You, the student, have the following RIGHTS:
1. To know what financial assistance is available including information on all Federal,
State and Institutional Financial Aid Programs.
2. To know the cost of attending the institution and First Institute’s refund and
repayment policies.
3. To know the criteria used by First Institute in awarding financial aid and how
the School determines your financial aid.
4. To know what resources are considered in the calculation of your financial aid
and personal obligation.
5. To request an explanation of your financial aid package from the First Institute
Financial Aid Office.
6. To request a re-consideration of the financial aid award given to you in the
event you feel that an error has been made or that you have not been given adequate
consideration in determining your financial aid.
7. To know what portions of your awards are grant aid or loan aid. If the amount
is a loan, you have the right to know what the interest rate is, the total amount
that must be repaid, the repayment procedures, the length of time you have to repay
the loan and when repayment is to begin.
8. To know how First Institute determines Satisfactory Academic Progress* and to
know the consequences not attaining or maintaining Satisfactory Academic Progress
may have on your financial aid.
You, the student, have the following RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. To review and consider all information about the programs of First Institute
before you enroll. Remember that the final choice is yours.
2. To complete all application forms and submit them on time to the correct First
Institute Personnel. Errors or missing documents may cause delays in the processing
of your financial aid. Intentional misreporting, in most instances, of information
on application forms for Federal Student Aid is a violation of the law and is considered
a criminal offense subject to penalties under the U.S. Criminal Code.
3. To read and understand all documents before signing them and retain a copy for
your own personal records.
4. If receiving a loan, to notify the lender of changes in enrollment status, address
or any other relevant change.
5. If receiving a loan, to complete Entrance and Exit Counseling with a Financial
Aid Representative of First Institute.
6. To sign a financial aid award letter before receiving your financial aid stating
that you will use funds received for educational purposes only.
7. To know and comply with First Institute’s refund policies and procedures.
8. To know that your eligibility for any Title IV Federal Student Aid may be suspended
or terminated by the court as part of a conviction for possessing or distributing
illegal drugs.
Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997
New tax benefits became available for adults who want to return to school and for
parents who are sending their children to college. There are also benefits for people
who are repaying student loans. For additional information see the booklet entitled
“Tax Benefits for Higher Education” found online at
www.edfund.org.
*Please refer to the Student Catalog for a complete explanation of what constitutes
Satisfactory Academic Progress.