Admission, Expenses, Financial Aid

Muhlenberg College is committed to the ideal of excellent standards of scholarship. The College selects students who give evidence of ability and scholastic achievement, seriousness of purpose, quality of character, and the capacity to make constructive contributions to the College community. Evidence of integrity and good character is important in the admission decision.  Careful consideration is given to each applicant as a scholar and as a person with the object being to assemble a class that is academically talented and diverse.

Admission Requirements

Admission to Muhlenberg is based upon a thorough holistic review of each candidate’s scholastic performance and personal qualities.  There is no precise admissions “formula;” various factors are carefully considered in each decision made by the Admission Committee.  The following credentials are of primary importance:

Secondary School Record

The minimum requirement is the satisfactory completion of a secondary school college preparatory program of at least 16 Carnegie units.  These units should include four of English, two of a second language, three of mathematics, two (preferably three) of science, two of history, and major academic electives.  Exceptions to these requirements will be considered on an individual basis.

The Admission Committee recognizes and encourages secondary school enrollment in honors, advanced placement and international baccalaureate level courses.  The strength and rigor of an applicant’s four-year secondary school program and achievement is of utmost importance in each admissions decision.

Standardized Tests

Results of the SAT or ACT are evaluated in conjunction with the applicant’s secondary school record.  Non-U.S. citizens for whom English is not the first language may submit results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or Duolingo English Test to demonstrate English language proficiency.

Since 1996, the SAT and ACT have been an optional part of the admissions process.  Additional details regarding Muhlenberg’s optional standardized testing policy are available from the Office of Admission.

Personal Qualities

While the strength of an applicant’s academic preparation is of primary consideration, the Admission Committee is also very interested in each applicant as an individual.  Muhlenberg College is a small community that thrives upon the variety of contributions made by its members.  The College, therefore, seeks students who will contribute to the campus personally as well as academically.  Evidence of an applicant’s personal qualities is considered through the breadth and depth of extracurricular pursuits in both school sponsored and non-school activities, the personal essay, and the recommendations from the student’s school counselor and one teacher of a core academic class.  A personal interview with a member of the Admission staff is highly recommended and can be important for students who want to be considered for merit scholarships and selection to one of the four honors programs.

Application Procedures

Muhlenberg College participates in the Common Application program along with nearly 900 other colleges and universities across the country.  Muhlenberg uses the Common Application exclusively as the required application for admission.

Candidates should begin their applications during the fall of their senior year in secondary school.  The complete application file must include the following:

Application for Admission (Common Application), completed in detail by the applicant and accompanied by the non-refundable $50 application fee. If the fee poses a financial hardship, fee waivers are available;

Secondary School Transcript, including seven semesters (11 trimesters);

School Report, completed by the applicant’s school counselor, college advisor, or headmaster;

Teacher Reference, completed by one instructor who has taught the applicant in a core academic subject; and

Standardized Test Results (Optional): Students who choose to submit test scores as part of the admissions application may self-report their test scores on their Common Application.  Some students may also wish to be considered for admission under Muhlenberg’s optional standardized testing policy (see “Standardized Tests”).  Additional details of the test optional admissions program are available from the Office of Admissions.

It is the applicant’s responsibility to see that the above-listed credentials are received by the College.  Application deadline(s) are as follows:

Early Decision I - November 15

Early Action - December 1

Early Decision II and Regular Decision - February 1.

Inquiries concerning admission and application procedures should be directed to the Office of Admission, Muhlenberg College, 2400 Chew Street, Allentown, PA 18104-5586.

Admissions Interview

Muhlenberg believes that an interview with a member of the Admissions staff is of value both to the applicant and to the College.  A personal interview is strongly recommended for all applicants.  Arrangements for all appointments should be made online at http://www.muhlenberg.edu/admissions/types-of-visits/.  Interviews are conducted for high school seniors until February 1; juniors may plan their interviews beginning in June of their junior year.

Campus tours and group information sessions are also available. Appointments can be made online at http://www.muhlenberg.edu/admissions/types-of-visits/.

Early Decision

The Admission Committee will make a formal early commitment of acceptance to candidates whose qualifications indicate strong promise for successful college performance.  Muhlenberg subscribes to the “first choice” option of the Early Decision Plan Agreement.  This agreement stipulates that Early Decision candidates may file regular decision applications at other colleges with the understanding that they must be withdrawn if admitted under the Early Decision Plan at Muhlenberg.  When filing an application for Early Decision, applicants must sign the Early Decision commitment form or indicate Early Decision as their preferred application plan on the Common Application stating that they agree to the provisions of the Early Decision agreement. 

The Early Decision I application deadline is November 15.  Notification will be sent from the Admissions Committee by December 15.  The Early Decision II application deadline is February 1.  Notification will be sent from the Admission Committee between February 15-28.  Those candidates not admitted under the Early Decision plan but whose credentials warrant further consideration will be deferred to the regular decision applicant group where full review will again be made at a later date when additional information is available.

Notice of Admission

Muhlenberg notifies early action candidates of an admissions decision by February 1 and regular decision candidates of an admission decision by April 1, contingent upon the successful completion of their senior year.  Admission is contingent upon a strong finish to high school studies, one that is consistent with the academic performance and good community standing reflected in a student’s application. The College subscribes to the National Candidate’s Reply Date of May 1 for confirmation of enrollment.

Enrollment Confirmation

In order to confirm their enrollment, students accepting the College’s offer of admission must submit a non-refundable $400 enrollment deposit (to be credited to the first semester’s tuition) by the May 1 Reply Date.

Deferral of Enrollment

Incoming students who have submitted a $400 non-refundable enrollment deposit and commitment card may request a deferral of enrollment for up to a maximum of one year.  Students who defer their attendance cannot be a full-time, degree-seeking (matriculated) student at another college or university in the United States or abroad during their deferral period.

To request a deferral, please contact the Office of Admissions.  In the request, students should include the following information: the reason for deferral, the duration of deferral and the specific plans for the deferral period (which should include program name and specifics if a formal program will be attended).

If a student is granted a deferral and they have been awarded need-based aid for the original entry term, they will need to submit a FAFSA and supporting financial documents for the entry term that they will be attending after their deferral. If a student has been awarded merit-based scholarships and/or talent grants, these awards will carry over to the student’s entry term following their deferral.  Please note that if a student has been selected to an honors program, eligibility to participate may be impacted by a deferral enrollment.

Transfer Admissions

The College accepts transfer students for entrance in both semesters of the academic year.  Transfer candidates must submit a Transfer Common Application, transcript(s) of previous college work, a complete secondary school record form, and one teacher reference.  In addition, an interview is required of all transfer applicants and must be completed by the appropriate application deadline.

A minimum of 16 course units must be successfully completed through Muhlenberg toward the 32 units required for a degree from the College. Each course completed at another institution is evaluated individually to determine eligibility for transfer credit.

Applications for transfer must be filed by June 15 for fall semester entrance and by December 10 for spring semester entrance. Decisions regarding transfer applications are released on a rolling basis beginning in March for fall applicants and in late October for spring applicants.  The current semester’s grades are required for an admission decision.

Community Colleges

Agreements with Lehigh Carbon Community College and Northampton Community College allow students to apply for admission to Muhlenberg at the time of admission to the community college.  Upon completion of their work at the community college, students accepted into this program who have earned a grade point average of 3.000 or greater and who meet all other requirements, may enroll at Muhlenberg to pursue a bachelor’s degree. The completion of degree requirements is facilitated through the joint counseling provided.  Regulations governing transfer work apply (see “Transfer Courses ”).

Expenses, Tuition, and Fees

Muhlenberg endeavors, within the limits of available funds, to offer its educational opportunities to all who qualify for admission regardless of economic circumstances.  Through the income from its endowment and through annual contributions from its alumni and friends, the College has been able to keep its fees well below the actual cost of educating each student.

Charges For Students Enrolling During Academic Year
2023-2024 (Fall 2023, Spring 2024)

Miscellaneous Fees and Deposits

The College reserves the right to adjust fees at any time without notice.

Division of Graduate and Continuing Education Tuition and Fees, 2023-2024

Undergraduate Continuing Studies Courses

$1,890 per evening or Saturday course. 
       Audit rate is $945
$4,200 per daytime course.
       Audit rate is $2,100
$     25 technology fee per course (up to $100 per semester)
$1,985 per module for Accelerated Degree Programs (includes books & technology fee)
$   825 per course for non-credit Certificate in Project Management (includes books & technology fee)
$  500 non-credit Grant Writing (entire program)
$  825 non-credit Foundations of DEIB

Graduate Courses

MOL, MAA, DEI, MAT: $3,296 per 1 unit course ($824 per credit hour)
MML: $4,700 per 1 course unit ($1,175 per credit hour)

Graduate tuition rates include all textbooks and the following fees:

• technology, laboratory, library, career center, orientation, commencement, parking permits, graduate student activities, and unofficial transcripts.

Continuing Education and Graduate students may elect to pay the yearly Activity Fee of $285 for access to the Life Sports Center.

Meal Plans

The dining experience at Muhlenberg College offers students variety, convenience, and flexibility.

The meal plans were designed with valuable input from our students to meet the changing needs of life both on campus and off.  Six unique meal plans offer every student a choice.  Whether you’re looking for three square meals a day or a snack between meals, there is a meal plan to meet your needs.

Student housing options define required meal plan selection choices.  First-year students must select the Platinum, Gold, or Traditional membership. Students residing in the Village, MILE properties, 2201 Chew Street, and off campus are not required to be on a meal plan but may if they so choose.  Other meal plans include the Silver, Bronze, and Cardinal memberships.  Please see the Dining website at www.muhlenberg.edu/dining or any dining location for details of each plan.

Muhlenberg College students with a documented medical condition that may significantly and directly impact the ability to fully utilize or access dining services may submit a Special Dining Services Request, along with supporting medical documentation, to the Office of Disability Services.  If confirmation is not received before the start of classes for each semester, students will be billed for the meals on a daily basis until such approval is received.

Each student who is a member of the meal plan will use their BergID in the campus dining venues.  BergID cards are non-transferable, and use of the card by a person other than the one to whom it is issued is not permitted.  If the card is lost, it must be reported immediately to Campus Safety.

Refund Policy

The College has adopted the following regulations with respect to refunds and rebates due to the withdrawal, suspension, or expulsion of a student during the semester that a student is studying on Muhlenberg’s campus.  In addition and in cases of suspension or expulsion, the College is entitled to a portion of the remaining comprehensive fee in accordance with the following schedule:

20 percent if withdrawal occurs during first week;
40 percent if withdrawal occurs during second week;
60 percent if withdrawal occurs during third week;
80 percent if withdrawal occurs during fourth week;
100 percent if withdrawal occurs after the fourth week.

Note: Student aid, which must be returned to the awarding agency, cannot be used to satisfy amounts owed to the College.

If a student is scheduled to spend the semester attending an off-campus or study abroad program, the host institution’s withdrawal policies and deadlines will apply and supersede Muhlenberg’s refund policy.  The student will be responsible for any withdrawal or penalty fees owed to the host institution.

Withdrawal due to medical reasons approved by the Director of Student Health Services may entitle a student to a prorated refund of the comprehensive fee.  The amount to be refunded, if any, will be decided based upon merit.  The following fees and deposits are not refundable: application fee, orientation fee, first-year reservation deposit, room fees, and charges for tuition, room, and board of study abroad or off-campus programs, including host institution withdrawal penalties.

Board Fee: In all cases of withdrawal, a refund of the contract portion of the board fee will be made in proportion to the number of unexpired days remaining, provided the refund is applied for at the time of withdrawal from the College and the student meal plan is surrendered.

Berg Bucks: Unused Berg Bucks will be refunded to a withdrawn student less a service fee of $25.

Room Fee: A student withdrawing from the College during the semester will receive a refund of room fees only if a replacement, not already residing in the College residential system, is obtained for the room.

The Financial Aid Office is required by federal statute to recalculate federal financial aid eligibility for students who withdraw, drop out, are dismissed, or take a leave of absence prior to completing 60% of a payment period or semester.  The federal Title IV financial aid programs must be recalculated in these situations.

If a student leaves the institution prior to completing 60% of a payment period or semester, the financial aid office recalculates eligibility for Title IV funds.  Recalculation is based on the percentage of earned aid using the following Federal Return of the Title IV funds formula:

Percentage of payment period or semester completed = the number of days completed up to the withdrawal date divided by the total days in the payment period or semester.  (Any break of five or more days is not counted as part of the days in the semester.)  This percentage is also the percentage of earned aid.

Funds are returned to the appropriate federal program based on the percentage of unearned aid using the following formula:

Aid to be returned = (100% of the aid that could not be disbursed minus the percentage of earned aid) multiplied by the total amount of aid that could have been disbursed during the payment period or semester.

If a student earned less aid than was disbursed, the institution would be required to return a portion of the funds and the student would be required to return a portion of the funds.  Keep in mind that when Title IV funds are returned, the student borrower may owe a debit balance to the institution.

If a student earned more aid than was disbursed to him/her, the institution would owe the student a post-withdrawal disbursement which must be paid within 120 days of the student’s withdrawal.

Refunds are allocated in the following order:

• Federal Direct Unsubsidized Student Loan
• Federal Direct Subsidized Student Loan
• Federal Perkins Loans
• Federal Direct Parent (PLUS) Loans
• Federal Pell Grants for which a Return of funds is required
• Federal Supplemental Opportunity Grants for which a Return of funds is required
• Other assistance under the Title for which a Return of funds is required (e.g., LEAP)

Financial Obligations

The comprehensive fee, room and board, and other charges incurred by the student, regardless of nature, must be paid consistent with established due dates.  Students with outstanding obligations will not be permitted to register, change enrollment status, release transcripts, or participate in commencement exercises until all commitments are met.

By federal law, students for whom the Veteran’s Administration has not yet paid tuition and fees for their veteran’s benefits under the Post 9/11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33) or Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Services (Chapter 31) are not subject to the College’s usual holds, restrictions, or late fees for such monies. 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.

Student Payroll Checks and Check Cashing

For proper identification students must present their BergID Card prior to receiving a student payroll check or cashing a check through the College.  If the BergID does not reflect the student’s legal name, a second form of identification that reflects the student’s legal name will be required such as a state driver’s license or passport.

Insurance

The College does not carry fire, burglary, theft, or other kinds of insurance to cover the personal possessions of students.  It is suggested that such coverage be included in policies carried by parents or be purchased through a separate insurance policy.

All students are required to have health insurance while attending Muhlenberg College.  A secondary accident insurance policy is provided for full-time students.  A brochure explaining the accident plan is made available to each student.

An optional Tuition Insurance plan is offered, through a third-party insurance partner, to students and families interested in minimizing financial losses which may result from students having to withdraw from the semester due to a covered medical reason. More detailed information is provided to students and families each year.

Financial Aid

Muhlenberg College offers financial aid within the limits of available resources.  The majority of assistance is awarded on the basis of financial need together with demonstrated and potential academic and nonacademic achievement.

The primary purpose of Muhlenberg’s financial aid program is to provide counseling and assistance to those students who, without such aid, would be unable to attend the College.  The program assists full-time students (those enrolled for a minimum of 3 course units per semester) in meeting their costs through institutional scholarships, grants, student employment, and the two campus-based federal programs: Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) and Federal Work Study (FWS).  The program also distributes information on and processes all outside federal programs, state grants, and other scholarships.  Candidates for financial aid will be considered for any form or combination of forms of assistance.  Consideration follows Muhlenberg College’s policy of nondiscrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, or age as defined by law.

Basis for Financial Aid

Each family’s financial situation is unique. Accordingly, for determining eligibility for Muhlenberg College need-based aid, the Office of Financial Aid carefully studies the need analysis that it receives from the Federal Processor.  This analysis begins by determining a Cost of Attendance (COA) that includes expenses to potentially cover tuition, room and meal plan, books and supplies, personal expenses, and travel.  Next, it compares this budget with the calculated Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) associated with the family’s income, assets, and the student’s earnings and savings contribution.  The difference between the COA and the EFC equals the financial need.

If financial need is established, the Office of Financial Aid offers aid to the extent that funds are available.  The aid offer usually includes a combination of grants, Federal Loans, and employment opportunities.  The office will also assess the student’s eligibility to receive funds from such outside sources such as federal and state grants, loans, and private scholarship or grant programs. 

Financial Aid awards are offered for one academic year at a time.  Students must reapply each year by the stated deadlines in order to receive consideration for need-based awards in subsequent academic years.  Renewals are based upon financial need from the FAFSA and other required documents, satisfactory academic performance (SAP), positive contributions to the College and surrounding community, standing within the College’s Social Judicial System, and the availability of funds.  Students who have a negative impact on the campus community through their behavior may jeopardize their institutional grant awards.  Need-based financial aid is subject to change each year due to changes in the family’s financial circumstances.  (See “Important Facts” on our website.)

Financial Aid Application Procedures

Prospective Students: A candidate for the first-year class who wishes to be considered for need-based aid should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by February 1.  Late applications will be considered only if funds are available.  If all forms are received on time, first-year students will be informed of their aid decision by mid-March.  These decisions are made only after affirmative admissions decisions have been reached. Only undergraduate, full time students are offered institutional grants and scholarships for up to 8 semesters.

Transfer Students: Transfer candidates who wish to be considered for need-based aid should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by December 15th for Spring admission and June 15th for Fall admission.  Upon an affirmative admission decision and if all paperwork is complete, students will be informed of their aid decision at the time of admission.

Continuing Students: Upper-class students applying for Muhlenberg College need-based grant assistance should file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)no later than April 15.  A Muhlenberg College Scholarship and Aid Application must be submitted to the Office of Financial Aid, also by April 15.  If all forms are received on time, upper-class students should be informed of their aid decisions by mid-June.  Students may contact the Office of Financial Aid for the penalties regarding filing forms late.  Only undergraduate, full time students are offered institutional grants and scholarships for up to 8 semesters.

All students wishing to be considered for Federal grants, State grants, and Federal loans must file the FAFSA.  If selected by the Department of Education for a process known as verification; students will be required to provide the appropriate documentation. Students seeking the Pennsylvania State Grant (PHEAA) must file their FAFSA prior to May 1.  Students living in other states should consult their state’s education agency for specific filing deadlines.  Additional Muhlenberg College Grants will not be offered to compensate for lost State Grants due to late filing.

Independent Students: Dependent students wishing to apply as an independent must first consult with the Director of Financial Aid to see if they qualify for that status.

Study Abroad Programs: Students participating in the Muhlenberg International Student Exchange Program (ISEP) or a Lehigh Valley Association of Independent Colleges program may receive federal and Muhlenberg financial aid and should adhere to the requirements and deadlines for upper-class students.  Muhlenberg offers grants to students in other approved programs on a competitive basis.  In addition, if the courses taken elsewhere are offered through Muhlenberg College, eligible students may also qualify for federal grants and loans.

Types of Aid Awarded by the College

Muhlenberg College Grants: Grant or scholarship funds awarded by the College do not require repayment.  Recipients must demonstrate a financial need, continue to make satisfactory academic progress, and show promise in the areas of campus contributions and college citizenship. Only undergraduate, full time students are offered institutional grants and scholarships for up to 8 semesters.

Campus Employment: Priority for on-campus student employment goes to students with financial need and is awarded as part of the financial aid package. The Office of Financial Aid manages the program but students are responsible for securing a position. Prior to starting a position, a student needs to provide all required hiring documents to the Financial Aid Office, including the federally mandated I-9 documents for first time employees.  Acceptable documents include social security card, driver’s license/ state ID, U.S. birth certificate, and/ or valid U.S. passport.  These documents verify your identity and eligible working status for Homeland Security purposes. No photocopies of required documents will be accepted. STUDENTS MAY NOT BEGIN WORKING UNTIL ALL REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION HAS BEEN RECEIVED. Students are paid by check or direct deposit on a monthly basis through the Business Office.

Merit Scholarships: The College also awards various merit scholarships to selected first-year students who demonstrate the potential for outstanding academic achievement.  Recipients are usually notified of their selection at the time of an affirmative admission decision.  The awards will be without regard to financial need and will be renewed, provided that a 3.00 grade point average is achieved by the end of the second and third years.  Students must also achieve a 2.50 cumulative grade point average by the end of their first year. Only undergraduate, full time students are offered institutional grants and scholarships for up to 8 semesters.

Ministerial Grants: Regardless of need, dependent sons and daughters of Lutheran pastors of the ELCA and clergy of other denominations with whom the ELCA shares full communion and who are under call for service to the church are eligible for ministerial grants.  The College requires eligible students to file the appropriate financial aid applications.  Deadlines and procedures for filing are the same as outlined for financial aid applicants.  If a student is awarded a Ministerial Grant and also receives federal assistance, the Ministerial Grant may have to be reduced if the total aid received results in an over award of aid.  The minimum grant a student can receive is $2,000.  If the student demonstrates need, the student will receive grant assistance up to half tuition. Only undergraduate, full time students are offered institutional grants and scholarships for up to 8 semesters.

Honors Programs: Students can be selected through the admissions process for one of four programs, Muhlenberg Scholar, Dana Scholars, Shankweiler Scholars, or RJ Fellows.  Each program provides an enriched academic experience with special seminars and research opportunities.  Students in each program receive an annual $5,000 merit grant. Only undergraduate, full time students are offered institutional grants and scholarships for up to 8 semesters.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG): The Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant is a federal grant awarded through Muhlenberg College.  It is reserved for students who receive Pell Grants but is not guaranteed. Grants may range from $100- $4,000 per year and normally awarded at Muhlenberg to first year, full time, undergraduate students.

Federal College Work-Study Program (FWS): This federal program provides students with jobs on campus.  Within limitations established by federal guidelines, the College determines weekly hours and wages.  Placement is similar to the Muhlenberg campus employment program but is reserved for students with financial need.

Outside Assistance From Federal, State, or Private Sources

Pell Grant: This is a federal grant made available to eligible students with financial need.  The application process takes place through the FAFSA. After filing the FAFSA, the student will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR).  This SAR will be used by the Office of Financial Aid for determination of the award.  This application must be renewed annually.

State Grant Programs: Consult your secondary school counselor to determine the extent of grant support furnished by your state.  Residents of Pennsylvania may qualify for grant funds from the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA).  Other states have similar programs. Some states allow you to apply for state grant assistance using the FAFSA and others utilize a separate application.  Be sure to complete the correct application for state grant assistance.

Federal Direct Student Loans: Students may borrow from $5,500 to $7,500 annually with low interest rates and deferred repayment.  The maximum you can borrow as an undergraduate student is $31,000.  Application instructions are available from the Office of Financial Aid.  Independent students or students whose parent is denied a Federal Direct Parent Loan (PLUS) may also borrow up to an additional $4,000-$5,000 unsubsidized Direct Student Loan per year.

Federal College Work-Study Program (FWS): This federal program provides students with jobs on campus.  Within limitations established by federal guidelines, the College determines weekly hours and wages.  The Office of Financial Aid manages the program, but students are responsible for obtaining a position.  Prior to starting a position, a student needs to provide all required hiring documents to the Financial Aid Office, including the federally mandated I-9 documents for first time employees.  Acceptable documents include social security card, driver’s license/ state ID, birth certificate, and/ or passport.  These documents verify your identity and eligible working status for Homeland Security purposes. No photocopies of required documents will be accepted. STUDENTS MAY NOT BEGIN WORKING UNTIL ALL REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION HAS BEEN RECEIVED. Students are paid by check or direct deposit on a monthly basis through the Business Office.

Restricted Scholarships: Undergraduate full time Students may also qualify for some of the need-based restricted scholarships administered through the Office of Financial Aid.  These grants generally replace unnamed Muhlenberg College Grant(s).

Other Sources of Aid: In addition to the programs mentioned above, students should investigate other grant and scholarship programs sponsored by a variety of private organizations, including business corporations, places of worship, foundations, civic clubs, etc.  Check with your high school guidance counselor for a list of local organizations.

Sources of Assistance Not Based on Need

Federal Direct PLUS: These loans are meant to provide additional funds for educational expenses.  Parents of dependent students may borrow up to the cost of attendance minus all financial aid for undergraduate study.  Payments may be deferred for the 4 years the student is enrolled at Muhlenberg College as long as the student maintains a full time enrollment status (enrolled for a minimum of 3 course units per semester).

Army ROTC Scholarships: Muhlenberg students are able to participate in this program at Lehigh University.  Students enrolled in the Army program can apply for scholarships that could cover some or all of the comprehensive fee, an allowance for books and supplies, and a monthly stipend for personal expenses.  Information on the program may be obtained by contacting your guidance counselor or the Department of Military Science at Lehigh University (http://www.lehigh.edu/~inmil/index.shtml).

Payment plans: The College also offers two 5-month payment plans.  There is a 5-month payment plan offered for the Fall Semester spanning from July to November.  The Spring Semester payment plan spans from December to April.  Contact the Business Office for further information.

Regulations Governing Aid

1. To provide for the fullest use of the College’s resources, students are encouraged to apply for all outside awards for which they may be eligible.
2. Muhlenberg College students receiving financial aid, including merit scholarship recipients, are required to report any outside awards to the Office of Financial Aid as soon as they are notified of them.  No amount of aid, including outside awards and merit scholarships, can ever exceed Muhlenberg’s cost of attendance.  If necessary, self- help portion of aid awards (federal loans, student employment) will be adjusted first, then gift aid will be adjusted in accordance with federal regulations. If the aid offer with outside scholarships exceeds the cost of attendance, Muhlenberg gift aid will be adjusted.
3. Should circumstances warrant that a student needs additional time to complete their graduation requirements beyond the traditional four years, financial aid may be available provided that satisfactory academic progress is being made.  Students should contact the Office of Financial Aid for more information.  Be aware, however, under normal circumstances Muhlenberg College will only provide institutional aid up to eight semesters.
4. The Federal Government requires a student receiving Federal Aid to complete their degree within 150% of the published length of the program. For traditional Muhlenberg College undergraduate students, programs are 4 years in length or 8 semesters.  4 years X 150% = 6 years/12 semesters.   There are no appeals allowed for the maximum time frame regulation.  As a reminder, Muhlenberg College only offers institutional grants and scholarships for up to 8 semesters. These standards have been developed so that a student earns the minimum number of units each academic year and achieves a GPA that is consistent with meeting graduation requirements.
5. If a student meets all graduation requirements (32 course units required, General Academic Requirements, Major(s) requirements) prior to their eighth semester but chooses to enroll in subsequent semesters, the student will not be eligible for Federal Title IV funding, per Federal guidelines including the Federal Student Loan and Parent Loan program.  In addition, students may not be eligible for State grant funding. At least 2 required graduation requirements are necessary in each semester to qualify for Title IV funding. This policy does not pertain to institutional grants merit scholarships, or talent grants.  No institutional grants and scholarships will be offered to undergraduate students registered at a part time status (less than 3 course units) or less.
6. Some families may be selected by FAFSA for a process called Verification.  Once notified of this selection, the family has 30 days to complete the verification process.  Until the process is completed, no aid can officially be deducted from the student’s invoice.
7. Muhlenberg College aid may be cancelled as a result of disciplinary suspension or expulsion, academic dismissal, or withdrawal.  Any aid recipient wishing to withdraw from a course(s) or from the College should review the impact of the withdrawal on awards with the Director of Financial Aid.
8. The Tax Reform Act of 1986 states that financial aid grant awards (money that does not have to be repaid) in excess of the cost of tuition, fees, books, and equipment are subject to federal income tax.
9. More detailed information regarding financial aid and all policies may be found on our website.

Satisfactory Academic Progress Standards

Students receiving federal or Muhlenberg College financial aid must make satisfactory academic progress to retain their awards.  Federal funds include the Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Grant (FSEOG), Work-Study Program (FWS), the Federal Direct Student Loan Program, and the Federal Direct Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS).  If the student fails to maintain the institutional standards outlined in this section, the student is considered to not be making satisfactory academic progress and will lose aid until the standards are met.  The Financial Aid Office at Muhlenberg will measure academic progress annually after the conclusion of the Spring Semester.

For students to maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress, they must meet qualitative and quantitative measures defined in the chart below.  Students must complete at least a minimum number of course units every semester of full time enrollment to receive financial aid.  Course units receiving a grade of F or W will count as units attempted. 

• Withdrawals: Grades of W are counted as courses attempted and count toward the maximum time frame.
• Audited Courses: Students do not earn any academic credit for audited courses.  They do not count in the calculation of “attempted units”
• Pass/Fail Courses: These units do count in the units attempted and units earned
• Transfer Courses:  Courses that have been accepted towards completion of the student’s academic program/degree are counted when measuring the maximum time frame for completion of a degree. students repeating classes should make sure they have enough “NEW” units to meet the required minimum satisfactory academic progress standards needed.
• Incomplete Courses: Students who have an incomplete grade in one or more classes will not have financial aid processed until those courses are completed and a grade has been assigned.  This includes students who have studied abroad and whose coursework has not transferred in yet.

Repeated Courses: Repeated Courses may only count if the first time the course was taken the student received a failing grade.  Courses repeated at Muhlenberg College (or repeated at another institution and transferred in) to improve the grade in the class may not count as units attempted and earned and may not count in the GPA. 

Students who are not making academic progress will be notified in writing by the Office of Financial Aid.  Upon receipt, students will have the opportunity to appeal within 2 weeks of the date of the notification to the Financial Aid Office. Request for reconsideration must be submitted in writing to finaidappeal@muhlenberg.edu with any supporting documentation.  Reconsideration will be based on the merit of the appeal and if approved students will be placed on a semester by semester financial aid probation.  Students will be notified in writing of the terms and conditions of the probation.  Students who have been academically dismissed from the college but who are subsequently given permission to re-enroll are not automatically eligible to continue to participate in federal, state or institutional aid programs.  Re-admission decisions are separate from financial aid funding decisions.

The chart below is used to determine academic satisfactory progress.

More detailed information regarding the rules and regulations of a student’s aid offer can be found on the student’s financial aid portal and on the Muhlenberg College website.

Tuition and Plan Payment Options

Muhlenberg College partners with Nelnet Business Systems to offer interest-free payment plans for up to 10 monthly installments. Students may enroll in either Fall, Spring or both semesters.  Fall semester tuition is paid in as many as 5 fall semester installments and Spring semester tuition is paid in as many as 5 spring semester installments.  If all installments have not been received by the end of the semester, registration holds will prevent the student from registering for future semesters. For more information, go to https://www.muhlenberg.edu/offices/businessoffice/tuitionpayment/

Access to account information 24 hours a day. For more information, go to mycollegepaymentplan.com/muhlenberg/

Withdrawal and Return of Title IV Funds

The Financial Aid Office is required by federal statute to recalculate federal financial aid eligibility for students who withdraw, drop out, are dismissed, or take a leave of absence prior to completing 60% of a payment period or semester.  The federal Title IV financial aid programs must be recalculated in these situations.

If a student leaves the institution prior to completing 60% of a payment period or semester, the financial aid office recalculates eligibility for Title IV funds.  Recalculation is based on the percentage of earned aid using the following Federal Return of the Title IV funds formula:

Percentage of payment period or semester completed = the number of days completed up to the withdrawal date divided by the total days in the payment period or semester.  (Any break of five or more days is not counted as part of the days in the semester.)  This percentage is also the percentage of earned aid.

Funds are returned to the appropriate federal program based on the percentage of unearned aid using the following formula:

Aid to be returned = (100% of the aid that could not be disbursed minus the percentage of earned aid) multiplied by the total amount of aid that could have been disbursed during the payment period or semester.

If a student earned less aid than was disbursed, the institution would be required to return a portion of the funds and the student would be required to return a portion of the funds.  Keep in mind that when Title IV funds are returned, the student borrower may owe a debit balance to the institution.

If a student earned more aid than was disbursed to him/her, the institution would owe the student a post-withdrawal disbursement which must be paid within 120 days of the student’s withdrawal.

Refunds are allocated in the following order:

• Federal Direct Unsubsidized Student Loan
• Federal Direct Subsidized Student Loan
• Federal Direct Parent (PLUS) Loans
• Federal Pell Grants for which a return of funds is required
• Federal Supplemental Opportunity Grants for which a return of funds is required
• Other assistance under the Title for which a return of funds is required (e.g., LEAP)