Students’ Rights and Responsibilities

Student Rights

Students receiving financial assistance have the right to:

• Know what financial aid programs are available at Empire State University, including federal, state, institutional, and private sources of aid.

• Know the deadlines, application procedures, and eligibility requirements for each financial aid program.

• Know how financial need and eligibility are determined, including how cost of attendance, expected family contribution, and enrollment status affect aid eligibility.

• Know the criteria for continued eligibility for financial assistance, including the standards for satisfactory academic progress.

• Know the terms and conditions of all financial aid awards, including grants, loans, and work-study employment.

• Know the method and frequency of financial aid disbursements, including the availability of an advance of excess funds for books and supplies, if applicable.

• Receive clear and accurate information regarding loan terms, interest rates, repayment obligations, deferment options, and sample repayment schedules.

• Receive exit counseling for federal Direct Loan borrowers, which is provided online.

• Be informed of the general conditions and terms applicable to Federal Work-Study employment.

• Know how to protect themselves from financial aid fraud and scams and where to report suspected fraudulent activity.

• Access additional required consumer information through the University’s Student Consumer Information website.

Student Responsibilities

Students receiving financial assistance are responsible for:

• Completing all financial aid applications accurately and submitting them by published deadlines.

• Providing complete, accurate, and timely documentation when requested by the Office of Financial Aid.

• Reading and understanding all financial aid communications, award notifications, and disclosures.

• Maintaining satisfactory academic progress in accordance with University and federal standards.

• Understanding the criteria by which a student who fails to maintain satisfactory academic progress may reestablish eligibility for financial assistance.

• Using financial aid funds only for educational expenses related to attendance at Empire State University.

• Complying with the terms and conditions of all federal, state, and institutional aid programs received.

• Repaying student loans according to the terms of the promissory note, including completion of required entrance and exit counseling.

• Reporting changes in enrollment status, program of study, housing status, or receipt of outside financial assistance, as such changes may affect aid eligibility.

• Contacting their loan lender or servicer regarding repayment options, deferments, or forbearance eligibility.

Additional Information Related to Federal Student Aid

• Maintaining Good Academic Standing for University standards and Financial Aid regulations
  • Satisfactory academic progress in accordance with University and federal standards: Eligibility for Federal Student Aid.
  • Criteria by which a student who had failed to maintain satisfactory academic progress may reestablish his or her eligibility for financial assistance.
• For the terms and conditions governing all aid programs, see the financial aid brochures.
• Method and frequency of financial aid disbursements including the option for an advance of excess funds for books and supplies
• Terms of loans:
  • Sample Repayment Schedule
  • Terms and Conditions of Federal Loans
  • Exit counseling for the federal direct loan program is provided online to borrowers.
• General conditions and terms applicable to federal work study employment

• Students may obtain a deferment on repayment of loan principal and/or interest for qualifying service, including:

  • Service under the Peace Corps Act (22 U.S.C. 2501)

  • Service under the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973 (42 U.S.C. 4951)

  • Comparable service as a volunteer for a qualifying tax-exempt organization

• Students are encouraged to be vigilant against financial aid scams. Requests from outside agencies for fees or sensitive personal information related to financial aid are often fraudulent and should be avoided.

• Student Consumer Information: Additional consumer information required under federal law is available.