Tuition, Fees and Financial Aid

Tuition, Fees, Room and Board

Student Expenses for 2024-2025

The following chart summarizes student expenses for the 2024-25 academic year, which officially begins with the Summer Session, 2024. Students are referred to the course descriptions in this bulletin for laboratory and other fees associated with specific courses. Inquiries about particular charges should be addressed to the Bursar’s Office.

Financial Aid

At Wilkes University, we believe in supporting students on their educational journey through financial assistance. While students and families play a key role in financing education, we provide additional resources to make a Wilkes University education more accessible. This includes various scholarships, need-based university funds, support from the Federal Department of Education, and, in some instances, assistance from the state of Pennsylvania. Whether it’s your first time seeking financial aid or you’ve worked with us before, we are here to assist you in every possible way. Please be aware that the information in this bulletin serves as a basic guide, and you can find more detailed information on the Office of Student Financial Services at www.wilkes.edu.

Financial Aid Application Procedure

At Wilkes University, we ask students and families to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) if they are interested in being considered for any of the following programs:

1. Wilkes University need- based grants
2. Federal grant programs
3. PA state grant programs
4. Federal work-study
5. Federal student loan programs

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

Typically, you must meet the following requirements before applying for financial aid through the Department of Education (studentaid.gov):

• Be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen with a valid Social Security number
• Have a high school diploma or a GED certificate.
• Be enrolled or accepted for enrollment in a qualifying degree or certificate program.
• Maintain satisfactory academic progress while in school.
• Not be in default on a loan made under any Title IV, HEA loan program or owe a repayment on any Title IV funds
• Be registered for the appropriate number of credits for the semester in which you are applying for financial aid

Note: Non-degree seeking students are not eligible for federal or state financial assistance.

Students can begin to the file the FAFSA on or after October 1 proceeding the year they are seeking financial aid. For example, students looking to attend for the 2025-2026 academic year could file the FAFSA on or after October 1, 2024.

Financial Aid for Part-time Students

Part-time students seeking financial aid have several avenues to explore. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) remains a key resource, enabling eligibility for federal grants, work-study opportunities, and loans. Pell Grants, determined by financial need, are available on a prorated basis for part-time enrollees. For Pennsylvania state-specific aid programs, federal direct loans, and federal Direct PLUS loans supplement financial support at least half-time enrollment. In addition, there are various private educational loans available to part-time students. For detailed information, individuals are encouraged to contact the Office of Student Financial Services to navigate and access these resources effectively.

Financial Aid for Pharmacy Students 

Years five and six of the Pharmacy program entail coursework considered to be at the post-baccalaureate level. For financial aid purposes, you are identified as a “professional or graduate level student” in these years. The exception is that students who have earned a bachelor’s degree prior to  entering pharmacy school will be considered a graduate-level student for the four professional years. Students enrolled at this level of study in the Pharmacy program are independent for financial aid purposes and only qualify for  financial aid available to graduate and professional students. Typically, this financial aid includes the federal unsubsidized Direct  Loan (with an annual loan maximum of $33,000), Graduate Direct PLUS Loan (after the student has used his/her unsubsidized loan  eligibility for the year), and private loans. Currently enrolled fifth and sixth year Pharmacy students do not qualify for any federal,  state, or institutional grants and limited scholarships. However,  academically successful Pharmacy students will retain 30% of their merit-based scholarship, per year, in the final two  years of the professional program.

Financial Aid for Students Seeking a Second Degree

Students exploring a second degree can qualify for the federal Direct Loan program. It’s crucial to note that embarking on a second degree does not automatically grant independent status for financial aid purposes. The determination of dependency status is governed by a specific section of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This comprehensive application of financial assistance considers various factors, and students are encouraged to complete it thoroughly to provide an accurate representation of their financial situation. In addition, there are various private educational loans available to second-degree-seeking students. For detailed information, individuals are encouraged to contact the Office of Student Financial Services to navigate and access these resources effectively.

Scholarships

Students who are recipients of Wilkes University scholarships may continue to receive them annually, contingent upon maintaining satisfactory academic progress. These scholarships are evenly distributed across the fall and spring semesters, unless stated otherwise, and are exclusive to undergraduate programs, excluding non-Pharmacy graduate students. If a student completes their undergraduate degree in less than four years (or eight academic semesters, including fall and spring), any remaining scholarship funds offered during the admission and/or financial aid process will be forfeited. Additionally, the allocation of scholarships in a single semester will not exceed half of the annual amount offered.

Grants

Federal, state, and University grants do not need to be repaid and are awarded based on financial need. Students must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each academic year to determine eligibility. For eligibility in subsequent academic years, you must maintain satisfactory academic progress.

• To be eligible for federal, state, and Wilkes grants, students are required to successfully complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
• The FAFSA should be submitted for each academic year to be considered for grants.
• Explore a comprehensive list of grants provided by the federal and state governments, as well as Wilkes University, by visiting www.wilkes.edu.

Private/Outside Scholarships

Wilkes partners with Scholarship Universe to help our current students easily connect with private scholarships and match with internal endowed scholarship opportunities. For helpful tips, types of scholarships, and a list of popular providers offering free scholarship searches, please visit wilkes.edu/scholarships. If a student expects to receive a private/external scholarship not currently documented on their financial aid details on the student portal, it is imperative to share this information with the Office of Student Financial Services promptly. It is essential to acknowledge that Wilkes University retains the right to adjust the allocated university funds in response to the scholarship amount, irrespective of the timing of the notification.

Private Educational Loans

If you already have a relationship with a bank or lending agency, please feel free to explore that option. Students and families who wish to explore alternative loan options can do so at www.elmselect.com. Wilkes University does not endorse any particular outside lender. Still, it does provide information through Elm Select about lenders that families have used in the past and other companies that can offer financial assistance.

Federal Loans

All new federal student loans are made through the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program. Students and parents who qualify can borrow directly from the Department of Education. Depending on your level of schooling and how much you need to borrow, you may be eligible for several direct loan variations with different interest rates and fees. For a complete listing of all the federal loan programs, please visit www.wilkes.edu or studentaid.gov. All students applying for federal loans must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), a Master Promissory Note, and Loan Entrance Counseling.

Student Employment

There are student jobs available across campus. Working on campus gives you the benefit of having an employer who understands your coursework demands, gets professional experience, references for your resume, and makes connections. For all student employment opportunities available, please visit www.wilkes.edu.

Federal Work-Study Program

The Federal Work-Study Program (FWS) allows qualified students to fund a portion of their educational expenses through part-time employment on campus. Work-study awards are not deducted from your university bill. All students applying for federal work-study must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Institutional Work-Study Program

If you are not eligible for Federal Work Study, you may only apply for an Institutional Work Study job. Several University Departments have an allocation for institutional work study, which allows them to employ students not eligible for FWS.

Veterans’ Assistance (VA) Programs

Interested persons should contact the Office of Student Financial Services and/or their local VA Office to obtain information concerning GI Education Assistance, Veterans Education Programs, Veterans Rehabilitation, Veteran Educational Loans, the Veteran Work-Study Program, and other sources of veterans’ assistance. Wilkes University participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. For details about this particular program, go to: https://wilkes.edu/admissions/financial-aid/yellow-ribbon-program-for-veterans

Withdrawal - Return of Financial Aid Funds

The Return to Title IV Funds (R2T4) policy applies to any student who receives federal financial aid, begins classes, and subsequently either withdraws from the courses the student was scheduled to complete or receives all failing grades because the student ceases enrollment at some point during the semester but neglects to complete the formal withdrawal process (known as an unearned “F”) during a semester or payment period. When students withdraw from their courses for any reason, including medical withdrawals, they may no longer be eligible for the total Title IV funds the student was originally scheduled to receive. Since financial aid is “earned” each day a student participates, you may be expected to repay the “unearned” portion of your financial aid. You are also required to complete exit counseling at studentaid.gov if you borrowed federal loans. Wilkes University follows the federally prescribed policies and procedures for calculating whether the student has earned all or a portion of their federal financial aid.

Refund Policy for Return to Title IV

Under the Higher Education Amendment regulation called Return of Title IV Funds, all students receiving Title IV federal grant or loan assistance who withdraw from the institution in the first 60% of the term are subject to the Return of Title IV Fund policy. This regulation affects the calculation of aid to be returned and repayment procedures. The percentage of aid earned by a Title IV student is determined by calculating the percentage of the period that the student completed.

The calculation of the return of these funds may result in the student owing a balance to the University and/or the Department of Education.

If a student leaves Wilkes University before completing 60% of a payment period or term, the financial aid office recalculates eligibility for Title IV funds. Once the amount of the federal funds to be returned to the Department of Education has been calculated, the funds will be returned in the following order:

• Unsubsidized Direct Loan
• Subsidized Direct Loan
• Parent Loans to Undergraduate Students (PLUS)
• Federal Pell Grant
• Federal SEOG
• Other Title IV grant programs

Pennsylvania and other state grants will be adjusted following the agency’s guidelines. University grant and scholarship funds will be adjusted based on the percentage of tuition reduction received by a student when withdrawing from the University. Please note that students who receive a refund of financial aid before withdrawing from the University may owe a repayment of federal financial aid funds received. In such situations, the Bursar’s office will contact students and give them 30 days to repay the funds to the University. Students who fail to return the unearned portion of federal financial aid funds given to them will become ineligible for continued receipt of financial aid until their payment is made.

Pricing Schedule

Tuition & Fees

Refund Schedule

Circumstances

Cancellation of Enrollment

Time of Withdrawal

On or before the first day of classes

Tuition and Fees

The University will cancel 100% of the tuition charges and fees, less a deposit of $300, if written notice of cancellation is received by Student Services and the Office of the Registrar on or before the first day of classes. Failure to submit proper written notification will result in the assessment of full charges.

Time of Withdrawal

Policy guidelines for refunds processed after the first day of classes are as follows.

Tuition and Fees

Students who withdraw from Wilkes University will be entitled to an adjustment of tuition according to the following schedule:

Refund Schedule*(for condensed terms)

*All fees charged by the university are non-refundable

Room and Board

Room

Fees and Deposits The student shall pay the full cost of housing, dining, and deposits upon the receipt of an invoice from the University. For current and resuming students, we are not currently charging a housing deposit. For entering first year and transfer students, your housing deposit is included in your overall admissions deposit; no additional deposit is required with this agreement.

Refund Policy Cancellations are governed by the terms as outlined in the Student Handbook. Failure of the student to occupy the reserved residence hall by the first day of classes of either semester without prior written notification to the University will result in forfeiture of the room without refund of the housing deposit. All refunds of housing and dining charges are governed by the Refund Policy as defined in the current Student Handbook.

Reflecting the Wilkes University Refund policy, students will be entitled to a full refund if they withdraw or are approved to cancel their housing contracts before or during the first week of classes. Students will receive a 75% refund in their second week of classes,50% in their third week, and 25% refund of room and board charges at their fourth week. Students are responsible for the full room and board charges at the fifth week of classes and beyond. The Director of Residence Life or her designee can make exceptions refunding any unused portion of paid rental fees for students called into active military service or who withdrawal for reasons beyond their control.

Board

All resident students are required to participate in one of the Colonel Dining Plans. The dining plan is for the sole and exclusive use of the student who contracts for the service. The student’s official photo identification, via physical card or GET app, is the only acceptable method used to gain access to the dining facilities. Meal Plan options are based on the food service provider. Please refer to the Dining Services section of Student Life at Wilkes for additional information.

• First year resident students (students who have not previously been enrolled full-time in college or have earned fewer than 24 credits) must choose the Colonel Gold, Colonel Gold Plus, or Colonel Gold Premier plans only.
• Sophomore & Junior resident students may choose between Colonel Gold, Gold Plus, Gold Premier, Blue, Blue Plus, or Blue Premier plans.
• Senior resident students (90+ credits) or those electing in year-round housing may choose among any Colonel plan or the Senior Value Plan.

Dining plan changes to Fall semester contracts are not permitted after August 1. Dining plan changes for Spring semester are permitted only during the official dining plan change period of October 1 through November 15.

Dining plan selections are contracted for the full academic year, with the exceptions for change requests noted above. Unused Dining/Flex Dollars will be carried over from the Fall semester to the Spring semester, but will not be carried over to the next academic year. At the end of the Spring Semester all unused swipes/Dining/Flex dollars will be eliminated and are not refunded. Dining plan cancellations will follow the same refund schedule as housing assignments.

Refunds

Military Leave Refund Policy

A student in the military reserves who is called into active status on an emergency basis and cannot complete course work for a given semester

1. will receive an automatic late withdrawal in each course with full tuition and fee refund if call-up is within the first 12 weeks of the semester; and
2. may elect to receive an incomplete in each course or receive a W in each course with a full tuition and fee refund, if call-up is during the thirteenth or fourteenth week of the semester. Ordinarily, the incompletes are to be finished during the semester the student returns to classes.

Room and board charges will be adjusted according to the refund schedule. The student should present his or her orders to the Office of Student Affairs. If the student does not yet have written orders, he or she will have 60 days in which to present the orders. A family member or friend may bring a copy of the orders in the student’s absence. If this deadline is not met, a grade of “0.000” will be recorded for each course in which the student remains enrolled, and he or she will not be eligible to receive a refund.

Veterans Benefits

Veterans Benefits and Transition Act of 2018

The University complies with the Veterans Benefits and Transition Act of 2018 (38 USC 3679(e)), and will not impose any penalty, including the assessment of late fees, the denial of access to classes, libraries, or other institutional facilities, or the requirement that a covered individual borrow additional funds, on any covered individual because of the individual’s inability to meet his or her financial obligations to the institution due to the delayed disbursement of a payment by the VA under chapter 31 or 33 veteran educational assistance entitlement.

All Covered Individuals (anyone who is entitled to educational assistance under chapter 31, Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment, or chapter 33, Post-9/11 GI Bill® benefits) are requested to provide a written request of use of these entitlements and will be permitted to attend or participate in the course of education beginning on the date on which the individual provides to the educational institution a certificate of eligibility for entitlement to educational assistance under chapter 31 or 33 (a “certificate of eligibility” can also include a “Statement of Benefits” obtained from the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) website e-Benefits, or a VAF 28-1905 form for chapter 31 authorization purposes). The Certificate of Eligibility or Statement of Benefits is required to be submitted no later than the first day of courses for which an individual wishes to use the individual’s entitlement to education assistance in order to provide proper and timely certification and disbursement of VA funding. Additionally, all covered individuals will be required to provide any and all additional information necessary to complete the proper certification of enrollment by the institution within 10 days of notice.

This policy does not prevent the University from requiring that the difference between the amount of the student’s financial obligation and the amount of the VA education benefit disbursement be satisfied.

‘GI Bill®’ is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.