Tuition & Fees

• Withdrawing from the University and Refund Schedules
• Financial Aid

Educational Costs

Students at private colleges and universities rarely pay the full cost of their education. Millikin is no exception; student tuition and fees do not cover all educational expenses. Endowment income, gifts from alumni, friends, parents, business firms and annual gifts from other sources help meet the difference between tuition income and actual education costs.

In the event of unforeseen circumstances or events, Millikin University reserves the right to adjust tuition and fees at any time.

Annual Tuition and Fees for the Undergraduate Students

Special Fees

Auditors:

Charged the same tuition as students based on the number of credit hours taken.

Supervised Teaching:

$400 per semester.

Transcript Fees:

There is a charge for all official transcripts. Transcript fees are assessed and paid for online at time of order based on chosen delivery options. Transcript requests are made through www.getmytranscript.org.

Transcript processing will be approximately 24 to 48 hours. During peak times in the office, such as Registration or Commencement, processing may be delayed up to one week.

In accordance with Illinois Public Act 103-0054, Millikin University will fulfill official transcripts requests from current or former students, even if the student owes a debt to:

• complete a job application;
• transfer from one institution of higher learning to another;
• apply for State, federal, or institutional financial aid;
• join the United States Armed Forces or Illinois National Guard; and/or
• pursue other postsecondary opportunities.

Official transcripts may be requested at www.getmytranscript.org. If the current or former student has a financial hold on their account, Millikin will send a confirmation form to the email address provided on the transcript request for verification of the qualifying reason for the request. If the reason noted is consistent with one or more of the reasons mentioned in this section, the transcript request will be processed. More information regarding transcript requests can be found at www.millikin.edu/registrar.

Diplomas are not withheld if a debt is owed to Millikin University

Parking Fees:

$150 per year for all students.

Returned Check Fee:

The Office of Student Financial Services will charge a $25 fee which is levied for any check returned because of insufficient funds. The Office of Student Financial Services does not cash checks for students or staff.

Advanced Tuition Deposit (ATD) - First-Year and Transfer Students:

Students new to the University are required to pay an advanced tuition deposit of $150 that reserves their matriculation and housing reservation. The deposit will be applied to the student’s first semester University charges. This deposit is required to provide accuracy and fairness in the assignment of residential space and to permit planning for the proper ratio of faculty to students, course offerings, and space use. A campus housing assignment and course advisement/registration twill not be made until the ATD is received. The deposit is non-refundable after May 1st. Students may qualify for a waiver of the ATD if financial need is demonstrated. Contact the Office of Admission for requirements.

Miscellaneous Expenses

The preceding amounts indicate expenses payable directly to the University. In addition, a student will incur costs for supplies, transportation, entertainment, and other personal expenses. Students living off campus will incur housing and food costs which may vary throughout the community; however, these costs normally do not differ significantly from those charged to resident students. Additionally, students may incur costs related to their major. For example, the nursing major will incur additional costs for uniforms, etc. These expenses should be taken into account when considering the total cost of attending Millikin. Expenses specific to major or courses are noted on the course during the registration process.

Method of Payment

University charges are billed by term. Tuition, housing and food, and required fees for all students are billed and are due at the end of the first billing cycle for the term. A tuition statement for the term will be sent electronically to the student’s Millikin email address and any user they have authorized. Fall term statements are issued in August and Spring term statements are issued in January. Students must arrange for full semester payment with the Office of Student Financial Services or enroll in the monthly installment plan prior to the first billing due date each term in order to attend classes.

Payments may be made online via electronic check, debit card, or credit card through the student’s MU Account Suite portal. A 2.85% convenience fee is charged for credit or debit card payments. Paper check or cash payments may be made in person in the Office of Student Financial Services, Room 119 Shilling Hall. Paper check payments may also be mailed to the Office of Student Financial Services. Please include the student’s Millikin ID number on the payment.

Past Due Debt

Millikin is committed to student success. We acknowledge that financial barriers can impact student success and will continue working with students and their families to overcome obstacles. However, students are expected to monitor their account balance and meet their financial obligations to the University each term in order to remain in good financial standing. Payments not made by the statement due date will be subject to a $50 late fee. Students with a past due balance may have a financial hold placed on their account prohibiting registration in future terms. At the end of each academic term, it is expected that a student’s balance will be below the University’s established threshold of $2,000 to ensure course registration for subsequent term. Students are encouraged to meet with Student Financial Services at any point to help address their financial challenges.

The University will assign debts greater than $1000 to our third-party collection agencies for all non-enrolled students after at least three billing statements have been sent resulting in no payment or successful payment arrangement being made. Accounts placed with our collection agencies will be assessed an additional fee for collection up to 25% of the total balance due and a student will be required to satisfy any outstanding balance due before re-admission to the University.

In accordance with Illinois Public Act 103-0054, Millikin University will fulfill official transcripts requests from current or former students, even if the student owes a debt to:

• complete a job application;
• transfer from one institution of higher learning to another;
• apply for State, federal, or institutional financial aid;
• join the United States Armed Forces or Illinois National Guard; and/or
• pursue other postsecondary opportunities.

Official transcripts may be requested at www.getmytranscript.org. If the current or former student has a financial hold on their account, Millikin will send a confirmation form to the email address provided on the transcript request for verification of the qualifying reason for the request. If the reason noted is consistent with one or more of the reasons mentioned in this section, the transcript request will be processed. More information regarding transcript requests can be found at www.millikin.edu/registrar. Diplomas are not withheld if a debt is owed to Millikin University.

Veteran’s Information

Millikin University, in compliance with 38 USC 3679(e), will not take the following actions toward any student using U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Post

9/11 G.I. Bill®️ (Ch.33) or Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Ch. 31) benefits, while their payment from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs

is pending to the educational institution:

• Prevent their enrollment;
• Assess a late penalty fee;
• Require they secure alternative or additional funding;
• Deny their access to any resources (access to classes, libraries, or other institutional facilities) available to other students who have satisfied their tuition and fee bills to the institution.

However, to qualify for this provision, such students may be required to:

• Produce the VA’s Certificate of Eligibility by the first day of class;
• Provide written request to be certified;
• Provide additional information needed to properly certify the enrollment as described in other institutional policies (see our VA School Certifying Official for all requirements).

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

Withdrawing from the University and Refund Schedules

Students enroll for one semester at a time. Students who leave the University during or at the end of the semester must report to the Office of the Registrar to complete the necessary procedures and forms.

For students who receive Federal financial aid and withdraw before 60% of the semester is completed, the amount of aid allowed will be pro-rated based on Federal Title IV refund regulations. The order of return of Title IV federal funds is as follows: Unsubsidized Federal Direct Loan, Subsidized Federal Direct Loan, , Federal Graduate PLUS Loan, Federal Parent PLUS Loans, Federal Pell Grant, Federal SEOG Grant, Federal TEACH Grant, and the Iraq/Afghanistan Grant. Other assistance for which a return of funds is required is the State of Illinois MAP Grant in accordance with 23 Illinois Administrative Code, Section 2735.30, the recipient shall receive MAP grant payment for tuition and mandatory fee costs incurred less tuition and fee restricted awards, up to the term award, provided the institution’s tuition refund policy indicates the recipient has incurred charges in the amount of the claim. Millikin gift assistance are pro-rated according to the tuition refund schedule. Students withdrawing after the 6th week earn the full MAP award. If the student withdrawal occurs after 60% of the semester is completed, the recipient is allowed to retain 100% of aid.

Students who withdraw their registration prior to the first day of classes will not be charged tuition, fees or housing and food. Current students who do not withdraw officially from the University prior to the start of classes may be liable to pay all tuition and fees owed for that term. Students who withdraw from the University on the first day of classes and thereafter, will receive a refund of charges assessed by the University in the following manner: Each student’s individual record is reviewed in accordance with the program policies below and in conjunction with Federal and State regulation. In the event a balance exists after calculations are complete and funds have been returned to individual programs, the University will issue a refund to the student. If it is determined that a student is eligible for a post-withdraw disbursement of Federal funds, notification will be provided in writing. Calculations and return of funds will be completed no later than 45 days from date of withdrawal.

Full-time Undergraduate Official University Withdrawal

The last day on which a student may withdraw from a full-semester class and receive a grade of “W” for the course shall be determined by the University Registrar and shall be set around the 12th week of the term, taking into consideration the calendar dates for midterm grades and Scheduling Day advising.

Full-Time Undergraduate Program University Withdrawal/Refund Policy

Students officially withdrawing from the University, starting with the first calendar week of class and for the next six weeks; tuition, housing, food, and fees will be refunded on a proportional basis according to the following schedule:

It is strongly recommended that students consult with the Office of Student Financial Services (424-6317) prior to dropping a course. Financial aid eligibility and/or financial aid awards may be affected.

Full-time Undergraduate Official Course(s) Withdrawal

Students dropping a course prior to the published drop date set by the Office of the Registrar will have the course removed from their academic record.

After the published last day to drop a class, the last day on which a student may withdraw from a full-semester class and receive a grade of “W” for the course shall be determined by the University Registrar and shall be set around the 12th week of the term, taking into consideration the calendar dates for midterm grades and Scheduling Day advising. After the course withdraw date set by the Registrar, courses remaining on student schedule will result in the course being graded by the faculty based on work completed for the course.

Part-time Student Official University Withdrawal

A student withdrawing from all courses remaining in the semester must notify their Academic Advisor, must contact the Office of the Registrar, and complete an official exit interview. A student may reapply to the University according to the standard readmission process.

Students who do not withdraw officially prior to the scheduled start of classes will be liable to pay tuition and fees in accordance with the policy above. It is strongly recommended that students consult with the Office of Student Financial Services (217-424-6317) prior to dropping a course. Financial aid eligibility and/or financial aid awards may be affected.

Part-time Students Withdrawing from a Course

Students wishing to withdraw from a course must notify his/her Academic Advisor and complete an official Drop/Add form in the Office of Registrar. A course(s) dropped in accordance with the above time frames, may be eligible for a tuition refund.

• A student dropping a course prior to the second class meeting (or prior to the start of the course for online/hybrid courses) will have the course removed from their academic record.
• The last day on which a student may withdraw from a full-semester class and receive a grade of “W” for the course shall be determined by the University Registrar and shall be set around the 12th week of the term, taking into consideration the calendar dates for midterm grades and Scheduling Day advising.
• After the course withdraw date set by the Registrar, courses remaining on student schedule will result in the course being graded by the faculty based on work completed for the course.
• A student withdrawing from an accelerated course after the second class meeting up to the last day of the course will receive a grade of W for the course.
• Students are not permitted to withdraw on or after the last day of an accelerated course.
• Withdrawn courses will remain on the student’s academic record.
• Students who stop attending a course and fail to withdraw will receive the grade earned based on the work completed for the course.

Unofficial Withdraw

According to the Higher Education Act, Section 484B, Title IV recipients (Federal Financial Aid recipients) must remain in attendance for the entire enrollment period for which they have received Title IV funds or must notify the institution of his/her intention to withdraw from enrollment. If a student began attendance and has not officially withdrawn but fails to earn a passing grade in at least one course over the entire enrollment period, the institution must assume the student left campus. The resulting act is the University must perform a Return of Title IV Funds calculation based on the student’s last date of attendance as reported by the student’s professor or otherwise noted in the University’s administrative system. In instances when a last date of attendance cannot be determined, the date coinciding with the 50% point of the term will be used in the Return of Title IV calculation. Students who do not withdraw officially from the University prior to the start of classes may be liable to pay all tuition and fees owed for that term.

Financial Aid

Student Financial Aid Programs at Millikin University are designed to provide financial assistance to students who, without such aid, would be unable to attend. Financial awards are also made in recognition of academic achievement and may depend on University needs for a particular talent or ability of an applicant. The Office of Admission and Student Financial Aid staff are responsible for the awarding of financial aid to students and for the general coordination and operation of financial aid programs.

Types of Financial Aid

There are many different sources of student financial aid. Some sources must be repaid (loans) and some are gift assistance (grants and scholarships). A student’s financial aid package will consist of a combination of different types. More than $26 million is awarded annually from University resources and endowed scholarship funds to students who demonstrate a financial need at Millikin. Awards vary based on the student’s level of financial need as determined by the FAFSA each year. Additional information regarding specific student financial aid programs that Millikin students are eligible to receive is provided by the Office of Student Financial Services.

Merit-based Aid - Merit-based aid is given based on academic credentials, a talent or skill or because of extra-curricular or community involvement record

Need-based Aid - Need-based financial aid is awarded based on student’s financial need as determined by the FAFSA results. Need-based aid can be in the form of grants, student employment and/or loans.

Millikin University relies on the recommendation of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to establish a student’s financial need. All students requesting aid based on financial need must submit the FAFSA each year and designate Millikin to receive their processed application. The FAFSA will provide an expected family contribution (EFC) from which unmet financial need will be determined. (Millikin’s cost of attendance minus the student’s EFC equals financial need.)

Special review of a student’s EFC may be requested if the student and/or family experiences a significant change in financial circumstances not reflected on the FAFSA. An increase in need as determined by the special review process may not necessarily result in an increase in the student’s financial aid award. Such adjustments depend upon availability of funds. Changes in financial circumstances should be conveyed as soon as they occur to the Office of Student Financial Services.

The following assumptions apply to the aid awards made by Millikin:

1. Financial aid is awarded on an annual basis and is subject to review each academic year. The FAFSA is typically available October 1st prior to the upcoming academic year. We encourage all students to file the FAFSA as soon as possible after October 1st. Program deadline dates may vary from year to year.
2. Millikin University funds are awarded to full-time traditional students who have not yet attained a bachelor’s degree. Limited financial aid resources are available for students enrolled on a part-time basis from non-University sources.
3. Duration of eligibility for financial aid is determined by the specific source of the aid.
   • University funds are available for 4 undergraduate years (or 8 semesters) to students enrolled on a full-time basis. University funds are available only during the Fall and Spring terms and are not available for Summer and Immersion terms. Students requiring more than 8 semesters to complete their degree may petition for additional terms of aid eligibility in writing to the Registrar and the Director of Student Financial Services.
   • Most students at Millikin will complete their undergraduate degree on average, in 4 years or 8 semesters. Transfer students may require additional semesters beyond their eligibility for financial aid based on the degree program and the completion of accepted transfer work. Transfer students should work closely with the Office of the Registrar, their advisor and Office of Student Financial Services to determine if they will be eligible for financial aid during all of their required semesters at Millikin.
4. Financial aid from any source may be renewed from year to year provided the student demonstrates financial need, meets individual program requirements and makes minimum progress towards completion of his/her academic program. See Satisfactory Academic Progress Requirements in this section.
5. Millikin talent and merit awards may be made to students with no demonstrated financial need.
6. Financial aid eligibility for students studying in off-campus programs will vary according to the individual program. Students planning to participate in an off-campus program should contact the Director of Student Financial Services for eligibility.

Coordination of Financial Aid

The majority of awards provided from Millikin funds are restricted for tuition only and are subject to coordination with awards from other sources also restricted to cover tuition only charges. Coordination of tuition restricted awards will be considered individually and adjustments will be made within program guidelines. Additionally, the Presidential Scholarship applies to only fall and spring semesters. Optional enrollment (overload, January immersion and summer term) is not covered by the Presidential Scholarship.

Balance (Refund)

A balance occurs when the total aid from Federal, State, Institutional or outside sources exceed the assessments on the student account. These can occur due to the combination of aid or due to timing of when the disbursement occurs to the account. When the balance occurs, the Office of Student Financial Services will issue the excess funds to the student no later than 14 days. In the event the balance is a result of a Parent Loan (PLUS) and the parent has requested via the application the proceeds be issued to the parent, the excess funds will be sent to the parent no later than 14 days.

For Students

Students are notified via Millikin e-mail that a refund has been issued, whether the funds were direct deposited or a check was created. In the case of a check, students are informed the check is available for pick-up in the Office of Student Financial Services. In the event the check is not picked up, they are also informed of the date the check will be mailed to their address on file.

Balances are issued in one of two methods:

1. Students may complete a “Refund Authorization Form” authorizing Millikin to issue funds via direct deposit. The form must be completed and forwarded to the Business Office for processing. The authorization will remain in effect unless revoked in writing by the student.
2. If a refund authorization is not on file, excess funds will be issued by check.

For Parents

Balances are only issued via check. Checks are mailed to the name and address of the parent borrower on the PLUS application immediately after receipt from the Business Office.

Upon written request only, student or parent may indicate that they wish for the University to hold a fall balance to be applied to spring semester charges within the same academic year. The University cannot hold balances for subsequent academic years. Please visit the Office Student Financial Services to make this request.

Financial Aid: Satisfactory Academic Progress Requirements

In order to be eligible for Federal, State and Institutional aid, a student must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress toward his/her degree. There are 3 components that a student is evaluated on and must meet:

1. Minimum Grade Point Average
2. Minimum Hours Earned
3. Maximum Time Frame

Minimum Grade Point Average

A student must maintain an overall GPA according to the schedule listed below in order to remain eligible for financial aid. Individual colleges and some financial aid programs may have higher standards. In those cases, the college or program standards will supersede university requirements.

Minimum GPA schedule:
Equal to 2 semesters - 1.8
Greater than 2 semesters - 2.0

Minimum Hours Earned

To be considered making adequate progress toward a degree, a student must complete 67% of the cumulative hours he/she attempts. For students in the Traditional Programs, all hours on file with the Office of the Registrar by the “Last Day to Drop a Class” deadline for the term, will be included in the evaluation. For those individuals identified as Flexible Learning, (formerly PACE) students, Graduate students or students with part-time enrollment, all hours on file with the Registrar’s Office according to the respective refund/withdraw schedules will be included in the evaluation. Hours completed with a passing letter grade or grade of P, including transfer hours, will be considered as hours earned. Hours attempted will include all passed courses, transfer credit, repeat courses, remedial coursework, as well as courses with the following grades: F, XF, W, I, WA, AW.

Maximum Time Frame

Institutional assistance is limited to 8 semesters (4 years) for students enrolled in the traditional undergraduate program on a full-time basis. Students may appeal for an extension if they believe mitigating circumstances delayed graduation. Appeals must be in writing explaining the circumstance. Appeals should be directed to the University Registrar and Office of Student Financial Services.

Eligibility for Federal and State financial aid is limited to total attempted hours which cannot exceed 150% of the hours required to achieve a first undergraduate degree. The majority of programs require 120 hours for graduation, therefore, 120 X 1.5 = 180 attempted hours allowed for financial aid eligibility. Every semester in which you are enrolled in school will be counted, even semesters when you do not receive financial aid. Transfer hours from other institutions accepted by the University will count toward the maximum hour limit. In the event a student changes major, requiring additional semesters, the student may request an individual review of his/her record through the appeal process noted below. Students pursuing a second bachelor’s degree will have their academic record reviewed by the Office of the Registrar to determine cross application of coursework. Second bachelor’s students will be placed on manual review for maximum time frame limits. For graduate programs, hours required for graduation will vary. Refer to individual program curriculum.

Evaluation Schedule

The evaluation will occur at the end of every term, including the summer semester. You will be notified if you fail to achieve the required minimum GPA and/or you have not completed 67% of the hours attempted. You will be placed on Financial Aid Warning for one term of enrollment. In the event that you are nearing the time limit for your degree, you will be notified when you have accumulated 125% of your allowable attempted hours.

Financial Aid Warning:

If you are placed on Warning, you will continue to receive financial aid. However, you will be evaluated at the conclusion of the next semester. Warning status requirements are to complete 67% of your cumulative hours attempted and/or bring your cumulative GPA in line with the Minimum GPA Schedule to retain your eligibility for subsequent semesters. Upon evaluation, if you have met the above requirements, you will be removed from Warning status. If you do not meet either requirement, your financial aid eligibility will be canceled.

Cancel Status

If you do not meet the minimum requirements, you will not be eligible for financial aid. You do have the option of enrolling at your own expense. You also have the option to submit an SAP appeal to regain eligibility.

Appeal Process:

If your financial aid eligibility has been canceled and you feel you have extenuating circumstances that warrant an individual review, you may submit a Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeal. Extenuating circumstances may include: medical issues for yourself or family member, death of a family member or other mitigating circumstance. Maximum time frame appeals are also reviewed for change of major, military credit or extenuating circumstance as noted above. Adding a second major or minor are not situations considered for exception to the maximum time frame policy. Documentation supporting a verifiable situation is required (i.e. proof of doctor visits, obituary). You will have the option of attending/enrolling in classes while the appeal is under review, however, financial aid will not be released unless the appeal is approved. If the appeal is denied you are responsible for any balance owed to the University. Appeals will be reviewed by the SAP committee and notification of the decision will be issued in writing. Your appeal must be a written document that includes:

1. Why you failed to make Satisfactory Academic Progress; cite specific reasons
2. What elements have changed or what steps have you taken that will allow you to rectify the situation and enable you to make progress by the next evaluation
3. The appeal must be received by the committee:
   1. For fall term, first week of August
   2. For spring term, first week of January
   3. For summer term, second week of May

Appeals should be addressed to the Satisfactory Academic Progress Committee, c/o the Director of Student Financial Services.

Financial Aid Probation

If your appeal is approved, you will be placed on Financial Aid Probation. Your letter of approval will outline specific probation expectations and/or the need to meet with the Student Success Center to develop an academic plan. As long as you follow your academic plan and meet your probation standards, you will remain on probation and eligible for financial aid. If the academic plan is not followed or you otherwise fail to meet the minimum progress standards, your financial aid eligibility will be canceled.

Grade level classification is determined according to the following schedule of credits earned. A student must earn at least:

• 24 credits to be classified as a sophomore;
• 54 credits to be classified as a junior; and
• 88 credits to be classified as a senior.