Admission to Pitzer

Instructions to Applicants

In keeping with its commitment to the individual, Pitzer College has developed a highly personalized approach to the selective admission process. The Admission Committee will review your application to determine your academic preparation, your commitment to extracurricular activities and your potential fit with the Pitzer community.

Your application should demonstrate the ways in which you feel you will benefit from, contribute to, and be challenged by Pitzer’s unique approach to undergraduate education. We are looking for students who exhibit strong academic abilities, maturity, and socially conscious independence. Because different people show and use their strengths in different ways, the Admission Committee does not expect essays to be answered in the same way, nor do we expect students who will benefit from Pitzer to have the same background, the same course work or the same culture.

Pitzer College adheres to the letter and spirit of the Guide to Ethical Practice of the National Association for College Admissions Counseling. Pitzer admits students of any race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, age, creed, handicap and national or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the college. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, sex, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, handicap or national or ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, scholarships and loan programs, athletic and other college-administered programs or employment policies.

Campus Visits and Interviews

We strongly recommend that you engage with the admission office through on and off campus information sessions and student-led tours. Reservations for an information session or tour can be made online.

In addition to information sessions, we hope you will be able to schedule an interview with us. We offer three ways to complete an interview: 1) on-campus interview, 2) Zoom, and 3) phone interview. All three options carry the same weight. Please note that November 15 is the last day for interviews for Early Decision I candidates and December 15 for Early Decision II and Regular Decision candidates.

First-Year Admission

High School Preparation

Your best preparation for success at Pitzer is the completion of a rigorous college preparatory program. Academic challenge is important and you should maintain a rigorous course schedule through your senior year. Your studies should include four years of English (especially courses that emphasize writing), at least three years each of foreign language, mathematics and social, behavioral and natural sciences. We strongly recommend that you take advantage of honors and advanced placement courses offered at your school.

Application Process

Pitzer’s admission policy for first-year students provides applicants with greater flexibility in presenting application materials that accurately reflect their diverse academic abilities and potentials. The College is completely test-blind and will not use standardized testing to evaluate candidates. All students are given equal consideration in the admission process.

Application Forms

Pitzer College is an exclusive user of the Common Application for first-year applicants. The application can be accessed at www.commonapp.org.  All application material must be submitted by the appropriate deadline.

Application Deadlines

There are three options for applying to Pitzer: Early Decision I by November 15, Early Decision II by January 6, and Regular Decision by January 6.

Early Decision

Students who have thoughtfully determined that Pitzer College is their first choice and who have superior academic records are invited to apply as Early Decision applicants. Early Decision is a binding agreement whereby applicants agree that if they are admitted to Pitzer, they will withdraw all other applications and not initiate new ones. In addition, applicants agree not to apply Early Decision to any other institution while applying Early Decision to Pitzer.

Early Decision I applicants must submit all required materials by November 15, which is also the deadline for optional interviews. Early Decision II applicants must submit all required materials by January 6, which is also the deadline for optional interviews. We will notify Early Decision I applicants of admission decisions by late December and Early Decision II applicants will be notified of admission decisions by February 15.

Regular Decision

Applicants for Regular Decision must submit all required application materials by January 5. Interviews for Regular Decision students are optional. Interviews must be completed by December 15.  Notification letters will be sent by April 1.

Application Fee

A $70 application fee or completed Common Application fee waiver required with each application. This fee is not refundable.

Deferring Entrance

Once admitted, students may be considered for deferral for a year to pursue non-academic goals. To hold a place, students must submit the commitment fee by May 1. Requests for gap year must be made by May 10.

Transfer Admission

We welcome transfer applicants from two- and four-year colleges. To be considered for transfer admission, candidates must have completed one or more semesters or two or more quarters of college credit prior to the application deadline. Applicants who have completed at least 32 semester units or 48 quarter units in academic subjects may be reviewed without high school transcripts. Standardized tests are not required from transfer applicants.

In assessing transfer candidates, the Admission Committee will pay particular attention to work done in college courses. Transfer students should complete any first-year writing courses required at their current institution prior to enrollment at Pitzer. Matriculated transfer students must complete at least two years of study at Pitzer in order to earn a Pitzer College degree. Students who wish to transfer from two-year colleges may do so before they have completed their A.A. degrees. However, we strongly suggest that prospective transfer students take courses from a broad range of subjects including the humanities, math, social science and science. Pitzer recommends that California community college students complete courses within the Inter-Segmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC). Information regarding the IGETC course series can be obtained from the counseling center at your community college.

Interviews for transfer students are not required, but are recommended. Interviews must be completed by the admission deadlines.

Transfer applicants with coursework from higher education institutions outside of the United States must provide a report from a credentials evaluation service in order to receive an evaluation of credit transferable to Pitzer.  The following organizations may be used:

• International Education Research Foundation
• World Education Services

Application Forms

Pitzer College accepts the Common Application as its only application for admission for transfer students. All sections are required. Due to the high volume of applications that we receive, we are not always able to send reminders regarding which pieces of your application have been received or not. Therefore, it is your responsibility to ensure that your application is completed by the appropriate deadline. You must also submit transcripts of all colleges/universities attended. If you have completed less than 32 semester units or 48 quarter units, you are required to submit your high school transcript, or GED scores.

Application Deadline

To be considered for fall semester, transfer applicants must submit all required application materials by April 1. Notification letters will be sent by May 15 and commitment fees are due by June 15. For spring semester, you must submit all required application materials by October 10th. Notification letters will be sent by November 13 and commitment fees are due by December 10.

Application Fee

A $70 application fee or completed Common Application fee waiver required with each application. This fee is not refundable.

New Resources Admission

The application process for the New Resources program mirrors the transfer process and uses the same forms. Students must send transcripts of all college work completed; submit two references from people who can attest to their skills, motivation and readiness for college-level work. The New Resources program is only open to students who are least 23 years of age and only enrolls students for the fall semester. New Resources candidates are strongly encouraged to provide recent academic records for a more accurate admission assessment.  Coursework that reflects a liberal arts curriculum and/or work that fulfills requirements for an Associates of Arts or Science, would be most appropriate. 

Application Deadline

To be considered for fall semester you must submit all required materials by April 1. Notification letters will be sent by May 15 and commitment fees are due by June 15.

Application Fee

A $70 application fee or a request for fee waiver is required with each application. This fee is not refundable.

Readmission to Pitzer

If a student wishes to return to Pitzer after being withdrawn from the college, they will need to apply for readmission during the specified application periods. The deadlines are October 10^th for spring admission and April 1^st for fall admission. A Readmission Application is available online on the Admission website. Along with the evaluation by the Admission office, Admissions consults independently with the Academic Standards Committee (ASC) and the Office of Student Affairs (OSA) to determine if the student is eligible to return to Pitzer College. In order to return, students must be in good academic, disciplinary, and financial standing. If readmitted, the Academic Standards Committee or Office of Student Affairs may define the probationary terms under which the student may continue enrollment. Students who fail to meet the terms of probation following readmission normally will be dismissed from the College.

International Students

Pitzer College is committed to the goals of international education and welcomes applications from international students.  International students use the same application as domestic students. In addition to the other required credentials, international students may need to demonstrate English proficiency by submitting their results from either the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). We require the IELTS or TOEFL from students whose native language is not English.

A minimum score of 7.5 on the IELTS or 106 IBT on the TOEFL is required for regular admission. Students who are qualified for admission to Pitzer in all ways except English proficiency and who have achieved an IELTS score of at least 6.5 or a TOEFL score of at least 70 IBT are eligible for the Pitzer International Scholars Program.

You can learn more about the ISP program at www.pitzer.edu/admission/ischolars.

Pitzer College is authorized under federal law to enroll non-immigrant students and will issue a Certificate of Eligibility (Form I-20) to all accepted students. Federal law requires that all international students present proof to the College and to the consular officer to whom they apply for a visa that they have sufficient funds to pay the full cost of their education in the United States. Pitzer College offers financial aid to international applicants who require financial assistance in order to attend.  Because limited financial resources are available, Pitzer will only be able to offer financial aid to a small group of international students.  All international applications who would like to be considered for financial aid must indicate on the Common Application that they are seeking financial aid. International students seeking financial aid must complete the Pitzer International Student Financial Aid Application (PIFAA) online by the published deadlines. Regardless of whether they are seeking financial aid, admitted international students must submit the Statement of Financial Responsibility to the Office of Admission. The Statement of Financial Responsibility is not a specific college form, but instead a financial document which shows that you have enough funds for the first year at Pitzer.  This can be a bank letter, a financial statement, certificate of accounts, etc. The Statement of Financial Responsibility must be received before the College can issue an I-20.

Admission and Financial Aid Calendar

College Fees

Comprehensive Fees for Students $ 87,352

This fee covers tuition fees, room and board for the year (Fall/Spring), as well as various activities and events available to Pitzer students at no charge. It does not include the cost for books, supplies, travel, or housing and food during vacation periods. This comprehensive fee contains the following charges.

Payment Schedules

College bills are payable in advance according to the schedules specified below. All checks should be made payable to Pitzer College.

Miscellaneous Fees include, but are not limited to, the following:

Personal & Other Miscellaneous Expenses

Books, supplies, and personal expenses will vary from student to student. For full-time students, the typical amount is about $2,400; $1,100 for books and supplies and $1,300 for personal expenses. Note: Travel expenses are not included. Medical insurance is included for some students based on financial need.

College Bills

All College bills are due each semester in advance and must be paid by August 20, 2024 for the Fall semester and January 20, 2025 for the Spring semester. Bills not paid by these dates are delinquent. We accept checks, cash, money order or electronic payments.  Students wishing to pay by installments may do so by enrolling in the Pitzer College Payment Plan.

Delinquent Accounts

No student whose account is not current will be permitted to enroll. Seniors must settle all college bills by April 1st.

If an account with a Pitzer College Payment Plan is terminated because of delinquency, that balance of the account becomes due and payable immediately to the College.Students may reach out to Student Accounts to discuss personal payment plan options. If no contact is made, the student may be recognized as being in default, and collections processes begin.

A student’s account is due in full within thirty (30) days after leaving the College. If the account is not paid or arrangements made to pay, the account will be referred to a collection agency. Any previous semester and all new semester charges will be due and payable in full at the beginning of the semester by cashier’s check or money order only.

Returned Payments

If a check or electronic payment (ACH) submitted for an account is returned unpaid, a $25 returned item fee is assessed the first time, any additional items will be assessed a $35 returned item fee. The account becomes delinquent if payment by cashier’s check, cash or money order is not received within ten (10) days of notification of check return.   If payment is not received by the tenth (10th) day, an additional $50 late fee will be assessed. If more than one payment in a semester is returned, payment of the account balance must then be made by cashier’s check or money order.

Tuition Refund Policies

Formal Withdrawal or Leave of Absence (LOA)

Students who officially withdraw or take a leave of absence before the first day of classes are eligible for a 100% refund. Students who officially withdraw or take a leave of absence on or after the first day of classes during the semester may be eligible for a pro-rate refund, depending upon the time of the withdrawal or leave. Students must give written notification to the Registrar of their decision to withdraw or take a leave of absence and complete the withdrawal or leave of absence procedures in order to be eligible for any adjustment of charges.

Tuition, room and board charges, will be prorated based on percentage of time attended that semester, per Student Accounts refund deadline policies, please refer to Tuition Refund Policies page via Student Accounts for 2024-2025 refund dates.

It is recommended that students consult with the Student Accounts Office and Office of Financial Aid (if receiving financial aid) prior to leaving Pitzer College.

For students enrolled during the summer, please consult the Summer Session Academic Calendar for specific drop dates and tuition refund percentages as the policies vary from the traditional academic year.

** Note that if students have already received a credit balance refund from Pitzer College before withdrawal or LOA, the refund calculation

Enrollment Status Change

Students whose status changes from full-time (three or more course credits) to part-time (fewer than three course credits) enrollment status, during the first ten class days of the semester, will be refunded the full difference between the two costs. No adjustments will be made after the 10^th day of the semester, unless a student officially withdrawals from the College or takes a leave of absence.

Financial Aid

Pitzer College’s financial aid program supports the goals of the admission program: to bring a diverse and qualified student body to campus. During the 2023-24 academic year, approximately 38% of Pitzer students received some form of financial assistance. Financial aid at Pitzer College is need-based and provides assistance to students whose family financial resources cannot meet Pitzer’s cost of attendance. Pitzer meets 100% of demonstrated need for all students who apply for financial aid by our priority deadlines, meet eligibility requirements and demonstrate financial need.

To be eligible for financial aid, a student must be admitted to or regularly enrolled in a program leading to a Pitzer degree. The student must not owe a refund on a grant or loan received for attendance at another institution. The student must also submit the appropriate financial aid applications, apply on their own for any state aid and provide all required information by the published deadlines. Students seeking a second bachelor’s degree are not eligible for institutional aid from Pitzer College, but may be eligible for federal loans.

The financial aid information listed in this catalog applies to polices that are in place for the 2024-2025 academic year. Policies are subject to change year-to-year. Please contact the Office of Financial Aid if you have questions about any specific policy.

Cost of Attendance

The cost of attendance (COA) also known as the student’s budget, is used to determine financial aid eligibility. The COA includes direct cost for tuition & fees, an allowance for housing & food, as well as indirect costs for books & supplies, personal expenses and transportation/travel. Below is the 2024-2025 standard cost of attendance for students enrolled full-time and residing on-campus.

Housing & Food

The financial aid COA varies depending on the student’s housing status: campus housing, off-campus housing or at home with family. These three budgets are meant to realistically estimate the costs of the different housing options and are consistent with the practices of other local colleges.

*To comply with federal regulations meant to address food insecurity, the on-campus food budget will include the cost of the 19-meal plan. Students living on campus may choose between the 12-, 14-, 16-, or 19-meal plan. While the 19-meal plan is not required, it is encouraged to support food needs. Aid will not be decreased for students who select a lower cost meal plan.

Other Costs

Books & Supplies: This is an estimate of your total books/supplies cost for the academic year. Actual costs will vary.

Personal Expenses: This is an estimate of your personal expenses for the academic year. Actual costs will vary.

Transportation/Travel: All domestic student budgets include a yearly transportation allowance that ranges from $100 - $1,000 (or $50 - $500/semester) depending on the student’s state of residence. In addition, students who reside off campus or at home receive an additional $450/year (or $225/semester) to assist with commuting costs to and from Pitzer.

Course Fees: Students with academic course fees may have their course fees included in their budget and covered with a course fee scholarship. Academic course fees and course fee scholarships are assessed after the 10th day of the semester, when enrollment is “locked”. Please note financial aid does not cover the cost of physical education fees.

Direct Loan Fees: All Federal Direct Loans are assessed an origination fee by the federal government. This fee is deducted from the loan before the borrower receives the money; therefore, the loan funds received by the borrower will be less than the amount they borrow.

The COA includes the average origination fee for the Subsidized Direct Loan program. Students who accept their Subsidized direct Loan will have their cost of attendance increased by this average and will receive additional grant assistance to make-up for this fee. The office of Financial Aid updates aid packages for this fee in late September.

Medical Insurance: All enrolled students are required to have health insurance. Students are automatically enrolled in the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) through Pitzer but may waive out if they can provide proof of comparable coverage.

Health insurance is not included in the initial COA. Depending on financial need and state of residency, some students may be eligible to receive a grant to cover the cost of SHIP. Eligible students are notified and automatically awarded this grant. Students who are not eligible for the SHIP Grant and cannot waive this requirement should reach out to the Office of Financial Aid to discuss financing options.

How to Apply

Application Requirements

All prospective and current students seeking need-based financial aid are required to submit the following:

Domestic Students (prospective & current)

1. CSS Profile (school code 4619) - both parents
2. FAFSA (school code 001172) - custodial parent only
3. Copies of 2022 taxes & W-2(s) - both parents
4. Copies of 2022 taxes & W-2(s) for student (if applicable)

Copies of tax returns must include the entire federal 1040 U.S. Tax Return with all schedules, forms, statements and worksheets. Copies of all parent & student W-2(s), business tax returns (1120-S, 1065, 1120), 1099(s) and K-1 statements are also required if applicable. Students who are selected for federal verification through the FAFSA may be required to provide additional documentation.

Prospective International Applicants

1. Pitzer International Financial Aid Application (PIFAA) - both parents
2. Copies of 2022 income tax or earnings information - both parents
3. Copies of 2022 income tax or earnings information for student (if applicable)

Current International Students

1. CSS Profile- both parents
2. Copies of 2022 income tax or earnings information - both parents
3. Copies of 2022 income tax or earnings information for student (if applicable)

Copies of 2022 income documents, including wage statements from each employer are required. All tax documents must be translated to English by a third-party professional (not the student or their parent). The Office of Financial Aid must be able to verify application information using supplied tax documents.

Readmitted Students

Students who apply for readmission and are interested in financial aid must follow returning student application requirements. Readmitted students who submit all application requirements by the published deadlines receive financial aid eligibility letters at the same time as their admission decision.

Divorced/Separated Parents

If a dependent student’s parents are divorced, separated, or living apart, one parent is considered the ‘custodial parent’ and the other parent is considered the ‘noncustodial parent’. The custodial parent is the parent the student lived with most over the past twelve months (i.e. more than fifty percent) Pitzer requires both parents to participate in the financial aid application process. Thus, aid applications and copies of tax documents are required for both the custodial and noncustodial parent (unless otherwise stated).

Application Deadlines

Incoming students receive financial aid eligibility letters with their admission decision. Refer to the Admission and Financial Aid Calendar section of this catalog for dates.

Current students receive their financial aid eligibility through their myCampus portal. Letters are released no later than June 30 for students who submitted their documents by our priority deadline.

How Need is Determined

The Office of Financial Aid uses the information from the FAFSA and the CSS Profile, and tax documents to carefully review and evaluate a family’s individual circumstances and calculate an expected family contribution (EFC). The aid calculation takes into consideration the family’s income, assets, taxes paid, standard living costs, family size and the number of children enrolled in undergraduate college, as well as other circumstances unique to the family.

In addition, each student is expected to use a portion of their accumulated savings or summer earnings to contribute toward their educational expenses. Each student has an automatic earnings contribution. Most students have a summer earnings contribution of $1,700. Students with higher financial need may have a contribution as low as $500.

The student’s financial need is calculated by subtracting the parent and student contributions from the total cost of attendance (see cost of attendance in this catalog).

Renewing Financial Aid

Need-based aid is not automatically renewed. Students are responsible for reapplying each year by submitting the required documents by our priority deadlines.

The Office of Financial Aid reviews financial need annually. Students may see changes to their need-based financial aid if there are changes in the family’s income, assets, household size, or number of dependent children in college. To be eligible for financial aid renewal, a student must be eligible to re-enroll as determined by the College’s Academic Standards Committee and must be making Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) as defined in this catalog.

Sources and Types of Financial Aid

Financial aid funds at Pitzer are derived from: institutional, state and federal sources. A student’s eligibility for federal funds is determined by the information provided on the FAFSA. The amount of federal and state funds offered to a student depends on specific program funding.

Aid Disbursements

All scholarship and loan funds are disbursed directly to the student’s account and are divided equally between the first and second semester. Employment funds are paid directly to the student via check or direct deposit after securing campus employment. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that their student account is paid.

Need-Based Aid

• Pitzer Scholarship: Each year, the Board of Trustees allocates a portion of the total budget to be used for Pitzer Scholarships. These scholarships are based solely on financial need and are administered by the Office of Financial Aid. The FAFSA, CSS Profile, and tax documents are required to be considered for need-based Pitzer Scholarship funds.

• Cal Grant: The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) offers the Cal Grant program to California residents who attend a California college/university. 
  • Eligibility
    • ​Prospective first-year students must submit a FAFSA or Dream Act as well as a GPA Verification form to CSAC by March 2. Most California high schools will automatically complete the GPA Verification form on behalf of their students. Please check with your high school counselor regarding the GPA requirement.
    • Prospective transfer/New Resource students must submit a FAFSA or Dream Act and their current college or university must submit their college GPA to CSAC by March 2.
    • Current/returning students must submit a FAFSA or Dream Act by March 2. Pitzer will automatically submit grade information to CSAC for all students enrolled in the spring who are expected to return in the fall.

              *For the 2023-24 academic year, the Cal Grant deadline was extended to May 2*

• Types of Cal Grant

The Cal Grant A maximum award for the 2024-2025 academic year is $9,358. A student enrolled less than full-time will receive a prorated amount of Cal Grant A funding.

The Cal Grant B is aimed at high-potential students from low-income/disadvantaged backgrounds. The Cal Grant B has two components: tuition grant and living allowance. A living allowance of $1,648 for the 2024-25 academic year is awarded to assist with books and supplies. Second-, third- and fourth-year students receive a living allowance and a tuition grant. The tuition grant mirrors the value of the Cal Grant A; the amount for the 2024-25 academic year is $9,358. Students who are eligible for the Cal Grant B may complete an Access Authorization form to allow Pitzer to apply the living allowance to charges on the student’s account. Student authorization is voluntary and is valid for the duration of enrollment at Pitzer. A student may cancel the authorization of payment at any time up until the time the funds are disbursed to their student account.

• Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants: These federal funds range from $200 to $4,000 at Pitzer and are offered to Pell eligible students with exceptional financial need. The Office of Financial Aid administers these funds from the federal government.

• Federal Pell Grant: These funds are administered by the U.S. Department of Education (ED) through participating institutions and provide assistance to students with high need. For the 2024-25 academic year, the maximum offered is $7,395 for a full-time student. The eligible amount is based on a determination of the student’s federal eligibility, the cost of attending Pitzer and a payment schedule issued to all approved educational institutions by ED.

Merit-Based Aid

Pitzer College offers two merit-based scholarships. The Office of Admission awards merit scholarships at the time of admission. These scholarships are not re-assessed or re-awarded at any later point.

• Trustee Scholarship: The Trustee Scholarship is a merit-based scholarship offered to first-year students at the time of admission. This scholarship is $5,000 annually and is renewable for up to four years. To be eligible for renewal, the student must be in good academic standing, enrolled at least half time and making satisfactory academic progress. Recipients must maintain a 2.0 cumulative GPA to renew this scholarship.
• Academic Achievement Scholarship: The Academic Achievement Scholarship is a one-time merit scholarship offered to one first-time, first-year student at the time of admission. The Achievement Scholarship is not renewable and the amount varies from year-to-year based on available funding.

Outside Aid

If a student receives financial assistance from a source other than Pitzer, the student must notify the Office of Financial Aid in writing. An adjustment may be made to the student’s Pitzer financial aid package to incorporate the outside funds and ensure that the total amount of aid does not exceed the student’s financial need. It is Pitzer’s policy to reduce the student’s summer earnings contribution first, followed by their need-based loan, followed by work. If the outside aid exceeds the student’s summer contribution, loan and work, the Pitzer Scholarship is then reduced. Outside awards cannot replace or reduce the parent’s contribution.

Student Employment

Pitzer College participates in the Federal Work-Study program. Eligibility for work-study is based on financial need and available funding. Under this program, students work at Pitzer or for an approved employer within the Claremont Consortium. Off-campus jobs are available at public and private nonprofit organizations and community service work is strongly encouraged. International students who have been offered Institutional Work Study may work on campus after they have applied for a Social Security number. Please contact Todd Sasaki in Study Abroad and International Programs for assistance.

Student Loans

Loans enable students to invest some of their future earnings in their education. The average federal loan indebtedness of students who began their enrollment at Pitzer as first-year students and graduated in May 2021 was approximately $19,715.

All students who borrow a loan while at Pitzer are required to complete exit counseling before leaving the College. This is a requirement for graduating students and for students who take a leave of absence or withdraw. Exit counseling sessions are scheduled each spring; individual appointments may also be made if the student is leaving the College at the end of the fall semester.

• Federal Direct Loan: The Federal Direct Loan program provides both subsidized and unsubsidized loans to students. Students who demonstrate financial need may qualify for a subsidized loan. Subsidized loans do not accrue interest while the student is enrolled. Students who do not qualify for a subsidized loan may qualify for an unsubsidized loan, which will accrue interest while the student is enrolled in school. Repayment of the principal for both subsidized and unsubsidized loans begins six months after the student ceases to be enrolled at least half-time. During the 2024-25 academic year, the interest rate for subsidized and unsubsidized Federal Direct Loans is 6.xx%. All Federal Direct Loans are subject to an origination fee. For loans disbursed on or prior to October 1, 2024, the origination fee is 1.057%.

Annual loan limits for dependent students are:

Total Federal Direct Loan indebtedness for dependent undergraduate students may not exceed $31,000.

Dependent students whose parents apply for and are denied a Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan may be eligible to borrow an additional Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan. First- and second-year students may borrow an additional $4,000 and third- and fourth-year students may borrow an additional $5,000 per year.

Annual loan limits for independent students and dependent students whose parent is denied a PLUS Loan are:

Total Federal Direct Loan indebtedness for independent students or dependent students whose parent is denied a PLUS Loan may not exceed $57,500.

Emergency Student Loan Fund: Short-term, no-interest emergency student loans are available to students faced with unexpected emergencies. Traditional undergraduate students may borrow up to $500 for 30 days if they are able to verify their ability to repay the loan. Students admitted through the New Resource program may borrow up to $1,000 per semester for 30 days if they are able to verify their ability to repay the loan.

Students who need an emergency student loan should contact the Office of Financial Aid. A student does not have to be a financial aid recipient to qualify for an emergency student loan. The funds that make these loans possible represent Pitzer College’s portion of a gift to the Independent Colleges of Southern California made by First Interstate Bank of California.

Parent Loans

The Federal Direct PLUS Loan permits parents to borrow up to the full cost of attendance minus any financial aid the student receives, each year. Federal Direct PLUS Loan borrowers do not have to demonstrate financial need, but must file a FAFSA application and pass a credit check. Repayment of the principal and interest normally begins within 60 days of disbursement. Deferments of payments while the student is enrolled are available; however, interest continues to accrue. The interest rate for the 2024-25 academic year is 9.xx%. The PLUS Loan is subject to an origination fee. For loans disbursed on or prior to October 1, 2024, the origination fee is 4.228%.

Summer Aid

Summer Session

Pitzer College traditionally offers a six-week summer session for students who want to enrich their education in a rigorous academic atmosphere. Financial aid is available to students who received need-based financial aid during the academic year preceding the summer session. Students may be eligible for financial aid to assist with tuition for up to two courses during the summer. Housing & food costs are not covered by financial aid; however, students who meet eligibility requirements may borrow educational loans to assist with living expenses.

Criteria for summer financial aid eligibility is determined in the spring semester prior to the summer session registration. Please contact the Office of Financial Aid if you have questions about aid eligibility for summer session. Financial Aid is not available for independent study courses during the summer term.

Over the summer, Pitzer does not have a consortium agreement in place with the other Claremont Colleges. As a result, financial aid is only available to Pitzer students who enroll in classes at Pitzer College. Financial aid is not available for summer courses taken at the other Claremont Colleges.

Summer Study Abroad

Pitzer College traditionally offers summer study abroad programs. Financial aid recipients who enroll in these programs and meet eligibility requirements may receive financial aid to assist with the cost of the program, including tuition, fees, housing & food.

Financial aid for summer study abroad is available to help cover the comprehensive costs, which includes tuition, fees, housing and food. Our office will automatically review student aid eligibility for summer study abroad - typically in late April. No application is required, but students who receive aid will need to sign a form confirming they understand the policy outlined below:

Traditional students are eligible for eight full-time semesters of financial aid. By enrolling in summer study abroad, you use half a semester of financial aid eligibility. Upon returning from your summer program, you will only be funded part-time (two course credits) for one semester, traditionally the last semester of your senior year. If you enroll in more than two course credits, you will be financially responsible for the additional course(s).

Transfer students are eligible for a pro-rated number of semesters of financial aid based on their enrollment status at the time of admission. By enrolling in summer study abroad, you use half a semester of financial aid eligibility. Upon returning from your summer program, you will be funded half-time (two course credits) for one semester, traditionally the last semester of your senior year. If you enroll in more than two course credits, you will be financially responsible for the additional course(s).

NRS students are eligible for a specific number of course credits based on their enrollment status at the time of admission. By enrolling in summer study abroad, you use the equivalent of two course credits of financial aid eligibility. These two course credits count toward your maximum aid eligibility.

Financial Aid Policies

Loan & Work Awards

Pitzer financial aid packages include a subsidized loan and work-study. Loan and work aid offers students an opportunity to obtain employment, establish good credit and invest in their education.

As students progress toward their degree, they are eligible for additional subsidized loans. Therefore, the subsidized loan amount increases from year-to-year. In addition, first-years will see a slight increase in their work-study from their first year to their second year from $2,500 to $3,000.

The loan and work-study levels for the 2023-24 academic year are:

Semesters of Aid Limit

First-year students are eligible to receive institutional financial aid for eight semesters or up to 36 credits (whichever comes first). Transfer and New Resource students are eligible for a prorated amount of financial aid eligibility based on the number of courses transferred to Pitzer College and accepted for credit by the Registrar’s Office at the time of admission. Transfer and New Resource students are notified of their financial aid eligibility limit during their admission to Pitzer.

If the student requires more time to complete their degree, the student is responsible for financing the extra cost, including tuition, fees, housing, food, books and supplies. For more information, refer to Maximum Timeframe in the Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) section of this catalog.

Dependent/Independent Status

Students who are admitted to Pitzer College as dependent students cannot change their status to independent throughout their time at Pitzer. In general, no applicant under the age of 24 is considered independent of parental support for purposes of institutional aid. For the purposes of determining federal financial aid eligibility, Pitzer uses the dependency criteria listed on the FAFSA. If your family circumstances significantly change after you enroll at Pitzer, please contact the Office of Financial Aid.

Financial Aid “No” Applicants

During the admission application process students indicate on their Common Application if they are interested in pursuing need-based aid. Students who indicate on their Common Application that they are not interested in financial aid are not considered for institutional aid. However, they may be considered for federal aid and state aid, if eligible.

Domestic Students

Domestic students show started Pitzer on or after the 2020-21 academic year, who did not indicate an interest in aid the year they are admitted will not be considered for institutional aid for two academic years of attendance. However, they may be considered for federal aid and state aid, if eligible.

International Students

International students who indicate on their Common Application that they are not interested in financial aid are not able to change their status and seek financial aid in subsequent years throughout their years of attendance.

Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy

The U.S. Department of Education requires Pitzer to monitor the academic progress of all students on federal financial aid, as stated in regulation 34 CFR 668.34. 

The Office of Financial Aid’s Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) policy monitors academic progress for all aid funds (federal, state and institutional). While the SAP requirements for federal, state and institutional aid are often similar, they are not identical. In addition, the SAP Policy is the same regardless of the student’s enrollment status (full-time or part time). Students should carefully review this policy and contact the Office of Financial Aid with any questions.

Our SAP policy complies with federal requirements and sets reasonable expectations to ensure students make timely progress toward their degree. Monitoring SAP is not meant to be punitive- it is meant to notify students when they may be in jeopardy and provide enough notice for them to get back on track. Monitoring SAP ensures that students remain eligible for federal, state and institutional financial aid throughout their time at Pitzer.

Financial Aid Programs

SAP affects most, but not all, types of awards.

SAP Requirements

SAP for federal, state and institutional eligibility monitors three components: qualitative, quantitative and maximum timeframe.

• Qualitative (grade-based)

The qualitative component measures grade-based progress and monitors Grade Point Average (GPA). To meet this requirement, students must have a cumulative 2.0 GPA at the end of each semester and a cumulative 2.0 GPA at the end of two years of attendance.

• Quantitative (time-based)

The quantitative component measures the pace toward completing a degree (aka completion rate or pace or completion rate) and uses the following calculation:

cumulative number of courses earned ÷ cumulative number of courses attempted = completion rate/pace

Pace measures the cumulative number of courses earned over the cumulative number of courses attempted. To meet the pace requirement, students must have a cumulative completion rate of 67% at the end of each semester.

Example 1: A second-year student attempted 12 courses (4 + 4 + 4) by the end of their third semester, but earned 10 courses (4 + 4 + 2). The pace of progression rate is 10/12 = 83.3%. Since this rate is above 67%, the pace requirement is met.

Example 2: A second-year student attempted 12 courses (4 + 4 + 4) by the end of their third semester, but earned 7 courses (3 + 2 + 2). The pace of progression rate is 7/12 = 58.3%. Since this rate is below 67%, the pace requirement is not met.

• Maximum Timeframe

The maximum timeframe requirement monitors the amount of time it takes to complete a degree. At Pitzer, students complete a degree once they earn a minimum of 32 courses, meet Pitzer’s Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) requirement and fulfill all requirements for one declared major. The maximum timeframe requirement also limits the number of semesters a student is eligible to receive aid. Maximum timeframe differs between federal, state and institutional aid programs.

Federal: The maximum timeframe for federal aid programs for all students is 12 full-time semesters or until the student completes their degree requirements, whichever comes first. After receiving federal aid for 12 full-time semesters (at all institutions), students become ineligible for federal aid.

State: For the state Cal Grant program, students have a maximum timeframe of eight full-time semesters or until the student completes their degree requirements, whichever comes first. After receiving a Cal Grant for eight full-time semesters, students become ineligible for the Cal Grant.

Institutional Aid: The maximum timeframe for institutional aid eligibility is different for traditional students, transfers and New Resource students.

Traditional: Traditional students have a maximum timeframe of earning 36 courses within eight full-time semesters to earn their degree, whichever comes first. After receiving Pitzer aid for eight full-time semesters or 36 courses, students become ineligible for institutional aid. To complete a degree within this timeframe, students must complete an average of four courses per semester within eight full-time semesters.

Transfer: Transfer students have a prorated timeframe based on the grade level certified by Pitzer College at the time of admission. For example, a student who enters Pitzer as a second-year has a maximum timeframe of six full-time semesters to earn their degree, or 36 courses, whichever comes first. A student who enters as a third-year has a maximum timeframe of four full-time semesters to earn their degree, or 36 courses, whichever comes first. This calculation is based on the standard eight full-time semesters required to complete a degree. To complete a degree within any given timeframe, students must complete an average of four courses per semester.

New Resources: New Resource students have a prorated timeframe based on the number of courses certified by Pitzer College at the time of admission. For example, a student who enters Pitzer with 10 courses receives institutional aid for 22 courses. This calculation is based on the standard 32 courses required to complete a degree. New Resource students who enroll part-time are expected to take two courses and use two courses toward their total aid eligibility. New Resource students who enroll as full-time are expected to take 4 courses and use 4 courses toward their total aid eligibility (even if only 3 courses are taken).

Students in 36+ courses: Students who have or exceed 36 courses at the start of any semester may:

• not be eligible for federal or state aid for that semester if at least 1.5 (half-time) of the remaining courses are not required for their degree.
• not be eligible for Pitzer aid for that semester.

Students in 30 - 35 courses: Students who have 30 - 35 courses at the start of any semester may:

• not be eligible for federal or state aid for that semester if at least 1.5 (half-time) of the remaining courses are not required for their degree. Students must demonstrate a need to be enrolled at least half-time (1.5 courses) for courses that meet their degree requirements.
• still be eligible for Pitzer aid as a full-time student so long as they are within their semesters/courses of eligibility.

How Courses Count

Not all courses and grades are measured equally for the purposes of SAP. Below is a breakdown of how most courses counted for the GPA and pace requirements.

​*Repeated Courses: Pitzer’s academic policy states that students who do not receive a passing grade for a course, can repeat the course for credit. Repeating a course does not remove the original course from the academic transcript. Both the grade for the original course and the repeated course are posted and calculated into the GPA. Both the original course and the repeated course count as attempted courses. Courses with a passing grade count as earned.

**Transfer Credit: Transfer credits from another institution accepted by Pitzer College count when measuring the maximum timeframe to complete a degree. Pitzer does not give credit for any transfer grades lower than a C (2.0). Consult the Pitzer Course Catalog for information about transfer credits.

Frequency of SAP Review

The Office of Financial Aid monitors federal, state and institutional SAP requirements each semester for all enrolled financial aid recipients.

SAP is reviewed at the end of each semester, prior to the start of the new semester and prior to disbursing (paying) aid that the new semester. SAP reviews are always cumulative and will account for all grades and credits earned at the point SAP is checked.

Leave of Absence

Students who take a leave of absence for a semester are not monitored for SAP for the semester on leave, so long as the student never enrolled for that semester. For students who begin the semester but take a leave before the end of the semester, SAP is monitored, and the leave semester counts toward SAP requirements. All students on a leave of absence have their SAP eligibility reviewed upon their return to Pitzer prior to disbursing aid for the coming semester.

Potential Delay in Disbursing Financial Aid

The Office of Financial Aid cannot disburse funds to the student’s account until SAP eligibility is reviewed. We make every attempt to notify students with SAP issues in a timely manner. However, because the period between the end of the fall semester and the start of the spring semester is brief, SAP notices may be delayed. This may delay disbursing aid for students who are not meeting SAP or who require additional information to complete our SAP evaluation.

**Please note: posting “anticipated aid” or “expected aid” to the student’s account is not an indication of meeting SAP.**

Not meeting Qualitative or Quantitative Requirements

Students who do not meet the GPA/pace requirements are placed on a one-time, Financial Aid SAP Warning Semester.

• First time not meeting SAP (Financial Aid Warning)

The first time a student does not meet either the SAP GPA or pace requirements, the student is placed on “Financial Aid Warning.” This “Warning” semester provides the student with the opportunity to regain SAP eligibility. During a “Warning” semester, students are eligible to receive federal, state and institutional funds.

Students are encouraged to take advantage of all campus resources to meet SAP. The SAP warning notice outlines all expectations required of the student during the “Warning” semester.

• Second time not meeting SAP (Financial Aid Ineligible)

If by the end of the “Warning” semester, the GPA is not at least a 2.0 or the completion rate (pace) is not at or above 67%, the student is SAP disqualified and not eligible for federal, state or institutional financial aid.

Students who are disqualified have the right to appeal. If the appeal is approved, financial aid may be reinstated for one additional payment period/semester (a probation semester) or the student is placed on an academic plan (which can extend beyond one semester). Probation semesters or academic plans are only a result of a successful and granted SAP appeal. See Appeals section for more information.

Frequency of Warning & Probation Semesters

• Frequency of Warning Semesters

Students can be placed on financial aid warning more than once during their enrollment at Pitzer. However, the warning semesters cannot be consecutive.

• Frequency of Financial Aid Probation

Students can be placed on Financial Aid Probation more than once during their enrollment at Pitzer. Students who do not meet SAP requirements at any point after a Financial Aid Probation semester, have the option to appeal again. See “Appeal Granted” section below.

Not meeting Maximum Timeframe Requirement

• Federal & State Aid

Once students reach the maximum timeframe for a federal or state program, they are ineligible for further federal/state aid from that program. There is no appeal process for reaching the maximum timeframe in federal or state programs.

For the Federal Pell Grant Program, eligibility is based on 12 full-time semesters of enrollment. Pitzer College does not replace funds for students who would have been eligible for a Pell Grant but have exhausted eligibility.

For the Federal Direct Subsidized/Unsubsidized loan, eligibility is based on 12 full-time semesters of enrollment and maximum loan limits. Pitzer College does not replace funds for students who would have been eligible for Direct Loans Subsidized/Unsubsidized Loan but have exhausted eligibility.

• Institutional Aid

Students who reach the maximum timeframe for institutional financial aid may appeal for one additional semester of institutional aid IF there were extenuating circumstances beyond the student’s control that prevented them from finishing on time. See Appeals below.

Appeals

Students may appeal SAP disqualification or request additional time to complete their degree..

Appeals based on the following may be considered: extended illness, one-time extenuating circumstances that have since been resolved and enrollment limitations due to academic advisement.

Appeals based on the following will not be considered: student’s need of financial aid, lack of knowledge about the SAP policy.

Multiple Appeals

Students who successfully appeal SAP disqualification or are granted a 9th semester must adhere to the terms of their SAP Contract (see Appeal Granted below). If a student fails to meet the terms of their SAP Contract, they may be allowed a second appeal only if new circumstances arise since the initial appeal.

Appeal Format

Students should carefully consider the information in their appeal. Appeals must be made in writing to the Office of Financial Aid and should be typed. Acceptable formats include an email or a Word document attached to an email. Letters should be signed and dated and emails should be sent from the student’s Pitzer email address.

We highly encourage students to make an appointment with their financial aid counselor before submitting an appeal and to seek help from their academic adviser when writing their appeal.

Appeals must include the following:

1. Reasons or circumstances that prevented the student from meeting GPA or pace requirements and/or completing their degree on-time
2. Documentation to verify these, which may include:
   1. A letter from a therapist
   2. A letter from a doctor or physician
   3. Medical records with dates corresponding to the semester when the student did not meet SAP
   4. An email from the Office of Student Affairs confirming meetings or check-ins during the semester the student did not meet SAP
3. A clarification of how those circumstances have been resolved or addressed
4. An academic plan outlining courses required and steps needed to meet GPA or pace requirements and/or graduate within an additional semester
5. Support/acknowledgment from an academic adviser that the academic plan will result in meeting GPA or pace requirements and/or graduating within an additional semester.

Appeal Deadlines

Students must submit a complete SAP appeal no later than two weeks after being notified of their SAP disqualification status. If a student is appealing for an additional semester of aid, the appeal must be submitted one semester before the additional semester is needed. For example, a student appealing for a 9^th semester for fall 2025 must submit their appeal spring 2025.

While the office will review late appeals and work with students who submit incomplete appeals, there is a risk that students who submit late or incomplete appeals may not receive a decision until after the semester has started. If an appeal is denied (for reasons other than lateness), it could impact the student’s ability to continue at Pitzer for the semester.

Appeal Review Process

Appeals are typically reviewed by the financial aid staff member assigned with monitoring SAP. This staff member reviews the appeal for completeness and works with the student if additional information is needed. Once all necessary information is received, the appeal is discussed and reviewed by the financial aid counseling staff, which includes the Director of Financial Aid.

The financial aid counseling staff makes every effort to be fair and equitable when considering appeals, the conditions of appeals and conditions of any academic plans. While each appeal is unique, most SAP appeals and 9^th semester appeals are granted.

Appeal Granted

For granted appeals, the Financial Aid Office will email students a SAP Contract outlining the terms, requirements and expectations of the appeal. The contract will detail GPA and/or coursework completion requirements during contract period. If the student needs more than one semester to regain eligibility, an academic plan will be included in the contract.

• Probation Period

If the appeal is granted, the student is placed on “probation” for one semester as outlined in the SAP Contract. During the probation semester, financial aid is reinstated.

If the student does not meet SAP by the end of the “probation” semester, the student becomes ineligible for federal, state and institutional financial aid.

• Academic Plans

Students who need more than one semester to regain SAP eligibility are placed on an Academic Plan as outlined in the SAP Contract. Academic plans allow the student to meet specific conditions to regain aid eligibility within a timeframe longer than one semester (typically two semesters and a summer). Academic plans may:

Restrict the number of classes a student takes

Set a minimum GPA requirement for one or more semesters

Require follow-up meetings or periodic check-ins

Require the student to seek academic counseling to ensure progress

Students placed on an academic plan are typically required to have check-ins with a member of the financial aid staff, who will monitor their progress. The financial aid staff will work with Student Affairs and/or Academic Affairs to ensure the student is making progress as outlined in the academic plan.

If a student does not meet SAP by the end of the terms of the academic plan, the student becomes ineligible for federal, state and institutional financial aid.

• Additional Time (aka 9th semester) Appeals

If the appeal is granted, the student receives additional semester(s) of institutional financial aid to complete their degree. If the degree is not earned within this extra time, no additional institutional financial aid is granted. Students with remaining federal or state financial aid may continue to receive those funds.

Appeal Denied

If an appeal is denied, the student has the right to meet with a financial aid counselor to discuss the reason(s) for the appeal denial and review options for regaining eligibility. No further appeals would be available unless new circumstances are presented as part of the original appeal.

• SAP Disqualified Appeals

If the appeal is denied, the student may regain eligibility for future semesters of federal, state or institutional aid by enrolling at Pitzer (at the student’s own expense) and bringing their GPA up to a 2.0 and/or completion rate (pace) up to 67%. If SAP requirements are met during this semester, eligibility for federal, state and institutional financial aid will be reinstated for the following semester.

Students may choose to take a leave of absence from Pitzer and pursue transferable coursework at another institution to bring their pace of progression rate up to 67%. However, GPAs earned at other institutions do not impact the student’s GPA at Pitzer. Students who are ineligible for financial aid due to GPA can only raise their GPA by enrolling at Pitzer without financial aid.

NOTE: Coursework taken for transfer credit must be approved by the Registrar’s Office and meet outstanding degree requirements.

• Additional Time (aka 9th semester) appeals

If the appeal is denied, the student may still complete their degree by enrolling at Pitzer (at the student’s own expense).

The student may choose to take a leave of absence and pursue transferable coursework at another institution. This allows the student to complete courses at another school and transfer courses to Pitzer to complete their degree. However, not all courses may transfer; students in this situation should seek advice from an academic adviser.

NOTE: Coursework taken for transfer credit must be approved by the Registrar’s Office and meet outstanding degree requirements.

Leave of Absence & Withdrawal

Withdrawing from Some Classes

Financial aid recipients who withdraw from courses during the first ten days of each semester may have their financial aid revised for the semester IF their overall enrollment status changes (i.e. changing from full-time to part-time, etc.).

After census (the tenth day of the semester), enrollment status and financial aid awards are “locked.” If the enrollment status changes before census, the student’s financial aid award is adjusted and a revised aid package is posted to the student’s portal. Courses added or dropped after census do not result in changes to the financial aid package for the semester. It is important that students contact the Office of Financial Aid prior to withdrawing/adding courses to understand how possible changes could impact their award for the semester.

Withdrawing from All Classes

Types of Withdrawals

• Leave of Absence - leaving the College by dropping all classes for the semester with the Registrar’s Office and providing an intended date of return to Pitzer.
• Official Withdrawal - leaving the College by dropping all classes for the semester with the Registrar’s Office with no intent to return to Pitzer.
• Unofficial Withdrawal - receiving all unearned grades (Fs, Is, Ws) for the semester and not notifying the Registrar’s Office of the intent to withdraw.

If a student intends to withdraw from all courses during a semester, they must contact the Registrar’s Office and complete either a Leave of Absence Form or a Withdrawal Form.

Students who take a leave of absence or withdraw from the College and have borrowed a Federal Direct Loan, must complete an Exit Counseling session prior to leaving campus.

Leave of Absence

Students who need to take a leave or withdrawal during the semester should schedule an appointment with the Office of Financial Aid to understand the impact to their financial aid package for the current semester and subsequent semesters. Students who are enrolled full-time, receive institutional aid and take a leave of absence or withdraw during the semester will use the equivalent of one semester of financial aid. Students have a limit to the number of semesters they can receive aid and a leave or withdrawal during a semester may affect the student’s ability to receive financial aid for additional semesters. Refer to the Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) policy in this catalog for additional information.

Unofficial Withdrawal

Students who cease attending classes and do not complete the formal withdrawal process through the Registrar’s Office are considered to be unofficial withdrawals. At the end of each semester, the Registrar’s Office provides the Office of Financial Aid with a “Zero Credit” report which reflects students who were registered for the semester and did not complete any credits (received only W, F or I grades). The Office of Financial Aid will review this report to determine if a Return of Title IV process is required.

Return to Title IV - R2T4

Students who receive Title IV federal student aid are subject to federal Return of Title IV Funds (R2T4) regulations. Title IV federal student aid is awarded with the expectation that the student will attend classes for the entire semester and “earn” the award. When a student stops attending classes prior to the end of the semester, the student may no longer be eligible for the full amount of federal funds the student was originally scheduled to receive. Students who withdraw from all classes on or before the semester is 60% complete, must have any “unearned” Title IV federal student aid be returned to the U.S. Treasury, even if the student is not entitled to a refund of tuition. Students who withdraw from all classes on or after the 60% period, earn all financial aid awarded for the term.

Determining the Student Withdrawal Date

The withdrawal date used for R2T4 calculations is the date indicated on the official withdrawal leave of absence or withdraw form. If the student withdraws without notifying the Registrar’s Office (unofficial withdrawal), the 50% point in the semester or the last date of academic related activity is used as the student’s last date of attendance.

Definition of Academic Related Activity

To determine the withdrawal date for an unofficial withdrawal, the last date of an academic-related activity may be used. Academically related activities include, but are not limited to, attending a class where there is an opportunity for direct interaction between the instructor and students.

Recognized as Academically Related

• Exams, quizzes or tutorials
• Computer-assisted instruction
• Completion of an academic assignment, paper or project
• Participating in an online discussion about academic matters
• Initiating contact with a faculty member to ask a question about the academic subject

Not Considered Academically Related

• Student’s self-certification of attendance that is not supported by school documentation
• Living in Pitzer College housing
• Participating in the school’s meal-plan
• Participating in academic counseling or advising

Calculating Earned vs. Unearned Aid

The Registrar’s Office sends email notifications to select offices once an official withdrawal is processed. This notification provides the last date of attendance for the student. The Office of Financial Aid will then determine if the student’s days of attendance in the term result in the student earning all of the aid awarded for the term. If all aid is not earned, the Office of Financial Aid will calculate the amount to be returned to the federal aid programs. Award adjustments are processed for students who do not earn 100% of their disbursed aid. Revised awards are then disbursed to the student’s account.

The following formula is used to determine the percentage of earned aid vs. unearned aid:

• The percent earned is equal to the number of calendar days enrolled, including the withdrawal date, divided by the total calendar days in the payment period (less any scheduled breaks that are at least five days long).
• The payment period is the entire semester. The percent unearned is equal to 100% minus the percent earned.
• If the percent earned exceeds 60% the student is considered to have earned 100% of the aid disbursed for the term.

The amount of Title IV aid earned by the student is determined by multiplying the percentage of Title IV aid earned by the total of Title IV program aid disbursed, plus the Title IV aid that could have been disbursed to the student or on the student’s behalf.

Calculation Example #1:

Fall Semester 2024 - Start Date 8-26-2024 - End Date 12-13-2024 - total days in semester: 105

Student withdraws from all courses 10-16-2024 - total days enrolled: 52

Enrolled days: 42 divided by the total days in semester: 105 = 49.5% of federal financial aid earned

Calculation Example #2:

Fall Semester 2024 - Start Date 8-26-2024 - End Date 12-13-2024 - total days in semester: 105

Student withdraws from all courses 11-13-2023 - total days enrolled: 80

Enrolled days: 80 divided by the total days in semester: 105 = 76.2%. Since this percentage exceeds 60%, 100% of federal financial aid earned

Returning Unearned Aid to Title IV Programs

Pitzer is required to return funds for students who have received more Title IV aid than was earned. The funds must be returned to the same federal program and must not exceed the amount of the initial disbursement. Funds must be returned as soon as possible but no later than 45 days after determining the student has withdrawn. The order of return of funds is as follows:

• Unsubsidized Federal Direct Loan (other than Direct PLUS Loans)
• Subsidized Federal Direct Loan
• Federal Direct PLUS Loan
• Federal Pell Grant
• Federal SEOG

Institutional funds are prorated based on the Pitzer Refund policy. Students earn a percentage of institutional dollars at the same rate they earned federal student aid based on the number of days enrolled in the semester.

Post-Withdrawal Disbursements (PWD)

In compliance with federal regulations, the Office of Financial Aid will determine if all eligible aid has been disbursed as of the withdrawal date. If not and the student meets the federal criteria for a PWD, the student will be notified of their eligibility within 30 days of determining the student’s date of withdrawal. After being notified of their PWD eligibility, students must reply if they wish to accept the post withdrawal disbursement. A PWD will first be used toward any outstanding charges before any funds are returned to the student. If no response is received within approximately two weeks of notification, the award will be cancelled.

If the student has an outstanding balance on their account for current award year charges for tuition or fees, Pitzer College may automatically credit a PWD of funds to the student’s account. Otherwise, Pitzer College must obtain the student’s written authorization before crediting the PWD for other educationally related institutional charges.

• Grant Funds: If the student does not have an outstanding balance on their account or the amount of the post-withdrawal disbursement is greater than the balance, Pitzer must directly deliver any grant portion of the post-withdrawal disbursement to the student within 45 days of the date of our determination the student withdrew.
• Loan Funds: If the post-withdrawal disbursement includes loan funds, Pitzer may not credit the students account and the student (or the borrower) may not receive the proceeds as a direct disbursement without first notifying the borrower and confirming they still wish to receive the loan disbursement. Pitzer must send the notification within 30 days of our determination that student withdrew and allow the borrower at least 14 days to respond. The student may choose to decline some or all the loan proceeds to reduce indebtedness. If no response is received within 14 days of notification, the loan will be cancelled.

Student Notification of Return to Title IV Funds

A notification letter outlining the amount of aid returned to the federal and institutional program(s) will be mailed to the student’s permanent address for students who officially withdraw from the College. Students who withdraw in a term and take a Leave of Absence will be notified via their campus email address. Pitzer College will return funds on the student’s behalf to the appropriate federal and institutional aid program(s). The student is responsible for all charges and overpayments to their Pitzer student account that result from a Return of Title IV calculation. If the Return of Title IV calculation results in a credit balance on the students account, the credit balance will be disbursed as soon as possible and no later than 14 days after the calculation.