Financial Aid Booklet 2022–2023

UNIQUE APPROACH . LIFELONG VALUE

.

Understanding

PULL UP A CHAIR

At Widener, you’ll feel like an insider from day one. You’ll take classes taught by faculty mentors, learn on-the-job hacks, and work in your industry before you graduate. Your skills, knowledge, and experience will set you up for long-term success in an ever-changing world.

of Widener’s 2021 graduates achieved their intended career goals by moving on to employment, graduate education, or military/other service within six months of graduation.

Median salary for Widener’s 2021 graduates.

Median mid-career salary for Widener alums with a bachelor’s degree, which ranks in the top 22% nationwide.

LIFELONG VALUE

An investment in a Widener education is a critical investment in your future. Your experiences here—real-world learning, faculty mentorship, one-on-one career prep—will make it count.

THIS BOOKLET DETAILS YOUR WIDENER INVESTMENT. Inside these pages, you’ll learn what it costs for you to attend Widener, including the financial assistance we’ve awarded you.

QUESTIONS? We’re here to help. Widener Enrollment Services provides a unique, one-stop, centralized location on campus—inside Lipka Hall—for you and your family to ask questions about financial aid, payment options, registration, ID cards, and more.

The FINER

Financial Aid Policies at Widener University

Financial Aid Status

The financial aid noted as “pending” on your bill is estimated and provided for planning purposes. Financial aid awards are finalized and credited to your university account after eligibility is confirmed, as early as the start of each semester.

In addition, for student loans to disburse or be credited to your university account, a Loan Agreement/Master Promissory Note (MPN) and Entrance Counseling must be completed. Complete both requirements at studentaid.gov. You will need your FSA ID to log in to the site.

Grants and Scholarships

Widener grants and scholarships may be reduced when the total of the awards from Widener University and external sources exceeds your total tuition and fee charges. You will not receive a refund or payment for excess Widener funding.

Work Study

Your work-study funds will not show as a credit on your billing statement. You will need to work and earn these funds if you choose to participate in the program.

Full-Time Registration

You must be registered full time in one of our traditional undergraduate programs to be eligible for Widener funding and for the full amount of certain federal and state grant funds. For undergraduate students, a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester constitutes full-time

enrollment. If you are registered less than full time, financial aid will be adjusted to part-time levels.

For more information, visit catalog.widener.edu and select the current Undergraduate Catalog, then Financial Aid.

Recalculation Policy

Enrollment Services may be required to make necessary recalculation adjustments to your charges and financial aid when you add, drop, or withdraw from a course, change residence hall status, or cease enrollment at the university.

Widener Financial Aid Handbook

Access the Widener Financial Aid Handbook at sites.widener.edu/financialaidmc, under Financial Aid Links and Forms.

Paying Your Widener University Bill

After you register for classes, you can accomplish multiple tasks by logging on to your Widener account at myWidener (my.widener.edu) and going to “my online student account.”

• View your student tuition account, e-bill statements, and account charges.

• Pay your tuition and fees.

• Grant access to others to be authorized users to view and make payments on your student account.

If you have a balance due, you will be able to view the balance through your e-bill. Each time we upload an e-bill, you will receive an email

DETAILS

notification to your Widener assigned email address. Fall semester bills are produced in July and due when the semester begins in August of each year. Spring semester bills are produced in December and due in January.

Parents and other payers authorized by a student can directly access the Widener student billing and account website at widener.edu/ebill All e-bill statement notifications will be sent via email to any authorized users that have been set up by the student. Authorized users can pay the tuition bill and set up a semester payment plan.

Pay Your Bill

Pay online with a credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover) or via direct debit from a checking or savings account.

• Students: Log on to your Widener account at myWidener (my.widener.edu) and go to “my online student account.”

• Authorized users: visit widener.edu/ebill

Enroll in a Payment Plan

• Students: Log on to your Widener account at myWidener (my.widener.edu) and go to “my online student account.”

• Authorized users: visit widener.edu/ebill.

Payment Plan Information

4-Month Fall / 4-Month Spring Semester Payment Plan

Enrollment fee: $50 per semester. The four-month semester payment plan is available for both the fall and spring semesters.

This plan distributes the total semester estimated net charges across four months with payments due:

• Fall Semester—August, September, October, and November

• Spring Semester—January, February, March, and April

3-Month Summer Semester Payment Plan

Enrollment fee: $50. The three-month semester payment plan is available for the summer semester. This plan distributes the total semester estimated net charges across three months with payments due May, June, and July.

EXPERIENCE KNOWLDEGE LEADERSHIP TENACITY GRIT

A Widener degree will impart the skills and qualities employers desperately need and generously reward. They’ll know you’re one of the good ones—a distinguished professional who works hard, solves problems, and thinks differently than everyone else. Someone who gets it.

Someone like nursing alumna Kelsey Byrd ’22. Through clinical rotations, she acquired hands-on experience in a variety of settings before landing her first job.

“Clinicals were a great way for me to figure out which direction I wanted to take my nursing career. I saw firsthand what it’s like to work in units including labor and delivery, psychology, medical-surgical, and critical care.”

Kelsey Byrd ’22, nursing

And like accounting and finance alumnus Lambert Thomas ’22. Through paid co-op experiences, Thomas is paving the way for a career in financial services.

“My co-op experience has once again proved why Widener is a great choice. The co-op program has allowed me to gain valuable connections within the workplace who are always willing to give professional feedback. Not only that, I have been able to work in the corporate world and observe what it’s like to have a future career there. Widener’s co-op program is beyond amazing and a great opportunity.”

Lambert Thomas ’22, accounting and finance

IN THE FIELD IN THE COMMUNITY

Widener students lead their peers and colleagues.

66% of Widener students complete an internship, a practicum, or similar hands-on experience— 14% higher than the national average.

100% of Widener students who complete a 12-month co-op graduate in four years. Most peer institutions require a fifth year of study.

79% of Widener students engage in community service or civic engagement. That’s 27% higher than the national average.

Follow in their footsteps. Here, you’ll have countless opportunities to flex your leadership abilities: Hone your skills in an internship or co-op. Run a community service project with your peers. Take the reins of an on-campus club or organization—we have more than 80 of them. These experiences will put you on the inside track to a rewarding future.

Ask questions and seek advice. Wrestle with the future. Invest in what inspires you. With support from professors, peer mentors, career counselors, experts in your field, and so many others, you’ll develop into the person and professional you want to become.

“Mentorship from my chemistry professors has played a crucial role in my Widener experience. They have been there to help me, not only in lab, but also with the development of my career goals. My professors have guided my research to let me pursue questions or challenges I found fascinating. This work began the summer before my junior year— thanks to their guidance, I had two years of research experience left before graduation.”

Noah Smeriglio ’22, chemistry

WHOLE PERSON COMPLETE PROFESSIONAL

At Widener, you’ll develop into both. Take advantage of the mentorship, attention, and support we offer. You’ll graduate ready to leave your mark on the world.

• Devoted professors will serve as your personal mentors. You’ll learn to think, communicate, and work like a veteran in your field.

• Your Personal Student Success Team made up of a peer mentor, an academic advisor, and a personal librarian, among others—will provide four years of unprecedented attention and support.

• Your proximity to Philadelphia (plus New York City, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C.) will help you connect to professional pipelines. You’ll be able to network with the pros, attend events in your field, and seek job opportunities.

• Career-specific, hands-on experiences paid co-ops, internships, clinicals, student-faculty research, and more—will help you land your first job and quickly advance in your career.

“I am truly a testament to the support Widener provides to student leaders. Widener has actively created an environment that fosters necessary leadership qualities such as critical thinking, advocacy, and development, working hand-in-hand to create change makers. From leading student-run organizations to immersing myself in the Chester community, I have acquired skills that will not only contribute to my personal growth, but also will allow me to propel the success of my peers and inspire future generations.”

Ijjae Hill ’23, ’25, visual and performing arts major on a pre-physical therapy pathway

WHAT TO EXPECT — Sample Financial Aid Offer Letter

Prepared for:

Margaret Student 234 Fifth Street Hometown, NJ 23456 3116

Notification Date: XX/XX Period Covered: XXXX/XXXX Student ID: 9999999

On behalf of the Office of Financial Aid Services, we are pleased to offer you the following Financial Aid Offer for the XXXX XXXX academic year. This offer was compiled based on your academic record and information from your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Type of Award Summer Fall Spring Total

PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARSHIP 14,500.00 14,500.00 29,000.00

CAMPUS EXPERIENCE GRANT 1,000.00 1,000.00 2,000.00

WIDENER GRANT IN AID 5,325.00 5,325.00 10,650.00

DIRECT FEDERAL SUB LOAN 1,750.00 1,750.00 3,500.00

DIRECT FEDERAL UNSUB LOAN 1,000.00 1,000.00 2,000.00

FEDERAL WORK STUDY 1,000.00 1,000.00 2,000.00

Total 24,575 00 24,575.00 49,150.00

• Your financial aid offer was based on a total Cost of Attendance (COA) of $74,042. This budget is based on your intended program of study, class level, course load (full vs. part time), and housing status. It also includes allotments for indirect costs, like books, transportation, and other miscellaneous expenses you might encounter as a student.

• Your eligibility for need based aid was determined based on the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) calculated by the U.S.Department of Education using information you provided on your FAFSA. Your EFC was $12,756

• You and your family may have additional borrowing eligibility beyond what is shown in the above offer. The enclosed information references other financing options, including payment plans, Federal Parent PLUS Loans, and private loans.

• If you wish to decrease/decline a loan or make changes to your enrollment/housing status, please indicate on this offer letter, sign below, and return it to our office using the contact information provided.

• You have been selected by the federal government for a process called verification. We will need additional documentation to verify the information you provided on your FAFSA; watch your email for specific instructions on what documentation is needed and how to submit it. Because verification is determined by the government, this process will apply to any institution you choose to enroll in. Changes to your enrollment, updates to your FAFSA, or new documentation may affect your aid eligibility and could result in a revised financial aid offer.

• Work study funds are not credited to the student’s bill. Students must work in an eligible job on campus and work the necessary hours to earn up to the amount for which they are eligible.

Signature Date

SAMPLE

Financial Aid Services

• One University Place • Chester, PA 19013 Phone (610) 499 4161

• Fax (610) 499 4687 • Email finaidmc@widener.edu

KNOW THE MEANING — Types of Financial Aid

Scholarship

A scholarship is a form of non-need-based financial assistance that does not require repayment or employment. Merit scholarships based on academic performance in high school, or at a previous college or university, are awarded by the Office of Admissions. These forms of merit aid for incoming freshmen are awarded for a total of eight full-time semesters. Transfer students will have a different time length during which they will

be eligible for this funding. Additional scholarships may also be awarded to you based on separate criteria and invitations to participate in community service, academic programs, or talent programs. These scholarships will have different criteria to be awarded in future years.

Widener University Grant

A grant is a type of financial aid that you do not have to repay. Grants are awarded to full-time, matriculated undergraduate students

NOTIFY THE FINANCIAL AID OFFICE OF CHANGES/CORRECTIONS

(12 or more credits per semester) who are pursuing a first bachelor’s degree and demonstrate financial need. Widener University grants for incoming freshmen can be awarded for a maximum of eight fulltime semesters, as long as financial need continues to be demonstrated. Transfer students will have a different time length during which they may be eligible for this funding. A change in housing status may result in a change in Widener University grant funding.

Federal Pell Grant

Federal Pell Grants are awarded to matriculated undergraduate students who are pursuing their first bachelor’s degree. Federal Pell Grant eligibility is determined by the expected family contribution (EFC) as a result of filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The time limit a student may receive Federal Pell Grant funding is 12 full-time semesters (or fractional equivalents for less than full-time enrollment) while pursuing a first bachelor’s degree.

Federal SEOG Grant

A supplemental grant award with priority given to Federal Pell Grant recipients.

Pennsylvania State Grant

Pennsylvania State Grants are awarded to undergraduate Pennsylvania residents who are pursuing a first bachelor’s degree. To maintain eligibility, you must make academic progress by completing at least 24 new credits for full-time and at least 12 new credits for half-time enrollment each year. The PHEAA Grant Division determines award amounts. Find information and any additional application requirements at pheaa.org

Federal Direct Subsidized Loan

These loans are funds that must be repaid. They are awarded to students who have filed the FAFSA and qualify based on need. Federal subsidized loans range from $3,500 to $5,500 annually, depending on grade level. Interest is paid by the Department of Education while you are enrolled at least half-time.

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan

These loans are funds that must be repaid. They are awarded to students who have filed the FAFSA. Federal unsubsidized loans range from $2,000 to $9,500 for first-year students annually, depending on grade level and Federal Subsidized Loan amounts. Interest accrues as soon as the loan is disbursed.

Federal Direct PLUS Loans

A Federal Direct PLUS loan can be borrowed by a parent of a dependent student. The borrowing party must qualify based on a credit check and can borrow up to the remaining cost of attendance (COA) after all other aid sources have been considered. Dependent students whose parent applies for and is denied a Federal PLUS loan will have eligibility for additional Federal Unsubsidized Loan funds.

Private Education Loans

Private education loan funding may be an option if you need additional assistance after all other sources have been exhausted. Some private education loans will be in your name while others can be in your parents’ names. Non-need-based private education loan programs are offered by a variety of lenders and organizations. The interest rates, fees, repayment terms, and eligibility requirements of these loan programs vary widely and are determined by each lender based on your and your cosigner’s credit scores. You are encouraged to carefully review the provisions of the loan to determine which loan programs fit your needs before incurring additional obligations.

Federal Work Study

Federal Work Study (FWS) is a form of financial aid offered to matriculated students who are enrolled at least half-time and have completed the FAFSA and qualify based on need. FWS is paid directly to you in the form of a biweekly paycheck based on the number of hours you worked. Your FWS awards are not directly credited to your university account.

How to Access Federal Loans

Entrance counseling is required for students who are accepting a federal student loan. This online session explains the terms and conditions of borrowing a federal loan (available at studentaid. gov). All students must complete entrance counseling before the loan is disbursed.

The Master Promissory Note (MPN) is the legal document students must complete prior to borrowing federal student loans. Students must add the institution they are attending for the loan to disburse.

STAY ON TRACK

with your Widener enrollment.

NOW

File your FAFSA (if you have not already done so). Make sure to input Widener’s school code: 003313. You must also file your FAFSA to qualify for state grant program funds by the following deadlines:

• Pennsylvania residents must submit the FAFSA for PA State Grant consideration by May 1

• Delaware residents must submit the FAFSA for DE State Grant consideration by April 15

EARLY SUMMER

Contact Enrollment Services to review your anticipated aid and charges based on your enrollment and where you plan to live during the academic year. Use the enclosure in this booklet with your award letter to estimate direct costs minus aid. This is a great time to discuss direct and indirect costs and aid, options for payment, and any loans. Call 610-499-4161 or email finaidmc@widener.edu.

Borrowing a Federal Direct Subsidized and/ or Unsubsidized Loan? Complete the Loan Agreement/Master Promissory Note (MPN) and Entrance Counseling at studentaid.gov

Financing a portion of your education through private educational loans? Gain approval for your loan by submitting an application to the lender of your choice.

Parent financing a portion of your education?

If you are a dependent undergraduate student and your parent will be financing your education with a loan, make sure they have completed the application for the loan of their choice. They also need to complete all necessary steps in the loan process. Contact Enrollment Services with questions.

AUGUST

Opting for a Widener payment plan? Sign up and make your first payment after your first bill.

Complete three forms: Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) waiver release, tax form 1098-t electronic delivery consent, and emergency contact information. You can find all three forms on myWidener (my.widener.edu). You may also complete these forms after you submit your deposit.

BEGINNING OF FALL SEMESTER

Make any changes to your course schedule prior to the end of the add/drop period. Make sure you maintain a minimum of 12 credits to remain a full-time student.

OCTOBER

Apply for financial aid for the upcoming academic year. Apply early to meet Widener University and state grant deadlines.

Stay in the know: Track updates about summer registration, re-applying for aid, and more Follow Widener Enrollment Services on Twitter @Lipkahall | Keep an eye on your Widener email account