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Undergraduate Catalog 2020-2021
Scholarships and Financial Aid
The Detroit Mercy Scholarship and Financial Aid Office assists students in meeting their educational costs through access to a combination of Detroit Mercy, federal and state programs designed to make the cost of attending a private university affordable to as many people as possible.
How much assistance is a person or family eligible for? The answer depends on the difference between the cost of a college or university and the family resources that should be contributed toward that cost. The expected family contribution (EFC) is determined according to a formula developed by the Federal Government and is the same no matter which institution a person attends. At Detroit Mercy, complete educational costs for the 2020-2021 academic year (tuition, on campus room & board and books) are $40,842. These amounts may vary depending on program of study and personal living arrangements. The actual costs may be significantly reduced after generous University scholarships and grants have been applied.
The EFC not only takes the family income into account, but also the total number of children in the family and the number of family members attending college and pursuing a degree at the same time. In other words, no one should assume that financial assistance to attend a private university is unavailable until the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) has been completed and reviewed.
Detroit Mercy also awards scholarships based on academic merit without regard to financial need, although everyone receiving a merit-based award is expected to complete the FAFSA.
Financial aid awards from the Federal Government and the State of Michigan are subject to a student making satisfactory progress toward earning a degree according to the details of the Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) policy described below. SAP requires students not only to maintain a satisfactory grade point average but also to successfully complete a minimum number of courses each academic year. SAP for financial aid may differ from academic standards for continued enrollment in each Detroit Mercy college. In other words, it is possible for students to lose financial aid eligibility but remain eligible to enroll at Detroit Mercy.
The most important point about financial aid eligibility is simple: the more expensive the college, the more assistance in the form of scholarships, grants, and loans is available. For most Detroit Mercy students, the real cost difference between attending a private university and public university is far less than the starting tuition costs.
How to Apply
The outline below is written for students new to Detroit Mercy. It is necessary to apply for financial aid on an annual basis several months before the start of each new academic year.
First: Apply for admission at the Detroit Mercy Admissions Office. Accepted students are automatically considered for Detroit Mercy scholarships based on academic merit. These are described under Detroit Mercy Academic Awards.
Second: Complete and submit a FAFSA at . Be sure to have a copy of the report sent to Áù¾ÅÉ«Ìà (code 002323). Michigan residents should list Áù¾ÅÉ«Ìà as the first school on the FAFSA in order to be considered for a Michigan Tuition Grant or Competitive Scholarship. The Michigan Tuition Grant is available only to residents attending a private college or university. Pay special attention to the questions regarding state of residence and date of residence on the FAFSA since these areas determine eligibility for programs funded by the State of Michigan.
Information about scholarships and financial aid is sent automatically to students when they first inquire about admission. Detroit Mercy financial aid counselors are knowledgeable about financial aid programs and can answer most questions prospective students have. Questions can be made by phone at (313) 993-3350, FAX (313) 993-3347, or e-mail finaid@udmercy.edu. Additional information can be found on the Financial Aid Home Page at . Questions can also be sent to:
Scholarship and Financial Aid Office
Áù¾ÅÉ«ÌÃ
4001 W. McNichols Road
Detroit, MI 48221-3038
Scholarships and Grants for Freshman Students
Detroit Mercy rewards hard-working students who have the academic ability to succeed, regardless of their family's income. That means new, full-time freshmen who are U.S. citizens are eligible to receive a scholarship or grant for undergraduate tuition. The amount is determined after reviewing materials submitted during the admission process. Students who apply for admission by December 1 will receive preferential scholarship consideration.
Merit Scholarships and Grants
Up to $13,000
Merit scholarships and grants for tuition are awarded to students based on information provided during the application process, including grade point average, ACT/SAT scores, as well as leadership, service, and other extracurricular activities.
Freshman academic scholarships and grants are automatically renewed each year for four years (eight semesters, Fall and Winter). Students must maintain a solid grade-point average, based on the University’s Scholarship and Grant Renewal Policy, and continuous, full-time enrollment. These grants may only be used for tuition expenses and are not refundable. Students who have been accepted into a qualified 5-year bachelor’s and master’s degree program may be eligible to receive their scholarship during their fifth year (two additional semesters, Fall and Winter) unless their graduate program is offered at a reduced rate. Scholarships may be adjusted proportionally for the graduate phase of an accelerated master’s degree program.
Visit Grant
$1,000
High school students who make an official visit to Áù¾ÅÉ«Ìà by May 1 of their senior year will be awarded the $1,000 campus visit grant upon enrollment at Detroit Mercy. This grant is available for four years of full-time, undergraduate tuition.
Catholic Education University Scholarship
$500 - $1,000
Students who attended a Catholic school in the Archdiocese of Detroit from grades 1-12 are eligible to receive $1,000 a year. Those who attended and graduated from a Catholic high school (grades 9-12 only) are eligible to receive $500 a year. This grant is available each year for four years of full-time, undergraduate tuition.
Commerce Scholarship
$13,000
Freshmen interested in pursuing a major in business, who have a competitive academic record, and evidence of significant community involvement or leadership, are eligible for the Commerce Scholarship for undergraduate tuition.
Theatre Scholarship
Varies
Full-time freshmen pursuing a major in theatre are eligible for the Theatre Performance Scholarship. Students must be regularly accepted into the Theatre program and are invited to audition. This scholarship is available for four years of full-time, undergraduate tuition.
McNichols Puritan Lodge Community Counsel (MPLCC)
Full Tuition
High school students need to be a resident of the McNichols Puritan Lodge Community Counsel (MPLCC) area, which includes the boundaries of West McNichols on the north, and Lodge Freeway to the south, with Livernois on the west and Log Cabin and Idaho Streets on the east. Candidates will be invited to a scholarship interview. This award is available each year, for four years (8 semesters, Fall and Winter) of full-time, undergraduate tuition. Scholars must maintain a 2.0 cumulative grade-point average. There are two scholarships for incoming freshmen, selected each year by the admissions office.
Scholarship and Grant Renewal Guidelines
Freshman scholarships and grants are for full-time, undergraduate enrollment and are renewable each year for a maximum of four years (eight semesters, fall & winter). Students accepted to a qualified 5-year bachelor's to master's degree program may be eligible to receive their scholarship during the fifth year (two additional semesters, fall & winter). Scholarships and grants are adjusted proportionally for the graduate phase of a qualified 5-year master's degree programs. If eligible for renewal during the 5th year, the scholarship eligible for renewal is the merit scholarship.
Program Exceptions:
- Architectural Engineering: Students are eligible to receive their undergraduate scholarship and grant offer for the entirety of the undergraduate Architectural Engineering program, which is five years (10 semesters).
- 5-Year Architecture will receive $4,000 per semester for two additional semesters of full time graduate enrollment
- Engineering Learning Community: Students are eligible to receive a one-year (two semester) extension of their undergraduate scholarship and grant offer, should the undergraduate, Pre-Engineering program exceed four years (eight semesters).
- 5-Year Physician Assistant: Students will receive a $2,500 academic scholarship each semester of the graduate phase of the program (six semesters).
Scholarship and Grant Renewal Requirements:
- Maintain a solid grade point average based on the University's Scholarship Renewal Policy
- Maintain continuous, full-time enrollment
- Contribute to the Detroit Mercy community through service and leadership
- Be a conscientious and responsible member of the Detroit Mercy community
Detroit Mercy scholarships and grants are not applicable to the Schools of Law or Dentistry, may not be combined with other tuition discount programs, and are subject to change.
Scholarships and Grants for Transfer Students
Detroit Mercy Grant
Up to $9,000
Transfer students are awarded grants based on academic achievement. These grants are renewable for up to four years of full-time, undergraduate tuition.
2.0 – 2.49 GPA $1,000
2.5 – 2.99 GPA $7,000
3.0 – 3.49 GPA $8,000
3.5 – 4.00 GPA $9,000
Jesuit Founders Scholarship
Full Tuition
The Jesuit Founders Scholarship, one of our top scholarships, awards new transfer students who have been academically successful and show promise of continued excellence. Full tuition will be met with a combination of the Jesuit Founders Scholarship, as well as with other federal, state, and private grants and scholarships for which the student may be eligible. You must be unconditionally admitted to be invited to compete for this scholarship. We award up to 7 scholarships per year. Minimum requirements include standard admission with no conditions, a 3.5 cumulative GPA, 24+ transferable credits, a scholarship essay, two letters of recommendation, and full-time enrollment. Unfortunately, students who already hold a bachelor’s degree are not eligible.
Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship
Full Tuition
The Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship is also one of the top scholarships offered by Detroit Mercy. It is available to new transfer students who demonstrate exceptional academic credentials and who are also members of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. Full tuition will be met with a combination of PTK Scholarship and other federal, state and private grants and scholarships for which the student is eligible. Minimum requirements include standard admission with no conditions, a 3.5 cumulative GPA, 24+ transferable credits, a scholarship essay, two letters of recommendation, membership in PTK, and full-time enrollment. Unfortunately students who already hold a bachelor’s degree are not eligible.
Catholic Education Grant
$500 per year
Requires full-time enrollment and is awarded to transfer students who graduated from a Catholic high school. This grant is renewable for up to two years.
Theatre Grant
$1,000 per year
Full-time transfer students pursuing a major in theatre are eligible for the Theatre Grant. This grant is renewable for up to four years. Students must be regularly admitted to the theatre program, and be invited by the theatre faculty to audition during the winter semester.
Other Scholarships and Grants for Undergraduate Students
Senior Citizen Discount
Students who are at least 65 years of age may be eligible for a 50 percent undergraduate tuition discount. The student must request the discount and submit proof of age to the Scholarship and Financial Aid Office. To be eligible, the student must be 65 years of age at some point during the semester.
Detroit Mercy scholarships and grants are not applicable to the Schools of Law or Dentistry, may not be combined with other tuition discount programs, and are subject to change.
School Educator's Tuition Remission
Full time teachers, substitute teachers, administrators, counselors, paraprofessionals, teacher's aids or ed techs in a public or private educational center, enrolled in a program certifiable or endorsable for teaching by the State of Michigan, can receive a 60 percent tuition discount for coursework/programs that are not already discounted. Students who are eligible to receive the re-set tuition are not eligible for this discount. A new application (available on the financial aid web page each year) must be submitted each term, not more than one month prior to the start of the term and not after the following deadlines:
- Fall - October 1
- Winter - February 1
- Summer 1 or 3 - June 1
- Summer 2 - July 1
Scholarship and Grant Renewal Policy
Amount of award will be calculated using the cumulative grade point average. Generally awards amounts are reviewed at the time the award is made for each academic year. Changes can be made mid-year if a GPA increase is determined. If there are extenuating circumstances an appeal may be submitted to the associate director for review. Please note all scholarship and grants for returning students awarded prior to 2018-2019 will be re-set beginning with the 2018-2019 academic year in association with the tuition re-set initiative.
|
% of Award Retained |
2.0 Required |
2.5 Required |
3.0 Required |
|
|
America's Mkt HS Schp, Hispanic Leadership, MPLCC |
Compact |
Jesse Slaton, Jesuit Founders, Phi Theta Kappa |
||
|
100% |
2.0-4.0 |
2.5-4.0 |
3.0-4.0 |
|
|
75% |
1.6-1.99 |
2.1-2.49 |
2.6-2.99 |
|
|
50% |
1.01-1.59 |
1.01-2.0 |
1.01-2.59 |
|
|
0% |
0-1.0 |
0-1.0 |
0-1.0 |
Scholarship and Grant Renewal Guidelines
Freshman/Transfer scholarships and grants are for full-time, undergraduate enrollment, and are renewable each year for a maximum of four years (eight semesters, fall & winter). Students accepted to a qualified 5-year bachelor's to master's degree program are eligible to receive their scholarship during the fifth year (two additional semesters, fall & winter) and are adjusted proportionally for the graduate phase of a qualified 5-year master's degree program unless noted below.
Program Exceptions:
- Architectural Engineering: Students are eligible to receive their undergraduate scholarship and grant offer for the entirety of the undergraduate Architectural Engineering program, which is five years (10 semesters).
- 5-Year Architecture will receive $4,000 per semester for two additional semesters of full time graduate enrollment
- Engineering Learning Community: Students are eligible to receive a one-year (two semester) extension of their undergraduate scholarship and grant offer, should the undergraduate, Pre-Engineering program exceed four years (eight semesters).
- 5-Year Physician Assistant: Students will receive a $2,500 academic scholarship each semester of the graduate phase of the program (six semesters).
Scholarship and Grant Renewal Requirements:
- Maintain a 2.0 GPA unless otherwise noted
- Maintain continuous, full-time enrollment
- Contribute to the Detroit Mercy community through service and leadership
- Be a conscientious and responsible member of the Detroit Mercy community
Detroit Mercy scholarships and grants are not applicable to the Schools of Law or Dentistry, may not be combined with other tuition discount programs, and are subject to change
Scholarships Offered by the Schools & Colleges
School of Architecture
AIA/AA Foundation Scholarship Program
This program granted through the American Institute of Architects provides scholarship opportunities to students in one of the last two years of a professional degree program. Based upon student population, this School is eligible to support two such scholarship applications. Apply directly to AIA.
AIA Minority Disadvantaged Scholarship Program
This program, granted through the American Institute of Architects, provides scholarships for students from minority/disadvantaged backgrounds who would not otherwise have the opportunity to be enrolled in professional architectural studies. Apply directly to AIA.
Several other scholarships are available from funds donated in the memory of former students and faculty as well as from contributions from various architectural firms.
College of Engineering & Science
Chemistry Scholarships
Several tuition scholarships are available annually for Chemistry/Biochemistry majors.
Fuller Memorial Scholarship
A monetary award presented to sophomore Civil & Environmental Engineering students.
Other scholarships are available from corporations and engineering societies including General Motors Corporation, Michigan Society of Professional Engineers (MSPE), Society of Women Engineers (SWE), and Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). Additionally, there are several scholarships available from funds donated by alumni and other supporters of the College. Please contact the E&S Dean's Office for more information.
Financial Aid Programs Based on Need
This section includes programs and awards offered by the State of Michigan and the Federal government. Eligibility and funding may change annually for any program listed.
The Michigan Tuition Grant
The Michigan Tuition Grant Program provides financial assistance to students who are Michigan residents attending a qualifying private Michigan institution, including Detroit Mercy. Students demonstrating financial need may be awarded grants up to $2,800 for the 2020-2021 academic year during undergraduate study.
The FAFSA must be received by the federal processor by March 1 preceding the academic year.
The Michigan Tuition Grant is available annually to students who meet these requirements: U.S. citizenship or permanent residency status, Michigan residency, continuous residence in the State of Michigan for at least one full calendar year (beginning July 1 of the year prior to the year of application), demonstrated financial need, and satisfactory academic progress. Students may receive funds from only one of these programs each year. Complete the FAFSA each year by March 1.
The Tuition Incentive Program
The Tuition Incentive Program (TIP) is available to Michigan residents who have graduated from high school or obtained a GED certificate within the past four years, are under the age of 20 at the time of high school graduation or GED completion, and meet state-determined income guidelines. Detroit Mercy students may qualify for Phase II of the TIP program. To be eligible for Phase II students must have completed their associate degree or at least 56 transferable credit hours. Students may contact the TIP program toll free at 1-877-323-2287 for more information or an application.
Federal Government Programs
The Pell Grant Program
The Pell Grant program provides the foundation for aid based upon demonstrated need for many students. Awards range from $639 to more than $6,345 for both full- and part-time students. Eligibility is determined by the following criteria: 1) U.S. citizenship or permanent residency 2) enrollment as an undergraduate student without a previous bachelor’s degree, and 3) demonstrated need.
The SEOG Program
The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG) is a grant with awards ranging from $100 to $1,800 for undergraduate students enrolled on a full-time basis, 12-18 credits. An award of $50 - $600 for less than half-time, half-time, and three quarter-time undergraduate enrollment of 3-11 credits with Pell eligibility is also available. Eligibility is determined by the Scholarship and Financial Aid Office after a review of financial need.
Nursing Student Loans
Nursing Student Loans are available to students pursuing a bachelor's degree in the Nursing program. This loan offers a 10 year repayment, an interest rate of 5%, with a 9 month grace period.
Federal Work-Study Program
The Federal Work-Study Program enables students who qualify for financial aid to work on or off campus on a part-time basis while attending classes. Students' earnings may not exceed their financial need. Applications are available from the Scholarship and Financial Aid Office. Earnings are paid to students on a bi-weekly basis or go towards your account balance as funds are earned by setting up a payroll deduction.
Federal Direct Stafford Loans
The subsidized Federal Direct Stafford Student Loan Program provides low interest loans to students. Repayment of the loan begins six months after the student has graduated, or is enrolled for less than six credit hours. Loan interest for undergraduate students is fixed at 4.53 percent for the 2019-2020 school year, the interest rate for the loan is determined by Congress each year. This interest is paid by the federal government ("subsidized") while the student is enrolled on at least a half-time basis.
Other Loan Programs
The Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan Program is a Federal Loan program designed to meet educational costs for anyone without regard to "need." Interest on the loan for undergraduates is fixed at 4.53 percent for the 2019-2020 school year and is not paid by the federal government while students are enrolled. Students can pay interest while enrolled or defer interest payment until regular repayment begins six months after the student graduates (or ceases being enrolled on at least a half-time basis).
The Federal Direct PLUS (Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students) Program allows parents of dependent, undergraduate students to borrow up to the cost of attendance minus other financial aid to pay educational expenses. Loan approval is subject to credit approval. Interest on the Federal Direct PLUS loan is fixed at 7.08 percent for the 2019-2020 school year, and repayment generally begins within 60 days of the last disbursement of the loan. There is no grace period or interest subsidy on this loan.
Many banks, savings and loan associations, credit unions, and other commercial lending institutions have special loan programs for students or parents of students attending college. The Áù¾ÅÉ«Ìà processes private loans through ELM Select. ELM Select provides students and parents an easy way to search for private loans from many lenders and programs.
Refunds to Financial Aid Programs
Students who withdraw within 60 percent of the beginning of the term or reduce their class load may have their financial aid reduced. Refer to the refund policy cited in the Tuition Refund Policy section of this Catalog. The return of funds to financial aid programs is based upon federally-mandated formulae. Return of funds to financial aid programs are allocated in this order:
- 1. Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loans
- 2. Subsidized Federal Stafford Loans
- 3. Federal PLUS loans
- 4. Federal Pell Grant
- 5. ACG/SMART Grants
- 6. Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants
- 7. Other federal Title IV assistance
- 8. Other federal, state, private, or institutional financial aid programs
- 9. A refund to a student is determined by the formula
This allocation order is mandated by the Federal Government and would change if the present priorities are changed.
Satisfactory Academic Progress for Financial Aid Eligibility
Satisfactory academic progress (SAP) is a term used to describe a student’s successful completion of course work toward a degree or certificate. SAP is required to receive all federal and state financial aid.
Federal regulations require the Financial Aid Office to apply reasonable standards for measuring whether a student is making progress toward a degree. This is to ensure that students receiving funds are successfully progressing through their program of study. If you do not meet the minimum requirements, you could lose your eligibility for financial aid.
Satisfactory Academic Progress Standards
Student academic progress is measured at the end of each semester against the following qualitative and quantitative standards: cumulative grade point average (GPA), completion rate (pace), maximum time frame and meeting the academic standards of your school or college (e.g., the College of Engineering & Science, the School of Architecture, etc.).
Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA)
2.0 for undergraduate, Law and Dental (DDS) programs, 3.0 for graduate programs. At any time that it becomes mathematically impossible for the student to meet the GPA requirement by the time the student would complete enough credit hours to graduate, the student becomes ineligible for federal aid.
Completion Rate (Pace)
At least 67 percent of all credit hours attempted must have successfully passing grades that can be applied to the degree. The 67 percent completion rate maintains a pace of progression toward the degree or certificate that ensures completion of the academic credential within the maximum time frame allowed. The pace of progress is calculated by dividing cumulative hours that you have successfully completed by the cumulative hours you have attempted. This includes hours attempted for which you do not receive credit, such as repeated courses which do not count toward your degree and classes taken prior to restarting your degree program.
Credit hours transferred from other schools that are accepted toward completion of a student's Detroit Mercy program count as hours attempted and hours completed. However, transfer credit hours are not included in the calculation of a student's grade point average. Please refer to the Grades and Credits section of this policy for a list of attempted credit hours.
Maximum Time Frame
Students must complete a degree or certificate program in no more than 150 percent of the published length of the program in credit hours. Examples:
Undergraduate degrees that require 126 credit hours: Attempted credit hours may not exceed 189 (126 credits x 150 percent = 189 credits).
Master's degrees that require 36 credit hours: Attempted credit hours may not exceed 54 (36 credits x 150 percent = 54 credits).
Professional and other degrees that require completion within a specific number of years from the start date: Student must complete the degree in no more than the maximum number of calendar years from the date s/he began the program AND the student must complete at least 67 percent of credit hours attempted during any given semester AND attempted credit hours may not exceed 150 percent of the required credit hours for the student's program of study.
Note: If at any point it becomes mathematically impossible for the student to meet degree completion and/or grade point requirements prior to the maximum time frame, the student immediately becomes ineligible for future federal (and/or) state financial aid.
For the number of credit hours that specific programs require for completion, consult with an academic advisor or refer to the Áù¾ÅÉ«Ìà Course Catalog.
Both pace and maximum time frame are measured in credit hours only, except in the case of programs that have a maximum calendar year requirement, regardless of attendance level (such as full-time or part-time).
Procedures
Each aid recipient's record will be evaluated at the end of each semester to determine that the student is meeting the standards described above. Students with classes that require more than one semester to receive a grade will be evaluated both on a semester basis for any classes graded at the end of the term, and at the completion of the class for multi-semester classes. If the student has reached the maximum number of scheduled hours or maximum years without earning a degree or it is mathematically impossible for the student to do so in the remaining number of hours or time frame, the student must be excluded from further participation in federal financial aid programs.
Financial Aid Warning
Students will receive a "financial aid warning" letter the first time they have experienced academic difficulty, which results in not meeting the SAP standards. The letter will remind them of the minimum academic requirements for their aid programs and strongly urge them to take advantage of the academic services that are available to students at Detroit Mercy. Students will be required to meet with their academic advisor to discuss strategies for a successful semester and return the letter, endorsed by the academic advisor and the student. Students will be eligible to receive federal aid during this warning semester. These students are notified that their records will be checked again at the end of the semester and that further action will be taken if the student does not meet SAP standards at that time. Students will be sent a financial aid suspension letter if, at the end of the warning semester, they are not meeting SAP standards. Students can only receive aid for one semester under this "warning" status.
Students whose classes meet for two or more terms before a grade is given do not qualify for a warning semester. Students in this category have their aid suspended at the end of the second semester of two-term classes during which they have not made SAP and must appeal for SAP probation to receive consideration for any further financial aid (see below).
Financial Aid Probation
Financial aid probation status will be assigned to students who have failed to meet SAP standards and have successfully appealed to have their aid eligibility reinstated.
Students who are not meeting SAP standards after a semester with a warning status or who attend multi-term classes may appeal to have their aid eligibility reinstated. If the appeal is approved the student will be offered a financial aid probation contract. The contract will outline the academic requirements the student must meet in order to receive aid for the following semester. This contract must be approved by an academic advisor in the student's college or school and can be modified by the advisor to include any steps required by the college or school for the student to maintain good academic standing with that college or school. If the student on financial aid probation meets the terms of the probation, he/she will be permitted to continue to participate in the federal student aid programs for a subsequent semester. Students who have been placed on probation shall be considered to be making satisfactory academic progress for the purposes of receiving financial aid as long as the student continues to meet the academic requirements outlined in their probationary contract which may extend to one or more semesters.
The Scholarship and Financial Aid Office will review the records of students who are on financial aid probation at the end of each semester to determine continued eligibility. If the student does not meet the terms of the probation, the student will forfeit eligibility for all federal financial aid programs.
Federal regulations require that these standards apply to all students, even to first-time aid applicants who have previously enrolled at Áù¾ÅÉ«ÌÃ, or to those who have not been formally placed on probation.
Loss of eligibility due to lack of satisfactory progress
A student who has lost eligibility to participate in federal or state student aid programs for reasons of academic progress can regain that eligibility by enrolling at his/her own expense and demonstrating that he/she is capable of completing a semester without any failures, incompletes or withdrawals and showing the ability to complete his/her degree requirements in a more regular fashion and by submitting an appeal for reinstatement. The mere passage of time will not ordinarily restore eligibility to a student who has lost eligibility for failure to make satisfactory progress.
Students who have been academically dismissed from the University but who are subsequently given permission to re-enroll are not automatically eligible to continue to participate in federal, state, or institutional aid programs. Admissions decisions are totally separate from funding decisions.
SAP Appeal
A typed appeal letter requesting reinstatement of eligibility must be submitted to the associate director of Scholarship and Financial Aid.
The SAP appeal must include:
- An explanation of your overall situation, including your entire academic history at Detroit Mercy, detailing the circumstances that contributed to your inability to meet the Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress standards.
- An explanation of circumstances that contributed to your most recent unsuccessful semester.
- Demonstrate what you have done to correct the problems that have hindered your success.
- Attach supporting documents, such as obituaries, medical notices, tutoring contracts, etc.
Students should not assume that a SAP appeal will be approved and accepts responsibility for paying his/her tuition and fees if the appeal is denied.
Grades and Credits
Attempted credit hours include the following whether or not paid for with financial aid:
- Earned Hours (A-D)
- Pass (P)
- Satisfactory (S)
- No Record (NR)
- No Pass (NP)
- Unsatisfactory (U)
- Withdrawal (W)
- Failure (F)
- No Record Failure (XF)
- Final Grade Postponed - Law School Only (X)
- Incomplete (I)
- Incomplete/Failing (I/F)
- Numerical grades (0.0 - 4.0)
- Transfer Credit
Repeat Course Work
Federal regulations limit the number of times a student may repeat a course and receive financial aid for that course.
- A student may receive aid when repeating a course that was previously failed, regardless of the number of times the course was attempted and failed.
- A student may receive aid to repeat a previously passed course one additional time.
- Once a student has completed any course twice with a passing grade, he/she is no longer eligible to receive aid for that course.
- If a student retakes a course that is not aid eligible, a recalculation of aid is performed to exclude the credits for the repeat course.
- This rule applies whether or not the student received aid for the earlier enrollments in the course.
Note: Federal regulations specify that students may not receive aid for repeating courses previously passed if the student is required to retake those courses as part of a structured program. For example, a student who fails a course in a semester and is required by the college or department to repeat all courses taken in that semester before moving on in the program, would not be eligible to receive aid for the passed courses—only for the failed one(s). That may mean that the student would not be eligible for any aid for the semester, depending upon the number of previously passed courses being repeated.
With the exception of the School of Law, if a student repeats a course, credit hours for each registration in the course will be added to his/her attempted credit hours total. Repeat courses will be counted in the GPA for graduate and professional students, however, only the most recent grade will be counted in the GPA for undergraduate students.
For the law school, if a student repeats a course, credit hours for each registration in the course will be added to his/her attempted credit hours total. Both the credits and the grades for the repeated courses will be included in the calculation of the student's cumulative GPA, and the student's graduation credit hour requirements will be increased by the number of credit hours repeated. If a student is dismissed and then re-admitted as a new start, courses repeated from prior to the dismissal are counted for purposes of the 75 percent completion rate, but the calendar year limit begins again and the total credit hour requirement for completion is the one effective at the time the student re-enters the school.
Withdrawal from Courses: If a student withdraws from a course after the drop/add period, the course credit hours will be added to his/her attempted credit hours total.
Remedial Courses: Credit hours for each remedial course a student takes are included in the calculation of his/her attempted credit hours total and are included in the GPA calculations but are not counted towards degree requirements.
Incomplete Courses: Credit hours for incomplete courses are included in the calculation of a student's attempted credit hours total but not in the calculation of his/her GPA.
Audit Courses: Credit hours are not earned for audited courses; therefore, they are not included in the calculation of a student’s attempted credit hours total or GPA.
Pass/Fail Courses: Credit hours for pass/fail courses are included in the calculation of a student's attempted credit hours total but not in the calculation of his/her GPA.
Undergraduate Courses at the Graduate Level: Undergraduate courses taken by graduate students do not earn graduate credit, and therefore, they are not included in the calculation of the student's GPA, or included in the calculation of the student's attempted credit hours total.
Change Majors Courses: For students who change majors, the credit hours taken under all majors will be included in the calculation of the attempted credit hours total, the GPA calculation, and the maximum time frame for degree completion.
Student Support Services:
The Financial Aid Office encourages students to utilize the resources available at Áù¾ÅÉ«Ìà to assist you if you are struggling to maintain satisfactory academic progress.
Student Success Center
McNichols Library, Room 319, Phone: (313) 993-1143 Email: learningcenter@udmercy.edu, website:
The Writing Center
McNichols Campus, Briggs 135, Phone (313) 993-1022, Website:
University Ministry
McNichols Campus, Student Center — Across from Bookstore, Phone (313) 993-1560, Website:
Counseling Wellness Center
McNichols Campus, West Quad — Wellness Center Room 105, Phone (313) 578-0496 or (313) 993-1170, Website:
School of Law Academic Support Services
Renaissance Campus, Dowling Hall Room 325 A, (313) 596-0226, Ms. Nancy Omichinski - omichinm@udmercy.edu
Veterans Benefits
Detroit Mercy is recognized by the Michigan Department of Education to offer education and training for veterans. Eligibility for all benefits is determined solely by the Veterans Administration (VA). For more information contact the Office of the Registrar, or the Detroit Regional Office of the Veterans Administration, or visit , or call 1-888-442-4551.
All veterans receiving benefits must comply with the satisfactory progress policy. Specifically, all veterans receiving benefits must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 for undergraduate, law and dental and 3.0 for graduate programs.
A veteran who allows his/her cumulative GPA to fall below these levels will be placed on probation. A veteran is allowed two semesters to bring his/her GPA above these levels. If the veteran fails to do so, the VA will be notified of unsatisfactory progress and enrollment will not be certified. Certification may resume once the cumulative GPA rises above the previously stated levels.
If a veteran receives a failing grade in or officially withdraws from any class(es), the veteran is obligated to report in writing to the Registrar's Office the last date of attendance for such class(es). If the veteran fails to notify the Registrar's Office in writing, the University will report the last date of attendance to the VA as the first day of class.
Veterans will not be certified for courses taken on an audit basis or those that do not fulfill degree requirements in the program the student is enrolled in. At the time a recipient of VA benefits first requests certification for the Veteran's Administration, the Registrar will provide materials on current procedures. The student should review these materials carefully. In some cases, actions permitted by Detroit Mercy may result in a reduction or termination of the student's benefits by the Veterans Administration under their regulations. Because academic advisors or deans may not be familiar with such regulations, the student is advised to consult the Office of the Registrar when registering, withdrawing, adding or discontinuing attendance.
In order to comply with Section 103 of PL 115-407 of the Colmery Act the Áù¾ÅÉ«Ìà permits any covered individual to attend or participate in the course of education during the period beginning on the date on which the individual provides to the educational institution a certificate of eligibility for entitlement to educational assistance under chapter 31 or 33 (a "certificate of eligibility" can also include a "Statement of Benefits" obtained from the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) website – eBenefits, or a VAF 28-1905 form for chapter 31 authorization purposes) and ending on the earlier of the following dates:
- The date on which payment from VA is made to the institution.
- 90 days after the date the institution certified tuition and fees following the receipt of the certificate of eligibility.
The Áù¾ÅÉ«Ìà will not impose any penalty, including the assessment of late fees, the denial of access to classes, libraries, or other institutional facilities, or the requirement that a covered individual borrow additional funds, on any covered individual because of the individual’s inability to meet his or her financial obligations to the institution due to the delayed disbursement funding from VA under chapter 31 or 33.
Additional information can be found on the .