Financial Policies, Tuition, and Fees

For answers to any questions on issues discussed in this section, please contact:

Student Accounts
Landmark College
19 River Road South
Putney, VT 05346
Phone: 802-387-6845
Fax: 802-387-6880

We recognize that Landmark College’s educational program is a major investment for our students and their families. We try to limit our fee increases and to be as generous as possible with our payment schedules but also need to ensure that we are able to meet our promises to our students and to provide support for our educational program. As a school that is relatively young, our endowment is limited. We try to make our programs as flexible as possible so we can meet individual student needs. This costs money and limits our ability to be flexible in other areas like finance.

The policies outlined in this section represent our best effort at balancing those elements and minimizing future fee increases.

Comprehensive Educational Fees

Landmark College offers a comprehensive program of educational and residential life services for students with diagnosed learning disabilities, ADHD, and ASD. Since our program is comprehensive, so is our fee structure. All elements of the Landmark College program work together as a total package, which includes classroom instruction, individual instruction, advising, and a wide range of other educational services. Individual students may take varying numbers of credit hours from one semester to the next, and they may make use of different services. What remains consistent is our students’ reliance on the kind of individual attention we provide and the overall cost of having them at the College. Taken together, this makes it difficult to price a Landmark College education by the credit hour, as most colleges and universities do. Therefore, all students pay the comprehensive fee, with one variation for students who are approved to live off campus. The Board of Trustees approves the fee structure annually, although some changes may occur from time to time, with or without notice. Visit the Landmark College website, www.landmark.edu, for the latest published fee information.

NOTE: Costs below are tentative, pending Board of Trustee approval.

2024 - 2025

Explanation of Educational Fees

Housing and Food - per Academic Semester

The Residential Life program is part of the Landmark College integrated approach to learning. Housing and food fees are mandatory for all students living on campus.

Housing charges shown in the chart above are based on double occupancy in Frost, Aiken, Alumni, Stone, or Davis.

Food charges include a choice of either:

• Gold Plan ($3,563): Student may only enter dining hall once per meal period plus 150 Dining Dollars
• Blue Plan ($3,563): 220 meals per semester plus 300 Dining Dollars
• White Plan ($3,045): 150 meals per semester plus 600 Dining Dollars
• Retail Plan ($3,563): 3,563 Dining Dollars.

Students who live in a suite with kitchen facilities may choose from the plans above, as well as:

• Bridge and Chumley Retail Plan ($2,615): 2,615 Dining Dollars.

Dining Dollars

• Are encoded on the student’s ID card
• Can be used at the Café, Dining Hall, or Bookstore (for food and beverage only)
• Expire at the end of the semester
• May not be transferred to another student
• Are nonrefundable.

Some single rooms are available; students may apply to the Dean of Students. If selected for a single, an additional charge of $870 per semester will be applied. Single rooms in suites with a communal kitchen cost an additional $1,270 to $1,610. Aiken rooms cost an additional $1,270, $1,460, or $1,610, depending on the type of room. Chumley doubles and Bridge doubles cost an additional $490 and $870, respectively.

Off-Campus Food Fees

A limited number of students who meet the eligibility requirement are permitted to live off campus. Off-campus students may choose any meal plan or opt for no-meal plan.

Damage Deposit

The damage deposit is a small deposit against damage to College property or unpaid fines. Damage to or loss of College property within a specific residence hall room is the responsibility of the resident(s) of the room.

Whenever possible, damages to or loss of residence hall property is billed to the specific student(s) responsible. If the responsible individual(s) cannot be identified, the cost of repair or replacement is charged to all students in that residence hall on a prorated basis.

Any remaining balance of a student’s damage deposit will be applied to the following year’s comprehensive fee account. Damage deposit account balances for students who are not returning to the College will be refunded after all unpaid fines or bills have been applied, usually within 90 days of the end of the academic year or Summer session.

Health Insurance

All students must carry health insurance during both the regular academic year and the Summer session. We offer the Landmark College Student Health Insurance Plan to meet this requirement.

Note that rates for international students are higher than for domestic students.

Payment Calendar - Academic Year 2024 - 2025

New students receive a payment calendar and specific payment instructions with their enrollment agreement. Other students are asked to make payments on the schedule printed below. The enrollment deposit must be received before a student will be allowed to register.

Refunds and Fee Reductions

Refund Policy

It is the policy of Landmark College that no refund of tuition, room, or board fees is made when a student is suspended or expelled from Landmark College. Any unpaid student account balance at the time of suspension/expulsion must be paid in full.

Students who withdraw voluntarily for medical reasons or serious emergencies shall forfeit the application fee and enrollment deposit, but may receive a partial refund of tuition, room, and board fees, on a prorated schedule as follows. Note that the application fee and enrollment deposit are completely nonrefundable.

No refund will be provided if a student withdraws from a summer or other intercession program offered by Landmark College.

Applying for and Receiving a Refund

• Applications for refunds must be made in writing to the Office for Administration and Finance.
• Any approved refund amount will be reduced by the amount of outstanding bills, fines and other charges.
• If granted, refunds will be remitted by check from Landmark College to the person or entity paying the fees.
• When the total fee was paid by more than one person or entity, the amount of refund granted will be paid to the party listed as the responsible payor.
• When a withdrawing student has accumulated outstanding bills or fines, the refund will be reduced by the amount owed.
• When any authorized refund represents in whole or in part the proceeds of any private, state, or federal financial aid, the amount of refund returned will be based on the applicable federal refund formula.

Fee Reductions

The comprehensive educational fee cannot be reduced for any reason, including late enrollment, variation in number of credits taken, or services used.

Payment

QuikPAY

QuikPAY is the College’s convenient online system for credit card, debit card and e-check payments. It can be used to pay tuition and fees and to add value to student ID cards. Students must set up authorized payers - such as parents - who will receive billing notification via email. They will be able to make online payments, review bills, and examine payment history 24 hours per day, seven days per week. QuikPAY accepts American Express, MasterCard, Discover, Visa, and e-check for all payments. A 2.8 percent service fee applies to credit card payments; there is no service fee for e-checks. Students can set up their payees through the onboarding portal or the Landmark College SharkNet portal (click on Internet Tools and then QuickPAY). Authorized payers can also pay through the College website at http://quikpay.landmark.edu. Please note that QuikPAY is the only way the College can accept credit or debit card payments for tuition-related fees, and students must individually authorize payers due to privacy (FERPA) regulations.

Payment Plans

To make financing college expenses easier on our students and their families, Landmark College has a tuition payment service that offers a monthly payment plan for academic fees. Information on this service is included in each student’s enrollment agreement package and can be found online at the QuikPAY site: http://www.mycollegepaymentplan.com/landmark.

Late Payment and Nonpayment

Any student whose payment is late in any given term will be assessed a late fee (see “Late payment fee” below). Additionally, at the discretion of the Vice President for Administration & Finance, any student who does not make satisfactory payment arrangements with the Office of Administration & Finance in any given term may be required to leave the College and forfeit all deposits, payments, and course credits for that term.

No records of academic progress, transcripts, or other academic records will be released for any terms that are not fully paid.

Collections

After the third statement of nonpayment, the College generally refers accounts to third-party collection agencies.

Other Fees

Landmark College has sought to establish a fee structure that encompasses everything the College provides. However, some expenses are difficult to predict, and so are not included in the fee structure outlined above. If the student incurs these costs, the College may charge additional fees to the account or otherwise bill the student.

Application fee: A nonrefundable $75 application fee is charged to all students. No application will be processed until the fee is received.

Computer: If the student opts to buy a required notebook computer and software package through the College’s purchasing program, the cost and payment instructions will be included in the enrollment agreement package.

Course materials fees: Some courses, such as science labs and art courses, use special materials that may be expensive. These fees vary by course.

Debit card account: Students can establish an account for use at the College bookstore, café, dining hall and some vending machines. This account is set up by depositing funds either prior to or during registration. Debit balances may not be “cashed out” during an academic year.

Fines: These include campus parking violation fees, loss of or damage to library books, returned check fees, fines for disciplinary actions, etc.

Late payment fee: A late fee of 1.5 percent is charged on any unpaid overdue balance on the first of each month (an annual rate of 18 percent). The minimum late fee is $50, regardless of the amount overdue.

Late registration fee: Registration day requires coordination by numerous College personnel across different departments and offices. It is a complex process that becomes costly to the College when students do not register at the designated time. Because of this, students who miss registration will be charged a late registration fee of $200. An additional $200 fee will also be charged to those who miss late registration day.

Returned check fee: A fee of $35 is charged for any returned checks.

Other Expenses

Students typically have other expenses when living away from home and attending college. The following are common expenses not charged directly by Landmark College:

Personal expenses: These include laundry, travel, recreation, and incidentals. The average cost of such expenses can range from $500 to $3,500 per year.

Books and supplies: Books and supplies typically cost about $500 per term.

Theft/personal property insurance: We recommend that families explore extending their homeowner policy or obtain other insurance to cover the student’s personal effects. It is usually not very expensive and is less costly than replacing expensive items such as computers. The College is not responsible for the loss or theft of students’ personal property.

Non-Discrimination Policy

Landmark College prohibits unlawful harassment on the basis of protected characteristics and related retaliation as defined by applicable law and encourages individuals who have questions or complaints regarding this policy or potential discrimination or harassment issues to contact the designated Compliance Coordinators at the College. For students, reports should be submitted to the Dean of Students. For faculty and staff, reports should be submitted to the Director of Human Resources. Reports may be submitted to their attention at Landmark College, 19 River Road South, Putney, VT 05346, or by phone: 802-386-6712.

Employees may also file complaints of harassment or discrimination with the following agencies:

• Vermont Attorney General’s Office, Civil Rights Unit, 109 State Street, Montpelier, VT 05602; phone 802-828-3171
• Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, 1 Congress Street, Boston, MA 02114; phone 617-565-3200

Students who wish to make a complaint within the scope of federal laws may also contact:

• The U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, Region One, 707 Post Office Square, Boston, MA 02109; phone 617-223-9662

The Landmark College Student Handbook and Employee Handbook contain more detailed information about the College’s non-discrimination policies and related procedures. The Student Handbook is available at https://www.landmark.edu/student-life/our-community/community-standards. The Employee Handbook is available through Sharknet, Landmark College’s internal web portal for students, faculty, and staff, under the Human Resources section. 

Landmark College does not discriminate on the basis of the following characteristics, or other characteristics as defined and protected by applicable law, in its programs and activities:

• Race
• Color
• Religion
• Sex
• Sexual orientation
• National or ethnic origin
• Ancestry
• Place of birth
• Age
• Disability

Costs and Financial Need

The investment families make in their student’s education is one that will provide the student with the foundation necessary to succeed in future endeavors. We are committed to working closely with Landmark College families to make Landmark College an affordable reality.

The expenses included in the cost of attendance used to calculate financial aid eligibility include tuition, housing and food, fees, books and supplies, notebook computer, and an allowance for personal and travel expenses.

Estimated Costs 2024-2025

*Standard Housing and Food Plan

Financial aid eligibility (herein described as “need”) is the difference between the student’s cost of attendance and the determined student aid index. A student is eligible for need-based financial aid if the determined student aid index is less than the student cost of attendance (COA).

The Student Aid Index

How is Financial Need Determined?

The Financial Aid Office (FAO) at Landmark College uses the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine a family’s unmet need. By completing the FAFSA, the student aid index (SAI) is determined; if that number is less than the cost of attendance, then the student has demonstrated financial need. The FAO then determines the student’s eligibility for federal, state and institutional funds to help make up the difference between the COA and the SAI.

Cost of Attendance (COA) - Student Aid Index (SAI) = Financial Need

When calculating the student aid index, the College considers such factors as total parent and student income (including untaxed and taxable income), assets (including trusts), and number of dependents in the household. Siblings attending graduate school or parents attending college are not considered in determining the family contribution.

Applying for Financial Assistance

On October 1, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) becomes available to complete and submit online at https://studentaid.gov/. The school code for Landmark College is 017157.

Upon acceptance to the College, and receipt of a completed FAFSA, the student will receive a financial aid offer letter. 

International Students

Limited Landmark College scholarship aid is awarded to international applicants. Awards are based on need, as determined by College guidelines. For information, email financialaid@landmark.edu.

Renewal Applications

Students are required to apply for federal aid every year by completing the FAFSA, which is usually available October 1 each year. Financial aid offer letters for continuing students will be sent after a complete FAFSA is on file. Continuing students may apply for financial aid, regardless of their previous year’s financial aid application status.

Requests for Additional Aid

Professional Judgment Policy

The Higher Education Act of 1992 allows financial aid administrators to make professional judgment decisions when there are special or unusual family or student circumstances that may call for adjustments in determining a student’s eligibility for financial aid. Circumstances requiring professional judgment must be analyzed on a case-by-case basis. These circumstances must be documented.

Professional judgment adjustments may increase or decrease a student’s SAI or cost of attendance. Specified adjustments may be made to data elements, but not to the formula. Adjustments made will apply to all institutional, state and Title IV aid awarded.

Circumstances that may warrant a professional judgment decision include, but are not limited, to the following:

• A change in the student’s family income that would affect the family’s ability to pay for college expenses. Examples include loss of employment, loss of untaxed benefits, a separation, or death. Documentation required: Income Reduction Certification.
• Student request for consideration as an independent student. Documentation required: Request for Dependency Status Change and supporting statement signed by an eligible third party as detailed on the request form.
• Excessive medical expenses. Documentation required: Verification of medical expenses paid by family from doctors, hospitals, etc. or copy of tax return verifying itemized deductions, showing medical expenses.

The required documentation listed for each of these circumstances explains what information is necessary for each situation. The documentation must be complete before approval will be considered. Documentation of professional judgment decisions will be maintained in the student’s record. Professional judgment situations are unique and addressed on a case-by-case basis. Circumstances other than those listed may be considered and will require documentation specific to that situation.

The Financial Aid Office has the final authority to make professional judgment decisions.

The Financial Aid Offer

Landmark College students are required to report to the Landmark College Office of Financial Aid all anticipated outside resources, including any scholarships, grants, fellowships, tuition benefits, veteran benefits, or any other types of financial resources. In certain instances, these outside resources or awards may reduce eligibility for other financial aid or loans.  Generally, total financial aid will not exceed the cost of attendance (tuition and any fees, housing, food, and books) which would result in an over-award. When a Landmark College student becomes eligible for additional outside financial support above the cost of attendance resulting in an over-award, that revenue may be used to reduce any Landmark College institutional scholarship.

Students with financial aid eligibility will receive a financial aid offer letter that generally consists of a combination of scholarships/grants, loans, and work-study. These three types of assistance may be funded by institutional, federal, and state sources.

Grants and Scholarships

Awards based on financial need

Federal Pell Grants are based on financial need established by the FAFSA and range from $767.00 to $7,395.00 annually based on full-time enrollment.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG). The College awards the FSEOG to students with high demonstrated need. Recipients of the Federal Pell grant are given priority for FSEOG awards, which typically range from $1,000 to $2,000.

Landmark College Scholarships are awarded based on demonstrated institutional eligibility as determined by the College.

Awards Based on Need and/or Other Criteria

Access to Innovative Education (AIE) scholarships cover up to full tuition and are available across all disciplines.

Access to Innovative Education in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (AIE-STEMPLOS) scholarships provide $10,000 annually to students studying computer science or life science.

The Alumni Scholarship was established in 2008 by Landmark College’s Alumni Advisory Board to assist students with the cost of postsecondary education. The Alumni Endowed Scholarship supports deserving students on their path toward graduation by providing financial assistance to current and future Landmark College students.

The Bon Ton Scholarship was established in 1995 and created through the generosity of the Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. The scholarship is awarded to students with financial need with preference to those who reside in Maryland, Pennsylvania, or western New York.

The Carson Pirie Scott & Co., Inc. Scholarship was created through the generosity of Carson Pirie Scott & Co. and other businesses in the fashion and retail industries. The scholarship is awarded to students with financial need who reside in Illinois or Wisconsin.

The Charles S. Strauch Scholarship was established in 2006 in honor of Emeritus Board Chair Charles S. Strauch for his many contributions and years of service as Chair of the Board of Trustees for Landmark College.

The Daniel Rydin Scholarship was established by Leonard and Barbara Littman, in memory of Daniel Rydin, a former Landmark College student. The memorial scholarship is awarded to three students with financial need who are enrolled at Landmark College, are within two semesters of graduation, and have a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

The Daya Family Scholarship was established in 2002 by Moaiz and Nurjehan Daya. The scholarship is awarded to a student with financial need and demonstrated leadership potential who comes from an inner-city area and might not otherwise be able to attend Landmark College.

The Denny Family Scholarship was established by the parents of Dr. Peter Denny, a long-time member of the Landmark College community, who served in diverse roles from academic advisor to Dean of Students. This scholarship is awarded to two students with financial need who have demonstrated a commitment to campus and community life and have a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

The Faculty Staff Scholarship was established in 2005 in honor of the faculty and staff of Landmark College. This award is given to a student with financial need who has demonstrated scholarship and leadership potential at the College.

The F.I.S.H. Foundation Scholarship was established in 2009 by the Board of Directors of the F.I.S.H. Foundation, Inc. The scholarship is awarded to a student with financial need who otherwise may not have the opportunity to benefit from a Landmark College education or to continue their studies at Landmark College. In addition to the F.I.S.H. Foundation’s endowed scholarship, the Foundation pledged additional funds to the Access to Innovative Education fund in 2014.

The Fredrick M. and Marion S. Rhodes Memorial Scholarship was established by Robert Rhodes, who served the College as its first librarian. The memorial scholarship is awarded to a student with financial need who is within two semesters of graduation and has a GPA of 3.5 or higher.

The Gunther-Mohr Scholarship was established in July 2014 by Robert Gunther, beloved faculty member of Landmark College, and his wife Lee Gunther-Mohr. This award will be given to a student with demonstrated financial need.

The HollyRod Foundation Scholarship was established in 2008 and is a full-tuition scholarship for a student diagnosed with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder (ASD). 

The Jean Kirby Broehl Scholarship was established in 2007 by Mrs. Jean Kirby Broehl, the first woman to graduate from Dartmouth College. Mrs. Broehl was also a lifelong reading teacher for children with learning disabilities and advocate for illiterate adults. The scholarship is awarded to a student with financial need who would benefit from a Landmark College education.

The Jenny Ann Parton Scholarship was established in 2007 by Richard and Carol Parton, in memory of their daughter, Jenny Parton ‘97. The scholarship is awarded to a student with financial need who otherwise might not have the opportunity to benefit from a Landmark College education.

The Jeroo Eduljee Scholarship was established in 2002 to honor Jeroo’s years of dedicated work at Landmark College. Jeroo served the College in many roles, including tutor, faculty member, faculty supervisor, and director of the academic programs. She valued the endurance and strong commitment of our students, so this award is given to a student with financial need who consistently demonstrates those characteristics.

The Johnson Scholarship established the Access to Innovative Education (AIE) fund in 2013. This fund provides scholarships to students with financial need. Both financial need and academic merit are taken into account to determine AIE scholarship recipients.

The Michelle Emmer-Kincaid Endowed Scholarship was established in 2001 by family and friends of Michelle Emmer-Kincaid. This scholarship was created to honor the memory of Michelle, who graduated from Landmark College in 1995. This memorial scholarship is awarded to a new student with demonstrated need who otherwise may not have the opportunity to benefit from a Landmark College education.

The Robert and Bernadine Munley Endowed Scholarship was established in 2008 by Robert and Bernadine Munley, parents of three successful Landmark College alumni. Robert Munley was a valued member of the Landmark College Board of Trustees. The scholarship is awarded to a student with financial need, with preference given to a student from Pennsylvania.

The Solon E. Summerfield Foundation Scholarship was established in 2006 by Mr. William W. Prager, Jr., President of the Solon E. Summerfield Foundation and its Board of Directors. The scholarship is awarded to a student with financial need who otherwise may not have the opportunity to benefit from a Landmark College education or continue their studies at Landmark College.

The William H. Pitt Foundation provides scholarships through the Access to Innovative Education fund to students with significant financial need from Connecticut. Preference is given to students from Fairfield County, or neighboring inner city communities.

Non-College-Administered Scholarships

Landmark College encourages students to apply for outside scholarships. Outside funding reduces the amount of student loan or the student work commitment. Students receiving a scholarship should inform the Financial Aid Office as soon as possible. Information about outside scholarships can be obtained from high school counselors and local libraries, or by using scholarship search engines found at sites such as www.finaid.org or www.fastweb.com.

Scholarship Funding

Endowed scholarships are offered at the discretion of Landmark College. During periods when these endowed scholarships are classified as “underwater” (meaning the net investment value of the scholarship fund is less than the historical value of the fund), the College reserves the right to not offer these scholarships. The College reviews these funds annually to determine which funds will be offered each academic year.

State Grants

Maine, Massachusetts, District of Columbia, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont allow students to use their state grant awards when attending Landmark College. For the telephone number and address of the student’s state’s scholarship office, contact the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 800-433-3243.

Student Loans

Borrowing money for college is an expected part of the process. While no one likes to borrow money, borrowing to fund education is a good solid investment in oneself. Landmark College offers several options for the student to consider. The student may use one or more of the options presented here.

Federal Direct Loan Program

All students who borrow through the Federal Direct Loan Program are required to complete entrance counseling and a master promissory note with the federal government to ensure students know and understand their rights and responsibilities as borrowers. The Financial Aid Office will guide the student through the process. Information on interest rates, payment options, and fees associated with the loan programs all can be obtained online at https://studentaid.gov/.

Federal Direct Parent Loan (PLUS)

The U.S. Department of Education makes Direct PLUS Loans to eligible borrowers. A complete description of the Federal Parent PLUS Loan, including FAQs, is available at https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/loans/plus/parent.

Direct PLUS Loan Overview:

• The U.S. Department of Education is the lender.
• Borrowers must not have an adverse credit history.
• The maximum loan amount is the cost of attendance (determined by the school) minus any other financial aid received.
• The current interest rate and estimated payment amounts can be obtained at https://studentaid.gov/.

Federal Direct Student Loans

Subsidized and unsubsidized loans are federal student loans for eligible students to help cover the cost of higher education at a two or four-year college or university, community college, or trade, career, or technical school.

There are limits on the amount in subsidized and unsubsidized loans that a student may be eligible to receive each academic year (annual loan limits) and the total amounts that they may borrow for undergraduate and graduate study (aggregate loan limits). The actual loan amount they are eligible to receive each academic year may be less than the annual loan limit. These limits vary depending on what year the student is in school and whether they are a dependent or independent student.

After the student graduates, leaves school, or drops below half-time enrollment, they will have a six-month grace period before they are required to begin repayment. During this period, they will receive repayment information from the loan servicer, and will be notified of the first payment due date. Payments are usually due monthly.

Loan funds are disbursed to the student’s account once a student signs a master promissory note and completes entrance counseling, which is done online at www.studentloans.gov.

The master promissory note need only be signed once to cover additional federal student loans borrowed in future years.

The average student loan debt upon graduation from Landmark College is $12,000.

Private Loan Programs

These loans may be used to supplement or to bridge any funding gaps. Students will need a co-signer, and payment is typically deferred until after graduation. Interest accrues from the time the loan is disbursed. The Financial Aid Office should be notified if using a private loan, and information on which lender and amount borrowed needs to be shared for appropriate processing.

Medical Tax Deduction

Learning disabilities and certain specific learning differences are considered medical conditions, so expenses related to a learning difference may qualify as a tax deduction. Because Landmark College serves only students diagnosed with a learning disability, ADHD, or ASD, tuition, fees, room and board, and other related expenses may be tax deductible as a medical expense for federal income tax purposes. IRS publications “502: Medical and Dental Expenses” and “907: Tax Information for Persons with Handicaps or Disabilities” may provide useful information when considering this deduction. Families should always consult with a tax advisor on this matter. Information summarizing payments made to the College is mailed to Landmark College families each January. Refer to the Tuition & Financial Aid webpage for more detailed information on this opportunity: https://www.landmark.edu/admissions/tuition-and-financial-aid.

Student Employment

The College participates in the Federal Work-Study Program, a need-based program that funds student earnings for on-campus jobs. The College also funds a limited number of non-need based campus student employment opportunities.

Vocational Rehabilitation

Funding through the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) is encouraged by Landmark College. Students from more than 40 states and territories have obtained funding through this source. Students should contact their local VR office to start the application process, which can take up to six months. Students may seek funding to help cover the cost of special disability-related services. Contact the Financial Aid Office for assistance or go to the National Rehabilitation Information Center website for a list: www.naric.com.

Veterans Benefits

Landmark College is approved by the State Approving Agency. Students who are veterans or dependents of members of the United States armed forces may apply for benefits through the GI Bill’s® educational benefits. Additional information can be found at www.landmark.edu/admissions/tuition-and-financial-aid/veterans-benefits. For details, contact the Veterans Administration, White River Junction, VT: 802-296-5177; www.gibill.va.gov.

Title 38 United States Code Section 3679(e) School Compliance Statement

As part of the Veterans Benefits and Transition Act of 2018, section 3679 of title 38, United States Code was amended, Landmark College confirms compliance with the requirements as outlined below:

• Landmark College permits any covered individual to attend or participate in the course of education during the period beginning on the date on which the individual provides to the educational institution a certificate of eligibility for entitlement to educational assistance under chapter 31 or 33 (a “certificate of eligibility” can also include a “Statement of Benefits” obtained from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) website - eBenefits, or a VAF 28-1905 form for chapter 31 authorization purposes) and ending on the earlier of the following dates:

1. The date on which payment from VA is made to the institution.
2. 90 days after the date the institution certified tuition and fees following the receipt of the certificate of eligibility.

Landmark College will not impose any penalty, including the assessment of late fees, the denial of access to classes, libraries, or other institutional facilities, or the requirement that a covered individual borrow additional funds, on any covered individual because of the individual’s inability to meet his or her financial obligations to the institution due to the delayed disbursement funding from VA under chapter 31 or 33.

Financial Aid Policies

Disbursing Funds

Financial Aid funds cannot be disbursed to a student’s tuition account until the Financial Aid Office receives all required financial aid documents. Students should check with the Financial Aid Office for information on missing documents. Funds are disbursed on a per-semester basis and will be disbursed at the beginning of each semester provided a student’s file is complete. For both initial and returning applicants, a student cannot enter classes or move into a residence hall until the appropriate semester fees have been paid in full or provisions for payment plans and/or loans have been approved.

Satisfactory Academic Progress

Federal regulations require Landmark College (LC) to establish satisfactory academic progress standards for student financial aid recipients. The Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards measure a student’s performance in all terms of enrollment, including terms in which the student did not receive financial aid.

All students will be evaluated based on this policy annually. All terms are reviewed, including periods in which the student did not receive financial aid.

Satisfactory Academic Progress Standards

1. Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) Standard

A student is required to maintain at least a 2.0 cumulative grade point average, which is calculated by dividing the total number of grade points earned by the total credits attempted for courses with grades of A, B, C, D, F, or W. 

Federal regulations make no provision for academic amnesty (administrative withdrawals). A student’s cumulative GPA must be calculated based on the inclusion of all courses attempted at Landmark College. For repeated coursework, the highest grade earned is used.

 2.  Cumulative Completion Rate Standard

A student must successfully complete LC credits equal to at least 66.67% of the total cumulative LC credits attempted to be making satisfactory academic progress.  A student earning less than 66.67% after the student’s FIRST review will be placed on SAP probation and still be eligible to receive financial aid for the following term with a completed appeal approved. All LC coursework and accepted transfer credits will be treated as attempted credits, if the coursework can be applied toward a degree program.

If the student’s completion rate remains below 66.67% at the next SAP measurement, the student will be placed on SAP suspension and will no longer be eligible for financial aid.

3.  Maximum Time Frame Standard

A program of study must be completed within 150% of the number of credit hours required for degree graduation to maintain aid eligibility.  The 150% is measured on the basis of LC credits attempted, regardless of program, and transfer attempted credits. 

If the number of attempted credits exceeds 150% of the active program’s requirement for graduation, the student will be placed on SAP Suspension.  (Note: there is no warning status for this standard.)  All LC coursework and accepted transfer credits will be treated as attempted credits, if the coursework may be applied toward a degree program.

The student may appeal based on extenuating circumstances.  See the definition of appeal procedures, extenuating circumstances, and appeal decisions below.  A change of major or program may be provided as a reason during an appeal, but the number and timing of changes of major will be taken under consideration during an appeal review. 

1. Students may not receive aid for more than 30 credits attempted or completed of remedial coursework.
2. Students must only take courses that fulfill graduation requirements.  Follow the degree plan closely and regularly communicate with an academic advisor each term.  Failure to do so could jeopardize financial aid eligibility.
3. If on an academic plan probation status (see below) students MUST maintain the requirements of the approved academic plan.  Failure to do so will result in suspension of financial aid eligibility.  A new appeal may not be accepted.   
4. Students under “Maximum Time Frame” probation cannot change majors in the midst of the probation period or academic plan. 

Satisfactory Academic Progress Status Definitions

Financial Aid Eligible: the student is meeting all SAP standards and is eligible to receive aid.

Financial Aid Probation: The student is failing one or more SAP standards but is eligible for one semester of aid, provided the student has successfully appealed and the student can regain SAP at the end of that payment period. Recipients are placed on financial aid probation when they fail to meet the GPA and/or the completion rate standards. Students will receive financial aid during the probation term. Students must meet ALL cumulative standards by the end of the probation term or have federal financial aid eligibility suspended. If the student will be unable to meet SAP at the end of that single payment period, the school must develop an academic plan with the student that, if followed, will ensure that the student is able to meet the SAP standards by a specific point in time, typically by the end of the academic year. The academic plan can be for more than a single payment period.

Financial Aid Suspension: Students are suspended from receiving federal financial aid if they do not meet the GPA or Cumulative Completion Rate by the end of the probation term. Students are also placed on suspension for failing to complete their program by the established Maximum Time Frame. Students on financial aid suspension will not receive any form of financial aid (grants, scholarships, loans, work-study, etc.). Financial aid eligibility may be reinstated once all standards are met. The financial aid suspension affects only financial aid and does not prevent a student from enrolling and paying for classes on their own.

Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeals

A student may appeal based on extenuating circumstances (see definition of extenuating circumstances below). A Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Appeal Form is available from the Financial Aid Office. If a student wishes to appeal, they must submit the appeal form and all required documentation directly to the Financial Aid Office. Appeals should be made in a timely manner, but no later than 2 weeks before the start of a term.

If a student appeals without an academic success plan and is approved, they are placed on probation for one semester. SAP is re-evaluated at the end of that semester. If the student meets all three components of SAP, they have the status of Financial Aid Eligible. If SAP standards are not met, they have a status of Financial Aid Suspension.

If a student appeals with an academic success plan and is approved, they are on probation for one semester. The success plan benchmarks are evaluated at the end of that semester. If the benchmarks are met, the student is eligible for a subsequent semester. SAP is re-evaluated after the subsequent semester.

Appeal reviews will consider the following: prior appeals submitted and approved; the thoroughness of documentation; GPA; completion rate; length of time until the program is complete; changes of major; resolution of all extenuating circumstances, and an explanation of all semesters in which the student failed to meet standards.

Appeals are reviewed by Financial Aid Office staff. Students will be notified of the appeal decision within 1 week of submission (review and response time is dependent on the number and punctuality of the appeals submitted). All appeal decisions are final.

Reinstatement

A student that is not meeting satisfactory progress and has had financial aid suspended due to a low completion rate or GPA may enroll in subsequent semesters at his/her own cost. Financial aid eligibility may be reinstated once all satisfactory academic progress minimum standards are met. Students must notify the office in writing of their intent to use financial aid again. The Financial Aid Office does not monitor academic progress of students on financial aid suspension.

Once in denied status, students will only be able to appeal after successful conclusion of a semester of at least half-time (6 credit hours) enrollment in classes that adhere to their academic or degree plan. Successful completion will not result in automatic reinstatement of eligibility, as the entire academic history will be taken into account. Sometimes two or more semesters of successful completion are required to meet SAP standards.

Treatment of Academic Program, Coursework, and Grades

The following items describe the treatment of academic programs, coursework, and grades in the measurement of the SAP standards.

• All attempted coursework is included in the measurement whether or not the student received student aid.
• Course credits are treated as attempted credits if a student is enrolled in the credits on the census date of the course’s term.
• All LC coursework will be treated as attempted credits, if the coursework may be applied toward a degree program, with the exception of 30 credits attempted in developmental courses.
• Grades of A, B, C, D will be treated as attempted and earned credits that are successfully completed.
• Failures (grade of F), failing work when student stops attending, official student withdrawal (grade of W), and incompletes (grade of IP) are considered credits attempted but not earned.
• Credits from coursework that earns an A, B, C, D will be included in the calculation of cumulative grade point average (GPA).
• Repeated courses and courses for which the student has been granted forgiveness (Forgiveness Policy) are included in the calculation of both attempted and earned credits. (Note: The financial aid SAP policy abides by the College’s academic policies regarding the treatment of repeated courses in the determination of the cumulative GPA).
• Audit courses are not considered credits attempted or earned.
• Transfer credits are not counted in the calculation of the cumulative GPA standard, but are included in the calculation of the Completion Rate and Maximum Time Frame. They are counted as both attempted and earned credits.
• If a student changes program(s), the credits from the previous program (s) will be counted in the attempted and earned credits. A change of major/program may be provided as a reason during an appeal but the number and timing of changes will be taken under consideration during an appeal review.

Independent Status

When determining eligibility for institutional funds, the College reviews requests on a case-by-case basis. Federal regulations narrowly restrict the definition of “Independent Student” to meeting at least one of the following criteria:

• Be at least 24 years old by December 31 of the award year
• Be an orphan or ward of the court after age 13
• Be the ward of a court-appointed legal guardian
• Be an unaccompanied youth who is homeless or at risk of being homeless
• Be married
• Be a person with legal dependents other than a spouse
• Be a veteran of U.S. military service or currently serving on active duty for purposes other than training.

Financial Aid for Summer Study

Financial aid is available for Landmark College students during our summer sessions.

Non-Credit Course Work

The federal government mandates that students maintain a minimum level of enrollment in order to be eligible for federal financial aid. Students who enroll in non-credit courses are eligible for federal financial aid for the equivalent of one academic year.

Landmark College Return of Title IV Calculation

The Return of Title IV (R2T4) calculation is a proration of earned versus unearned financial aid during a period of enrollment. Landmark College offers a program of study that consists of a standard term in which courses do not span the entire length of the period of enrollment. These are referred to as modules. A student is determined to have withdrawn from the college after beginning attendance in at least one course and ceasing to attend or failing to begin attendance in a scheduled course that was used to determine Title IV aid eligibility. Only courses that are used to determine Title IV aid are considered in the enrollment status and cost of attendance.  

There are three exemptions for the R2T4 calculation in which the student is not considered a withdrawal:

1. The student completed all coursework required to graduate before completing the days in the period the student was scheduled to complete.  
2. The student successfully completed Title IV eligible coursework in one module or combination of modules that includes 49% or more of the number of countable days in the period of enrollment. Countable days includes all days in all modules except for scheduled break days of five or more consecutive days. It also excludes all days between modules. 
3. The student successfully completes Title IV eligible coursework that is equal to or greater than half-time enrollment status.

The earned financial aid percentage is calculated by dividing the days attended in the pay period by the total days scheduled to be completed in the pay period. This percentage is multiplied by the total amount of aid disbursed and aid that could have been disbursed to ascertain the earned financial aid. Subtracting earned aid from aid that was awarded and disbursed determines the amount of unearned aid that must be returned. The responsibility to repay unearned aid is shared by the school and the student in proportion to the aid each is assumed to possess.   

Any unearned loan funds the student (or parent, in the case of a PLUS loan) is required to return are repaid in accordance with the terms of the promissory note. Unearned grant funds the student must return are classified as an overpayment. Students must repay half of the unearned amount of any grant overpayments.  

If the student did not receive all of the funds that were earned, the student may be due a post-withdrawal disbursement. 

Funds. The R2T4 calculation may include federal funds which have already been disbursed or could have been disbursed to the student’s account. Those funds are limited to Pell Grant, TEACH Grant, FSEOG, Direct Stafford, and PLUS Loans.

The nonfederal share of FSEOG program funds is excluded when a school meets its FSEOG matching share by either the individual recipient method or the aggregate method. If a school meets its matching share requirement through the use of a fund-specific match, 100% of the FSEOG award (both the federal and nonfederal shares) must be included in the R2T4 calculation.

Disbursement rounding. Disbursed amounts included in the R2T4 calculation should include the net amount actually disbursed to the student account. These should be rounded to the nearest penny. Repayment amounts (both school and student responsibility to return) may be rounded to the nearest dollar.

Disbursed aid. Generally, funds are considered disbursed when a student account is credited or funds are paid directly to the student or parent. Aid is considered “disbursed” if it disbursed before the date of determination. The exception to this rule is an inadvertent overpayment, which is treated as aid that could have been disbursed.

If a student withdraws before beginning attendance in the number of credit hours for which the Federal Pell Grant and campus-based funds were awarded, before performing the required R2T4 calculation, a school must recalculate the student’s eligibility for Pell and campus-based funds.

Aid that could have been disbursed. The R2T4 calculation may also include aid that has not yet been disbursed. In order for the aid to be included it must meet late disbursement rules. It is possible that a school is prohibited from making a post-withdrawal disbursement of funds included in the calculation as aid that could have been disbursed. The conditions for late disbursement must be met prior to when the student became ineligible.

Aid may be included as “could have been disbursed,” but a school is prohibited from making a post-withdrawal disbursement of:

• Second disbursement of Direct Loans (DL) if the student has not reached calendar midpoint or completed half of the coursework/clock hours of the loan period (not applicable to standard term programs)
• Second or subsequent disbursement of DL unless student has graduated or successfully completed loan period
• Disbursement of Pell, ACG or SMART for a subsequent payment period when student has not completed earlier payment period for which student has already been paid (applicable only to clock-hour or credit-hour nonterm programs)
• Disbursement of DL to first-year, first-time borrower who withdraws before 30^th day of program of study (schools with low default rates are exempted)
• Disbursement of Pell, ACG, or SMART if the school does not have valid Student Aid Report (SAR) or Institutional Student Information Record (ISIR) before the published deadline established by the U.S. Department of Education (ED).

A school may be required to do a separate determination of the date the student lost eligibility in order to make a post-withdrawal disbursement.

Inadvertent overpayments. Occasionally, a school will disburse aid to a student’s account prior to realizing that the student is no longer in attendance. This is considered an inadvertent overpayment. Inadvertent overpayments may be included in the R2T4 calculation as aid that could have been disbursed. If an inadvertent overpayment does not meet late disbursement rules or the school would have been prohibited from making the disbursement (as explained above), the overpayment must be returned in its entirety within 45 days of the date of determination.

If the inadvertent overpayment does meet late disbursement rules and the school is not prohibited from making the disbursement, the school is required to return only the unearned portion within 45 days of the date of determination.

Calendar. Before the percentage of the payment period or period of enrollment completed is determined, the total number of calendar days in the payment period or period of enrollment must be calculated. The count will not include scheduled breaks of five or more consecutive days. Additionally, the days of an approved leave of absence are excluded.

Percentage rounding. Percentages should be calculated to four decimal places and rounded to three decimal places, with one exception. Students who withdraw at any point after the 60% point in the payment period or period of enrollment have earned 100% of their Title IV funds. If the standard rounding rules were used in this situation, a quotient of .6001 through .6004, which is greater than 60%, would be rounded down to .600 (60%), and the student would not have earned 100% of his or her Federal Student Aid. Therefore, for the purpose of determining whether a student has earned 100% of the Title IV funds for the term, in order to recognize that students completing more than 60% of the period (by any amount) earn 100% of their Federal Student Aid; amounts of .6001 through .6004 are not rounded.

Earned Funds

Disbursed Funds Equal to Earned Funds: If a student has earned 100% of the aid that has been disbursed, no further steps are necessary.

Post-Withdrawal Disbursement: Considered separately later in this section.

Returning Unearned Funds

If the result of the Return of Title IV calculation determines that the student has received more aid than they earned, the unearned funds must be returned to the fund source. The responsibility of returning funds may fall on the school, the student, or both. Federal regulations have set the order in which funds must be returned, up to the net amount disbursed during the payment period for each fund source.

Institutional Charges: The institutional charges included in the R2T4 calculation are used to determine how much of the unearned funds the school must return. These charges are those initially charged, which the student would have been responsible for paying if they had not withdrawn. If the student’s enrollment changes before they withdraw (e.g., drops from full-time enrollment to half-time enrollment) the charges used in the R2T4 calculation should reflect this adjustment. Any institutional refund policies or additional charges assessed which are not educational costs (e.g., application fee, parking fee) should not be included in the R2T4 calculation.

Funds the School Must Return: The school must return unearned funds for which it is responsible to the fund source within 45 days of the date of determination.

Funds the Student Must Return: The calculation determines an initial amount of unearned aid which the student must return. It then separates this amount into loans and grants. The unearned loan funds for which the student is responsible are repaid in accordance with the terms of the promissory note.

Grant overpayments. Unearned grant funds for which the student is responsible are only the amount of the original overpayment that exceeds 50% of the amount disbursed or that could have been disbursed in the payment period. The school may choose to pay grant overpayments on the student’s behalf. The student thereby retains Title IV eligibility, but owes the school the overpayment amount.

Post-Withdrawal Disbursement

If the Return of Title IV calculation determines that a student has earned aid which has not yet been disbursed, the school is required to make or offer the student a post-withdrawal disbursement (PWD) within 30 days of the date of determination; this is not optional. Any post-withdrawal disbursement must meet late disbursement rules and must be made within 180 days of the date of determination. The school must document post-withdrawal disbursements and may use ED’s Post-Withdrawal Disbursement Tracking Sheet to fulfill this requirement.

Depending on the source of the PWD funds, the school may need to acquire authorization prior to posting the funds to the student account.

Procedure

• Withdrawn students are identified by Student Affairs, through the official withdrawal process or administrative withdrawals. Financial Aid is notified via email and receives a copy of withdrawal paperwork. The withdrawal date is identified as “departure date” and the date of determination is the later of the withdrawal date or the signature date on the withdrawal form.
• R2T4s are performed by Financial Aid, utilizing the R2T4 module contained on the FAA Access to CPS Online website.
• Funds disbursed prior to the date of determination are considered disbursed, with the exception of inadvertent overpayments. Aid that could have been disbursed is included in the calculation if the student met late disbursement rules prior to withdrawal.
• All students are on the same academic calendar. Total days in the term are counted beginning the first day of classes to the last day of exams, excluding breaks of greater than or equal to five days.
• Once calculations are performed, awards are adjusted and a comment is entered in PowerFAIDS. Adjustments are made in COD via batch processing, and a disbursement roster containing the revised award(s) is generated for forwarding to Student Accounts for posting to the student ledger.
• All withdrawn students receive notification of the need to complete exit counseling.