Information regarding withdrawal from Aberystwyth University can be found here.

 

Return of Title IV Funds

Students who attend classes are eligible for Title IV Federal Financial Aid; however, if they are not enrolled long enough to get all of the aid, the "unearned" portion must be returned to the US Department of Education.  If a student leaves school before earning 60% of their aid, they are subject to the Return of Unearned Title IV Funds Policy.  Aberystwyth University must return any excess money to the US Department of Education and notify the student of any portion of unearned Title IV funds within 45 days of the student's withdrawal date.  

Students who receive funding from the US Federal Aid system must notify uslstaff@aber.ac.uk of their decision to discontinue their studies.

If you have questions about the returning of Title IV program funds, students can call the Federal Student Aid Information Centre at 1-800-4-FEDAID (1-800-433-3243). TTY users may call 1-800-730-8913. 

Registry must be informed as soon as you have decided to permanently withdraw from the University. All students are advised to discuss withdrawal with their personal tutor and/or the Student Services before taking a final decision. 

1. How will we calculate the amount to be paid back? 

When a student withdraws during a payment period, the amount of Title IV program assistance that has been earned up to that point is determined by a specific formula and the University will use the last date of attendance to calculate the R2T4 formula. The payment period is the academic year for which the loan was certified, and the percentage of attendance is calculated by dividing the number of days attended by the total number of days in the payment period. For example, if the student attends University for 50% of the payment or enrolment period, the student has earned 50% of the assistance they were originally scheduled to receive, the unearned balance is then returned to the US Department for Education. 

Once the student has completed more than 60% of the payment or enrolment period, all the assistance that the student was due to receive for that period is considered to have been earned and no refund will be made. The Financial Aid Officer will use the R2T4 worksheets as provided by the US Department of Education to determine if a post-withdrawal disbursement is owed to the student. Any unearned Title IV funds which the student may have received will be returned to the US government using the G5 system by the University.  

If a student who is in receipt of Title IV aid is thinking about suspending their studies, returning to the U.S. or otherwise changing their enrolment status, they should seek advice from uslstaff@aber.ac.uk regarding the impact this will have on their entitlement and eligibility. An ‘approved’ suspension/leave of absence, in terms of U.S. Direct Loan funding, can last for up to 180 days before a student has to enter repayment or return funds to their lender. If a suspending student has not returned to their programme at the same point after 180 days, we will use the last date of their actual attendance on the programme to calculate their ‘earned’ entitlement and the withdrawal date that is reported to the U.S. Department of Education.  

     2. Student Responsibility

If a student did not receive all of the funds earned, a post-withdrawal disbursement may be due, but the student must give the permission for this to take place. However, Aberystwyth University can automatically deduct without the student’s permission, any charges due for tuition, fees and accommodation, if applicable, up to the amount of the outstanding charges. A student may choose to decline some or all of the funds to avoid incurring additional debt. Any loan funds that a student, or parent are required to be repaid, must be in accordance with the terms of the promissory note. 

 

Federal Student Aid students enrolled at the Aberystwyth University are required to meet Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements under U.S Federal law 34 C.F.R. §668.16(e) and 34 C.F.R. §668.34 in order to be eligible to receive Federal Student Aid.

Students are required to be fully registered at Aberystwyth University to be eligible for a loan; you are not permitted to reside in the United States of America for any part of the course. Students must be enrolled full-time and studying on campus. Federal Aid and Private Loans may only be approved for loans for periods within the registration period as specified in the formal offer letter issued by the Admissions Service. Loans will not be approved outside of this period.

To ensure compliance with requirement, a student’s SAP is determined regularly throughout the student’s period of study via various mechanisms. Schools measure SAP by the outcome of assessment which may be by course work or examination.

Results are considered by a Board of Examiners at the end of each year, based on the results the Board will agree the award for final year students and will determine whether continuing students may progress. Aberystwyth University’s academic regulations are contained in the Academic Quality Handbook which can be located here.

Information regarding temporary withdrawal from Aberystwyth University can be found here.

If a student who is in receipt of Title IV aid is thinking about suspending their studies, returning to the U.S. or otherwise changing their enrolment status, they should seek advice from uslstaff@aber.ac.uk regarding the impact this will have on their entitlement and eligibility. An ‘approved’ suspension/leave of absence, in terms of U.S. Direct Loan funding, can last for up to 180 days before a student has to enter repayment or return funds to their lender. If a suspending student has not returned to their programme at the same point after 180 days, we will use the last date of their actual attendance on the programme to calculate their ‘earned’ entitlement and the withdrawal date that is reported to the U.S. Department of Education.  

It is important that you understand the responsibilities and obligations associated with a student loan. It is also a US Department of Education requirement that you undertake entrance and exit counselling (accessed at Student Aid) at the start and end of the study period for which you receive loans. The counselling informs you about loan repayment, money management, your responsibilities as a borrower and it outlines the terms and conditions of your loan. The US Loan Officer will request that you complete exit counselling towards the end of each loan year, or if you withdraw, suspend or cancel your loans.

Exit counselling will be required shortly before you complete your studies.

Repaying your Loan

You will arrange repayment directly through your loan servicer. You can check who your loan servicer is on the NSLDS Student database. You should always keep in contact with your loan servicer to make sure that you are up-to-date with loan repayment information.

It is your responsibility to:

• notify your loan servicer of anything that affects your ability to repay your loan
• notify your loan servicer of any changes in your status, including graduation, and any changes to your name, address, or telephone number
• notify your loan servicer if you fail to enrol for the period covered by your loan
• notify your loan servicer and University of any change in your address

You can also make an early repayment directly to your loan servicer. If you make a repayment within 120 days of loan disbursement, then your lender will treat this as a partial or full cancellation, with the appropriate adjustment of the loan fee and interest.

You may also find the Federal Student Aid website useful.

 

 You will risk going into default if you do not make your loan payments as required.

 

Avoid Debt Relief Companies

Please be aware of so-called debt relief companies. These debt relief companies may utilise sophisticated strategies to target unsuspecting borrowers and inappropriately use the Department of Education’s logo or other identifying information to give the impression that they are working with or for the US Government.

These companies may also state or imply that the company is working with a post-secondary institution to provide benefits to student loan borrowers, so please be extra vigilant, as students do not need to pay for loan benefits for federal student loans.

There are four warning signs of third-party debt relief companies that student loan borrowers should avoid, including:

• pressure to pay high upfront fees
• promises of immediate loan forgiveness or debt cancellation
• demands that you sign a ‘third party authorisation’
• requests for a student’s Federal Student Aid PIN or FSA ID.

The University’s general Terms and Conditions in respect of an offer of a place on a degree program also apply. 

Institutional Information 

The following information is provided for review to any student wishing to receive a Federal U.S. Loan while studying at Aberystwyth University. Loans at the University are administered by the Global Opportunities Operations Manager in conjunction with the Finance Team.  

The University can signpost students to further information on policies and procedures published by the Department of Education, including the rights and responsibilities we have as a school under the Title IV Higher Education Act.  

If you require any further information, please contact: internationalfunding@aber.ac.uk.

Academic Programme Information 

Further information about the current study programs offered at Aberystwyth University can be found on our Course Pages. 

Program Eligibility 

Aberystwyth University cannot originate U.S. Federal Loans for the following degree-level programmes: 

• BSc Nursing (Adult)
• BSc Nursing (Mental Health)  
• BVSc Veterinary Science 
• MBA Executive Master of Business Administration 
• MMgt Executive Master of Management 
• Any program studied via Distance Learning (off campus)  
• Where students undertake any amount of study or research in the U.S. during part of their programme. 
• Any programs delivered with a 'Joint Institution' - where the 'Joint Institution' is not eligible to disburse Title IV funds. 

 

Aberystwyth University cannot originate U.S. Federal Loans for the following levels of programme: 

• University Certificate 
• University Diploma 
• Certificate of Higher Education 
• Diploma of Higher Education 
• Postgraduate Certificate 
• Postgraduate Diploma 
• International Foundation Certificate 
• FDSc Foundation in Agriculture 
• Pre-Sessional English Language programmes 

 

Intercollegiate Athletic Programme Participation Rates & Financial Support Data 

Aberystwyth University does not have an 'intercollegiate athletic programme' like U.S. schools. 

Student Life in the UK 

Prospective students are encouraged to read about student life in the UK here.

Cost of Living, Tuition Fees & Scholarships 

Information on the cost of living in Aberystwyth, as well as our tuition fees and available scholarship, can be found here.

Information about the typical costs of living in Aberystwyth can be found here. 

Cost of Attendance  

We conduct a review of the annual living costs of international students (both undergraduate (9 months study) and postgraduate (12 months study)) at the start of our U.S. Federal Loans processing cycle in May/June each year, and before any Cost of Attendance calculations for the forthcoming academic year are made. We determine the reasonable average living costs, including those for supplies, IT/books/photocopying, transportation and utilities. 

Textbook Information 

Information about any required and recommended textbooks for your course will be provided to you by your academic department. Should you require specific information about textbooks, please contact your academic department for advice. You are not required to buy books from a specific book shop. 

Exchange Rates 

We set our exchange rate at the start of our U.S. Federal Loans processing cycle in May/June each year, and before any Cost of Attendance calculations for the forthcoming academic year are made. Our exchange rate is based on an average of the UK Consumer Prices Index (CPIH) from the previous 12 months. 

Please note that this may not be the actual exchange rate you received when you received your loan monies.  However, it provides a guide to convert the costs of studying at Aberystwyth from Pound Sterling (GBP) to U.S. Dollars (USD) for the purposes of applying for your loan.  The actual exchange rate use will be that on the day when the University receives your loan into the University's bank account from the U.S. Treasury. 

Accommodation 

Further information about accommodation at Aberystwyth can be found here.

Equality and Diversity 

The University treats matters related to Equality and Diversity very seriously. Further information can be found here.

Support and Facilities for Students 

The University’s Student Support Services provide advice and support for all our students here.

Student Support can provide information about potential disability support which may be available at the University, and student should be aware that that any related additional costs can be included in their Cost of Attendance when applying for Federal or private loans. 

Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Program 

Information and Policies on Alcohol and Substance Abuse is provided here. 

Vaccinations Policy 

Further information about health and vaccinations can be found at here.

Missing Student Reporting 

Information about the University's procedures in response to a report of a missing student can be found here.

Privacy of Students Records 

Your rights under the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) are outlined on the University’s website.

Should you have a complaint about the processing of your U.S. Federal Loan, you have the right to file complaints with the U.S. Department of Education, although it would be preferable that you contact us first so that we can try to resolve the problem with you. 

Satisfactory Academic Progress and the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) 

Aberystwyth University will submit details of your loan to NSLDS if you receive Federal Aid while studying with us. Your enrolment information and Satisfactory Academic Progress will be updated every 60 days and will be accessible to guarantee agencies, lenders and Schools who are authorised users of the NSLDS system. 

Return to Title IV Funds 

Students can only access U.S. Federal Loan funds if they are "earning" them by being enrolled on an eligible program. If full-time enrolment status changes, students are legally required to inform the University so that disbursements can be amended and subsequent disbursements cancelled where necessary. 

Further information can be found in our Withdrawal and Return of Title IV (R2T4) Policy.  

FERPA (Family Education Rights and Privacy Act) 

The University’s policy on Freedom of Information is available here. 

The University's Copyright Policy is also available here. 

Students should also note that in terms of academic practice, they are subject to the Rules & Regulations of the University.

Federal Tax Forms – 1098-T Tax Form 

As a non-U.S. institution, Aberystwyth University is not a U.S. IRS tax deducting organisation and has no authority to complete a 1098-T Form.  A tuition fee statement can be requested from the University to assist with the completion of this form. You can contact the Fees Office by email (fees@aber.ac.uk) to obtain a tuition fee statement.  

Following published guidance by the Department of Education, Aberystwyth University established this Direct Loan Quality Assurance Policy and Procedures Summary.

All policies and procedures concerning Title IV funding are designed with these Quality Assurance principles in mind, these include but are not limited to all financial aid policies in the student handbook, all polices in the internal Financial Aid Policy and Procedures manual.

Direct Loan Quality Assurance Requirement Overview

The Direct Loan Program regulations at 34 CFR 685.300(b) (9) require schools to implement and document a quality assurance process to ensure that they are complying with program requirements and meeting program objectives.

A school should have a quality assurance process in place that documents that the school is:

• Reporting loan records, disbursements, and adjustments to disbursements correctly to the Common Origination and Disbursement (COD) System
• Disbursing and returning loan funds in accordance with regulatory requirements
• Disbursing the correct loan amount to the correct student
• Completing monthly reconciliation and Program Year Closeout

To be effective, the steps for implementing a Direct Loan quality assurance process will be unique to each school and need to consider the characteristics of a school’s academic policies and programs and its borrower population. Schools are encouraged to use self-assessments to examine their procedures and act on an ongoing basis to strengthen areas of risk.

Options for Meeting the Direct Loan Quality Assurance Requirement

The Department of Education (the Department) does not mandate the method by which schools meet the quality assurance requirement. Schools may have institutional-designed assessments and quality assurance processes in place to ensure that the Direct Loan quality assurance requirement is met.

 

Reporting loan records, disbursements, and adjustments to disbursements correctly to the Common Origination and Disbursement (COD) System

Description of Process

The Financial Aid Administrator (FAA) utilizes the University’s student system and password protected spreadsheets to record and originate all Federal Direct Loans. The spreadsheets provide a disbursement roster available to the FAA and relevant staff members. Using information from the University student system, enrolment of students on the list is verified and provides details of anticipated disbursements to the end user. The end user draws down the funds, posts the credits to the student accounts, and refunds any excess payments within three days, meeting the Federal requirements to post the credits within three days and disburse refunds within 14 days. We aim to exceed the requirement by completing the process within three days total.

Measurable Assessment

• Ensuring all loan records maintain “Registered” status within our Student System until the end of the year closeout
• Responding in timely manner to COD School Monitoring Reports, COD 30 Day Warning Reports
• Comparing the COD Pending Disbursement Reports and Actual Disbursement Reports with the Student System records

 

Disbursing and returning loan funds in accordance with regulatory requirements

Description of Process

For any student requesting FSA, before any loan is initiated, Aberystwyth University require an ISIR (from the FAFSA) obtained via EdConnect, formal confirmation of the loan request from the student (which specifies the loan amount the student is requesting), Entrance Counselling, and a signed Master Promissory Note. Any comment codes on the ISIR must be resolved. The FAA independently verifies the aggregate loan limit in NSLDS for each student. If any of these items are not received or if any of these items are flagged by either the University systems or COD, we do not initiate loans or disburse funds to the student.

Aberystwyth University uses the advance payment method. Prior to loan disbursements the FAA requires Satisfactory Academic Progress reports from relevant academic departments in respect of each student. Once confirmed, the FAA requests the disbursements via COD and initiates the drawdown of funds in G5. Funds are received via a third party (Convera), and instructions are provided by the University detailing the value of credits to the University in respect of fees, and details relating to the refund of any excess payments to students. Our aim is to ensure funds are fully processed within three working days, thereby meeting the Federal requirements.

Regular monthly reports from the University’s student system identify any changes in students’ enrolment status, thus indicating any potential change in students’ eligibility to continue to receive FSA funds. The student may also report any such changes to the FAA.

Where a student withdraws or interrupts the FAA undertakes a return of Title IV funds calculation to determine if funds need to be returned and notifies the student accordingly. Where necessary funds are returned within the required timeframe and loans are adjusted as required on COD.

Measurable Assessment

• Ensuring all loan records maintain “Registered” status within our Student System until the end of the year closeout
• Monitoring the enrolment, SAP, and eligibility alerts within the University records and responding appropriately
• Responding in a timely manner to COD School Monitoring Reports, COD 30 Day Warning Reports
• Comparing the COD Pending Disbursement Reports and Actual Disbursement Reports with the Student System records

 

Disbursing the correct loan amount to the correct student

Description of Process

The FAA schedules disbursement dates for approved funds to draw down funds. This occurs at least once per academic term.

Direct Loan funds are drawn down based upon the disbursement schedule and received via a third party (Convera). Instructions are provided by the University to Convera detailing the value of credits to the University in respect of fees, and details relating to the refund of any excess payments to students. Funds received by the University in respect of fees are immediately applied to student accounts once funds are received from Convera.

Measurable Assessment

• Ensuring all loan records maintain “Registered” status within our SIS until the end of the year closeout
• Monitoring the enrolment, SAP, and eligibility alerts within the SIS and responding appropriately
• Responding in a timely manner to COD School Monitoring Reports, COD 30 Day Warning Reports
• Comparing the COD Pending Disbursement Reports and Actual Disbursement Reports with the SIS records

 

Completing monthly reconciliation and Program Year Closeout

Description of Process

Aberystwyth University creates a spreadsheet that monitors and reconciles the disbursement of funds in COD, to the funds requested via G5, and the amounts received via Convera and how they are applied to students’ records or the refund of excess payments to students.

Measurable Assessment

• Maintaining timely and accurate monthly reconciliation records
• Maintaining timely and accurate year-end closeout documentation