Financial Aid

Choosing to pursue your educational goals may be one of the most important decisions you will ever make. At National University of Natural Medicine, we understand that furthering your education will mean a significant investment of your time, energy and resources. NUNM participates in federal Title IV aid programs.

Eligibility

To be considered an “eligible student for federal and state financial aid,” you must meet the following criteria:

• Be a U.S. citizen or eligible resident
• Have a valid Social Security number
• Be admitted into an eligible NUNM degree program
• Be enrolled at least half-time each term, to qualify for the Direct Loan Program funds:
  • Undergraduate programs in the School of Undergraduate & Graduate Studies are defined as 6 credits half-time, 12 credits full time
  • Graduate programs in the School of Undergraduate & Graduate Studies are defined as 4 credits half-time, 8 credits full-time
  • Colleges are defined as 5.5 credits half-time, 11 credits full-time
• Maintain satisfactory academic progress
• Not be in default on any federal student loan, or owe a refund on any federal grant
• Have a high school diploma, GED, be home-schooled, or have completed 6 college credits toward an eligible degree or certificate

In addition, funding is available only for courses and the number of credits required for the degree. Most programs allow for a specified number of elective credits and funding is restricted to the number of elective credits allowed.

Students enrolled in concurrent programs are required to complete the number of elective credit hours of the program that has the greater number of electives between the two programs. Title IV funds can only be awarded to the program with the highest elective credits required as these elective credits will fulfill the graduation requirements for both programs (students in ND/CCM would have Title IV funding for 16 required elective credits).

Electives taken beyond the program requirement will not be included in determining a student’s eligibility for Title IV funds. 

Financial Aid Timeline for the 2024–2025 Academic Year

To determine eligibility, you must:

• Complete NUNM’s Application for Admission. Students must be admitted before a financial aid package can be awarded.
• Complete the 2024–2025 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), available on Dec. 31st, at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa. The federal Title IV school code for NUNM is B07624. Depending on when you intend to take classes, you may need to apply for financial aid for both the current academic year as well as the upcoming academic year. If you’re not sure, please check in with the Financial Aid Office.

Because many aid programs have limited funds, NUNM recommends submitting your completed FAFSA form by the Feb. 15 priority application deadline.

Cost of Attendance 

The cost of attendance (COA) is the estimated cost for a student to attend the institution each year.  In addition to tuition and fees, you need to budget accordingly for other expenses. These expenses include living expenses, transportation, personal expenses, books, and supplies. Please contact the financial aid office if you need assistance or tools with setting an annual budget financialaid@nunm.edu.

Below is the estimated COA for the 2024-2025 award year.

Doctorate and Masters Programs

**Naturopathic Doctorate and Chinese Medicine students (Mac, MACCHM, DACCHM) will have funding available for the cost of obtaining their first professional licensure, or certification.  The awarding of funds will depend on the student’s year in the program. 

Bachelors Programs

Financial Aid Census Date

In accordance with federal regulations, the Financial Aid Office will verify each student’s enrollment status on the published census date by the Office of the Registrar, which is the first Monday of the third week of each term: summer, fall, winter, and spring. This policy typically coincides with the end of the add/drop period for each term. If the enrollment status changes, the Financial Aid Office, as federal regulations require, will recalculate federal, state, and institutional student aid awards.

If the change in enrollment status, before completing 60% of the term, causes a student to become ineligible for all or a portion of the financial aid award the student will immediately be responsible for repaying those funds that have been disbursed to them.

Eligibility for these federal programs may also be affected for those who have had FAFSA information or corrections submitted after the census date.

Complete withdrawals from the institution are subject to federal, state, and institutional refund policies. If students drop classes (or change their class status to audit) after the census date, they may also have future financial aid eligibility issues. Please review the add/drop policies in the student handbook for more information on the requirements to maintain financial aid eligibility.

Students should consult with the Financial Aid Office before making changes to their enrollment to ensure there is an understanding of any financial implications that may occur.

Scholarships

NUNM awards scholarships to new and returning students enrolled during the academic year. Scholarships are limited and the amount and availability varies from year to year. Scholarship recipients must maintain satisfactory academic progress as a condition for receiving a scholarship. Failure to do so will result in cancellation of the scholarship. Money received from scholarship sources does not have to be repaid.

Admissions Scholarships

New students entering NUNM can apply for one of our Incoming Student Scholarships. Applicants need to complete an application and submit a 1-2 page professional essay describing why they deserve a scholarship. To be considered, students must complete their application for admission by Feb. 1, the preferred application date.

Decisions on scholarship awards are based on a holistic evaluation of the entire application file and are made at the same time admissions decisions are made. Students will be notified of any scholarships along with their admission notification.

For more information about these scholarships, please contact the Office of Admissions at 503.552.1660.

NUNM Enrolled Student Scholarships

All current full-time students in good academic standing are encouraged to apply for student scholarships. Finalists are selected based on a record of outstanding academic achievement, leadership, service to the university and community, dedication to the profession of natural medicine, and a commitment to honoring and celebrating diversity. Scholarship applications are available late in spring term of each year. Selected recipients are announced after spring term and scholarships are awarded evenly each term over the students’ following academic year. Additional criteria, such as need, may apply.

More information about scholarship availability can be obtained by contacting the Advancement Department advancement@nunm.edu.

Scholarship Timeline

• Applications open: May 1st, 2024
• Submission deadline: July 7th, 2024
• Scholarship recipients announced: September 2024 

How to Apply

Complete the 2024-2025 NUNM Scholarship Application. Include your scholarship–specific essays and all required documents in your submission. Please remove your name from all essay materials.

Scholarship Award and Financial Aid

Federal financial aid recipients could have other aid reduced to accommodate any scholarship(s) received. Scholarship funds will be divided into three equal installments and disbursed to the recipient in fall, winter and spring terms. Scholarship recipients must maintain satisfactory academic progress as a condition for receiving a scholarship. Failure to do so will result in cancellation of the scholarship. This policy applies to both internal and external scholarship funding sources.

When Awarded a Scholarship

All scholarship recipients are expected to write a thank you letter to the donor (when appropriate). Letters should be delivered to the Office of Advancement to send to the donor(s).

Who is Eligible

All scholarships that are determined by financial need will be based on Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FASFA) needs analysis results. All students receiving financial aid will have all scholarships included as part of their award package. We encourage all students to complete the FAFSA application online with National University of Natural Medicine School Code of B07624. International students applying for need-based scholarship(s) should write a statement of financial need.

Federal and State Aid Programs

Pell Grant

The federal Pell Grant program provides funds to students demonstrating significant financial need as determined by the Student Aid Index (SAI) and cost of attendance.  The Pell Grant is awarded only to undergraduate students who have not earned a bachelor’s or professional degree. A federal Pell Grant, unlike a loan, does not have to be repaid.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

Students who will receive federal Pell Grants, and have the most financial need, will be considered for FSEOG. Unlike the federal Pell Grant program, FSEOG funds are often exhausted early in the application cycle. Interested students should submit their FAFSA application before the priority deadline of February 15th. The FSEOG does not need to be repaid.

Oregon Opportunity Grant

The Oregon Opportunity Grant program was created by the Oregon State Legislature to help Oregon undergraduate students attend Oregon colleges. Oregon residents who attend NUNM may be eligible to receive an Oregon Opportunity Grant. These grants are awarded on the basis of financial need, based upon the information provided on your FAFSA. Students who already have a bachelor’s degree are not eligible to receive an Oregon Opportunity Grant. More detailed information regarding the Oregon Opportunity Grant is at https://oregonstudentaid.gov/grants/oregon-opportunity-grant/.

Federal Loans

Many students find it necessary to borrow loans to fund their educational expenses. The amount of education loans available will depend on a student’s program(s) of enrollment. The student should keep in mind the amount of loans they choose to borrow and their overall indebtedness, and that the money borrowed will have to be repaid with interest. All students interested in federal loans must complete and submit the FAFSA. You can apply for loans at any time throughout the academic year.

Types of Federal Loans

Federal Direct Subsidized Stafford Loan

Subsidized Stafford Loans are available for students enrolled in undergraduate programs. Loans have both interest and principal payments waived during enrollment (at least half time) periods and during the grace period. Eligibility for this program is based on need, class level, and annual and cumulative limits. Students who borrow Subsidized Stafford Loans must complete entrance counseling and a Master Promissory Note (MPN). For more information, go to studentaid.gov.

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan

Unsubsidized Stafford Loans are available to undergraduate students and graduate or professional students. Unsubsidized Stafford Loans have principal payments waived during enrollment (at least half-time) and during the grace period. The student borrower must elect to make interest-only payments while attending school or defer payments. Deferred interest payments will be capitalized (added to the principal balance) at repayment. Eligibility for this program is based on dependent status, class level, and annual and cumulative loan limits.

Student borrowers who elect to borrow both Subsidized and Unsubsidized Stafford Loans (if eligible) may complete one MPN for both programs. Borrowers who have not completed entrance counseling must do so before completing an MPN. For more information, go to studentaid.gov.

Federal Direct Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS)

The parent PLUS loan is available to parents of undergraduate students. The PLUS loan program is credit-based. This loan is limited to the difference between the student’s cost of education and the student’s financial aid. Parents who want to borrow a PLUS loan must complete a PLUS Loan Certification Request form. If a parent borrower cannot secure a PLUS loan, the undergraduate dependent student may be eligible for additional unsubsidized loans to help pay for his or her education.

Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan Program

The Graduate Plus Loan program is available to graduate students who need to fill the gap between other forms of financial aid and the student’s cost of attendance budget. Students should note that the interest on these loans continues to accrue while enrolled in school and that the interest rates are generally higher than the Federal Direct Stafford Loan program. A credit check is required and an endorser option may be available. There is no grace period on this loan and repayment begins 60 days after the final loan disbursement; however, students can request an in-school deferment on this loan. For more information, contact the Financial Aid Office.

Aggregate Graduate Loan Limits for the Naturopathic Doctorate Degree Program

The maximum amount of student education loans is limited federally to $40,500 per nine-month period (academic year), and cannot exceed a maximum borrowing amount of $224,000—of which no more than $65,500 can be in subsidized loans. This aggregate limit includes undergraduate loan debt and applies to students enrolled solely in naturopathic doctorate degree program.

Aggregate Graduate Loan Limits for Master’s Degree Programs

The maximum amount of student education loans is limited federally to $20,500 per nine-month period (academic year), and cannot exceed a maximum borrowing amount of $138,500—of which no more than $65,500 can be in subsidized loans. This aggregate limit includes undergraduate loan debt and applies to students enrolled solely in master’s degree programs.

Aggregate Undergraduate Loan Limits

The maximum aggregate amount of federal loans is limited to students enrolled in an undergraduate degree program. The maximum aggregate amount of DEPENDENT undergraduate loans a student may be eligible for is $31,000—of which no more than $23,000 may be in the form of a subsidized loan. The maximum aggregate amount of INDEPENDENT undergraduate loans a student may be eligible for is $57,500—of which no more than $23,000 may be a subsidized loan.

Students who have received more than their aggregate cap are considered to have been over-awarded, and as such, must resolve the over-award before being considered eligible for federal Title IV financial aid. Annual loan limits apply and students should contact the Financial Aid Office for further information.

Alternative Loans

Alternative (private) loans are administered and processed by private lending institutions and are to be used for educational costs after first exhausting potentially more favorable federal and state financial aid options. Contact the Financial Aid Office or visit nunm.edu to search for an alternate loan product through ELMSelect.

Exhaust Federal Student Aid Options First

Alternative loans are not part of the federal student loan programs, and should only be used in circumstances where you have exhausted all other options in regard to financing your education. It is highly recommended that students apply for financial aid using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) before seeking an alternative loan. You may be eligible for the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan program. For additional information, contact the Financial Aid Office.

The benefits of direct loans over an alternative loan may include lower interest rates and better repayment options. Eligible students who elect to decline participation in the Federal Direct Loan program to borrow an alternative loan must contact the NUNM Financial Aid Office to schedule a counseling session and sign a “Federal Student Loan Waiver” form.

NUNM Emergency Loans

The university provides emergency loan assistance on a short-term basis to students experiencing financial hardship resulting from emergencies. Loan requests may range from $100 to $1000 depending on the availability of funds. Emergency loans are considered a loan of last resort and available at the discretion of the Office of Financial Aid to students with an acute immediate need. Additional criteria for this loan are outlined in the application process. Students cannot borrow more than one emergency loan per academic year, cannot borrow this loan in the final term of an academic year, and must have this loan repaid in full before the end of the respective term. For more information, students can make an appointment to meet with the Office of Financial Aid for consideration.

Emergency Loan Examples:

• Personal/Family Crisis – a situation or period in which things are very uncertain, difficult, or painful; especially a time when action must be taken to avoid complete disaster or breakdown
• Disaster – an event that causes serious loss, destruction, or hardship
• Tragedy – serious illness, financial ruin, or family fatality
• Theft – having property stolen, vehicle damage, etc.

Student Loan Fund Disbursement Procedures

All financial aid funds are disbursed quarterly through the Business Office. The Business Office applies financial aid funds to a student’s account for unpaid tuition and fees at the time funds are received by the institution. If financial aid funds are in excess of tuition and fees, the resulting credit balance will be refunded to the student to use for other education-related expenses. Refund checks are disbursed by the Business Office staff the third week of the term. Direct deposit is available and highly encouraged, otherwise, checks will be placed in student mailboxes or mailed to the address on file.

If students are eligible for a refund of aid in excess of charges, NUNM can provide an advance for Title IV aid recipients to obtain their books and supplies by the seventh day of a payment period. These funds are paid in advance of the student’s total financial aid disbursement. If students do not wish to receive the advance, students will have the option of opting out of the stipend the school provides. 

If a student receives financial aid after the term begins, any resulting credit balance will be refunded by the Business Office within 10 business days of receipt of the funds by the institution. The refund check will be placed in the student’s mailbox or sent by direct deposit.

Credit balances resulting from any other financial activity, such as dropped classes, will be refunded within 10 business days.

Professional Judgment Review

The U.S. Department of Education gives the director of financial aid the authority to adjust a student’s financial aid package in cases involving unusual circumstances through a process known as professional judgment. Students experiencing unusual/unexpected financial circumstances during the academic year can request a meeting with the director of financial aid to request a review. An academic year is defined as a period of enrollment during the current FAFSA year. Students under review must sign a release to provide specific documentation. The professional judgment review process is solely at the discretion of the director of financial aid, and all outcomes whether approved or denied are final and ineligible for appeal.

Cost of Attendance Increase

The U.S. Department of Education grants schools the discretion, known as professional judgment, to modify a student’s standard cost of attendance for education-related expenses on a case-by-case basis. Students may request an increase to their cost of attendance for:

• A one-time cost associated with purchasing a computer
• Childcare expenses
• Out-of-pocket medical/dental expenses
• Study abroad expenses

The cost of attendance increase request must thoroughly document all expenses and include the appropriate supporting documentation. The cost of attendance review process is solely at the discretion of the director of financial aid, and all outcomes whether approved or denied are final and ineligible for appeal.

Change of Program Track and Adding/Dropping Courses – Effect on Financial Aid

Students receiving federal financial aid must provide their Student Status Change form or Add/Drop form, and schedule a meeting with the Financial Aid Office staff to discuss program changes that may affect their eligibility for financial aid.

Federal Loan Exit Interviews

Federal regulations require that any student who has received a federal loan while attending NUNM and who leaves for any reason, including official leaves of absence, must participate in a loan exit interview. Exit interviews are conducted online at studentaid.gov. Additional information may be obtained by calling the Financial Aid Office.

Withdrawals- Federal Title IV Aid Recipients

Official Withdrawals and Leave of Absence

Students may initiate an official withdrawal or leave of absence by meeting with the Director of Student Success. Students withdrawing from school at any time during the school year must complete an exit interview with the Office of Financial Aid and submit a completed “Leave/Withdrawal” form to the Registrar’s Office.

Upon receipt of the “Leave/Withdrawal” form, the Office of Financial Aid will complete the Return of Title IV calculation to determine the amount of Title IV aid the student has earned. Any unearned Title IV funds will be returned immediately, but no later than 45 days from the date of determination of withdrawal. Any unearned Title IV funds will be returned immediately. The Office of Financial Aid will notify the student via e-mail indicating the result of the R2T4, including information regarding repayment and exit counseling.

Failure to attend for any quarter is considered a withdrawal, and the student must submit a new application and application fee for readmission. Students who withdraw from NUNM during the course of a term will earn a grade of “W.” A student facing an alleged violation of the Code of Conduct or Honor Code may be permitted to withdraw from NUNM, however, proceedings will continue in their absence.

Unofficial Withdrawals

NUNM is not required to take attendance. Therefore, if a student does not initiate the university’s withdrawal process, and ceases to attend, the university will assume an unofficial withdrawal. Any federal Title IV aid received will be subject to a Return of Title IV calculation based on the last date of attendance. The student’s last date of attendance is the date that reflects when the student ceases to attend all classes or participate in academic activities as determined by the university. Any unearned Title IV funds will be returned immediately, but no later than 45 days from the date of determination of withdrawal.

Post-Withdrawal Disbursements

As determined by the Return of Title IV calculation, a student who withdrawals before the Title IV disbursement, may be eligible for a post-withdrawal disbursement. If a student is eligible for a post-withdrawal disbursement of Title IV grant funds, it must be disbursed within 45 days from the date of determination of withdrawal. For a post-withdrawal disbursement of Title IV loan funds, the Office of Financial Aid will notify the student or parent within 30 days from the date of determination of withdrawal, that they are eligible for a post-withdrawal disbursement. This notification provides the student or parent with a 14-day response period to authorize all or part of the post-withdrawal disbursement of Title IV loan funds. Any post-withdrawal disbursement of Title IV loan funds a student or parent authorizes must be disbursed within 180 days of the date of determination of withdrawal.

Post-withdrawal disbursements must be applied to the student account first to cover any outstanding institutional charges, before being disbursed to the student or parent. Any resulting credit balance refunds will be disbursed no later than 14 days from the date the credit balance occurred.

For more information, please navigate to the Withdrawals- Federal Title IV Aid Recipients  policy in the Academic Policies Section. 

Federal Title IV Refund Procedure

Title IV funds are awarded under the assumption that the student will attend school for the entire period for which the assistance is awarded. When a student withdraws, they may no longer be eligible for the full amount of Title IV funds that they were originally scheduled to receive. If a student receiving financial aid is eligible for a refund, that refund is returned to the Federal Financial Aid program. If the amount of the refund exceeds the total amount of aid, the excess will be returned to the student.

Students whose accounts were paid in full often have a balance owed to NUNM after withdrawal. The Title IV Return of Funds policy operates independently of the university’s tuition refund policy. A withdrawing student can owe NUNM money because aid must be returned to the Title IV program, but the student is not entitled to a refund of institutional charges. Any credit balance on a student’s account resulting from the R2T4 calculation must be disbursed as soon as possible and no later than 14 days after the R2T4 calculation occurred.

Institution’s Return of Funds

Upon completion of the R2T4 calculation, the institution will return the unearned aid for which the school is responsible by repaying funds to the sources listed below, in order, up to the total net amount disbursed from each source. Any unearned Title IV funds will be returned immediately, but no later than 45 days from the date of determination of withdrawal. The student will be responsible for resolving any outstanding balance due to the institution resulting from the required return of Title IV aid. 

Student’s Return of Funds

Upon completion of the R2T4 calculation, the Office of Financial Aid will notify the student within 30 days from the date of determination of withdrawal of the amount of unearned Title IV funds the student is responsible for returning. Title IV loan funds must be repaid per the conditions of the student’s master promissory note. If the student’s portion of the unearned aid includes Title IV grants, the student is only required to return the grant amount that exceeds 50% of the original amount received. If the amount the student must return is less than 50%, then no payment is required. Title IV grants must be repaid within 45 days from the date the institution notifies the student of the overpayment. The institution will return Title IV grant funds on behalf of the student and the student’s account will be charged as a result.

Federal Title IV funds are always returned in the order mandated by the U.S. Department of Education:

• For graduate-level students, the order is:
  1. Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan
  2. Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan
• For undergraduate-level students, the order is:
  1. Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan
  2. Federal Direct Subsidized Stafford Loan
  3. Federal Direct Parent PLUS
  4. Pell Grant
  5. FSEOG

The calculation of Title IV funds earned by students has no relationship to their incurred institutional charges. Up through the 60 percent (60%) point in each payment period or period of enrollment, a prorated schedule is used to determine the amount of Title IV funds students have earned at the time of withdrawal.

After the 60 percent (60%) point in the payment period or period of enrollment, students earn 100 percent (100%) of the Title IV funds they are scheduled to receive during the period. For a student who withdraws after the 60 percent (60%) point-in-time, there are no unearned funds. However, an institution must still determine whether that student is eligible for a post-withdrawal disbursement.

Federal refund calculations are independent of NUNM’s tuition refund policies. NOTE: The federal Title IV refund calculations apply to changes in enrollment status and withdrawals from all classes. If a student changes track and there is an adjustment made to the tuition charges, the Financial Aid Office will recalculate the student’s cost of attendance budget to assess aid eligibility.

Federal regulations require that any student who has received a loan while attending NUNM and who leaves for any reason, including official leaves of absence, must participate in loan exit counseling. Loan exit counseling is conducted online at studentaid.gov.

VA Tuition Assistance Return of Funds

The following policy pertains only to those funds received through the VA Tuitions Assistance program and outlines NUNM’s requirements for returning funds to the VA.  This policy may differ from the published institution refund policy and return of funds to students.

Federal Work-Study Program

The Federal Work-study Program (FWSP) is federally subsidized and is available to students as an additional resource to earn money to help cover educational expenses. Due to the demands of the academic programs, students generally find their schedules limit the time they can work to 20 hours per week or less.

The number of students receiving an award is limited by the program funding received by the university and is awarded to students as applications are received until the funding is fully utilized. Students are encouraged to complete the FAFSA form by Feb. 15.

The Financial Aid Office administers the federal work-study program and maintains an online timesheet database. Student employees earn an hourly wage and are paid monthly.

Federal Work-Study Conditions and Limitations

The following are mandated conditions and limitations regarding student employment, and are summarized as follows:

• Federal work-study is governed by all applicable federal, state and/or local laws.
• Federal work-study must not displace employees or impair existing service contracts. Replacement is interpreted as displacement.
• Federal work-study employees must be paid for all hours worked. The Fair Labor Standards Act prohibits employers from accepting voluntary services from any person who has been compensated for those worked hours.
• Students receiving, or eligible to receive federal work-study funds may not receive institutional student employment funds.

To view a list of current work-study opportunities, please visit nunm.edu/workstudy. Search all departments to see all jobs posted for the year. Only eligible federal work-study students currently attending NUNM are eligible to apply for these positions.

Student Employment Program

The student employment program (STEP) operates independently from the federal work-study program. The STEP program is open to international students only. Limited positions exist and students employed by this program are subject to the budgeted funds of the hiring department. Students employed through STEP cannot work under the federal work-study program.

See mandated conditions and limitations regarding student employment under Federal Work-Study Conditions and Limitations.

Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress 

Federal regulations require schools to monitor the academic progress of each applicant for federal financial assistance and that the school certify that the applicant is making satisfactory academic progress (SAP). The Academic Progress Committee evaluates SAP at the end of each term (including summer term).

Students who meet the SAP requirements maintain their eligibility for federally funded programs.

Students must maintain SAP toward a degree in order to continue in the program and to continue to receive federal, state and institutional financial aid. “Satisfactory Academic Progress” is defined as passing all program requirements, maintaining pace of progression to complete their degree and completing their program of enrollment within the published time frame. Students who do not meet  the minimum standards will find their financial aid eligibility in jeopardy. 

Basic Academic Requirements

1. Be admitted and enrolled for the purpose of obtaining a degree;
2. Be continually progressing toward your degree;
3. Be in good academic standing;
4. Complete degree requirements per the published curriculum layout for their program of enrollment

This policy applies to all students within each category of students regardless of program i.e. Title IV recipient, non-Title IV recipient, full-time, part-time, undergraduate, masters and graduate students.

Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy: Graduate Level

Master Degree Programs

“Satisfactory Academic Progress” is defined as:

• Passing grades in all academic courses and clinical rotations (for clinical students); and
• Passing all program requirements within one and one-half (1.5) times the length of the longest published enrolled program, generally between 3-5 years; and
• Maintaining a minimum number of credits each term (excluding summer, unless applicable), unless on an approved deviated track. 
  • For School of Graduate Studies degrees, the minimum number of credits per term equals 8 credits per term.
  • For the Masters of Acupuncture with a Chinese Herbal Medicine Specialization (MAcCHM) degree, the minimum number of credits per term equals 11 credits.

• Students who earn a term GPA of less than 2.50, and have a cumulative GPA below 2.65, are considered not making SAP.
• MAcCHM clinical students who receive two or more failing grades in clinic rotations or entrance/exit exams are considered not making SAP in a 12-month period. 

Doctorate Degree Programs

“Satisfactory Academic Progress” is defined as:

• Passing grades in all academic courses and clinical rotations (for clinical students); and
• Passing all program requirements within one and one-half (1.5) times the length of the longest published enrolled program, generally between 5-7 years; and
• Maintaining a minimum number of 11 credits each term (excluding summer, unless applicable), unless on an approved deviated track. 
• Students who earn a term GPA of less than 2.60, and have a cumulative GPA below 2.75, are considered not making SAP.
• Clinical students who receive two or more failing grades in clinic rotations, or entrance/exit exams are considered not making SAP in a 12-month period.  

Graduate Academic Standards

Qualitative Standards

Student are expected to pass all courses each quarter in order to stay in good standing for Federal Direct Student Aid programs. All credits attempted are included in the calculation when determining SAP, even if the attempted credit/course was not funded using Title IV Aid.

Quantitative Standards

The quantitative component has two parts, (1) Required completion of courses and (2) maximum time frame. Completion of coursework measures the rate of progress toward the degree, based on how many credits were successfully completed out of all credits attempted. A successful attempt is defined as a course in which a passing grade is earned. Students must complete their program(s) of enrollment within the published time frame. The maximum lengths of study depend on the degree(s) you are pursuing. All credits attempted are included in the SAP calculation, even if the attempted credit/course was not funded using Title IV Aid.

Maximum Time Frame

For graduate students, the maximum time frame is defined as 150 percent of the published length of the program. The published program length is generally 3-5 years for a masters program and 5-7 years for a doctorate program.

Academic Standing

The Registrar’s Office monitors student GPAs (both term and cumulative) for academic standing and credit completion at the end of each term (including summer) to determine sufficient progress toward degree completion. The Financial Aid Office will notify the student when the student is not making satisfactory academic progress. Using the qualitative and quantitative measures of progress, a student may be placed in one of the following SAP statuses:

Satisfactory Academic Progress Statuses

Warning Status

Using the qualitative and quantitative measures of progress, a student may be placed in one of the following SAP statuses:

Students who fall below SAP standards will be placed in ‘Warning’ status

1. ’ Warning’: Academic warning status occurs when a student earns a term GPA of 2.95, and/or a cumulative GPA of 2.85, or receives two or more grades of “C” in a term. While on a warning status, a student is expected to meet with an academic advisor to develop a plan to address the concern.

Note: Students in ‘Warning’ status may be eligible for financial aid.

Probation Status

Students who fall below SAP standards will be placed on ‘Probation’ status.

1. ‘Probation’: Students are placed on academic probation when they:
   • Earn a term GPA of below 2.75 and have a cumulative GPA below 2.80; or
   • Earn failing grades of “D” or “F,” including clinical rotations; or
   • Fall below full-time status for more than one term (unless on an approved deviated track)

Note: Students in ‘Probation’ status may be eligible for financial aid.

1. Students will receive a Financial Aid Probation letter and a temporary hold will be placed on their financial aid award package. This hold extends to all types of aid including federal work-study and student employment programs, and any non-federal or grant aid certifications or awards.
2. When placed on academic probation, a student must meet with an academic advisor in the Center for Academic Success to sign an academic contract within one week of notification. The academic contract will identify needed resources, including but not limited to remedial work, additional coursework, tutoring, or repeating course(s); and requires that the student improve their GPA and not fail any other courses during the probationary period.
3. Students are not eligible for financial aid until a current academic contract is on file and/ or a written release has been received from the Registrar’s Office.
4. Once documentation of a contract has been received the suspension of aid will be lifted, but the student will remain on financial aid probation until all issues have been resolved.
5. If at the end of the student’s probationary period they have yet to fulfill the contract requirements or receives additional failing grades, they will be placed on ‘Suspension’ status.

Suspension Status

Students who fall below SAP standards will be placed on ‘Suspension’ status.

‘Suspension’: Students are placed on academic suspension when they:

• Earn a term GPA of below 2.60 and have a cumulative GPA below 2.75; or
• Earn two or more failing grades of “D” or “F”; or
• Fail two or more clinic rotations, entrance exams, or exit exams; or 
• Fall below full-time status for more than one term (unless on an approved deviated track)
• Fail to fulfill the academic contract, or deemed not making satisfactory academic progress.

Note: Students in ‘Suspension’ status are NOT eligible for financial aid.

Academic suspension occurs when a student is ineligible to enroll at the university for a specified period of time. Suspension status is noted on the student’s official transcript.

A student has the right to appeal an academic suspension to the Academic Review and Appeals Committee, as outlined in the student handbook. If a student appeals and their suspension is overturned, that student will be placed into a probation status and may re-establish their eligibility for financial aid.

Near Maximum Time Frame Status

Once you near completion of your degree(s), you will be placed in ‘Near Maximum Time Frame’ status. This status means you are approaching the maximum time frame for your degree program. Note: Although you may still be eligible for aid, you may want to plan your coursework to complete your degree within the maximum time frame.

Reached Maximum Time Frame Status

Once you have completed all coursework required for your degree(s), you will be placed in ‘Reached Maximum Time Frame’ status. Note: You are NOT eligible for financial aid and will be required to personally pay for any additional coursework/charges to your student account. If you have been placed in ‘Reached Maximum Time Frame’ status, refer to the “Appeals” or “Re-Establishing” sections.

Incompletes

• Incompletes do not count in the number of courses completed until the course is graded.
• Incomplete grades must be converted to passing grades by the end of week two of the following term, after which time they are automatically converted to failing grades.

Course Repeats

Students may repeat courses, however, there is a limit to the number of times financial aid will pay for repeat courses. Students may receive Title IV aid for any repeat course as long as the student has never passed the course. Once a student has passed a course, the student may receive Title IV aid for only one retaking of that course. A student may not receive Title IV aid for any second or subsequent repeat of a passed course, and a second or subsequent repeat of a passed course may not be counted toward the student’s enrollment status for Title IV purposes.

Repeat courses will be calculated in attempted term and completed credits. Once a student earns a passing grade in a course the repeated course grade replaces the prior grade.  

Withdrawals

A student may withdraw from courses. A student who withdraws after the add/drop period will receive a W grade on their transcript for the dropped course(s) and withdrawn courses will count toward attempted credits. Withdrawals do not count towards the term or cumulative GPA.  

Transfer Credits

NUNM accepts transfer credits from other institutions. Transfer credits that are accepted by the other institution count towards both attempted and cumulative earned credits. Transfer credits do not count towards term attempted credits.

Concurrently Enrolled Students

Concurrently enrolled students who fail to maintain SAP in one program will need to follow the SAP policies in place for their given situation. Students who fail to maintain SAP in one program and then decide to withdraw from that program may not find their SAP issues amended and will be subject to the decisions of the dean for their program of enrollment.

Not for Degree Credits and Audited Coursework

Courses that are not required for degree completion or audited courses are ineligible for aid.

Notification of Eligibility

The minimum progress standards will be checked after each term of enrollment (summer, fall, winter, and spring). If you do not meet the minimum requirements AND you have been placed in either ‘Suspension’ or ‘Reached Maximum Time Frame’ status, refer to the “Appeals” or “Re-Establishing” sections.

Appeals

If extenuating circumstances prevent you from meeting the requirements, you may file a Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress (FSAP) Appeal. The appeal requires you to provide information and documentation of extenuating circumstances for specific terms of study. All requests for a FSAP appeal must be done in writing and submitted to the Director of Financial Aid within 10 days from the notice of suspension of aid eligibility. Financial aid appeals are NOT the same as academic appeals. Financial Aid Appeal forms are provided by the Financial Aid Office. Students are ineligible for financial aid while academically suspended from NUNM. Should the Director approve the Financial Aid SAP Appeal, the student will be placed in Financial Aid Probation.

Re-Establishing

If you do not appeal or your appeal is denied, you must enroll in the maximum number of credits required for your program of enrollment in order to demonstrate your ability to maintain satisfactory academic progress within the term you are attempting to reestablish your eligibility. You are personally responsible for paying for all charges incurred during this time. At the end of the term we will review your grades to determine whether you have successfully completed the necessary course requirements to regain your eligibility for federal financial aid.

Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy: Undergraduate Level

“Satisfactory Academic Progress” is defined as:

• Meeting and maintaining the minimum grade point average requirements (2.00); and
• Having a completion rate of 67% of courses attempted per term; and
• Having less than the maximum of 1.5 times the number of credits required to graduate, i.e., students cannot enroll in more than a cumulative of 136 attempted credits; and
  • Multiple withdrawals from courses will impact a student’s eligibility to make satisfactory academic progress.
• Degree completion within the maximum length of study (defined as 1.5 times the length of the longest undergraduate program); and
• Taking a minimum of 12 credits each term (excluding summer, unless applicable), unless on an approved deviated track.

Students are considered not making satisfactory academic progress who: 

• Earn a term GPA of less than 2.00 and have a cumulative GPA below 2.00, or 
• Earn a term GPA of less than 1.50 

Undergraduate Financial Aid SAP is based on the following qualitative and quantitative measures:

Undergraduate Academic Standards

Qualitative Standards

Students are expected to pass all courses each quarter in order to stay in good standing for federal student aid programs. All credits attempted are included in the calculation when determining satisfactory academic progress (SAP), even if the attempted credit/course was not funded using Title IV Aid.

• Grade Point Average: The qualitative measure requires that undergraduate students working towards a bachelor’s degree or a second bachelor’s degree maintain a minimum cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.00. This includes grades attempted and/or transfer coursework accepted by NUNM.
• Completion Rate: The quantitative measure requires that undergraduate students maintain a cumulative completion rate of 67% of the attempted coursework for all attempted credits and/or transfer hours accepted by NUNM. This percentage is determined by dividing the number of hours completed by the total number of hours attempted. Attempted hours are the total number of hours completed plus hours of “W”, “I” and “F” (as well as repeated coursework).

Quantitative Standards

The quantitative component has two parts:

• Required completion of courses
• Maximum time frame

Completion of Coursework

Completion of coursework measures the rate of progress toward the degree, based on how many credits were completed out of all credits attempted. A successful attempt is defined as a course in which a passing grade is earned.

Students must complete their program(s) of enrollment within the published time frame. The maximum lengths of study depend on the degree being pursued. All credits attempted are included in the SAP calculation, even if the attempted credit/course was not funded using Title IV Aid.

Maximum Time Frame to Complete Academic Program

Students must complete their degree program within 150% of the average length of their program. Undergraduate degree programs require that the attempted credit hours are no more than the degree requirements to complete the program. For example, to obtain a bachelor’s degree at NUNM, the maximum is typically 91 credit hours, including all attempted credits and/or transfer coursework. Once a maximum has been met or slightly surpassed, they will receive notification from the Financial Aid Office that their aid eligibility is on hold. Student financial aid holds can only be resolved through the Director of Financial Aid, see the Appeals and Re-establishing section below. Students contemplating degree plan changes should consider the ability to complete a new degree within the required time frame.

Students are considered not making satisfactory academic progress who: 

• Earn a term GPA of less than 2.00 and have a cumulative GPA below 2.00, or 
• Earn a term GPA of less than 1.50

Undergraduate Academic Standing

Academic standing and credit completion are monitored for all students at the end of each term (including summer) by the Registrar’s Office, which will notify the student and the Center for Academic Success when the student is not making SAP. Students who do not meet the minimum standards will find their financial aid eligibility in jeopardy.

The Registrar’s Office monitors student GPAs (both term and cumulative) for academic standing and credit completion at the end of each term (including summer) to determine sufficient progress toward degree completion. The Financial Aid Office will notify the student when the student is not making satisfactory academic progress. Using the qualitative and quantitative measures of progress, a student may be placed in one of the following SAP statuses:

Academic Warning

Academic warning status occurs when a student earns a letter grade of “D” or less in an individual course. A student may still be considered to be in good academic standing if their cumulative GPA is at or above 2.00. A letter grade of “D” is identified as a concern of potential academic problems. While on a warning status, a student is expected to meet with an academic advisor to develop a plan to address the concern. 

Academic Probation

Students are placed on academic probation when they: 

• Earn a term GPA of below 2.00 and have a cumulative GPA below 2.00; or
• Earns a term GPA of less than 1.50 and has a cumulative GPA of 2.00 or greater 
• Earning of one “F” grade in a term

When placed on academic probation, a student must meet with an academic advisor in the Center for Academic Success to sign an academic contract within one week of notification. The academic contract will identify needed resources, including but not limited to remedial work, additional coursework, tutoring, or repeating course(s); and requires that the student improve their GPA and not fail any other courses during the probationary period.

Students who fail to complete an academic contract will be withdrawn from any courses in which they are currently enrolled. Students are advised to meet with their university advisor(s) to discuss strategies for successful completion of their program. 

Students are removed from academic probation once they have earned a minimum term GPA of 2.25 and have a cumulative GPA of 2.00; and the terms of the academic contract are met. 

Students may not register or receive financial aid until a current academic contract is on file in the Registrar’s Office. See the Criteria for Continued Student Eligibility for Financial Aid SAP policies in the catalog. Students who fail to complete an academic contract within one week may be withdrawn from any courses in which they are currently enrolled and/or placed on registration hold. 

A student who does not meet the criteria to be removed from the current level of standing, and who does not escalate to the next level of standing, will continue on in the current standing and be subject to the same requirements. 

While on academic probation, if a student receives an additional term GPA of less than 2.00 they will be placed on ‘Suspension’ status.

Academic Suspension 

Students are placed on academic suspension when they:

• Earn a term GPA below 1.50 and a cumulative GPA below 1.75; or
• Earn two or more failing grades “F”

Academic suspension occurs when a student is ineligible to enroll at the university for a specified period of time. Suspended status is noted on the student’s official transcript. 

A student has the right to appeal an academic suspension to the Academic Review and Appeals Committee, as outlined in the student handbook. 

Students who fail to meet the grade point average requirements or the completion rate, or enroll in more than 1.5 times the number of credits required for a degree program, will be placed in Warning, Probation, or Suspension status for the following quarter. Students will be notified via email of their status.

Incompletes

• Incompletes do not count in the number of courses completed until the course is graded.
• Incomplete grades must be converted to passing grades by the end of week two of the following term, after which time they are automatically converted to failing grades.

Course Repeats

Students may repeat courses, however, there is a limit to the number of times financial aid will pay for repeat courses. Students may receive Title IV aid for any repeat course as long as the student has never passed the course. Once a student has passed a course, the student may receive Title IV aid for only one retaking of that course. A student may not receive Title IV aid for any second or subsequent repeat of a passed course, and a second or subsequent repeat of a passed course may not be counted toward the student’s enrollment status for Title IV purposes.

Repeat courses will be calculated in attempted term and completed credits. Once a student earns a passing grade in a course the repeated course grade replaces the prior grade. 

Withdrawals

A student may withdraw from courses. A student who withdraws after the add/drop period will receive a W grade on their transcript for the dropped course(s) and withdrawn courses will count toward attempted credits. Withdrawals do not count towards the term or cumulative GPA. 

Transfer Credits

NUNM accepts transfer credits from other institutions. Transfer credits that are accepted by the other institution count towards both attempted and cumulative earned credits. Transfer credits do not count towards term attempted credits.

Appeals

The Financial Aid Appeals Committee will consider Appeals based on the following reasons:

• Personal illness or serious injury supported by hospital records, insurance explanation of benefits, receipt of doctors’ visits, etc.
• Serious illness or injury of an immediate family member supported by hospital records, insurance explanation of benefits, receipt of doctors’ visits, etc.
• Other extenuating circumstances with supporting documentation.
• Financial Aid Appeal, Academic Plan, and Personal Statement form(s) are available by from the NUNM Financial Aid Office.

The completed Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeal, Academic Plan, and Personal Statement forms should be submitted to the NUNM Financial Aid Office. The Financial Aid Appeals Committee will review only complete Appeals and will deny any Appeals submitted without supporting documentation.

The Financial Aid Appeals Committee will establish and publish deadline dates each quarter for the submission of Appeals, although the latest an Appeal will be accepted for consideration for the current quarter is the official record date. Appeals received after this date will be reviewed at the discretion of the Financial Aid Appeals Committee. The decision of the Financial Aid Appeals Committee is final. Students will be notified via email regarding the outcome of their appeal.

Students on Financial Aid Suspension, who are meeting academic standing, may continue their coursework at NUNM; however, payment for those courses must be made by the student without financial aid. Students may reestablish financial aid eligibility by regaining GOOD standing based on the Undergraduate Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress standards:

• A minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.000
• A minimum Completion Rate of 67%
• On schedule to complete current program of study within the 150% of the maximum number of hours required for graduation.   (136 credits are equal to 1.5 times the minimum number of credits required for a degree program.  Multiple withdrawals of courses will impact a student’s eligibility to make satisfactory academic progress).

Re-Establishing

If you do not appeal or your appeal is denied, you must enroll in the maximum number of credits required for your program of enrollment in order to demonstrate your ability to maintain satisfactory academic progress within the term you are attempting to reestablish your eligibility. You are personally responsible for paying for all charges incurred during this time. Students may re-establish financial aid eligibility by regaining good standing based on the Undergraduate Satisfactory Academic Progress standards:

• A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00
• A minimum completion rate of 67%
• On schedule to complete current program of study within 150% of the maximum number of hours required for graduation. (Note: 136 credits are equal to 1.5 times the minimum number of credits required for a degree program. Multiple withdrawals of courses will impact a student’s eligibility to make SAP).

Financial Aid Policy and Drug-Related Convictions

Drug convictions no longer affect federal student aid eligibility. When you complete the FAFSA form, you will be asked whether you had a drug conviction for an offense that occurred while you were receiving federal student aid. If the answer is yes, you will be provided a worksheet. Please do answer the questions on the worksheet; however, your answers won’t affect your federal student aid eligibility.