Financial Aid Policies

Failure to provide required documents or clarifying information requested by Student Financial Services staff as specified may result in a change to the aid awarded and/or no award eligibility.

Receiving additional (or revised) assistance that the UCM Office of Student Financial Services was not aware of at the time you were originally awarded may result in a change to the amount and/or type of assistance received. Examples include, but are not limited to, the Mule Grant, Access Missouri Grant assistance, non-UCM Scholarship Aid, ROTC, and Vocational Rehabilitation benefits, etc.

Failure to enroll for or attend the number of credit hours required for disbursement of funds from a specific aid program.

Your offered awards may have been based on full-time enrollment in both the fall and spring semesters. If you register for less than full-time, your aid may be prorated based on your lower enrollment status.

If your enrollment changes prior to Census, your awards may fluctuate according to the schedule below. Dropping credits after your awards have been disbursed (including direct deposit) may result in a bill. Census enrollment figures will determine your final semester disbursement amounts.

Student Financial Assistance does not count audited courses toward students' enrollment status.

Disbursement Schedule

Therefore, in accordance with Department of Education guidance, the University of Central Missouri subscribes to the policy that a Dependency Override cannot be approved for an otherwise dependent FAFSA applicant at UCM if any of the following conditions are the only circumstances cited by the applicant:

1. the student simply states or claims that (s)he is financially self-sufficient,
2. a parent is not willing to contribute financially toward the student’s educational and living expenses, elects not to assist the student financially, or simply believes that the student should be independent,
3. a parent is not willing to provide the data required on the student’s 2022/2023 FAFSA or to assist in completing the Verification process, and/or
4. the student is not claimed by a parent as a federal income tax exemption.

A Dependency Override may be approved for an otherwise dependent FAFSA applicant if one or more of the following conditions are cited by the applicant in a written appeal and are supported by additional documentation:

1. an abusive (emotionally or physically), unhealthy, or unsafe family environment,
2. abandonment of the student by a parent(s),
3. incarceration of a parent(s),
4. removal or relocation of the student from the parent(s)’ residence by court order, and/or
5. other unusual or extraordinary circumstances, events, or incidents.

Please be advised that approval of a Dependency Override cannot be based solely on the fact that you may have been approved for a Dependency Override for the previous award year. However, a previous year’s determination may be a factor in the Dependency Override decision for 2022/2023.

In addition, approval of a Dependency Override by a financial aid administrator at another college or university does not mean that a similar determination will automatically be made by UCM. However, the other school’s decision may be a factor in the Dependency Override determination.

Dependency Override determinations are always made by the UCM Office of Student Financial Services on an individual, case-by-case basis.

To request a dependency override, the following steps must be completed:

• Complete only the student section of the 2024/2025 FAFSA and submit at fafsa.gov. UCM’s federal school code is 002454.
• Complete our Dependency Override Appeal: Application 2024/2025 Award Year and submit to our office along with all required documentation referenced on application. The PDF for our Dependency Override Appeal: Application 2024/2025 Award Year is included below:

Dependency Override Appeal: Application 2024/2025

Therefore, in accordance with Department of Education guidance, the University of Central Missouri subscribes to the policy that a Dependency Override cannot be approved for an otherwise dependent FAFSA applicant at UCM if any of the following conditions are the only circumstances cited by the applicant:

1. the student simply states or claims that (s)he is financially self-sufficient,
2. a parent is not willing to contribute financially toward the student’s educational and living expenses, elects not to assist the student financially, or simply believes that the student should be independent,
3. a parent is not willing to provide the data required on the student’s 2023/2024 FAFSA or to assist in completing the Verification process, and/or
4. the student is not claimed by a parent as a federal income tax exemption.

A Dependency Override may be approved for an otherwise dependent FAFSA applicant if one or more of the following conditions are cited by the applicant in a written appeal and are supported by additional documentation:

1. an abusive (emotionally or physically), unhealthy, or unsafe family environment,
2. abandonment of the student by a parent(s),
3. incarceration of a parent(s),
4. removal or relocation of the student from the parent(s)’ residence by court order, and/or
5. other unusual or extraordinary circumstances, events, or incidents.

Please be advised that approval of a Dependency Override cannot be based solely on the fact that you may have been approved for a Dependency Override for the previous award year. However, a previous year’s determination may be a factor in the Dependency Override decision for 2023/2024.

In addition, approval of a Dependency Override by a financial aid administrator at another college or university does not mean that a similar determination will automatically be made by UCM. However, the other school’s decision may be a factor in the Dependency Override determination.

Dependency Override determinations are always made by the UCM Office of Student Financial Services on an individual, case-by-case basis.

To request a dependency override, the following steps must be completed:

• Complete only the student section of the 2023/2024 FAFSA and submit at fafsa.gov. UCM’s federal school code is 002454.
• Complete our Dependency Override Appeal: Application 2023/2024 Award Year and submit to our office along with all required documentation referenced on application. The PDF for our Dependency Override Appeal: Application 2023/2024 Award Year is included below:

Dependency Override Appeal: Application 2023/2024

The US Department of Education has created verification tracking groups. The groups are designated by a V1, V4, or V5 as shown on your Student Aid Report. See below for specific requirements for each group.

V1 - Dependent/Independent Verification

If you're a 'Dependent' FAFSA Applicant (parental data was required to be entered on your FAFSA):

• 2023/2024 FAFSA Verification Worksheet, completed, signed and dated
• Photocopy of your parent(s)' 2021 IRS Tax Return Transcript(s)
  • IF YOU DID NOT FILE a tax return, you must obtain a Verification of Non-Filing Letter from the IRS. Please visit the IRS webpage to request this information. You may find the Proof of Non-Filer Letter Directions helpful in obtaining the required form.  Photocopy of your 2021 IRS Tax Return Transcript.

Visit the IRS website to obtain a 2021 IRS Tax Return Transcript free-of-charge.

If you're an 'Independent' FAFSA Applicant (no parental data was required to be entered on your FAFSA):

• 2023/2024 FAFSA Verification Worksheet, completed, signed and dated
• Photocopy of your (and your spouse's, if married) 2021 IRS Tax Return Transcript(s)
  • IF YOU DID NOT FILE a tax return, you must obtain a Verification of Non-Filing Letter from the IRS. Please visit the IRS webpage to request this information. You may find the Proof of Non-Filer Letter Directions helpful in obtaining the required form.
    
    Visit the IRS website to obtain a 2021 IRS Tax Return Transcript free-of-charge. 

V4 - Identity and Statement of Educational Purpose

Students must verify their identity/statement of educational purpose.  The first link below is if you intend to complete the form in front of a financial aid counselor.  The second link requires you to complete it in the presence of a notary (when you are unable to complete it in the Financial Aid Office) 

2023/2024 Identity and Statement of Educational Purpose

2023/2024 Identity and Statement of Educational Purpose (Notary)

Identity and Statement of Educational Purpose - Bring your valid government-issued photo ID, such as but not limited to, a driver's license, other state-issued ID or passport to the Office of Student Financial Services in 1100 Ward Edwards Bldg. during regular office hours. You must complete and sign the Identity and Statement of Educational Purpose form in the presence of a Student Financial Services staff member. The form, along with an annotated copy of your valid government-issued photo ID, will complete part of the required verification of your 2021/2022 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) data.

If you are unable to appear in person, please download the "Notary" form above or contact our office at 660-543-8266 to discuss your options.

V5 - All the requirements for the groups V1 & V4 as stated above.

Please be aware that you might be selected to complete the FAFSA Verification process, even though you completed your FAFSA using the new IRS Data Retrieval Tool.

IF YOU DID NOT FILE a tax return, you must obtain a Verification of Non-Filing Letter from the IRS. Please visit the IRS webpage to request this information.

Once all required documents (including the Verification form, tax forms, and Statement of Educational Purpose) have been received, the UCM  Office of Student Financial Services will complete the 2023/2024 FAFSA Verification process as quickly as possible, make the necessary data changes to your FAFSA, and post your financial aid offers at your MyCentral portal. You will be notified when this occurs.

Documentation or written clarification other than the materials normally required are sometimes needed by UCM to complete the 2023/2024 FAFSA Verification process and/or finalize your eligibility for assistance. If this occurs, you will be notified about these requirements, which will also be listed at your MyCentral portal.

Important Federal Deadline: If your 2023/2024 FAFSA is selected to undergo the Verification process and if your FAFSA data was received by the UCM Office of Student Financial Services prior to the last day of your enrollment (or class attendance/participation) during the 2023/2024 award year, you'll have up to 120 days after this date to submit all required documents and receive Federal Pell Grant aid (if otherwise eligible).

The US Department of Education has created verification tracking groups. The groups are designated by a V1-V6 as shown on your Student Aid Report. See below for specific requirements for each group.

V1 - Dependent/Independent Verification

If you're a 'Dependent' FAFSA Applicant (parental data was required to be entered on your FAFSA):

• 2024/2025 FAFSA Verification Worksheet, completed, signed and dated
• Photocopy of your parent(s)' 2022 IRS Tax Return Transcript(s)
• Photocopy of your 2022 IRS Tax Return Transcript(s)
  • IF YOU DID NOT FILE a tax return, you must obtain a Verification of Non-Filing Letter from the IRS. Please visit the IRS webpage to request this information. You may find the Proof of Non-Filer Letter Directions helpful in obtaining the required form.  This requirement applies to independent students and the parents of dependent students.

Visit the IRS website to obtain a 2022 IRS Tax Return Transcript free-of-charge.

If you're an 'Independent' FAFSA Applicant (no parental data was required to be entered on your FAFSA):

• 2024/2025 FAFSA Verification Worksheet, completed, signed and dated
• Photocopy of your (and your spouse's, if married) 2022 IRS Tax Return Transcript(s)
  • IF YOU DID NOT FILE a tax return, you must obtain a Verification of Non-Filing Letter from the IRS. Please visit the IRS webpage to request this information. You may find the Proof of Non-Filer Letter Directions helpful in obtaining the required form.

Visit the IRS website to obtain a 2022 IRS Tax Return Transcript free-of-charge. 

V4 - Identity and Statement of Educational Purpose

Students are required to verify their identity/statement of educational purpose, if selected as part of this group.

2024/2025 High School Completion Status

Identity and Statement of Educational Purpose - Bring your valid government-issued photo ID, such as but not limited to, a driver's license, other state-issued ID or passport to the Office of Student Financial Services in 1100 Ward Edwards Bldg. during regular office hours. You must complete and sign the Identity and Statement of Educational Purpose form in the presence of a Student Financial Services staff member. The form, along with an annotated copy of your valid government-issued photo ID, will complete the required verification of your 2024/2025 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) data.

If you are unable to appear in person, please contact our office at 660-543-8266 to discuss your options.

V5 - All the requirements for the groups V1 & V4 as stated above.

Please be aware that you might be selected to complete the FAFSA Verification process, even though you completed your FAFSA using the new IRS Data Retrieval Tool.

If you and/or your parent(s) did not and will not file federal income tax returns for the 2022 year, be sure that the 'non-filer' statement(s) on the 2024/2025 FAFSA Verification Worksheet is completed to indicate this. In addition, a separate letter may be submitted with the FAFSA Verification Worksheet if you wish to more completely explain the income and benefits received during the 2022 calendar year by you, your spouse, and/or your parent(s), or to provide any other clarification.

Once all required documents have been received, the UCM Office of Student Financial Services will complete the 2024/2025 FAFSA Verification process as quickly as possible, make the necessary data changes to your FAFSA, and post your financial aid offers at your MyCentral portal. You will be notified when this occurs.

Documentation or written clarification other than the materials normally required are sometimes needed by UCM to complete the 2024/2025 FAFSA Verification process and/or finalize your eligibility for assistance. If this occurs, you will be notified about these requirements, which will also be listed at your MyCentral portal.

Important Federal Deadline: If your 2024/2025 FAFSA is selected to undergo the Verification process and if your FAFSA data was received by the UCM Office of Student Financial Services prior to the last day of your enrollment (or class attendance/participation) during the 2024/2025 award year, you'll have up to 120 days after this date to submit all required documents and receive Federal Pell Grant aid (if otherwise eligible).

1. GPA

Undergraduate students must maintain a Cumulative GPA of 2.0 or above

Graduate students must maintain a Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above

2. Excessive Hours (Maximum Timeframe Standard)

Complete your degree within the following parameters:

3. Pace of Completion (Quantitative Standard - 66.67% completion of cumulative credit hours)

Successfully maintain a cumulative 66.67% in completed credits to attempted credits.  Completed credits are those where grades of A, B, C, D, CR, SC, or P are posted. Attempted credits are those posted to the transcript with grades of F, W, WF, LD, LW, NR, WP, or NC.  Credits classified as “In Progress” (ex. “IP” and “U-incomplete” grades) are not included if that is the current classification and once a grade is established is checked at the time of the next SAP review the following May, unless a student appeals prior to that time.

By the 1st week of June each year, students that have not met all three areas of SAP will be notified in the following ways:

1. Email notification to official UCM student email account

2. Electronic messages posted in MyCentral, Student Services tab:

a. Financial Aid Status link, select next aid year, click Submit

b. Eligibility link, Academic Progress, select next air year, click Submit

*All Federal Aid will be canceled if previously accepted and/or authorized for future academic years, beginning with the Summer semester.

Continue to the SAP Appeal Process section if you would like more information related to your next steps.

Students that are Academically Suspended or Academically Dismissed must first appeal for reinstatement to the University. SAP appeals will only be reviewed if reinstatement is granted. Students otherwise in Good Academic Standing, Academic Probation, or reinstated may pursue the following options:

SAP Appeal
If you were unable to meet SAP Requirements due to extreme circumstances and would like to have the privilege of Federal Aid eligibility restored, you may:

1. Complete a SAP Appeal form; some examples of extreme circumstances may include:

• Illness or injury (your, your spouse, or child)
• Death of a close family member
• Family difficulties (divorce, separation, etc)

2. Submit the SAP Appeal form to Student Financial Services with required documentation

• Specific examples regarding required documentation can be found on the appeal form
• The only exception related to documentation may be in cases of excessive hours if the information is already on file; for example, a continuing UCM student working on a second degree

3. Meet the deadline listed on the SAP Appeal form

4. Monitor your student email account in case the committee needs additional information from you

You will be notified within 10 business days of the decision via electronic message in MyCentral on the Student Services tab, under the Financial Aid Status link.

Financial Aid Probation Status:  If an appeal for federal financial aid is granted, the student will be placed on probation status and may receive federal financial aid. While on probation, the student must successfully complete all hours attempted (for example, no Fs, WDs, Drops, Incompletes, etc.). The student may need to sign an Enrollment Agreement attesting that all hours must be successfully completed during the semester following the appeal if a single semester’s work allows the student to fall back within the SAP standards, or will need to complete an Academic Plan in cases where multiple subsequent semesters are required to regain eligibility.

Re-establishing aid eligibility:  Financial aid eligibility will only be reinstated with a successful appeal process or by the student paying on his own (see below) until he achieves SAP standards listed above. Not attending one or more semesters will not affect or change SAP status.

A student not making SAP, either because an appeal was denied, the school does not permit appeals, or because he/she did not submit an appeal, may re-establish eligibility on his/her own. In order for a student to regain his/her eligibility, he/she must take action that brings him/her back into compliance with UCM’s SAP standards. This can be done by attending UCM (without Title IV funding) or another institution and falling back into qualitative and/or quantitative compliance. The student must then resubmit an appeal to the Office of Student Financial Aid to request their SAP status to be reviewed.