Admissions and Finances (Professional Studies)

It is the policy of St. Joseph’s College not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national and ethnic origin, age, handicap, or marital status in its educational programs, admission policies, employment policies, financial aid, or other school administered programs. This policy is implemented in compliance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

Admission Requirements

An applicant wishing to pursue an undergraduate degree or certificate program within Professional Studies must be an adult with a high school diploma or its equivalent and be deemed capable of completing the requirements for the degree or certificate. In addition to having met the general admission requirements of the School, students typically have post secondary education and training and have acquired, through experience, the skills and knowledge appropriate to the degree or certificate. Exceptions to this are made with the approval of the Dean. Additional requirements for majors and certificate programs are indicated in the Curricular Offerings  section of the catalog.

Application Procedure

The application procedure for undergraduate degrees and certificates offered through Professional Studies (other than the Bachelor of Science with a major in Nursing) begins when the applicant submits evidence of the high school diploma or equivalent and meets with a School admission counselor at either SJC Brooklyn or SJC Long Island. During this meeting, the applicant will discuss the program with the counselor and complete an application form.

As part of the admission procedure, the applicant will complete a brief writing exercise and have it evaluated by College personnel. Based on the applicant’s prior training and experience, the applicant’s writing ability, and the admission interview, the counselor may make the decision regarding admittance to a degree or certificate program. The counselor may also help the applicant plan a program suitable to the educational needs and goals of the applicant. (See Curricular Offerings  for additional requirements and procedures for admission to major and certificate programs.)

An applicant may be accepted pending receipt of official records of prior education. Only after all official records have been received and evaluated will the admission process be complete and the student fully admitted.

When evidence of a high school diploma or its equivalent does not appear on transfer credit documentation, it will be necessary for the student to submit such evidence in order to be fully admitted.

A completed medical form must be submitted. New York State Public Health Law requires all students who were born on or after January 1, 1957 to be immunized against measles, mumps and rubella. Proof of immunity must be submitted to the Office of Career Development, Wellness, and Disability Services prior to enrollment.

A completed Meningococcal Vaccination Response Form as required by New York State Public Health Law must be submitted.

Conditional Acceptance

An applicant who has satisfied the requirements for admission and is deemed capable of college-level coursework but needs academic skill development is accepted on a “conditional” basis. A person in this category is permitted to register for no more than 12 hours of coursework, to be specified by the admission counselor. Upon satisfactory completion of the specified courses, the student will meet with an academic advisor to plan additional coursework as determined by that advisor (not applicable to Nursing majors).

Online Program Admissions

Applicants interested in pursuing either an undergraduate or graduate online degree must be adults with post-secondary education and training. They will also typically be required to be employed in a full-time position and have substantial work experience involving supervision, program development, specialized training, considerable responsibility and/or independent judgment. Exceptions to this are made with the approval of the dean.

Online Admissions Procedure

Complete the online application. For your provisional acceptance, faxed copies of your college transcripts will be accepted. For full admission, you must send official transcripts from all previous college work. Please send transcripts to:

St. Joseph’s College
Professional Studies
Attn: Vanessa Russo
155 West Roe Blvd.
Patchogue, NY 11772

Phone: 631.687.4510
Fax: 631.650.2526

For Undergraduate Online Programs Only:

Depending on prior coursework, students wishing to be exempted from ENG 102 and/or ENG 109 should take an online writing assessment administered by the College. Non-speakers may substitute TOEFL or IETLS scores for proof of English skills at the ENG 102 and ENG 109 levels.

International Transcripts

Applicants submitting transcripts from international educational institutions may be required to submit their educational documents to a St. Joseph’s College approved foreign credential evaluation service for a course-by-course report. Applicants deal directly with the foreign credential evaluation service and are responsible for following the procedures of the service and payment of all fees charged for that service. The applicant may also be required to submit a word-for-word English translation of credentials by a College-approved translation service at the applicant’s expense.

Non-Matriculated Status

A person may opt to enroll in a limited number of courses for personal or professional enrichment as a non-matriculated student and may accumulate as many as 18 credits. The student may not take additional courses unless he/she applies and is accepted for matriculation. The person seeking to enroll in this category will be subject to the application requirements and procedures described above.

International Students

Registration at St. Joseph’s College is contingent upon admission to the college and acquisition of a valid student visa (F-1) from the United States Immigration and Naturalization Service. For further information contact the Office of International Student Services at (718) 940-5830, or visit our website at www.sjcny.edu.

Transfer Credit and Prior Learning Assessment Policies

Adults bring a wide array of talents and expertise to the college experience. Some of it stems from a traditional collegiate program and some of it comes from non-traditional sources, such as professional training, technical and certificate programs, as well as their own work experience.

Adult learners applying to a major within Professional Studies will be considered for:

• a maximum of 90 credits from a regionally accredited four-year institution
• a maximum of 82 credits from a regionally accredited two-year institution
• a maximum of 27 credits through Prior Experiential Learning Assessment (P.E.L.A.). Through P.E.L.A., eligible students can register for an experiential portfolio seminar and work with the Prior Learning Assessment coordinator to document and thoroughly assess prior learning experiences.
• a maximum of 82 prior learning credits from the following educational experiences: training programs, certificates, certifications and credit by examination. Credits from educational institutions that are not regionally accredited but are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education may also be considered for credit under this category. 

Please note: The total number of prior learning credits from any or all of the prior learning sources listed above cannot exceed 82 credits. The total number of credits from all sources combined-including prior learning and traditional transfer credit-cannot exceed 90 credits. To earn a bachelor’s degree from St. Joseph’s College, students must complete a minimum of 30 credits* in residence.
 
*Certain majors may require a minimum of 32 credits be completed at St. Joseph’s College.

College Coursework

• a maximum of 90 credits from a regionally accredited four-year institution
• a maximum of 82 credits from a regionally accredited two-year institution

College Proficiency Examinations

Matriculated students within Professional Studies may apply for credit or placement for the equivalent of St. Joseph’s College courses on the basis of their successful completion of examinations sponsored by:

1. CLEP-The College Board’s College-Level Examination Program
2. EXCELSIOR COLLEGE EXAMINATIONS-The New York State Education Department’s Regents College Examinations.
3. DSST-DANTES Subject Standardized Tests. Nursing students cannot avail themselves of the portfolio option, but they can take standardized exams.

Students who wish credit or placement on the basis of any of these examinations should have a copy of their scores forwarded from the sponsoring agency to the Registrar of St. Joseph’s College. When a decision has been reached, the student will receive written confirmation of the credit or placement granted. For information on other proficiency examinations, consult an advisor or the Prior Experiential Learning Assessment Coordinator

Non-Collegiate Sponsored Instruction

The decision to accept credit toward the baccalaureate degree for work completed in settings other than approved collegiate institutions is done on an individual basis.

1. Professional Studies provides for the transfer of credits for individuals who have completed New York State recognized professional training programs, where such programs are at the collegiate level.
2. Professional Studies provides for the awarding of college credit as per the Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experience in the Armed Service, National College Credit Recommendation Service (www.nationalccrs.org/), and the National Guide to Educational Credit for Training Programs, and the Joint Statement on the Transfer and Award of Credit from the American Council on Education.
3. Awarding of credit for non-collegiate sponsored instruction does not extend to the Bachelor of Science with a major in Nursing.

Prior Experiential Learning Assessment

Professional Studies students, except for Nursing majors, with extensive and varied experiential learning may participate in the Prior Experiential Learning Assessment (P.E.L.A.) Program, which gives students the opportunity to apply for credit for their prior experiential learning. Validated learning, not the experience alone, is the basis for awarding credit. It should be noted that Professional Studies does not award credit for “having lived,” but rather for having mastered-through professional, creative, volunteer, or other experience-knowledge and skills that are deemed to be at the college level and are applicable in the context of the student’s degree program.

Prior to participating in the P.E.L.A. Program, students must be fully matriculated, have earned a minimum grade of C for ENG 103 Writing for Effective Communication, and have completed 36 credits toward their program at St. Joseph’s or elsewhere. A 2.7 cumulative index in coursework completed at St. Joseph’s will be required to register for GS 111 Experiential Portfolio Seminar. Students must take  GS 111  before their last semester.

To register for GS 111(one-credit seminar) or GS111L (non-credit workshop), students must meet with a P.E.L.A. advisor and obtain written approval. The P.E.L.A. Coordinator reserves the right to limit students’ programs during the semester in which the students are enrolled in the Seminar.

The Seminar is a mentored course designed to facilitate the assessment of prior experiential learning for the purpose of developing an experiential learning portfolio. In part, the Seminar consists of individualized exercises designed to identify acquired skills and knowledge, and culminates in presenting these as college-credit worthy, relating these to the student’s degree program and career goals.

Credit earned through the P.E.L.A. Program is applicable to the major (as explained below), liberal arts, and elective portion of the curriculum. With regard to the Bachelor of Science degrees in Human Services and in Health Administration, P.E.L.A. credit can be used to satisfy the “9 additional credits” section of Major Electives. As of the fall 1997 semester, in certain circumstances, P.E.L.A. may also satisfy a major elective. For the Bachelor of Science in Organizational Management, P.E.L.A. credit can be applied to the”Elective Business Courses” section. Credits awarded through the P.E.L.A. Program are not applicable to the prescribed minimum of 21 credits of coursework toward the major that must be taken at St. Joseph’s College. The maximum P.E.L.A. credit award is 27 credit hours.

An integral part of the Seminar is the validation process, which consists of assembling all relevant documents into a prior experiential learning portfolio under the supervision of a qualified mentor. Portfolios are evaluated by qualified faculty members, and a credit award is made by the P.E.L.A. Evaluation Committee taking into consideration content, competence level, college-credit appropriateness, and applicability to the student’s degree program. Notification of the credit award is sent to the students by the Registrar prior to the conclusion of the next regular semester. At the time credit awards are made, students’ records will be updated to reflect the addition of credits.

Since students applying for P.E.L.A. credit work closely under the tutelage of a mentor well versed in prior experiential learning assessment, the likelihood of an appeal for reconsideration of the credit award is greatly reduced. In the event, however, that such a request is made, the P.E.L.A. Coordinator will review the portfolio in consultation with the appropriate department representative.

Students seeking P.E.L.A. credit are required to take the Experiential Portfolio Seminar (one-credit or non-credit) at the prevailing per credit charge. In addition, students are required to cover the cost associated with the evaluation of their portfolios; students will be billed the P.E.L.A. evaluation fee at the time of registration for GS 111 option. (See Statement of Costs.) Since the P.E.L.A. Program is distinct from the Proficiency Examination option of Prior Learning Assessment, students are obligated to pay all expenses related to proficiency examinations, independent of the P.E.L.A. evaluation fee.

General Limitations on Prior Learning Credit

1. Professional Studies does not accept prior learning credit earned from duplicative coursework or proficiencies.
2. Credit earned in remedial coursework or at a pre-collegiate level is not accepted for prior learning credit.
3. Credits earned with grades below C may be restricted or refused for transfer.
4. Prior learning credit is accepted but not computed in the grade-point average.
5. Inactive students who have not had a prior learning transfer evaluation will be subject to the policies in force at the time of their readmission.
6. St. Joseph’s College reserves the right to accept credit, including credit earned at the College by non-matriculated students, in a way best calculated to preserve the integrity of its own degree.

Procedure for Requesting Prior Learning Credit

Students wishing to receive credit for prior learning should contact an advisor to find out which prior learning documentation is necessary; e.g., official transcripts, college proficiency test results, copies of military training records (JST: Joint Services Transcript), copies of professional certificates, etc. Official copies of the relevant documents must be sent directly from the institutions/agencies to the St. Joseph’s College campus where students made initial application.

Prior Learning/transfer credit evaluations are typically not made until after students submit an application and are admitted at least provisionally.

See also the transfer credit request procedure for the Bachelor of Science with a major in Nursing.

Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges (SOC)

St. Joseph’s College is a member of the Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges (SOC), a consortium of over 1800 institutions pledged to work with Servicemembers, their families, and veterans trying to earn degrees while pursuing demanding careers. As a SOC member, St. Joseph’s College is committed to the transfer of relevant course credits, flexible academic residence requirements, and crediting learning from appropriate military training and work experience.

Statement of Costs for Academic Year 2016-2017

                                        Undergraduate Tuition and Fees

Tuition Policy

Students accepted for admission must make a tuition deposit at the time of registration. Full time students (12 or more credits semester, 9 or more credits trimester) pay $250; part-time students pay $80. (These amounts include a $5.00 I.D. Card Fee.) The deposit is not refundable, but it will be credited toward the first term’s tuition. In certain instances, the non-refundable tuition deposit paid by a first semester student may be applied to the next semester.

A student’s bill for tuition and fees is based on the number of credits for which a student intends to register, less applicable Financial Aid, Grants, or Scholarships for that semester. Scholarships or Student Aid may only be subtracted if all related applications and other information have been submitted on a timely basis. Payment of the remaining balance constitutes “Clearance” by the Bursar’s Office.

Bills for the semester must be cleared by the Bursar’s Office before students may attend class. Students who do not receive financial clearance from the Bursar’s Office will not be officially registered at the College for that semester. Students may not enroll for a successive semester until their accounts have been completely satisfied.

St. Joseph’s College makes available several tuition financing options through tuition deferment programs. The two monthly budgeting programs the College offers are The Tuition Management System and Academic Management Services. Basically, these programs are designed to afford students the opportunity to pay their educational expenses in monthly installments. Students may elect to contract with either of these services for a nominal initial participation fee prior to or at the beginning of each new academic year. Students interested in either of the two plans may obtain brochures and applications in the Bursar’s Office. Additional information may be received by calling AMS at 1(800) 635-0120 and The Tuition Plan at 1(800) 722-4867.

Students who are unable to pay what is owed by the first day of class (other than those who are enrolled with either the Tuition Management System or Academic Management Services) will have their account automatically default to St. Joseph’s College Tuition Extension Agreement. Unlike the other two deferment programs, under the St. Joseph’s College Tuition Agreement, a finance charge will be assessed.

Questions regarding the College’s tuition policy should be addressed to the Bursar at SJC Long Island (631) 687-4555.

Students who fail to comply with these regulations will be subject to suspension until the requirements are met.

SEMESTER FLAT-RATE: The flat-rate for tuition covers 33 credits per academic year. In this way, the College’s requirement of 120- 128 credits can be achieved in eight terms. Full-time students-those taking at least 12 credits-are charged the flat rate. (See Statement of Costs for Academic Year.) Intersession and Summer session courses are not included within the flat-rate tuition. Full-time students who take more than 33 credits per academic year will be charged for each additional credit. Up to 18 of the 33 credits may be taken in one semester without an additional charge.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS: International students who require insurance coverage in excess of the limits provided by the student accident and sickness plan can request enrollment in a plan tailored to the international student. International students who wish to participate in the International Plan must obtain an Enrollment Form from the Dean of Students Office.

TRIMESTER FLAT-RATE: The flat-rate tuition will be charged to trimester students taking 12 to 15 credits per trimester. Once the session has begun, flat-rate students who change their programs to less than 12 credits will continue to be responsible for the flat-rate tuition charge (as opposed to the per-credit rate.) Those trimester students who take more than 15 credits per trimester will be charged for each additional credit at the per credit rate. Intersession courses are not included within the flat-rate tuition and must be paid for per credit.

PER CREDIT: Students taking fewer than 12 credits per semester/trimester are charged the per credit rate.

Neither a transcript nor a diploma will be issued until all financial obligations have been settled. The College reserves the right to alter tuition charges and fees when such changes become necessary.

Withdrawal from a Course or from the College: Tuition Refunds

Full-time students who receive permission to withdraw from a single course are not entitled to a refund, unless the withdrawal involves extra credits, paid for by the point. In such cases, the student may ask for a refund of the extra tuition within the first four weeks of the term. Once the session has begun, flat-rate students who change their programs to less than 12 credits will continue to be responsible for the flat-rate tuition charge (as opposed to the per-credit rate.) Part-time students who withdraw from a course may also apply for a refund.

Withdrawal from the College may entitle a student to a refund of tuition, but not of fees. The date of withdrawal is considered when calculating refunds. Tuition liability is based on the date the change of program form is received by the Registrar.

The percentage of refund will be determined according to the following schedule:

The rate of refund for any unique class scheduling configuration is pro-rated according to the above refund schedule.

This schedule does not apply to the tuition deposit required of first time students. This deposit is not refundable. In the absence of written notification, the date of withdrawal is determined by the Dean.

Refunds of financial aid awards, student loans, etc., are not refundable until the actual funds have been received by the College and the student’s eligibility for the funds has been determined.

Federal Title IV recipients should see the Return of Title IV Funds Section of this catalog.

A refund will not be granted to a student who is dismissed or who withdraws while under disciplinary action.

A student who feels that his/her individual circumstances warrant an exception to the College’s refund policy may submit a written appeal for special consideration to the Bursar. The Bursar’s decision is subject to appeal to the Chief Financial Officer.

Once the Bursar’s Office has determined that a student is eligible to receive a refund, it will automatically be processed by the office. This typically occurs after the fifth calendar week of the semester.

If the refund includes funds from a Parent’s Plus Loan, a separate “Refund Application Form” will be sent to the parent from the Bursar’s Office. This form requires the parent’s signature before any funds can be released.

Withdrawal from an Online Course

Ordinarily, withdrawal may take place up to the midpoint of the term or session. Refunds, however, may be obtained only through the fifth calendar week for online courses. The date of withdrawal is the date on which written notice of such a request is actually received at omop@sjcny.edu. In the absence of written notification, the date of withdrawal is determined by the vice president and dean. The percentage of tuition, which will be charged in all cases, will be determined according to the following schedule:
 

REFUND FOR WITHDRAWAL FROM ONLINE CLASSES

All dates are Eastern Standard Time. Students must contact Ashley Bender at 631.687.4188 when withdrawing.

FLAT RATE

The flat rate for tuition covers 33 credits per academic year. In this way, the College’s requirement of 120 - 128 credits can be achieved in eight terms. Full‐time students-those taking at least 12 credits-are charged the flat rate of $24,500 per academic year. Intersession and summer session courses are not included within the flat‐rate tuition and must be paid for per credit. Full‐time students who take more than 33 credits per academic year will be charged for each additional credit. Up to 18 of the 33 credits may be taken in one semester without an additional charge.

Awarding of Degrees and Graduation

Graduation exercises are held annually in June. Degrees, however, are granted three times a year (August, January, June). August and January graduates may elect to receive diplomas in February or wait until commencement. Students who expect to satisfy the requirements for the B.S. degree by the June commencement date must file an application for graduation by the previous October 15th. Students who require proof of graduation prior to commencement may request a letter of completion and/or transcript from the Registrar.

All students filing for graduation must have a total of 128 credits, at least 60 of which must be in the liberal arts.

Students who miss the deadline for graduation application will not receive diplomas until two months after the date of graduation. No diplomas will be mailed.

Where it appears that a student who is applying for graduation is requesting a change of major in order to graduate at an earlier date and where it appears that the student intends to complete another major at St. Joseph’s College, the Dean - in consultation with the appropriate department chairpersons - reserves the right to deny the request.

Any change in program stated on the graduation application must be brought to the attention of the Registrar.

Students will be required to pay for all coursework required for graduation, even if this should exceed 128 credits. In those instances where this credit in excess of 128 would result in a student’s being required to pay flat rate tuition, the Registrar may offer the student the option of doing a 1 or 2 credit independent study, thereby keeping the credit load under 12 and the tuition rate at the per credit basis. This applies only to the unrestricted elective portion of the program, not to any coursework required for the degree or certificate.

Financial Aid

Application Instructions

All matriculating students may apply for financial aid (Bachelor of Science Degree; Certificate in Management; Certificate in Alcoholism and Addictions counseling; Certificate in Criminology/Criminal Justice). Consideration for a scholarship or financial aid from St. Joseph’s College is dependent upon making application and receiving official notification of acceptance into the college. 

To be considered for federal, state and institutional sources of financial aid, students should follow these procedures each academic year.

1.    Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) designating St. Joseph’s College as a recipient. The student will be asked to enter one of St. Joseph’s federal school codes, which are 002825 for SJC Brooklyn and E00505 for SJC Long Island.  The FAFSA may be completed online at www.fafsa.gov, or a paper FAFSA may be completed and mailed to the Federal Student Aid Processor.

2.    New York State Residents who plan to attend full-time should also complete the New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) application.  After completion of the FAFSA, a student may file the TAP application at www.hesc.ny.gov.

Brooklyn Undergraduate Code: 0755
Long Island Undergraduate Code: 0758
Long Island Trimester (Weekend College) Code: 0762

New York State Residents who plan to attend part-time should complete the NYS Aid for Part-time Study Application. The APTS application is available at the Office of Financial Aid.

3.    If the student’s FAFSA is selected by the processor for verification, the student will be asked to provide additional documentation to the Office of Financial Aid. The documentation will be compared to the FAFSA, and corrections will be made as necessary. The Office of Financial Aid must be in receipt of the documentation, and all necessary corrections must be made before awards can be disbursed.  The Office of Financial Aid may request other types of documentation in order to determine eligibility for certain programs.

4.    Priority for certain financial aid programs will be given to students who adhere to the following recommended filing dates:

Brooklyn and Long Island Semester Students:

Fall entering new students:           February 25
Fall entering transfer students:     March 15
Continuing students:                      April 30
Spring entering students:              November 1 (new and transfers)

Long Island Trimester Students:

Summer entering new students:  February 25
Fall entering students:                  March 15
Continuing students:                     April 1
Spring entering students:             November 1

Requirements and Responsibilities of Student Aid Recipients

All students who receive financial aid are responsible for understanding the academic standards they must meet in order to maintain eligibility for specific programs. Federal financial aid recipients should consult the Federal Financial Aid Programs section of this catalog.  Recipients of St. Joseph’s college scholarships and grants should consult the St. Joseph’s College Financial Aid Programs section of this catalog.  New York State financial aid recipients should consult the New York State Financial Aid Programs section of this catalog.

Students must notify the Office of Financial Aid in writing of the amounts and sources of any outside aid that they may be receiving.  For example, students should inform the Office of Financial Aid about a scholarship that they may be receiving from a community organization.

Student Expense

In order to aid in financial planning, the Office of Financial Aid has provided the following table of estimated costs at St. Joseph’s College. All costs are subject to change.

2016-2017 Annual Student Budget

Semester Students

Trimester Students

Federal Financial Aid Programs

To receive federal student aid, a student must: 1)  have a high school diploma or a General Educational Development (GED) certificate, or complete a high school education in a home school setting approved under state law; 2)  be enrolled or accepted as a regular student in an eligible degree or certificate program; 3) be a U.S. citizen, U.S. National, or eligible non-citizen; 4) have a valid Social Security Number (unless you are from the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, or the Republic of Palau); 5) be registered with Selective Service if you are male (you must register between the ages of 18 and 25); 6) maintain satisfactory academic progress in college; 7) sign certifying statements on the FAFSA stating that you are not in default on a federal student loan and do not owe a refund on a federal grant; and 8) certify that you will use federal student aid only for educational purposes.

Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy for Federal Financial Aid Recipients

Satisfactory academic progress is defined as proceeding toward successful completion of degree requirements. The SJC Office of Financial Aid is required by federal regulation to determine whether a student is meeting the requirements. The official record of the SJC Registrar is reviewed to determine student compliance with this Policy. Satisfactory Academic Progress is reviewed and determined at the conclusion of each semester. Students enrolled in certificate programs will be evaluated at the mid-point of their program.

This Policy pertains only to applicants for federal financial aid.  Federal financial aid includes Federal Pell grants, Federal SEOG, Federal Direct Stafford Loans, Federal Perkins Loans, Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loans, Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loans and Federal Work Study. A recipient of an SJC institutional scholarship, tuition remission, or an institutional grant must meet the eligibility requirements of the respective program. The New York Tuition Assistance Program (TAP), as well as any other state sponsored programs, has their own, specific progress policies. We encourage you to review the Office of Financial Aid website. If you have questions about the monitoring of satisfactory progress not addressed in this policy, please contact our office.

Satisfactory Academic Progress Requirements-

1. GPA

• Undergraduate students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0.
• Graduate students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0.

2. Pace

• All students must successfully complete at least 75% of the cumulative hours attempted.  This includes all courses attempted at SJC as well as courses transferred into SJC that are applicable to a student’s program.  For example, a student who has attempted a cumulative total of 55 hours must have successfully completed at least 41 credit hours to meet the requirement (55 x .75 = 41.25; round decimals down to whole numbers).

3. Maximum Time Frame

• Students must not exceed a maximum number of hours to complete the degree program.  Students are no longer eligible to receive federal financial aid once they have attempted 150% of the credits required to complete the degree.
  • 120 credit undergraduate degree programs must not exceed 180 credits.
  • 128 credit undergraduate degree programs must not exceed 192 credits.
  • 30 credit graduate degree programs must not exceed 45 credits.
  • 36 credit graduate degree programs must not exceed 54 credits.
  • 37 credit graduate degree programs must not exceed 55 credits.
  • 42 credit graduate degree programs must not exceed 63 credits.
  • 45 credit graduate degree programs must not exceed 67 credits.
  • Certificate programs must not exceed 150% of published length of program.  For example, a 24 credit program must not exceed 36 credits (24 x 1.5 = 36).

Courses/Grades Used in Determining Satisfactory Academic Progress:

All coursework attempted, including any dropped, repeated, reprieved or remedial courses or withdrawals recorded on the SJC Transcript at the time of the progress check are considered when determining if the student has exceeded the maximum number of hours for degree completion and has completed 75% of the total cumulative hours attempted.

The following grades indicate successful completion of a course: “A,” “B,” “C,” “D,” or “P”.

The following grades indicate a course was not successfully completed: “F”,”I”, “AB”, “WD”, “WF”, “WU”, “FN”, “NC”, or a course for which a grade was not entered.

Audit courses are not counted in the total hours attempted for any semester or as successful completion of a course. Independent study, correspondence and extension courses may count toward successful completion of hours attempted if they are completed by the last day of the semester. For information about eligibility and payment of aid for these types of courses, please contact the Financial Aid Office.  

Transfer coursework must be reflected on the SJC Transcript to be considered for purposes of financial aid eligibility 

Failure to Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress:

A student who exceeds the maximum number of hours allowed for degree completion will be suspended from future financial aid until the reason for the excessive hours can be adequately documented.

A student who either fails to achieve the required cumulative Graduation/Retention GPA, or to complete at least 75% of the total hours attempted, will be placed on financial aid warning for the following academic term of enrollment at SJC. A student may receive financial aid while on warning.  At the end of the warning period, if a student is meeting the Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements, he/she will regain unconditional eligibility for federal financial aid programs. If a student has not met the requirements, he/she will have eligibility for federal financial aid suspended. Please see below.

Financial Aid Suspension:

A student denied assistance based on the Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy may submit a written appeal to the Financial Aid Appeals Committee. An appeal form is included in the suspension notification letter.  The appeal and supporting documentation must be received in the SJC Financial Aid Office by the deadline reflected in the suspension notification letter. The appeal should speak in detail to mitigating or extenuating circumstances that affected the student’s academic performance, i.e., severe physical injury or mental trauma.

A student suspended for exceeding the maximum hours allowed for degree completion should also have the academic advisor complete the “Remaining Hours Required for Degree Completion” form if extenuating circumstances require the student to exceed the maximum hours limit. The form is included in the suspension notification letter.

Action taken on a financial aid appeal is final and is transmitted to the student in writing by the Financial Aid Appeals Committee. Depending upon the timeliness of the appeal, it is possible for a student to have an appeal denied and also not be entitled to a refund of charges if the student chooses to withdraw from classes. A student who enrolls and attends class whose appeal is subsequently denied will be eligible for a refund of charges based solely on the refund policy in the in the SJC Catalog.  

 A student suspended for reasons other than exceeding the maximum number of hours for degree completion who does not appeal, or whose appeal is denied, may be reinstated on a probationary basis by meeting both of the following criteria:

1. Achieve the required cumulative Graduation/Retention GPA or the required Semester GPA (Undergraduate = 2.00; Graduate = 3.00); and,
2. Successfully complete 75% of the total cumulative hours attempted or 75% of the hours attempted for that semester.

A student may regain eligibility by attending SJC for the academic year without the benefit of federal financial aid and meeting the SAP eligibility criteria. A student may also regain eligibility by transferring work into SJC from an accredited institution. Transfer work must be reflected on the SJC transcript to be considered for purposes of federal financial aid eligibility.

Withdrawal From the College (Return of Title IV Funds)

All students should consult with a financial aid counselor in the Office of Financial Aid before changing enrollment status or withdrawing from the college. Any changes may affect financial aid eligibility.

Federal financial aid is awarded to a student under the assumption that the student will attend school for the entire term for which the aid is awarded. When a student withdraws from the college, he or she may no longer be eligible for the full amount of federal aid originally awarded. If a federal financial aid recipient withdraws after beginning classes and before the 60 percent point in the term, the amount of federal grant and/or loan assistance earned by the student must be determined. If the amount disbursed to the student is greater than the amount the student earned, unearned funds must be returned. If the amount disbursed to the student is less than the amount the student earned, and for which the student is otherwise eligible, the student may be entitled to a post-withdrawal disbursement. It is important to note that the amount of federal aid earned by the student is determined by the percentage of term completion, and is not related to the college tuition refund policy. In the event that funds need to be returned, the student may find an outstanding balance on his/her account. The student is responsible for any outstanding balances owed to the college when funds are returned.

Title IV funds that are subject to recalculation in the event of a withdrawal from the college are Pell Grant, SEOG, Perkins Loan, Subsidized and Unsubsidized Federal Direct Student Loans and Federal Direct Parent PLUS and Graduate PLUS Loans.

Federal Pell Grant

Pell grants are available to matriculated, undergraduate students who have not already earned a bachelor’s degree.  Eligibility is based on Expected Family Contribution (EFC) from the FAFSA application and the student’s enrollment status.  Award amounts for the 2016-17 academic year range from $583 to $5815 annually.  The amount of pell grant funds a student may receive over the course of his/her education is limited by a federal law to be the equivalent of six full time years of funding.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

FSEOG is available to eligible undergraduate students who demonstrate exceptional financial need.  At SJC, a student must be pell eligible and have a 0 Expected Family Contribution (EFC) to be considered.  Annual award amounts at SJC for the 2016-17 academic year range from $350 to $700 due to limited funding.  FSEOG is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

Federal Work-Study Program

The Federal Work-Study (FWS) Program is offered through the federal campus-based aid program and provides employment opportunities to eligible students.  Actual award amounts are based on the student’s financial need, pay-rate, amount of contracted hours and funding availability.  FWS funds at SJC are received in the form of a monthly paycheck for hour worked.  FWS funds are limited and positions are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.  An offer of FWS on an award letter does not guarantee position availability.  Please contact the Office of Financial Aid for job availability and more information.

Federal Perkins Loan

Perkins loans are awarded to matriculated students with exceptional financial need.  Award amounts depend on student’s financial need and funding availability.  Perkins funds are limited and are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.  The loan features a 5% fixed interest rate which does not begin to accrue until the student enters repayment.  Repayment begins 9 months after a student graduates or ceases to be enrolled at least half time.  After acceptance of a Perkins loan, the Office of Financial Aid will contact the student to complete a promissory note and other required documentation. 

Federal Direct Subsidized Stafford Loans

Direct Subsidized Loans are available to eligible undergraduate students who are enrolled at least half time (6 credits per semester).  Students must have financial need to qualify.  No interest accrues on this loan while the student is enrolled for at least 6 credits per semester or during the six month grace period. Direct Subsidized Loans first disbursed between July 1, 2012 and July 1, 2014 will begin accruing interest during the 6 month grace period after the student ceases to be enrolled half time.  Repayment begins 6 months after the student ceases to be enrolled half time.  Direct Subsidized Loans have annual limits based on grade level, and aggregate lifetime limits.  First time borrowers will be required to complete a Master Promissory Note (MPN) and entrance counseling session.  If you are a first time borrower on or after July 1, 2013, there is a limit on the maximum period of time (measured in academic years) that you can receive subsidized loans.  If the time limit applies to you, you may not receive subsidized loans for more than 150 percent of the published program length.

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans

Direct Unsubsidized Loans are available to eligible undergraduate and graduate students who are enrolled at least half time (6 credits per semester).  Financial need is not a requirement.  Interest begins accruing when the loan is disbursed.  Repayment begins 6 months after the student ceases to be enrolled at least half time.  Direct Unsubsidized Loans have annual limits, and aggregate lifetime limits.  First time borrowers will be required to complete a Master Promissory Note (MPN) and entrance counseling session.

Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan

Direct PLUS Loans are a credit-based loan available to the parents of dependent, undergraduate students who are enrolled at least half time (6 credits per semester).   The annual loan limit is the student’s cost of attendance minus any other financial aid.  The parent who wishes to borrow will need to complete a credit check and a Master Promissory Note (MPN).

For more information on Federal financial aid programs, please visit:  https://studentaid.ed.gov

New York State Financial Aid Programs

For additional information on any New York State Programs, including questions of eligibility, please contact New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (NYSHESC) at (888) NYS-HESC or visit their website at https://www.hesc.ny.gov/

Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)

Full-time students in an approved program of study who meet New York State residency requirements may be eligible for up to $5,165 per academic year.  Effective for the 2007-08 academic year and thereafter, TAP is available to students on a part-time basis. To be eligible for Part-Time TAP, a student must have been a first time freshman in the 2006-07 academic year or thereafter,  must have earned 12 credits or more in each of two consecutive semesters and maintain a “C” average. 

To be eligible for TAP, students must:

• be a United States citizen or eligible noncitizen;
• be a legal resident of New York State for at least one year prior to the start of the term;
• have graduated from high school in the United States, earned a high school equivalency diploma by passing a Test Assessing Secondary Completion (TASC) formally known as a GED, or padded a federally approved “Ability to Benefit” test as defined by the Commissioner of the State Education Department;
• study at an approved postsecondary institution in New York State;
• be matriculated in an approved program of study and be in good academic standing with at least a “C” average as of the 4^th semester payment;
• *be enrolled as a full-time student taking twelve or more credits applicable toward the degree program, per semester to receive TAP;
• be charged at least $200 tuition per year;
• not be in default on any state or federal student loans and not be in default on any repayment of State awards;
• be in compliance with the terms of any service condition imposed by a NYS award; and
• meet income requirement.

*Credit-bearing courses in the student’s minimum full-time course load (12 semester hours or the equivalent) must consist of courses applicable to the student’s program of study as a general education requirement, major requirement, or elective.

The award amount is determined by the year in which first payment of any state award is received, amount of tuition charges, combined family NYS net taxable income including federal, state or local pension income and private pension and annuity pension income if applicable, financial status and other family members enrolled in college.

Aid for Part-Time Study (APTS)

Part-time students in an approved program of study who meet New York State residency requirements may be eligible for up to $2,000 per academic year. Awards cannot exceed tuition.

To be considered for an APTS award, you must:

• Be a United States citizen or eligible noncitizen
• Be a legal resident of New York State
• Have graduated from a high school in the United States, earned a high school equivalency diploma by passing a Test Assessing Secondary Completion (TASC) formally known as a GED, or passed a federally approved “Ability to Benefit” test as defined by the Commissioner of the State Education Department
• Be enrolled as a part-time student
• Be matriculated in an approved program of study in a participating New York State postsecondary institution
• Be in good academic standing
• Be charged at least $100 tuition per year
• Not have exhausted Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) eligibility
• Not be in default on any Federal or State student loan or on any repayment of state awards
• Meet income eligibility limitations

Eligibility for an APTS award is based on New York State net taxable income, Federal, State or local pension income and private pension and annuity income, if applicable, from the preceding calendar year.

• For students who were eligible to be claimed as tax dependents by their parents, family New York State NET taxable income may not exceed $50,550. Family income includes student AND parent income.
• For students who were not eligible to be claimed by their parents as tax dependents, their New York State NET taxable income (including spouse’s income) may not exceed $34,250. The spouse’s income must be included if they were married on or before December 31 of the previous calendar year.
• For students who were not eligible to be claimed by their parents but were eligible to claim tax dependents other than self and/or spouse, their New York State NET taxable income (including spouse’s income) may not exceed $50,550. The spouse’s income must be included if they were married on or before December 31 of the previous calendar year. 

For this program, part-time study means being enrolled for at least:

• 3 but fewer than 12 semester hours per semester.
• 4 but fewer than 8 credit hours per trimester. 

The New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) distributes APTS funds to participating colleges in New York State. St. Joseph’s College financial aid administrators select potential recipients from eligible students and decide who will receive APTS awards based on the funds they have available and students’ needs. To apply, students should obtain an APTS application from the Office of Financial Aid. Since funds are limited, the student should complete the application and return it as early as possible for processing.

Additional Programs

In addition to TAP and APTS, NYSHESC administers a variety of additional programs. Some examples of other programs are:

• Flight 3407 Memorial Scholarship
• Flight 587 Memorial Scholarship
• NYS Scholarships for Academic Excellence
• Military Service Recognition Scholarship
• World Trade Center Memorial Scholarship

For information on any of the programs administered by NYSHESC, please call (888) NYS-HESC or visit https://www.hesc.ny.gov

Satisfactory Academic Progress Requirements for New York State Aid Recipients

In order to receive TAP payments a student must be meeting the standards of academic progress set by the New York State Education Department, which consist of two  components:

1.    Satisfactory Academic Progress: A requirement that a student accumulates a specified number of credits and achieves a specified cumulative grade point average each term.  Please refer to the chart below.

2.    Pursuit of Program: A requirement that a student completes a certain percentage of credits attempted each term.  The percentage, as specified in regulations, begins at 50% of the minimum full-time course load in each term of the first year an award is received, to 75% in each term of the second year an award is received, to 100% in each term of the third year an award is received and thereafter.

In accordance with section 145-2.2 of the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education, each institution participating in State student financial aid programs must determine whether a student is in good academic standing based on a standard of satisfactory academic progress comprising a minimum number of credits to be accrued (earned) with a minimum cumulative grade point average in each term an award payment is received. The progress standard is most clearly presented in chart format (see below).

Initially, the regulation provided that each institution establish and submit for the Commissioner’s approval its proposed standard of progress. However, for the 1995-96 academic year and thereafter, new legislation mandated a minimum cumulative C average after a student has received four full-time semester award payments or the equivalent (24 payment points).

Effective for the 2010-11 academic year and thereafter, New York State Education Law requires a non-remedial student, whose first award year is in 2010-11 and thereafter, must meet new standards of satisfactory academic progress (SAP). Non-remedial students whose first year is 2007-08 through 2009-10 must meet the SAP requirements enacted in 2006. Those meeting the definition of “remedial student” are not subject to the new SAP standards, but will use the requirements established in 2006. The law enacted in 2006 mandated minimum standards of satisfactory academic progress for students receiving their first State award in academic year 2006-07. 

Effective 2010-11 for non-remedial students receiving first NYS award payment in 2010-11 and thereafter. Remedial students and students enrolled in an approved certificate program will use the 2006 SAP charts.

Undergraduate Level Semester Programs
Calendar: Semester 2010-11 and thereafter (non-remedial students)

Undergraduate Level Trimester Programs
Calendar: Trimester 2010-11 and thereafter (non-remedial students)
C average must be met by 6th payment

Note: The 2010-11 enacted NYS budget mandates the following standards of progress, enacted in 2006-07, shall be used for non-remedial students who first receive State aid in 2007-08 through 2009-10 and for students who meet the definition of “remedial student” in 2010-11 and thereafter. The enacted budget defines remedial for purposes of SAP.

Undergraduate Level Semester Programs
Calendar: Semester Calendar 2006-07, 2007-08 through 2009-10 and 2010-11 and thereafter remedial students (if student’s first award was in 2010-11 and he/she does not meet the definition of a remedial student, see charts for non-remedial students)

Undergraduate Level Trimester Programs
Calendar: Trimester Calendar 2006-07, 2007-08 through 2009-10 and 2010-11 and thereafter remedial students (if student’s first award was in 2010-11 and he/she does not meet the definition of a remedial student, see charts for non-remedial students)

Students must meet both the program pursuit requirements and the satisfactory academic progress requirements in each term of payment in order to continue to be eligible. In extraordinary circumstances, a student may be granted a waiver of the minimum requirements. Students are eligible for a waiver only once during their undergraduate career and once during their graduate career. For information about the process of filing a waiver, please contact the Office of the Registrar.

Individuals with Disabilities

Students who are medically diagnosed with a physical, developmental or emotional disability may be eligible for a grant that would help cover tuition, fees and the cost of books.   Please contact the Office of Adult Career and Continuing Education Services - Vocational Rehabilitation (ACCES-VR) for more information, or visit their website at www.access.nysed.gov/vr/.

St. Joseph’s College Financial Aid Programs

In most cases the combination of grants and scholarships from all sources cannot exceed tuition.  Institutional grand and/or scholarship dollars may be reduced in cases where the combination would exceed tuition.  Students enrolled in online programs are not eligible for institutional financial aid due to the discounted tuition rate.

Professional Studies Grants

St. Joseph’s College offers a limited number of partial-tuition grants to matriculated students. Grant amounts vary according to financial need and available funds. Award determination is made by the Office of Financial Aid. Priority will be given to students who adhere to recommended filing dates.

Professional Studies Transfer Scholarships

St. Joseph’s College offers a limited number of partial-tuition scholarships to matriculated transfer students entering Professional Studies. Entering transfers with a 2.9 cumulative GPA or higher may be considered for an academic achievement scholarship.  Scholarships range from $1,500 to $11,000 depending upon academic qualifications and enrollment status.  Certain conditions apply. Consult an admissions counselor for more information.

Corporate and Organization Partnership Discounts

St. Joseph’s College offers various discounts to personnel and staff members of certain entities. Examples of current partnership discounts are: NY City Police Department, Fire Department of NY City, NY City Department of Correction, NY City Court Officers, Department of Defense, Catholic Charities, Suffolk County Association of Municipal Employees, Long Island Railroad, National Grid, Suffolk County Water Authority, Visiting Nurse Service of New York and Brookhaven Hospital. Discount programs vary and are subject to change. Discount programs may not be combined with any other institutional grants or scholarships. To be considered students must complete an annual verification form which can be obtained from the Office of Financial Aid. Please consult with an Admissions or Financial Aid Counselor for more information.

Registered Professional Nurses Grant

St. Joseph’s College offers a grant for registered professional nurses in the United States who are pursuing a bachelor’s degree, and who do not receive full tuition reimbursement from their employer. To be considered, students must complete an annual verification form which can be obtained from the Office of Financial Aid.  Please consult with an Admissions or Financial Aid Counselor for more information.

Alumni Grant

Entering students who are sons and daughters of SJC alumni may be considered for this award. If funding permits, other relatives of alumni may be considered. The amount of this grant varies and is determined and awarded on a yearly basis. A separate application, available at www.sjcny.edu, must be submitted each year by March 1. Alumni grants are determined by the Alumni Association Scholarship Committee.

Two in Family Grant

If two or more dependent siblings of a family are enrolled as full-time undergraduate students at SJC, a $500 per year grant will be awarded to the eldest student. If dependent twins or spouses are enrolled as full-time undergraduate students, they will each be awarded $250 per year. If a parent and a dependent child are enrolled as full-time undergraduate students, the parent will be awarded the $500 grant.

St. Joseph’s College Graduate Financial Aid Programs

Alumni Graduate Academic Excellence Award

St. Joseph’s College graduates who completed their bachelor’s degree with a final cumulative GPA of 3.4 or higher, and who are admitted to a Graduate Program at St. Joseph’s College may be eligible for the one-credit SJC Alumni Graduate Academic Excellence Award. Eligible students are entitled to a one-credit tuition grant in the first semester of matriculation as a graduate student.  Consult the Office of Admissions for applicable conditions and procedures.

Graduate Alumni Tuition Grant

Students who earned their bachelor’s degree from St. Joseph’s College and who are enrolled in a Graduate Program at St. Joseph’s College may be eligible to receive a three or six credit tuition grant. Students eligible for a six-credit grant are entitled to a three-credit grant in two semesters toward the end of the program.  If students are eligible for a three-credit grant, the grant will be awarded in the last semester or toward the end of the program. Consult the Office of Admissions for applicable conditions and procedures.

Save Time Save Money

Undergraduate students who are accepted into the Graduate Management Studies program can get a head start on an SJC graduate management degree- MBA, MBA in Accounting, MBA in Health Care Management or MS in Management (with concentrations in Organizational Management or Health Care Management or Human Resources Management) by taking graduate courses that would satisfy their undergraduate and graduate degree requirements at the same time. The maximum number of SJC graduate credits that can be taken is six. These graduate credits are billed at the undergraduate tuition rate. This opportunity is restricted to seniors who have met certain requirements. Additional information can be obtained from an academic advisor.

Scholarships and Grants at St. Joseph’s College are underwritten in part by the following sources:

The Edith & Frances Mulhall Achilles Memorial Fund
The Gregg & JoAnne Alfano Scholarship
The Dion Arroyo Scholarship
The Sheila Baird Scholarship
The Richard Barry Scholarship
The H. Joseph Bauch Scholarship
The Blue Orchard Scholarship
The Sister Margaret Buckley Scholarship
The Sister Mary Florence Burns Scholarship
The Mary Butz Endowed Scholarship
The Louis Calder Scholarship
The Rosemary S. Chapman Memorial Scholarship
The Class of 1964 Endowed Scholarship
The Class of 1965 Endowed Scholarship
The Class of 1969 Endowed Scholarship
The Class of 1970 Emergency Assistance Fund
The Con Edison Math & Science Scholarship
The Dr. Frances Partridge Connor Scholarship
Contributed Services - Sisters of St. Joseph
The Sylvia A. Covino Scholarship
The DeBellis Family Scholarship
The Rt. Rev. William T. Dillon Memorial Scholarship
The Thomas A. Doherty Scholarship
The Marygrace Calhoun Dunn ACES Scholarship
Patricia A. Dyon Scholarship
The Sister Marie Clotilde Falvey Scholarship
The James Farrell Scholarship
The Margaret M. Farrell Scholarship
The Mary Elizabeth McLoughlin Farrell Scholarship
The Drs. James Aloysius Gibson & Patricia Brozinsky Scholarship
The Agnes Woods Gill Scholarship
The Elizabeth M. Gimblet & Denis F. Gimblet Memorial Scholarship
The Emilia Longobardo Govan Scholarship
Graduate Management Studies Leadership Scholarship
The Sister Joseph Damien Hanlon Scholarship
The Laura W. Heiden Memorial Scholarship
The S. Elizabeth A. Hill Scholarship
Dr. Mary J. Huschle Scholarship
The Dorothy & Bernard Kennedy Scholarship
The Blanche A. Knauth Scholarship
The S. Mary Maier Scholarship
The Anne Buckley McAssey Scholarship
The Margaret Welch McDermott Nursing Scholarship
The Louise McVicker Scholarship
The Linda Morgante Nursing Scholarship
The Morris Family Scholarship
The Eileen Mulcahy Scholarship
The Mary St. John Murphy Scholarship
The Rosedna Hall Murray Scholarship
The Sister George Aquin O’Connor Scholarship
The Rosemary O’Halloran Scholars
The Annie O’Rourke Scholarship
The Jessica Ortiz Memorial Scholarship
The Kathleen Dorothy Beck Panoff Scholarship
The Roseanne and Richard Pergolis First Generation Scholarship
The Doris Oshinski Powers Scholarship
The Riggio Scholarship
Marian Russo Scholarship
The S. St. Francis Scholarship
SJC Emergency Fund
The Sister Joseph Immaculate Schwartz Scholarship
The Nicholas Scoyni Scholarship
The Mary Hoffman Sheppard and Robert Sheppard Scholarship
The Daniel, Margaret and Elaine Smythe Memorial Scholarship
The Somers Fund for ACES Students
The Kathleen and Ted Sorensen Scholarship
The Stanley & Grace Russo Spinola Scholarship
The Study Abroad Scholarship
Town of Brookhaven Industrial Development Agency Scholarship
The Michael J. Vignato Scholarship
The Thomas Wendt Scholarship
 St. Joseph’s College Alumni Scholarships

Veterans Information

Veterans and Children of Deceased Veterans

St. Joseph’s College is fully approved by the New York State Education Department as well as other agencies for college level education programs for veterans under federal and state laws. For more information on these programs, please visit the Department of Veterans Affairs website at www.va.gov.