Continuing Your Eligibility

Verification
Students may be required to verify the accuracy of the information provided on the applications for financial assistance. Appropriate documents will be requested by the Financial Aid Office. Federal, state and institutional regulations require the verification process be completed before financial aid can be credited to the student's account. If Verification is requested, the student is responsible for submitting all required documents to the Financial Aid Office within two weeks of the request. Failure to meet this deadline could impact their financial aid eligibility.

Enrollment and Eligibility
To be eligible for aid, you must meet the requirements of each program. For example, a student must enroll for a least 12 credit hours per quarter to be eligible for institutional, as well as some state financial assistance. A student must enroll and maintain at least six credit hours per quarter in a degree or certificate program in order to receive Federal Stafford Student Loan and Federal Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (FPLUS). Federal Pell Grant program and Ohio Instructional Grant eligibility will be determined for any enrollment category. Any change in enrollment during the quarter or academic year may cause changes in your award.

Funds from Other Sources
Otterbein College encourages students to explore the possibility of aid from foundations, companies, civic groups and professional organizations. Report additional funds received from any other source promptly to the Financial Aid Office. Should any adjustment be necessary, the student's loan and work eligibility will be reduced first.

Renewing Your Assistance
All students receiving need-based financial aid must submit the FAFSA or Renewal FAFSA each year for determination of continued eligibility. Financial aid is renewed annually on the basis of continued financial need and satisfactory academic progress as defined by the college catalog. Since a family's financial strength is subject to change, financial need and the amount of aid awarded may increase or decrease each year. Other factors may change a student's award. Examples would include a change in housing status, enrolling at less than a full-time status, failure to maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress and changes to the family size. Click here to open a pdf file containing the definitions of Satisfactory Academic Progress.