Financial Aid Resource Guide | Valparaiso University
Financial aid can be confusing. Our goal at Valpo is to support you along the way and help you better understand the process. Therefore, this booklet is designed to be a resource, guiding you to find the answers you need.
HERE’S HOW TO CONTACT US:
Book an appointment at admission.valpo.edu/portal/finaid
Email us at finaid@valpo.edu
Call 219.464.5015 and press 0 for our office
Understanding Your Aid Offer and DataVU
What Happens After Reviewing My Offer, Payment Center, Payment Plans
What are Federal Loans? Types of Federal Direct Student Loans, Special Circumstances
Entrance Counseling, Loan Agreement/MPN, Additional Student Loan Options Federal Direct Parent (PLUS) Loan Work Study, Other Reminders Finalizing and Renewing Your Aid Offer Other
Understanding Your Aid Offer and DataVU
YOUR FINANCIAL AID OFFER
The offer you receive in this packet includes the breakdown of annual direct University charges, which are:
Tuition/Fees
Housing Food
In addition to the charges is a breakdown of your financial aid offer, which can include a combination of grants, scholarships, loans, and work study. Your aid is based on (1) being a full-time student, (2) your housing status, (3) your results from the FAFSA, and (4) the availability of funds.
Grants: Money that does not have to be paid back and is typically based on financial need. Grants can be in the form of a government grant (Pell), Indiana state grant (Frank O’Bannon), and/or University grant (Valpo Fund Alumni Award).
Scholarships: Money you do not have to pay back that is based on merit, skills, or other unique characteristics. This includes scholarships offered at the time of admission.
Loans: If you completed the FAFSA, you automatically qualify for federal student loans (direct subsidized and/ or unsubsidized loans). These must be paid back.
Work study: A student can earn wages through an oncampus or approved off-campus community service job. The University offers both federal work study (need- based) and Valparaiso University work study (non need-based) opportunities.
ESTIMATED ANNUAL AMOUNT DUE
You will see two sections on the aid offer: one listed as scholarships/grants, the other as loans. The total estimated out-of-pocket cost is listed below each section accordingly. If you choose to not use loans, your estimated out-of-pocket is what you will see in the scholarships/grants section.
VIEW YOUR FINANCIAL AID OFFER ONLINE
To review your financial aid offer, use the DataVU login and temporary password listed at the top of your aid
offer. Log into datavu1.valpo.edu and select financial aid to view your aid offer online.
Once you are in DataVU, please review the checklist of documents that may be needed to complete your financial aid offer. If a document request notification is included with your offer, additional documents are needed to finalize your financial aid. A list of what is needed will be included in your packet and will appear in your financial aid offer. These forms MUST be submitted before any aid is posted to your account.
INDIRECT COSTS DEFINITION AND EXAMPLES
On DataVU under my award letter, you can review your direct costs (tuition, fees, housing, food, etc.) and indirect costs (travel, miscellaneous, loan fees, etc.). Indirect costs are estimated expenses you may experience that are not billed by the University.
Direct costs and indirect costs together make up the estimated cost of attendance. You may use the cost of attendance to budget, however only direct costs are billed by Valpo.
ACCEPT, REDUCE, OR DECLINE YOUR LOANS
In your financial aid account, you will need to accept, reduce, or decline the loans offered. If you accept your loans, your checklist will update and direct you to complete the master promissory note (MPN) and entrance counseling at studentaid.gov.
OUTSIDE SCHOLARSHIPS
If you are receiving outside scholarships, you can report this information in your financial aid account so it can be added to your aid offer. Once a check for your outside scholarships is received by the Office of Student Accounts, it will be posted to your account. Outside scholarships may affect your financial aid offer.
INDIANA STATE GRANTS
INDIANA RESIDENTS: Log into scholartrack.in.gov to review your state grant notice. If your FAFSA has edits that need to be corrected for state grant consideration, you will receive an email from the state in April regarding the edits to be corrected. The state does not confirm state grant eligibility until closer to July.
What Happens After Reviewing My Offer
Secure your spot in the incoming class by submitting your enrollment deposit in your admission portal (valpo.edu/admitted). Deposits are fully refundable until May 1. Deposits are credited toward your fall tuition bill.
Register for and attend FOCUS, new-student orientation, to learn more about Valpo, register for your fall classes, and meet fellow classmates. Go to valpo.edu/focus for more details and dates!
Have your final (eighth semester) official high school transcript sent to the Office of Undergraduate Admission.
Transfer students should have your final college transcript sent to the Office of Undergraduate Admission.
Your total Valparaiso University grants and scholarships may not exceed the tuition charge. Total aid from all sources may not exceed Valpo’s cost of attendance.
Student Account Payment Center and Payment Options
Once you are registered for classes, give your parent/guardian(s) proxy access to your account information. With your ValpoNet credentials, you can log into DataVU and click student finance self-service where you have access to:
View Account Information
Available 24/7 with real-time update of charges and payments, including tuition, housing, books, food, financial aid, parking charges, and more.
Payment Plan and Billing
Create payment plans, make payments, and view transaction details.
View Current Bill
After registration, e-bill statements are available (ONLY) for fall and spring terms. Scan the QR code to the right to access the billing webpage for more information.
Proxy Access on DataVU, under Financial Aid
Due to federal regulations (FERPA), the student must grant proxy access to any additional users. Authorized proxy users may view account activity, make payments, or create payment plans on the student account.
NOTE: Registered students may view their e-bill, beginning early July for fall classes and midNovember for spring classes.
View All Payment Options
Scan the QR code below to view payment options for fall or spring.
The student account can be accessed by students and proxy users by logging in to their DataVU account at datavu1.valpo.edu
What are Federal Student Loans?
Federal direct student loans are awarded according to the information you provide on your FAFSA and require half-time enrollment (six credit hours/semester). Funds come directly to Valpo from the federal government. Repayment begins six months after you are no longer enrolled at least half time If you wish to borrow some or all of the direct student loan(s) you will need to complete both entrance counseling and the master promissory note (MPN) at studentaid.gov. Loans will need to be accepted, reduced, or declined through your DataVU financial aid account.
Types of Federal Direct Student Loans
THE FEDERAL DIRECT SUBSIDIZED LOAN
This loan is based on demonstrated need as determined by the results of your FAFSA. For 20242025 the interest rate was fixed at 6.53%. A loan origination fee of 1.057% will be deducted from the loan before it is disbursed. The government pays the interest as long as you remain a half-time student. Repayment begins six months after you are no longer enrolled at least half time.
THE FEDERAL DIRECT UNSUBSIDIZED LOAN
This loan is offered without regard to need but accrues interest during enrollment. For 2024-2025, the interest rate was fixed at 6.53%. A loan origination fee of 1.057% will be deducted from the loan before it is disbursed. You may defer making the interest payments during this time, but the interest will be added to the principal, increasing the amount you pay. Repayment begins six months after you are no longer enrolled at least half time.
Special Circumstances
ANNUAL BORROWING LIMITS ARE AS FOLLOWS:
Freshman: (0–23 credits completed): $5,500, up to $3,500 in a subsidized loan
Sophomore: (24–55 credits completed): $6,500, up to $4,500 in a subsidized loan
Junior/Senior: (>55 credits completed): $7,500, up to $5,500 in a subsidized loan
Determination of subsidized/unsubsidized combination is based on the FAFSA results and the other financial aid you are receiving.
LOAN DISBURSEMENT
Loans for the academic year are equally divided for the fall and spring semesters.
Did you know?
Your admission deposit credits to your student account in the fall semester and reduces your tuition.
Entrance Counseling and Loan Agreement/MPN
Federal regulations require all students who have not previously borrowed a federal direct student loan to complete:
Entrance counseling
Loan agreement/master promissory note (MPN)
Both of these documents can be completed at studentaid.gov.
Entrance counseling is designed to help you better understand the terms and conditions of the loan and your rights and obligations when you borrow money from the federal government.
The loan agreement/MPN is your agreement to repay the loans once you have graduated or are no longer in school half time.
Entrance counseling and the MPN are required the first time you borrow a federal student loan. You are only required to complete the process again if you have been out of school for more than 10 years or if the promissory note becomes inactive because no disbursements were made on the loan.
Both steps must be completed in order for your loans to disburse to your account. Not completing the documents can delay the disbursement of your loans.
Some things to remember:
The student signs into studentaid.gov using their FSA ID to complete the forms.
Entrance counseling takes about 30 minutes.
MPN requires two personal references (U.S. citizens) who have known you at least three years. Make sure you have different addresses for each person.
Review all four sections of the terms and conditions and mark the check box acknowledging that you have reviewed the information.
Review the promissory note, type your name, and click the sign button; then open the promissory note, click submit, and you should receive a page letting you know you have finished the process.
Valpo will be notified electronically when you have completed each item.
Additional Student Loan Options
In most cases, families will need to pay something toward the cost of attending college. Once you have reviewed your aid offer and determined if additional financial aid is needed, here are some options:
Direct PLUS Loans (see page 8 for more information)
Private Alternative Student Loans
We understand that students and families sometimes experience changes to their financial situation that may impact their ability to pay for college. Depending on what has occurred, the student may request a review of special circumstances that may cause a revision to the FAFSA and increase the amount of aid to help pay for your Valpo education.
The Office of Financial Aid reviews these circumstances on an individual basis. Some examples of what might have occurred include, but are not limited to: one-time non-recurring income, change in employment status or marital status, medical expenses, private school tuition expenses for younger siblings, and daycare/eldercare expenses. To view the full list or provide information about a circumstance that may not be listed, scan the QR code to the right and scroll down to special circumstances.
Private loans are available through a number of private lenders to help cover educational expenses. Applications for private loans are available 120 days before classes begin (may vary by lender). Check with your loan servicer for details. The student is the borrower, but will usually need a credit-worthy co-signer.
These loans offer:
- Borrowing option for full-time or part-time students (up to cost of attendance less other assistance)
- Variable and fixed interest rates
- Low or no origination, guarantee, or repayment fees
At the beginning of the term, students should allow a minimum of three to four weeks for disbursement from a private loan to apply to their student account. Valpo will work with the lender of your choice.
Visit the QR code to the right for more specific information on these loans and links to online applications.
Institutional Loans
(limited amounts available through Valpo)
The annual borrowing amounts are limited, and some institutional loans are restricted to certain majors, county of residence, or year in college. These institutional loan funds are available only after you have used all your other student loan or parent loan options.
Contact the Office of Financial Aid for more information.
Federal Direct (PLUS) Loan (available
The federal Direct PLUS Loan is available to parents of undergraduate dependent students who are enrolled at least half-time (six credit hours or more). The annual loan limit is the total cost of attendance minus all other aid received. The interest rate for 2024-2025 is 9.08%.
Although this loan is not based on financial need, a FAFSA and a credit check are required. Repayment begins 60 days after full disbursement, or the parent can request a deferment if the student is enrolled at least half-time.
online after April 1 )
The loan origination fee of 4.228% will be deducted from the federal Direct PLUS Loan before it is credited toward your charges.
Credit Worthiness Standards for the Direct PLUS Loan: To meet the credit worthiness requirements, an applicant cannot be 180 days or more delinquent on repayment of any debt or the subject of a default determination, bankruptcy discharge, foreclosure, repossession, tax lien, wage garnishment, or write-off of a Title IV debt during the last five years.
HOW TO APPLY FOR A DIRECT PLUS LOAN
To apply for the federal Direct PLUS Loan, you must complete the loan application and, if a first-time borrower for this student, complete the PLUS master promissory note (MPN) for a Direct PLUS Loan. The student will need to have filed a FAFSA for the year.
Some things to remember:
The parent(s) are logging into studentaid.gov and locating loans and grants.
Use the parent(s) FSA ID and password to apply for the federal Direct PLUS Loan.
The first information provided is for the student for whom the parent(s) are borrowing, followed by their information, which includes: personal, employer information (if employed), academic year for the loan, deferment choices, where to allocate the funds, school information, and loan amount.
If the loan is approved, the parent borrower will then be directed to complete the MPN for that student. The loan funds will be credited directly to the student’s account. If you choose to borrow through the federal Direct PLUS Loan program in future years, you will need to complete a new application each year, but you will not have to sign another MPN for that student. The MPN is good for up to 10 years.
Borrow Conservatively
For more information on student loans (repayment calculators, loan cancellation options, and other loan resources), please go to studentaid.gov.
If the loan is denied, you will be given the option to appeal the credit decision, obtain an endorser for the loan, or allow an increase in the student’s unsubsidized loan.
Federal Direct
“Additional" Unsubsidized
Loans are available for independent undergraduate students or for dependent undergraduates whose parents have been denied a federal Direct PLUS Loan for the current academic year. Although this loan is available without regard to need, a FAFSA must be submitted in order to be eligible.
Annual borrowing limits for the "Additional"
Unsubsidized Loans are as follows:
Freshman/Sophomore: $4,000
Junior/Senior: $5,000
Work Study
All Valparaiso University students are eligible to apply for a job on campus through the student employment program, regardless of financial need. Please visit valpo.12twenty.com/Login and use your valpo email address to log into Valpo Career Hub for information about available jobs. Search work study for a list of on- and off-campus jobs.
Students will interview with those departments who have shown an interest in hiring them for work study.
Once hired, students will complete paperwork, which includes providing proper identification, completing I-9, federal W-4, and state W-4 forms, and completing direct deposit information for bi-weekly pay.
Actual earnings depend on the number of hours worked per week and are paid directly to the student through direct deposit into their bank account.
Other Reminders
Your fall account balance must be under $3,000* in order to register for spring semester.
Your account statement will be emailed for the spring semester and is due by January 5. The spring semester bill is based upon spring semester enrollment credits.
If enrolling for summer classes, you must complete Valpo’s summer financial aid application in addition to the upcoming year FAFSA. The summer financial aid application will be available on our website in February.
* Amount subject to change.
Finalizing and Renewing Your Aid Offer
RECEIVING YOUR AID
Your financial aid will be posted to your student account after the drop/add period each semester if all required documents have been submitted and reviewed by the Office of Financial Aid.
These documents may include, but are not limited to:
1. Copies of tax transcript or signed tax return
2. Verification worksheets
3. Master promissory note (MPN)
4. Entrance counseling
Aid cannot be disbursed until all documents have been received and reviewed. After items are submitted, please allow 3-5 business days for them to be reviewed. You may check the receipt date under financial aid on DataVU.
If a credit balance exists on a student account after all financial aid credits have been applied, the student may request a refund using the student refund request form.
You can submit the student refund request form two ways:
In-person: The form is available in the Student Accounts Office.
Online: The online form is available through DataVU, or via the QR code to the right.
NOTE: A student refund request form must be submitted for each refund issued.
RENEWAL OF FINANCIAL AID
Most merit scholarships are renewable by maintaining satisfactory academic progress (SAP). Some scholarship and special/departmental awards are renewable when you maintain the specified grade point average noted in your scholarship letter. You do not need to file the FAFSA to receive these awards. Our SAP policy can be found on valpo.edu/financial-aid or by scanning the QR code to the right.
Federal, state, and University grants, loans, and work programs are based on the FAFSA. Renewal of these awards is contingent upon the availability of funds and maintaining SAP.
Indiana residents: Your FAFSA must be received by the federal processor by April 15 every year for Indiana state grant consideration (Indiana grants are only available for eight semesters).
The Office of Financial Aid staff will attempt to keep award levels consistent from year-to-year; however, there are some factors that can affect your eligibility for need-based aid. Some of these factors include, but are not limited to: an increase in either the parents’ or the student’s income as compared to the prior year, and an increase in the parents’ or the student’s assets as reported on the FAFSA.
Information regarding eligibility and renewal of your aid is listed on our website at valpo.edu/financial-aid or in the general catalog
Other Important Information
DROPPING ONE OR MORE COURSES
Students may drop one or more courses during the drop/add period. Tuition charges will be reassessed at the end of that period. There will be no adjustments to tuition for courses dropped after the drop/add period. There will also be no refund of the special, laboratory, or general fees.
Your financial aid will be reviewed at the end of the drop/add period. If needed, it will be adjusted to reflect enrollment at that time.
WITHDRAWAL FROM ALL CLASSES
If, for whatever reason, a student needs to withdraw from Valparaiso University, they may be eligible for a prorated refund of their tuition, housing, and food charges according to the schedule. This feature can be accessed under the registration tab in DataVU.
Visit our website at valpo.edu/financial-aid to review the following information:
Tuition & Fees*
Applying and Renewal of Financial Aid
Scholarships, Grants, and Loans
Veterans Information and Resources Billing Forms
Student Employment
Student Financial Services Contact Information
* There are additional fees for some programs. Please go to valpo.edu/ student-financial-services/tuitionfees/direct-charges or scan the QR code to the right to review this information.
IMPORTANT LINKS
datavu1.valpo.edu Access to financial aid selfservice and student accounts
valpo.edu/admitted — Enrollment deposit link
studentaid.gov This site gives you access to the FAFSA, entrance counseling, master promissory note, federal Direct PLUS Loan application, and information about the borrowing process and loans. To reach someone regarding issues with your FAFSA, call 1.800.433.3243.
FEDERAL AND STATE OFFICES
Indiana Commission for Higher Education (ICHE) Phone: 317.464.4400
Initial refunds are available approximately two to three weeks after the term begins. After all initial refunds are processed, subsequent refunds will be processed bi-weekly. For exact disbursement dates, please contact the Student Accounts Office at 219.464.5101.
All student refunds will be processed through the Student Accounts Office. To receive your refund by direct deposit, register your payment preference on DataVU.
scholartrack.in.gov View your state grant eligibility if a resident of Indiana
View tax return transcripts, verification of letter, and wage and income transcript
