students that meet certain criteria.

If a student is a recipient of an outside scholarship and has received federal financial aid, review of their total award is required. Outside funds will first be applied to the student’s unmet financial need. Adjustments to the student’s self-help, loans and/or work will be made before reducing the University grant.

Undergraduate Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy for Financial Aid Eligibility

Federal regulations require that schools monitor the academic progress of each applicant for federal financial assistance and that the school verifies the student is making satisfactory academic progress toward earning a degree. This evaluation of academic progress is done annually at the completion of the spring semester by the Financial Aid Office.

All sources of financial assistance administered by the Financial Aid Office are governed by this policy.

New Federal policy, as of July 1, 2011, requires that we set a qualitative standard (grade point average) as well as a quantitative standard (credit hours) which specifies the pace at which the student must progress to graduate within the maximum time-frame established by Heidelberg.

Maximum hours/years to earn a degree: To quantify academic progress, a school must set a maximum time frame in which a student is expected to complete a program. For an undergraduate program, the maximum time frame cannot exceed 150% of the published length of the program measured in credit hours attempted and, also, years.

• Undergraduate programs require 120 hours for graduation. The maximum time frame for students is 180 attempted hours (120 x 1.5=180). Students whose program may require more than 120 hours for a degree will have a higher limit.

Heidelberg undergraduate programs normally are completed by the end of 4 years of full time enrollment. Therefore, the maximum time frame in years for a full-time student to complete their degree requirements is 6 years (4 x 1.5=6).

• Credit hour/quantitative requirement: Students must demonstrate measurable progress towards earning a degree by successfully completing at least 67% of all courses attempted.
• An attempted credit includes graded courses (A, B, C, D, F, FN, FAHV, P, U, S) and nongraded courses (I, W, WF). Attempted hours also include any transfer hours accepted toward the student’s degree by Heidelberg. Grades of W, WF, F, FN, U, and I are not considered successful completion and are not, therefore, counted in earned credits. Repeated courses are included in attempted credits and courses with passing grades are treated as earned. Audits are not included in attempted or earned credits.
• To calculate the percentage of credits you have earned; total all attempted credits and all earned credits. Then divide the number of earned credits by the number of attempts.

Total Earned Credits/Total Attempted Credits=Percentage completed

For example: 18/24=75%, 24/30=80%, 20/30=66.7%

• Withdrawals: Grades of W are counted as courses attempted.
• Incompletes: An I is not counted in hours passed until a grade is assigned.
• Audits: No credit is earned for audited courses. They are not included in attempted hours.
• Transfer credits: All transfer hours accepted by Heidelberg are counted in the maximum time frame measurement and therefore are included in attempted and earned hours.

Grade point average requirement/qualitative requirement: At the end of their first year a student must earn a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0.

Students must meet Heidelberg’s SAP standards to be eligible for financial aid funds for their next term of enrollment. In order to regain eligibility the student must meet the stated quantitative and qualitative requirements. Students have two options to regain eligibility:

1. Successfully complete coursework that improves Heidelberg cumulative gpa and/or completion rate to meet the required standards, or
2. Appeal to the Office of Financial Aid SAP committee for reconsideration based upon extenuating circumstances (review right to appeal requirements).

Notification: Students not meeting SAP requirements are notified first by campus and home email address as well as by letter mailed to their permanent mailing address, as indicated in Banner/OASIS, in mid to late June after the Financial Aid Office staff has reviewed grades and progress. Students are responsible for keeping their address current or having mail forwarded to them during the summer months. The notification letter will state that the student is not meeting SAP requirements and what the student needs to regain eligibility.

Unless an appeal is granted for extenuating circumstances, a student can regain eligibility only by coming into compliance with the standards of academic progress.

Right to Appeal: Students have the right to appeal any decision of ineligibility to continue to receive financial assistance. Appeals must be made before the next enrollment term after the aid eligibility has been lost.

• The appeal may not be based upon the need for financial assistance, poor study habits, course overload or the lack of knowledge that financial assistance was in jeopardy.
• An appeal would normally be based upon some unusual situation or condition which prevented the student from passing courses, or which required withdrawal from class. Such circumstances could include documented student illness or injury, family illness or the death of a family member, loss due to natural disaster, victim of crime or abuse or significant breakdown of family relationship.
• Appeals can only be approved by the Financial Aid Appeals Committee and are separate from admission, academic, or athletic decisions. A completed Heidelberg University SAP Appeals Form is required.
• The appeal must include a typed statement explaining the extenuating circumstances, how the circumstances have been addressed, and the student’s college goals. Documentation is also required such as hospital records, death certificate, statement from a third party, etc.
• Students’ appeals which are granted are considered to be on Financial Aid Probation. Probation status requires the student to submit an academic plan that outlines how they will meet SAP standards. This plan is developed with the help of the Financial Aid staff and/or an academic advisor. The plan will be reviewed and monitored by the Financial Aid staff.

Please complete the Heidelberg University SAP Appeal Form.

The mere passage of time will not ordinarily restore eligibility to a student who has lost eligibility for failure to make satisfactory academic progress.

Students who have been academically dismissed by the University but who are subsequently given permission to re-enroll are not automatically eligible for financial aid funding, SAP requirements must be met. Admission decisions are totally separate from financial aid decisions.

Repeated Coursework for Financial Aid

Federal regulation limits the number of times a student may repeat a course and receive federal financial aid. A student may receive federal financial aid funding for one repetition of a previously passed course. Exceptions to this include courses in music and health and physical education for the course number that does not change, but the content does change. Passing includes grades of A, B, C, D. A failed course can be repeated until passed. All repeated courses affect Satisfactory Academic Progress for financial aid purposes and are counted as attempted hours.

Financial Aid Renewal

Renewal of aid may be denied or reduced for the following reasons: failure to make satisfactory academic progress, failure to meet renewal guidelines, disciplinary probation, failure to document continued need for funds, late application, fraudulent information and reduction in funds the University receives from the state or federal sources. Financial assistance terminated or reduced for the above reasons may be reinstated the following year if the conditions have been met or corrected.