Student Financial Aid

Satisfactory Academic

Progress Policy

Federal Regulations require that Zane State College (ZSC) establish policies to monitor the academic progress of students who apply for and/or receive financial aid. These standards apply to the following financial aid programs: Federal Pell Grant, Federal Work-Study Program, Direct Loan Program, and Direct Parent Loan Program for Undergraduate Students. This policy may also affect the receipt of institutional aid.

This policy applies to students enrolled in a degree or certificate granting program of study. Students applying for financial aid must be making satisfactory progress as outlined in this policy prior to the initial awarding or certification of financial aid. All terms including summer are calculated the same.

PLEASE NOTE: The federal government requires ZSC to monitor the academic progress of non-recipients, too. Be aware that your academic progress during any semester in which you do not have financial aid will be a factor in determining your eligibility for aid in subsequent semesters.

Standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) are measured using the following criteria:

1. Grade Point Average (GPA)
2. Credit Hours Completed

III. Maximum Time Frame (MTF) for completion of educational objective

1. Grade Point Average (GPA) Requirement

Students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 which will be monitored at the end of every semester.

1. Credit Hours Completed Requirement

Students must maintain a 67% completion ratio for hours attempted. Hours attempted include hours for which you are enrolled as of the 15th day of the semester, hours for which you are enrolled as of the date of withdrawal if the withdrawal is after 100% refund period, and hours for which there are grades/notations of AU, W, or “forgiven” hours. Completion Ratio will be monitored cumulatively at the end of each semester. The completion ratio is calculated by dividing the number of hours (successfully) completed by the number of hours attempted.

Successful completion of course work is defined as a letter grade/notation of A, B, C, D, TR, LL, P, VC, or ML. Any of the following grades are considered unsuccessful: W, F, FN, I, U, NP, NR, NC, WV, or AU (Audits, if changed after the 15th day of the semester). It is the student’s responsibility to notify the Office of Financial Aid when an incomplete course has been completed successfully.

III. Maximum Time Frame (MTF) Measurement Requirements

Students must complete their academic program within 150% of the credit hours it normally takes to complete the program (including proficiency and transfer credits as well as the credits included as repeated courses or Fresh Start). Students who attempt more than 125% of the credit hours to complete will have their aid status placed on warning having up to 150% to finish their degree. They will then be placed on suspension once exceeding the 150% of the degree program. Progress will be assessed at the end of each semester. All hours attempted will be counted, including when a student changes majors or attempts a second degree program.

1. Consequences of not meeting SAP

Your academic progress will be evaluated at the end of each semester according to the criteria listed above. Failure to meet the minimum GPA or completion ratio will result in being placed on Warning Status. Failure to meet the minimum GPA or completion ratio while on Warning Status will result in being Suspended the subsequent semester. Once you have attempted more than 150% of the required credit hours to complete the program, your aid will be Suspended. **Suspension renders you ineligible for any federal and most institutional financial aid.

1. Reestablishing Eligibility

If you are on Suspension because of failure to successfully complete the appropriate percentage of your classes, you must successfully complete the minimum percentage of cumulative hours required by taking additional classes at your own expense.

If your aid eligibility has been suspended and you feel you have extenuating circumstances, contact the Student Financial Aid Office to ask about the appeal process. If you wish to appeal the suspension of your aid, you must complete and return the Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Appeal Form. It is extremely helpful to discuss the situation with the Financial Aid Office before starting the appeal process. Directions included on the SAP Appeal Form require students to explain in detail, with supporting documentation, the reason(s) for not meeting SAP and to write a plan to maintain eligibility upon approval by committee. In general, the appeal process is not to be used to extend the student’s financial aid eligibility. Therefore, SAP appeals for Maximum Time Frame may be denied. The deadline to file an appeal varies depending on the semester; refer to the appeal form itself for specific dates. Stop by or call Student Financial Aid at 740-588-1276 for more specific information.

Students regaining eligibility through the appeal process will be placed on Appeal Status and may have specific requirements to meet in order to regain and maintain financial aid eligibility. While on appeal status, students must meet the terms of their appeal and cannot appeal again if the terms of are not met while on Appeal Status regardless of the circumstances. If the terms of the appeal are not met, your aid will be terminated indefinitely, and will not be reinstated.

Office of Financial Aid

2025-2026

Packaging Policy

Zane State College will package students according to the following guidelines:

Federal Work Study (FWS)

FWS will be packaged for any student in the Pell SAI range.

If the student has enough need, FWS will be awarded in the amount of $1,334 (3) per each semester enrolled, or a maximum of $4,000 for the entire academic year. This amount can be increased within Cost of Attendance to accommodate ongoing employment.

Federal Pell Grant

Pell is awarded to students according to federal methodology. Pell will be packaged for fall, spring, and summer semesters, unless otherwise indicated by the student that a term will not be attended. Students whose FAFSAs are received after the census date for the term will be awarded Pell for only the remaining terms of the award year.

Federal Subsidized Stafford Loan/Unsubsidized Stafford Loan

An estimated student loan will be packaged per program guidelines up to the maximum amount for the students’ academic level in subsidized (or base amount of unsub). If the student wishes to have more loans, they must fill out the loan adjustment form on My ZSC.

Federal Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS)

An estimated PLUS loan will be packaged per program guidelines up to $6,000 ($2,000/semester) or the students cost of attendance minus all other aid (whichever is less). Loans will be awarded over the current academic year unless otherwise requested by the student. PLUS loans can be certified for the amount requested by parent as long as cost of attendance is not exceeded regardless of what amount was packaged.

Agency/Sponsor/Employee Fee Waiver

The actual award will be listed as a resource once received from the Business Office. The estimated amount, if known will be counted toward the student’s direct costs. For funds allocated per semester, full year award will be assumed.

Scholarships

The Foundation Office will submit any awarded institutional scholarships to the Office of Financial Aid to be added to student packages. Outside scholarships will be applied to accounts by OFA and listed as a resource once notified by the donor or the Business Office. For funds allocated per semester, full year award will be assumed when calculating a student’s financial need.

Alternative Loans

Will not automatically package students with an ALT loan, and will only be certified if the student has completed the promissory note with the lender. Students will also be encouraged to complete the FAFSA and borrow any federal loans that they may have eligibility for first.

Packaging Guidelines

• Students selected for verification will not be packaged until verification is received and reviewed.
• If a student is on suspension status for Satisfactory Academic Progress or the ISIR indicates a student is in default, in overpayment of federal aid, or is over the aggregate loan or Pell lifetime limits, the student will not be packaged with federal aid. The appropriate missing documents will be requested.
• Package all students at full time initially. The auto recalculation of aid will be turned on at registration time and continue through the first two weeks of classes, after that, manual adjustments will be made for any term-based classes.
• Package students for FWS if ISIR is received later in the academic year and not enrolled during the previous semesters, students will be packaged for the current and future semesters.

*Definition of Direct Costs: Tuition, fees, and books per semesters.

Return of Federal Financial Aid Policy

ZSC students who receive Federal financial aid and do not complete their classes may be responsible to repay a portion of the aid received according to federal law. The following information is to help students understand what could happen if they withdraw or stop attending classes before the end of the enrollment period.

The Return of Title IV Aid Calculation does not affect ZSC’s institutional refund policy; however, the amount of tuition and fees is considered in the calculation. See tuition refund policy for more information.

What is the law?

According to the Higher Education Amendment, section 484B, if a student officially or unofficially withdraws, or stops attending classes before completing 60% of the semester, ZSC must calculate how much federal financial aid the student has earned. The federal financial aid (Title IV funds) covered under this regulation include the following: Unsubsidized and Subsidized Federal Direct Loans, Federal Direct PLUS Loans, and Federal Pell Grant.

A student who withdraws from courses for the semester and has a “term” class that begins later in the semester will be subject to the Return of Title IV Aid Calculation unless the student submits, at the time of withdrawal, a written confirmation of intent to attend the term course. However, the student must attend and complete the term course to earn all aid for the semester.

If a student withdraws from all Title IV eligible courses during the semester and continues to attend course(s) that he/she is repeating for which he/she may not receive Title IV aid during that semester, the student is a withdrawal for Title IV purposes.

*Non-attendance in any class is considered a reduction of hours and aid will be adjusted prior to completing the Return of Title IV Aid Calculation.

Who does this regulation apply to?

This regulation applies to students who received federal financial aid (which includes Federal Direct Loans) and withdrew or stopped attending classes before completing 60% of the enrollment period. This regulation does not apply to students who withdraw, drop out, or are dismissed from the college before the first day of class; and it does not apply to students who never attend any classes. In these situations, the students have not earned any of their financial aid and all funds are returned to the federal government.

How is the financial aid calculated?

Students must “earn” the financial aid received by staying enrolled in school and attending classes. The amount of financial aid assistance earned is determined on a pro-rata basis. If a student withdraws or stops attending classes during the semester, he may be required to return some of the financial aid awarded. For example: a student who completes 30% of the semester has earned 30% of his aid. This means that 70% of the aid is unearned and must be returned to the federal government. If the student withdraws before all Title IV funds have been disbursed, the student may be due a disbursement based upon the amount of aid “earned”. This post withdrawal disbursement will be refunded to the student no later than 45 days after the date of the school’s determination that the student withdrew.

The following formula is used to determine the unearned aid that must be returned:

Percent earned = number of calendar days completed up to the withdrawal date/last date of attendance divided by total calendar days in the payment period (less any scheduled breaks that are at least 5 days or more).

Percent unearned = 100 percent minus percent earned.

What is the withdrawal date?

When a student reduces his enrollment to zero credit hours, he has withdrawn from the college. A student may withdraw from his classes on My ZSC or he may speak to a staff member in Student Services in Zanesville or in Cambridge. If a student does not officially withdraw, but it is determined that he stopped attending classes and receives all failing grades (unofficial withdrawal), the calculation is based on the last date of attendance reported by the instructor(s).

Who returns the unearned funds?

ZSC and the student are both responsible for returning unearned funds to the appropriate programs in the following order: Unsubsidized Federal Direct Loans, Subsidized Federal Direct Loans, Federal Direct PLUS, and Federal Pell Grant. The return of unearned Title IV funds must be made no later than 45 days after the date the school determined the student withdrew. ZSC must return the lesser of:

1) the total amount of unearned aid; OR

2) institutional charges multiplied by the unearned percentage.

Loan borrowers will be permitted to repay their portion of the loans based on the terms of the promissory note.

**THE STUDENT WILL BE BILLED FOR ANY AMOUNT DUE TO ZSC RESULTING FROM ZSC’s RETURN OF FEDERAL AID FUNDS. For example, if ZSC is required to return $500 of federal aid per the Return of Title IV Aid Calculation, then the student is required to pay that $500 to ZSC because that money was used towards the student’s tuition and fees and the student possibly received a refund from his financial aid that he did not “earn”.

How do I repay unearned funds?

If a student owes money to ZSC resulting from the Return of Title IV Aid Calculation, the student will receive a bill from the Business Office. Payment arrangements must be made with the Business Office in College Hall on the Zanesville Campus in person, by calling (740) 588-1211, or by emailing businessoffice@zanestate.edu . Loan repayment arrangements may be made by contacting the Direct Loan Servicing Center at (800) 848-0979.

What happens if I don’t repay ZSC?

If a student does not repay ZSC for the charges resulting from the Return of Title IV Aid Calculation, his records will be placed on hold. This means the student will not be permitted to register for classes or receive transcripts until the balance is paid. Outstanding balances due to ZSC will be reported to the Ohio Attorney General’s Office which may result in the garnishment of wages and/or state tax refunds. There will also be associated late and collection cost expense charges for which the student will be liable.

Enrollment Change Policy

The Student Financial Aid Enrollment Change Policy requires a student to complete all of his add/drop changes by the census date of each course. (Contact the Office of Financial Aid for specific dates.) If a student adds or drops classes anytime up to and including the census date, financial aid will be adjusted. If changes are made after this date, financial aid will not be adjusted (unless it is a total withdrawal). Students receiving Federal Direct Loans should maintain 6 credit hours throughout the semester.

Financial Aid is awarded on the basis of full-time enrollment. If a student plans to enroll less than full-time, he should expect his financial aid awards to be reduced or cancelled. The amount of aid a student is eligible for has no relationship to institutional charges or other incurred costs of attendance.

A student’s institutional bill will reflect adjustments to financial aid as a result of any hour changes or withdrawals. If an hour drop occurs during the institutional refund period, there will be an adjustment in fees. A balance is due to ZSC when the adjusted fees exceed the adjusted financial aid. Owing a balance could result in a drop for nonpayment of tuition. Otherwise, a hold will result until the balance due to ZSC is paid. A student owing a balance from a prior or current semester will not be able to register for future terms.

At the time of packaging, aid will be awarded at full time unless the student is packaged after the census date when the award must be based upon actual enrollment and attendance in class(es). For a prior semester, the aid must be based upon the number of hours completed and attended.

Important Notes regarding withdrawing and reduction of hours

• Non-attendance in classes is considered a reduction of hours and aid will be adjusted. Students not attending courses for which they registered must formally withdraw on My ZSC or in person in Student Services. Aid will be adjusted if a student is not attending classes which may create a balance due on his institutional bill.
• Students who received financial aid over and above the cost of tuition and fees (i.e. received a refund) and withdraw from classes may be required to return all or part of the refund.
• Since there are consequences, it is recommended that every student see a Financial Aid Advisor BEFORE withdrawing or dropping hours.
• In addition to the above mentioned financial consequences, dropping, not attending and withdrawing from classes will affect a student’s Satisfactory Academic Progress as monitored by the Office of Financial Aid in accordance with Federal Regulations. Failure to meet Satisfactory Academic Progress can result in the cancellation of Federal, State and Institutional aid. Please refer to the SAP policy.

What if a class is cancelled?

A 100% tuition refund of fees is given if a class is cancelled. Because of this, financial aid eligibility will be reduced accordingly. To prevent a reduction in financial aid, it is the student’s responsibility to add classes that will bring him/her up to the required minimum hours by the “Census Date” and the additional classes must be part of the program or plan of study.

FINANCIAL AID PROCEDURES, ELIGIBILITY, AND RETENTION

Financial Aid is awarded to students on the basis of need. Financial need is the difference between the expense of attending the College and the financial resources of the student to meet those expenses. To the extent students and their parents can afford, they are expected to make maximum efforts in meeting college expenses.

The primary source of parental contribution is usually from the family’s current income. Also, a contribution from family savings and assets is expected if these are above certain minimum figures. To assure the most equitable distribution of financial aid (Congressional Need Analysis), a uniform method of computing the family’s contribution is used.

Because the parental contribution is an important factor in arriving at the student’s need, the amount that each family can reasonably afford must be carefully evaluated. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is used by Zane State College in order to make this decision. This application may be filed online at https://studentaid.gov. Whether or not a student is offered aid, the extent of his/her need and the amount of aid will be determined by Zane State College. All applications are strictly confidential.

Financial Aid Procedures

Students applying for financial aid at Zane State College must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). By completing this form, the student is applying for all sources of federal aid. For the deadline, contact the Financial Aid Office at Zane State College.

1. Students and/or parents may be required to supply Student Services with a signed copy of their Federal Income Tax return transcript, as well as documentation of any other income, for validation of the information submitted on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
2. The results of this submission process are compiled and a financial aid package is developed to help meet the student’s financial need.

Eligibility for Financial Aid

To be eligible to receive financial aid to attend Zane State College, students must have a high school diploma or a GED. Students must also be enrolled in a program leading to an approved one-year certificate or two-year associate degree at Zane State College. Further, students can remain as “undecided” for only 24 credit hours and receive financial aid. This stipulation applies if the student is “degree seeking.”

Verification of Eligibility for Financial Aid

Verification policy:

1. Students who are required to verify the information on their Free Application for Federal Student Aid will not be packaged for financial aid until all verification materials are submitted and processed. Once all documents are submitted to the Financial Aid Office, allow up to four weeks for processing.
2. Required verification information that is incorrect will be corrected electronically by the Financial Aid Office.
3. Students will be notified via email of all required verification, aid offers, or changes to SAI or Title IV aid.

Students may be required to submit proof of the following:

1. The adjusted gross income of the student, the student’s spouse, and/or the student’s parents.
2. The amount of Federal taxes paid by the student, the student’s spouse, and/or the student’s parents. Copies of appropriately signed Federal income tax return transcript will be satisfactory documentation for this requirement.
3. Child support and/or human services assistance received by the student, the student’s spouse, and/or the student’s parents. A statement of support from human services or the Child Support Enforcement Agency will be satisfactory documentation of this requirement.
4. The amount of untaxed income the student, the student’s spouse, and/or the student’s parents. Statements from the appropriate agencies will be satisfactory documentation for this requirement.
5. The number in the student’s family size and/or number in student’s parents’ family size.
6. Copy of social security card, birth certificate, or high school diploma/GED.
7. All documentation must be signed by the student, the student’s spouse, and/or the student’s parents.

Retention of Aid

Financial aid offers are usually made during the spring for the upcoming academic year, which begins in the fall, based on the assumption that the student will continue full-time for the academic year. The College reserves the right to withdraw or adjust a student’s aid based on the satisfactory academic progress policy, verification requirements, enrollment status, attendance, or conduct record. Regular class attendance is required for continued receipt of financial aid. Financial aid awards are renewed each year, upon proper re-application, on the basis of continued financial need and satisfactory academic performance and conduct. Deadline dates for reapplication should be observed.

Federal Pell Grant

A federal grant is based on need to assist students with any college costs. Eligibility for a grant is based upon an individual’s or family’s total financial picture. This grant does not need to be repaid. If there are remaining Pell funds once tuition is paid, students may charge books and academic supplies at the bookstore against the Pell Grant beginning two weeks before the first day of the semester.

The Federal Pell Grant is available year-round and is prorated based on the specific number of credits a student enrolls in each semester. There is no minimum enrollment requirement to receive Pell funding in all three semesters of the financial aid award year.

Federal Work Study Program

The Federal Work Study Program offers qualifying students the opportunity to work part-time and earn money to help meet the expense of a college education. It also offers the student the opportunity to gain valuable work experience. Students are paid directly for the hours worked and may use this money to help offset educational expenses. Students must file a FAFSA and be eligible to receive the Federal Pell Grant to qualify. The Federal Work Study Program runs July 1 – June 30.

Direct Loan Program

For those who qualify, the Direct Loan Program offers low interest loans to help defray the cost of attending college. A student must be enrolled in college at least half-time (six credit hours) in order to be eligible for a loan. There are three types of loans in this program:

1. Federal Direct Subsidized Loan – Eligible students may borrow up to $3,500 as a freshman and $4,500 as a sophomore per academic year. Students will make no payments on this loan as long as they are enrolled at least half-time (six credit hours). There is no interest charged to the student during enrollment. Students are not required to begin repayment of this loan until six months after graduation or ceasing to be enrolled at least half-time.
2. Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan – Eligible dependent students who were not eligible for the maximum on the Subsidized Loan may borrow the difference or total amount on this loan, as well as an additional $2,000 if needed. Independent students may also borrow the difference from the Subsidized Loan up to the maximum as well as an additional $6,000 if their cost of attendance deems it necessary. Dependent

students whose parents are unable to borrow the PLUS may also qualify for an additional $4,000. Students will make no payments on the principle of this loan as long as they continue to be enrolled at least half-time (six credit hours); however, interest will begin accruing upon receipt of the loan by Zane State College. Students may either pay interest, which is capitalized quarterly, or they may defer their interest payments until after graduation. Students are not required to begin repayment of this loan until six months after graduation or ceasing to be enrolled at least half-time. Students must request this additional loan money on My ZSC by filling out the Online Loan Adjustment form.

3. Federal Direct Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS) – This loan enables parents with good credit histories to borrow funds to pay educational expenses of a dependent undergraduate child who is enrolled at least half-time (six credit hours). Parents may borrow an amount which is equal to the student’s cost of attendance minus any other financial aid. Parents will begin repayment of this loan within 60 days after the final loan disbursement. Interest will begin as soon as the first disbursement is made. Parents will begin repaying both interest and principle while the student is enrolled in school. Parents may request loan payment deferral while the student is enrolled at least six (6) credit hours if they wish.

Policies for awarding the Direct Loan Program are as follows:

• Students wishing to borrow a loan will be required to complete an online entrance counseling session through Direct Loans at http://www.studentaid.gov before receiving any loan funds. • Students are required to complete an online master promissory note through http://www.studentaid.gov
• Students must meet Zane State College’s Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy available on My ZSC under the finances tab
• Student loan disbursement dates are the end of the sixth week of each semester and term within the semester. Disbursements are issued via check or direct deposit through a third-party servicer. More information can be found on My ZSC under the finances tab, or by visiting the Business Office in College Hall.

Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) is defined as a set of standards of academic success which includes qualitative and quantitative measures that a student must maintain in order to retain eligibility for financial aid. Financial aid for the purpose of this SAP is defined as all federal grants and loans. The Satisfactory Academic Progress policy for financial aid recipients at Zane State College can be obtained in the Financial Aid Office or on My ZSC under the finances tab.

Student Rights and Responsibilities

Regarding financial aid, students have the right to ask a school:

• the names of its accrediting organizations
• about its programs; its instructional, laboratory, and other physical facilities; and its faculty
• what the cost of attending is, and what its policies are on refunds to students who drop out
• what financial assistance is available, including information about all federal, state, local, private, and institutional financial aid programs
• what the procedures and deadlines are for submitting applications for each available financial aid program
• what criteria it uses to select financial aid recipients
• how it determines financial need. This process includes how costs for tuition and fees, room and board, travel, books and supplies, personal and miscellaneous expenses, etc. are considered in the budget. It also includes what resources (such as parental contribution, other financial aid, student assets, etc.) are considered in the calculation of need
• how much student financial need, as determined by the institution, has been met
• how and when students will be paid
• to explain each type and amount of assistance in a student financial aid package
• if the student has a loan, the student has the right to know what the interest rate is, the total amount that must be repaid, the length of time the student has to repay the loan, when the student must start paying it back, and any cancellation and deferment provisions that apply

It is the student’s responsibility to:

• review and consider all information about a school’s program before they enroll
• pay special attention to their application for student financial aid, complete it accurately, and submit it on time to the right place. Errors can delay receipt of financial aid.
• provide all additional documentation, verification, corrections, and/or new information requested by either Student Services or the agency to which the student submitted their application
• read and understand all forms that they are asked to sign and keep copies of them
• accept responsibility for any promissory note or other agreements that they sign
• if the student has a loan, notify the loan servicer of changes in their name, address, or school status
• perform in a satisfactory manner the work that is agreed upon if accepting a Federal Work Study job
• know and comply with the deadlines for application or re-application for aid
• attend all classes regularly and earn satisfactory grades to qualify for future financial aid
• know and comply with their school’s refund procedures
• notify their school of any address, phone number, or name change

Return of Federal Financial Aid Policy

ZSC students who receive Federal financial aid and do not complete their classes may be responsible to repay a portion of the aid received according to federal law. The following information is to help students understand what could happen if they withdraw or stop attending classes before the end of the enrollment period.

The Return of Title IV Aid Calculation does not affect ZSC’s institutional refund policy; however, the amount of tuition and fees is considered in the calculation. See tuition refund policy for more information.

What is the law?

According to the Higher Education Amendment, section 484B, if a student officially or unofficially withdraws, or stops attending classes before completing 60% of the semester, ZSC must calculate how much federal financial aid the student has earned. The federal financial aid (Title IV funds) covered under this regulation include the following: Unsubsidized and Subsidized Federal Direct Loans, Federal Direct PLUS Loans, and Federal Pell Grant.

A student who withdraws from courses for the semester and has a “term” class that begins later in the semester will be subject to the Return of Title IV Aid Calculation unless the student submits, at the time of withdrawal, a written confirmation of intent to attend the term course. However, the student must attend and complete the term course to earn all aid for the semester.

If a student withdraws from all Title IV eligible courses during the semester and continues to attend course(s) that he/she is repeating for which he/she may not receive Title IV aid during that semester, the student is a withdrawal for Title IV purposes.

*Non-attendance in any class is considered a reduction of hours and aid will be adjusted prior to completing the Return of Title IV Aid Calculation.

Who does this regulation apply to?

This regulation applies to students who received federal financial aid (which includes Federal Direct Loans) and withdrew or stopped attending classes before completing 60% of the enrollment period. This regulation does not apply to students who withdraw, drop out, or are dismissed from the college before the first day of class; and it does not apply to students who never attend any classes. In these situations, the students have not earned any of their financial aid and all funds are returned to the federal government.

How is the financial aid calculated?

Students must “earn” the financial aid received by staying enrolled in school and attending classes. The amount of financial aid assistance earned is determined on a pro-rata basis. If a student withdraws or stops attending classes during the semester, he may be required to return some of the financial aid awarded. For example: a student who completes 30% of the semester has earned 30% of his aid. This means that 70% of the aid is unearned and must be returned to the federal government. If the student withdraws before all Title IV funds have been disbursed, the student may be due a disbursement based upon the amount of aid “earned”. This post withdrawal disbursement will be refunded to the student no later than 45 days after the date of the school’s determination that the student withdrew.

The following formula is used to determine the unearned aid that must be returned:

Percent earned = number of calendar days completed up to the withdrawal date/last date of attendance divided by total calendar days in the payment period (less any scheduled breaks that are at least 5 days or more).

Percent unearned = 100 percent minus percent earned.

What is the withdrawal date?

When a student reduces his enrollment to zero credit hours, he has withdrawn from the college. A student may withdraw from his classes on My ZSC or he may speak to a staff member in Student Services in Zanesville or in Cambridge. If a student does not officially withdraw, but it is determined that he stopped attending classes and receives all failing grades (unofficial withdrawal), the calculation is based on the last date of attendance reported by the instructor(s).

Who returns the unearned funds?

ZSC and the student are both responsible for returning unearned funds to the appropriate programs in the following order: Unsubsidized Federal Direct Loans, Subsidized Federal Direct Loans, Federal Direct PLUS, and Federal Pell Grant. The return of unearned Title IV funds must be made no later than 45 days after the date the school determined the student withdrew. ZSC must return the lesser of:

1) the total amount of unearned aid; OR

2) institutional charges multiplied by the unearned percentage.

Loan borrowers will be permitted to repay their portion of the loans based on the terms of the promissory note.

**THE STUDENT WILL BE BILLED FOR ANY AMOUNT DUE TO ZSC RESULTING FROM ZSC’s RETURN OF FEDERAL AID FUNDS. For example, if ZSC is required to return $500 of federal aid per the Return of Title IV Aid Calculation, then the student is required to pay that $500 to ZSC because that money was used towards the student’s tuition and fees and the student possibly received a refund from his financial aid that he did not “earn”.

How do I repay unearned funds?

If a student owes money to ZSC resulting from the Return of Title IV Aid Calculation, the student will receive a bill from the Business Office. Payment arrangements must be made with the Business Office in College Hall on the Zanesville Campus in person, by calling (740) 588-1211, or by emailing businessoffice@zanestate.edu . Loan repayment arrangements may be made by contacting the Direct Loan Servicing Center at (800) 848-0979.

What happens if I don’t repay ZSC?

If a student does not repay ZSC for the charges resulting from the Return of Title IV Aid Calculation, his records will be placed on hold. This means the student will not be permitted to register for classes or receive transcripts until the balance is paid. Outstanding balances due to ZSC will be reported to the Ohio Attorney General’s Office which may result in the garnishment of wages and/or state tax refunds. There will also be associated late and collection cost expense charges for which the student will be liable.

Enrollment Change Policy

The Student Financial Aid Enrollment Change Policy requires a student to complete all of his add/drop changes by the census date of each course. (Contact the Office of Financial Aid for specific dates.) If a student adds or drops classes anytime up to and including the census date, financial aid will be adjusted. If changes are made after this date, financial aid will not be adjusted (unless it is a total withdrawal). Students receiving Federal Direct Loans should maintain 6 credit hours throughout the semester.

Financial Aid is awarded on the basis of full-time enrollment. If a student plans to enroll less than full-time, he should expect his financial aid awards to be reduced or cancelled. The amount of aid a student is eligible for has no relationship to institutional charges or other incurred costs of attendance.

A student’s institutional bill will reflect adjustments to financial aid as a result of any hour changes or withdrawals. If an hour drop occurs during the institutional refund period, there will be an adjustment in fees. A balance is due to ZSC when the adjusted fees exceed the adjusted financial aid. Owing a balance could result in a drop for nonpayment of tuition. Otherwise, a hold will result until the balance due to ZSC is paid. A student owing a balance from a prior or current semester will not be able to register for future terms.

At the time of packaging, aid will be awarded at full time unless the student is packaged after the census date when the award must be based upon actual enrollment and attendance in class(es). For a prior semester, the aid must be based upon the number of hours completed and attended.

Important Notes regarding withdrawing and reduction of hours

• Non-attendance in classes is considered a reduction of hours and aid will be adjusted. Students not attending courses for which they registered must formally withdraw on My ZSC or in person in Student Services. Aid will be adjusted if a student is not attending classes which may create a balance due on his institutional bill.
• Students who received financial aid over and above the cost of tuition and fees (i.e. received a refund) and withdraw from classes may be required to return all or part of the refund.
• Since there are consequences, it is recommended that every student see a Financial Aid Advisor BEFORE withdrawing or dropping hours.
• In addition to the above mentioned financial consequences, dropping, not attending and withdrawing from classes will affect a student’s Satisfactory Academic Progress as monitored by the Office of Financial Aid in accordance with Federal Regulations. Failure to meet Satisfactory Academic Progress can result in the cancellation of Federal, State and Institutional aid. Please refer to the SAP policy.

What if a class is cancelled?

A 100% tuition refund of fees is given if a class is cancelled. Because of this, financial aid eligibility will be reduced accordingly. To prevent a reduction in financial aid, it is the student’s responsibility to add classes that will bring him/her up to the required minimum hours by the “Census Date” and the additional classes must be part of the program or plan of study.

Office of Financial Aid

2025-2026

Non-Cash Emergency Aid Policy

Zane State College offers many types of non-cash emergency aid to students, including but not limited to: Monado’s Market food pantry, Clothes Closet, gift cards, gas cards, and direct to vendor payments through Emergency Grants. In order to expedite this emergency aid and not create further access barriers to students, ZSC does not include non-cash aid in Estimated Financial Aid or as part Cost of Attendance for students.