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 ethical behavior 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 diversified.

Admission Requirements

Admission to Muhlenberg is based upon a thorough holistic review of each candidate’s scholastic performance records 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 (preferably three) 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 in cases of documented learning disability, home schooling, or other exceptional situations.

The Admission Committee recognizes and encourages secondary school enrollment in accelerated and advanced placement courses.  The strength 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 in place of the SAT or ACT.

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. 

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

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, the personal essay, and the recommendations from the student’s school counselor and one teacher of major academic classes.  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 honor 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;

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

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

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

Standardized Test results: 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 Admission.

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

Early Decision I - November 15

Early Decision II and Regular Decision - February 1.

Inquiries concerning admission and application procedures should be directed to the Dean of Admission and Financial Aid, 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/ or by calling the Office of Admissions at 484-664-3200.  Interviews are conducted for seniors until February 1; juniors may plan their interviews beginning March 15 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/ or by calling the Office of Admissions at 484-664-3200.  

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 accepted 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 Admission 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 accepted 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 regular decision candidates of an admission decision by April 1, contingent upon the successful completion of their senior year.  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 (matirculated) student at another college or university in the United States or abroad during their deferral period.

To request a deferral, please email the dean of admissions & financial aid.  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 statement of Good standing from their previous institution, a complete secondary school record, 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 as to its transferability.

Applications for transfer must be filed by the preceding June 15 for fall semester entrance and by December 10 for spring semester entrance. Decisions regarding transfer applications are notified of admissions beginning in March for fall applicants and in late October for spring applicants.  The current semester’s grades are required for an admission decision and it will be made as soon as possible after receipt of the grade report or transcript.

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
2021-2022 (Fall 2021, Spring 2022)

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, 2021-2022

Undergraduate Continuing Studies Courses

$1,725 per evening or Saturday course. 
       Audit rate is $837.50
$3,805 per daytime course.
       Audit rate is $1,902.50
$     25 technology fee per course (up to $100 per semester)
$1,825 per module for Accelerated Degree Programs (includes books & technology fee)
$   750 per course for non-credit Certificate in Project Management (includes books & technology fee)

Graduate Courses

$3,200 per course (includes textbooks, technology, and other fees)

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 generous 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 College Scholarship Service and the Federal Processor.  This analysis begins by determining a reasonable student budget that includes expenses to cover tuition, room and board, books and supplies, personal expenses, and travel.  Next, it compares this budget with the family’s income, assets, and the student’s earnings and savings contribution.  The difference between college costs and the amount that the whole family can reasonably afford equals the financial need.

If financial need is established, the Office of Financial Aid awards aid to the extent that funds are available.  The aid package usually includes a combination of grant, loan, and employment opportunity.  The office will also assess the student’s eligibility to receive funds from such outside sources as federal and state grants, loans, and private scholarship or grant programs.  Early in the senior year, high school students should ask their school guidance counselor about the various applications for these programs.

Financial Aid awards are given out for each academic year.  Students must reapply each year by the stated deadlines in order to receive need-based awards in subsequent academic years.  Renewals are based upon financial need from the FAFSA and other required documents, academic performance, 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 desires Muhlenberg College need-based grant financial assistance should complete the College Scholarship Service (CSS) financial aid PROFILE form and Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) no later than February 15. A Muhlenberg College Application for Financial Aid and a signed copy of the parents’ and student’s 2018 IRS 1040 Tax Return and W2 Form(s) must be submitted to the Office of Financial Aid by March 1.  Late applications will be considered only if funds are available.  The financial aid PROFILE form and FAFSA are on the financial aid section of the Muhlenberg website.  If all forms are received on time, first-year students will be informed of their aid decision by early April.  These decisions are made only after affirmative admissions decisions have been reached.

Transfer Students: Transfer candidates are placed on a wait list for Muhlenberg College need-based grant financial aid.  Only after returning upperclass students and incoming first-year students are awarded will financial aid transfer candidates be considered for institutional grant aid. Transfer candidates for institutional grant aid must complete the financial aid PROFILE form and FAFSA by March 15.  A Muhlenberg College Application for Financial Aid and a signed copy of the parents’ and student’s 2018 IRS 1040 Tax Return and W2 Form(s) must be submitted to the Office of Financial Aid by April 15.

Continuing Students: Upperclass students applying for Muhlenberg College need-based grant aid should obtain a packet of renewal aid forms before the mid-year break from the Office of Financial Aid.  The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and CSS financial aid PROFILE must be completed by April 15.  A Muhlenberg College Application for Financial Aid and a signed copy of the parents’ and student’s 2018 IRS 1040 Tax Return and W2 Form(s) must be submitted to the Office of Financial Aid, also by April 15.  If all forms are received on time, upperclass students should be informed of their aid decisions in early June.  Students may contact the Office of Financial Aid for the penalties regarding filing forms late.

All students wishing to be considered only for Federal grants and loans must only file the FAFSA and if selected for verification, the appropriate documentation.

Independent Students: Students wishing to apply as independents 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 upperclass 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.

Campus Employment: Priority for on-campus 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 obtaining the positions for themselves.  The student is paid by check on a monthly basis.

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 by April of each year.  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.

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.

Honors Programs: Students with a combined SAT score of 1360 (Critical Reading and Math) or above and who rank in the top 10 percent of their class are considered for one of three honors programs - Muhlenberg Scholar, Dana Scholars, or RJ Fellows.

Each program provides an enriched academic experience with special seminars and research opportunities.  Students in each program receive an annual $4,000 merit grant.

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 and may range from $100-$4,000 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.  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 each year.

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 and deferred repayment.  The maximum you can borrow for undergraduate study is $31,000.  Application instructions are available from the Office of Financial Aid.  Independent students may also borrow up to an additional $4,000-$5,000 unsubsidized Direct Student Loan.

Restricted Scholarships: Students may also qualify for some of the need-based restricted scholarships administered through the Office of Financial Aid.

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, 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.  Payments may be deferred for the 4 years the student is enrolled at Muhlenberg College.

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 a 10-month payment plan.  Contact the Controller’s Office for further information.

Regulations Governing Aid

1. To provide for the fullest use of the College’s resources, students are required to apply for all outside awards for which they may be eligible.
2. Muhlenberg College students on financial aid, including merit scholarship recipients, are required to report their 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, adjustments to Muhlenberg financial aid awards will occur only to the self help portion (federal loans, student employment) for the first $6,000 a student receives in outside scholarships.  Once a student exceeds a total of $6,000 in outside scholarships, a dollar for dollar reduction in need based Muhlenberg College Grant will be applied.
3. Students receiving federal or Muhlenberg College financial aid must make satisfactory academic progress to retain their awards.  (Federal funds include Pell Grants, Federal Supplemental Grants [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.
   
   First-year students will have a full academic year to meet the minimum standards for satisfactory academic progress.  However, should they fail to meet the standards after their first semester, a warning letter will be sent to them explaining the consequences should they fail to meet the minimum standards after their second semester.
   
   Upon formal petition to the Committee on Financial Aid, exceptions may be granted for unusual circumstances.  These standards relate only to the awarding of financial aid. (See Academic Difficulty.)
   
   Should circumstances warrant that students need additional time to complete their college requirements beyond the 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, Muhlenberg College will only provide institutional aid for eight semesters.
4. Some families may be selected 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 bill.
5. Muhlenberg College funds are awarded only to traditional full-time day degree students for a maximum of eight semesters.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. More detailed information regarding financial aid may be found on our website and all policies are available in our office.

Satisfactory Academic Progress Standards

All students are expected to maintain satisfactory academic progress defined as the minimum cumulative GPA shown in the chart below.  Students who fall below these standards are reviewed by the Academic Progress Committee to determine academic standing and extenuating circumstances.

Eligibility for federal/state aid may also be affected by academic progress.  Aid will be reinstated once the student has achieved satisfactory academic progress per the Academic Progress Committee and has submitted the required documents for financial aid consideration.

Appeals: Any student who has been denied financial aid may appeal the decision.  Request for reconsideration must be submitted in writing to the Director of Financial Aid and include supporting documentation.  Reconsideration will be based on the merit of the appeal and is subject to availability of funds and a GPA comparable to the all-College average.

More detailed information may be found on our financial aid website.

Additional Services Available

Students who have demonstrated exceptional need at Muhlenberg may request the Director of Financial Aid to write an application fee waiver letter to various graduate or professional schools.

Waivers of Graduate Record Examination (GRE) fees are available for students whose FAFSA calculated parental contribution towards their Muhlenberg education is $2,500 or less.