Heritage University, because of its size, location, and emphasis on personalized education, considers each applicant on an individual basis. The university is interested in students who are motivated to learn, who have a genuine desire to attend Heritage University, and who show evidence of being able to benefit from the educational programs. The admissions procedure has been established to help gather information that is relevant to making a decision based on these criteria.
Acceptance to the university results from an overall assessment of background rather than arbitrary standards for grades, test scores, courses taken, or achievements. Because the university is small and personalized, the administration, faculty, and staff are happy to take the time to explain the admissions process.
FRESHMAN ADMISSION
A student who has graduated from an accredited high school is eligible for admission. The university also admits students who have successfully completed the General Educational Development (GED) test or its equivalent. While no specific high school subject matter is required for admission, the university recommends that prospective students complete three years of English; three years of history; one year of laboratory science; two years of mathematics; and four years of other academic subjects such as language, social science, etc. The high school graduate or GED or equivalent applicant for admission submits the following documents to Admissions:
- A Heritage University admission application or a Washington State Application Form (available from high school counselors in Washington or from Heritage University Admissions).
- An official high school transcript or GED, and test scores or equivalent credentials. The Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), American College Test (ACT), or Washington Pre-College Test (WPCT) is recommended. After admittance, credit may be given for Advanced Placement (AP) grades.
- A Heritage University assessment for placement in English and mathematics. All students are assigned an academic advisor to assist in program planning. Students are encouraged to establish a strong working relationship with their advisors to enhance academic success.
INTERNATIONAL UNDERGRADUATE AND GRADUATE STUDENT ADMISSION
Students who are U.S. citizens or have permanent resident alien (green card) status are classified as domestic students; others are classified as international students. An international student may not register for courses until full acceptance to Heritage University has been granted. For admission, submit to Admissions the following documents:
- A completed application for admission, including an essay or writing sample. Graduate students submit a statement of purpose/expectation instead of a writing sample.
- A certified transcript from high school or equivalent studies and from each college/university attended. These documents require a translated version in English. See further information in the following section.
- A nonrefundable application processing fee of $125*.
- A completed Heritage University Confirmation of Financial Resources form reflecting a balance of $17,692 available to the student.
- Satisfactory proof of English proficiency by one of the following:
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a minimum score of 500 (173 if computer based) for undergraduate application and 550 (213 if computer based) for graduate application
- Transcript from a U.S. school verifying completion of and satisfactory progress in an English as a Second Language (ESL) program
- Transcript verifying high school instruction in English
- Personal provision must be made for housing and transportation since Heritage University does not provide student housing and public transportation is not available in the area.
- An I-20 form is issued only when all the above materials have been submitted and evaluated and the student has been admitted. This document authorizes the student to request a proper visa to study at Heritage University.
- It is recommended that students meet with the admission director and their academic advisor upon arrival.
- These requirements may change if required by U.S. federal authorities. Consult with Admissions for the latest information.
* All monetary amounts in this document are in U.S. dollars.
ADMISSIONS PROCESS FOR STUDENTS WITH FOREIGN CREDENTIALS
Students with foreign education credentials are required to have their transcripts evaluated by an evaluation agency. The American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO) is the organization Heritage University recommends.
Students with foreign education credentials must submit the following documents to Admissions:
- Heritage University application form
- An official transcript from the college/university attended; a high school transcript is also required of students who have earned fewer than 60 semester credits
- An official copy of the transcript evaluation report
- For students seeking undergraduate admissions, the Heritage University assessment test for placement
Requesting an Evaluation through AACRAO
AACRAO evaluation request forms are available through their web site at http://www.aacrao.org/international/foreignEdCred.cfm or can be received by calling Heritage Admissions. AACRAO is not a department of Heritage University. All payments and communications regarding your transcript evaluation must be made directly with AACRAO.
To receive a transcript evaluation from AACRAO, complete the form and send it along with:
- Copiesof all official foreign educational records (in original language) with literal translations if the documents are not in English. Translations do not need to be certified but must be literal (word for word), and the translator must sign the translated copy and include contact information.
- Payment of $190* is accepted by money order or credit card (American Express, MasterCard, or Visa). No personal checks are accepted. Appropriate fees must accompany the request form.
- Send materials to:
American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO)
International Education Services
One Dupont Circle, NW, Suite 520
Washington, DC 20036-1135
A course-by-course evaluation is necessary to ensure that the proper university-level recognition is given. If the credentials presented are not recommended for university-level recognition (i.e., transfer credit), only a basic statement of comparability will be charged.
Normal processing time is two to four weeks.
*Fees are subject to change. For current fee information, please contact Admissions at 509-865-8508 or visit www.aacrao.org.
MASTER’S DEGREE STUDENT ADMISSION
Applicants with a baccalaureate, master’s, or doctoral degree from a regionally accredited college or university should send the following items to Admissions for acceptance to the university:
- A Graduate Application for Admission. Indicate your declaration of major by checking one of the programs on the form. An application may be obtained from Admissions, on the Heritage web site (www.heritage.edu), or by calling (509) 865-8508.
- A nonrefundable application fee.
- Official transcripts from each college/university attended.
Completion of this three-step application process is the first part of admission to a graduate program. After receiving formal notification of admission to a graduate program, an applicant may then meet with a graduate program chair in the College of Education and Psychology to 1) seek final acceptance into a graduate program specialization, 2) develop a formalized course of study detailing required classes and the sequence of classes to be taken, and (3) register for classes.
TRANSFER, POST-BACCALAUREATE, AND RESIDENCY TEACHING CERTIFICATE STUDENT ADMISSION
Transfer students or students with a baccalaureate degree should submit the following documents to Admissions:
- A Heritage University application form.
- An official transcript from each regionally accredited college/university attended. A high school transcript is also required of students who have earned fewer than 60 semester credits at a college or university.
- A Heritage University placement assessment is required of students who have less than an A.A. degree. Exceptions are considered on an individual basis.
- Students who have completed the appropriate Associate of Arts direct transfer agreement (DTA) degree from Washington community colleges are admitted with junior standing at Heritage. Transfer students must take HUM 305W at Heritage University.
- Transfer credits are accepted from regionally accredited (or candidate) colleges and universities, with the following restrictions:
- Transfer credits must have a minimum grade of 1.70 (C-) on a 4.00 scale for undergraduates.
- A maximum of 60 semester or 90 quarter hours of academic credit is accepted from junior and community colleges toward a four-year degree. (Occupational-vocational courses are not accepted, although exceptions may be made if relevant to a particular major or consortium agreement.)
- A maximum of 4 semester credits of physical education credit is accepted toward a four-year degree.
- A maximum of 6 semester credits of traditional courses with a pass grade is accepted. However, academic departments may have specific regulations regarding pass courses.
- Credits awarded through examination programs such as the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) and Advanced Placement (AP) are evaluated on an individual basis.
- Heritage may grant credit for learning sponsored by business, industry, or government if the learning has been evaluated by the American Council on Education (ACE) or by the Program on Noncollegiate Sponsored Instruction (PONSI) of New York.
- Credit may be granted for educational experience from formal military service schools that have been evaluated by the American Council on Education (ACE) and that are found in the Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the Armed Forces.
- Domestic and international students who have completed college credits in another country may be considered for freshman admission. Transfer credit is evaluated through a course-by-course analysis and may require review by an external entity with expertise in the field of foreign credential assessment. The acceptance of credit is based on factors such as the current status of the transfer study, applicability to the Heritage University program, and quality of grades.
Informal evaluations of transfer credit may be requested. Such evaluations are subject to change when all official transcripts are received and evaluated by the registrar. The university reserves the right to evaluate all transfer credits in relation to its programs.
Heritage University reserves the right to accept or reject nontraditional means of obtaining credit, depending on the relevance and application of such credits to the total degree program.
VETERANS ADMISSION
Veterans of the U.S. military services apply for admittance, as indicated above, to the university and for veterans benefits simultaneously. The university may allow credit for military service activities that have educational content to students who present acceptable military records. Such records are submitted as part of admission credentials, along with a request for evaluation.
Heritage University academic programs of study are approved by the Higher Education Coordinating Board’s State Approving Agency (HECB/SAA) for enrollment of persons eligible to receive educational benefits under Title 38 and Title 10, U.S. Code.
ADMISSION STATUS AND STUDENT RESPONSIBILITY
- After all credentials have been reviewed, applicants are notified of their admission status and provided with the name of an advisor. The admission letter may require that certain applicants, such as those who are returning to school after a long absence, or traditional students with academic deficiencies, take a preparatory course to upgrade skills for success in college. Recommendations for such courses will be determined by the Heritage University assessment.
- It is understood that admitted students accept all conditions and regulations of the university as provided in the catalog and the Student Handbook. It is the student’s responsibility to obtain copies of the catalog and the handbook from the Student Services Center.
RE-ADMISSION UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS
Former Heritage University undergraduate students who have been inactive for two years are classified as inactive and must apply for re-admittance by completing the regular admissions process. Returning students who have been inactive for two or more years graduate under the requirements listed in the catalog current at the time of re-entry.
RE-ADMISSION GRADUATE STUDENTS
Heritage University graduate students who have been inactive for two years are classified as inactive and must apply for re-admittance to the university by completing the regular admissions process. Returning students who have been inactive for two or more years graduate under the requirements listed in the catalog current at the time of re-entry.
Re-admission is a requirement for any matriculated student who has finished a graduate course of study and returns to Heritage for another course of study, such as a certificate or an endorsement. Students seeking re-admittance need to apply for re-admission and pay the current admission fee.
NON-MATRICULATED UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS
Students who do not wish to pursue a program leading toward a degree or certificate may register for courses if space permits; if prerequisites are satisfied; and if students hold a high school diploma, a GED, or its equivalent. Non-matriculants are not eligible for financial aid, veterans benefits, academic advising, or other services provided to matriculated (admitted) students. Non-matriculated undergraduate students may earn 12 credits at Heritage as non-matriculated students.
Credits earned as a non-matriculant may not be applied to any degree or certificate unless the non-matriculant applies and is officially admitted to Heritage University. After admission, a maximum of only 12 credits that were earned at Heritage University before admission may be applied to an undergraduate degree.
NON-MATRICULATED GRADUATE STUDENTS
Students with a baccalaureate degree who do not wish to pursue a program leading toward a graduate degree or certificate may register for courses if prerequisites are satisfied. Non-matriculants are not eligible for financial aid or veterans benefits. Non-matriculated students may take only 8 semester credits.
Eight (8) graduate credits earned at Heritage University may be applied to a master’s program when a non-matriculant is admitted to Heritage University as a graduate student.
In addition, graduate credits earned as a non-matriculant may not be applied to any degree or certificate unless the non-matriculant applies and is officially admitted to a Heritage University graduate program.
AUDITORS
Students who wish to take a course but without tests, credits, or grade may register to audit. Permission to audit is granted for lecture courses only, not for laboratory and studio courses, and on the condition that space is available. The special fees for audit are detailed in the financial policies section.
FINANCIAL AID/SCHOLARSHIPS
Financial need is the difference between the cost of attending a particular university or college and the total amount a student and his or her family can be expected to provide for educational expenses. Educational expenses include tuition, fees, books, transportation, and personal and living expenses.
Financial assistance in the form of loans, grants, scholarships, and work-study employment is available to qualified students who are unable to pay the entire educational expense.
The Office of Financial Aid evaluates each applicant’s particular financial situation and selects a financial aid package that will meet the need to the extent that available funds allow. The financial aid programs does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, religion, or physical ability. Heritage University will endeavor to meet the demonstrated financial need of each qualified student with a program of work, loans, grants, and scholarships to the extent possible.
Eligibility
In general, to be eligible for aid, a student must meet the following criteria:
- Be enrolled at least half time (minimum of 6 credits/term) as a regular student; some campus-based aid may be available for less than half time under special conditions
- Be officially admitted for enrollment in an eligible program as a graduate or undergraduate student at Heritage
- Be a) U.S. citizen or national; b) be a “permanent resident” of the U.S.; c) provide evidence from the Immigration and Naturalization Service that he/she is in the United States for other than a temporary purpose, with the intention of becoming a citizen or permanent resident; or d) be a permanent resident of Palau or a citizen of the Marshall Islands in post-secondary education in the U.S. on October 20, 1986, or a citizen of the Federated States of Micronesia in post-secondary education in the U.S. on November 2, 1986 (eligible for Pell, SEOG, and FWS only)
- Be in need of financial assistance, as determined by a specific need analysis
- Have maintained satisfactory progress in the course of study he/she is pursuing, according to the standards and practices of the U.S. Department of Education and the university’s Office of Financial Aid
- Not owe a return of Title IV funds or repayment on a Federal Pell Grant, Federal SEOG, or Washington State Need Grant received to meet the cost of attending that institution or any prior institution
- Not be in default on any Federal Perkins Loan, Federal Stafford Loan, Federal Direct Loan, SLS loan, PLUS Loan, any other loan through the Federal Family Education Loan Program, or other federal or state loan received to meet the cost of attending Heritage University or any prior institution
- Have a high school diploma or GED, or have achieved junior standing (received an A.A. degree or have 60 or more transfer credits)
Determining Need
Two factors affect a student’s eligibility for financial aid: the cost of attendance, and the expected contribution from income and assets of the student and his or her family. The formula is as follows: Cost minus family contribution equals need. The need determines the maximum amount of financial aid awarded.
The total cost of attendance depends upon several factors, such as marital status, whether the student supports any children, and whether the student is dependent on his or her parents. For a dependent student, the expected family contribution would include the parents’ contribution and the student’s contribution. Single students under 24 years of age are considered to be dependent unless they meet certain criteria involving veteran status, having dependents of their own, etc. For the independent student, the resources usually include only the student’s contribution and the spouse’s. See Federal Student Financial Aid’s publication titled “The Student Guide” or the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for details.
The family’s contribution is officially calculated from the FAFSA, which requires up to six weeks for processing and may be submitted by mail or on online. This analysis determines the family’s expected contribution.
Once the need has been determined by subtracting family contributions from the expenses, a combination of loans, grants, scholarships, and/or employment is packaged to meet the need. The composition of the package will depend upon the need level, eligibility requirements for the various programs, meeting of deadlines for various programs, availability of funds, and student choice, to the extent possible.
Application Process
To be considered for maximum funding for each academic year, the admission application and the FAFSA should be submitted by February 10.
To apply for financial aid at Heritage University, all applicants must submit the following forms:
1. Application for admission. Students must be officially admitted before financial aid will be awarded.
2. Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), available online at www.fafsa.ed.gov or by mail.
Purpose: Analysis of financial need.
Fee: None. Sent directly by students to the address on the form, or apply on the Web.
3. Heritage University Financial Aid Supplement. Available in the Financial Aid Office.
Purpose: Necessary for obtaining additional information not on FAFSA.
Note: Recommended for everyone applying for aid and required for most forms of aid.
4. Verification worksheet and other required documents. Students selected for verification will be asked to provide additional documents as needed. Call the Financial Aid Office at (509) 865-8502 for additional information.
FINANCIAL AID PROGRAMS
Grants
1. Federal Pell Grant
Amount: Up to $5,350 yearly (2009-2010), as set by the federal government
Qualifications: Demonstration of financial need; undergraduate
Donor: Federal government, through Congressional appropriation
Applicable: To any college costs, awarded on basis of cost of college
Form: FAFSA, available in high school counseling offices, college admissions and financial aid offices, and public libraries, or online at www.fafsa.ed.gov
2. Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
Amount: $100 to up to $4,000 yearly; average award at Heritage is $400
Qualifications: Demonstration of financial need; undergraduate
Donor: Federal government
Applicable: To any college costs
Form: FAFSA, available as above
3. Academic Competitiveness Award (ACG)
Amount: $750 first year, $1300 second year
Qualifications: Full-time freshman or sophomore; Pell eligible; U.S. citizen; graduated from “academically competitive” high school; 3.0 GPA
4. Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent Grant (SMART)
Amount: $4,000 per year
Qualifications: Junior or senior in math, science, technology, and some languages; Pell eligible; U.S. citizen; 3.0 GPA
5. Washington State Need Grant (WSNG)
Amount: To be set by the Washington State Legislature each biennium; available in limited numbers, depending on state funding
Qualifications: Demonstration of extreme financial need; Washington State resident; at least half-time undergraduate student
Donor: State of Washington, with matching funds from the federal government
Applicable: Books, transportation, child care expenses, or room and board; or tuition, at student’s request
Form: FAFSA, available as above
6. Veterans Benefits
The university’s V.A. certification officer assists veterans, their dependents, and service personnel in obtaining educational benefits from the Veterans Administration. Total financial aid award cannot exceed demonstrated need.
Loans
Amount: Up to $4,000/year, to $20,000 aggregate, toward baccalaureate degree; $6,000 per year, to $40,000 aggregate, toward professional or graduate degree (including undergraduate total)
Interest: 5% annually, accruing nine months after leaving college
Repayment: Begins nine months after leaving college, with 10 years to pay
Deferment: For Peace Corps, Vista volunteers, military, student status, or hardship
Cancellation: Under certain teaching situations, social work, and law enforcement; contact the Perkins Loan officer in the Business Office
Forms: FAFSA and a required loan application through Heritage University’s Business Office
Administrator: Heritage University
- Federal Direct Stafford Loan (Subsidized and Unsubsidized)
Amount: Up to $3,500 first-year undergraduate, $4,500 second-year undergraduate, $5,500 third- and fourth- year undergraduate, $8,500 graduate study for 2009-2010
Interest: Subsidized during enrollment period (for subsidized Stafford only); accrues six months after leaving school at set interest rate, with 10 years to pay; rates set primarily by federal government
Deferment: For at least half-time student status, unemployment, or economic hardship; see Financial Aid Office for complete list
Forms: FAFSA, Master Promissory Note, and Loan Counseling session
Administrator: Department of Education.
Note: The loans are long-term with low interest rates; repayment on the long-term loans begins six months after the student graduates, leaves school, or drops below half-time status, with 10 years to repay.
- Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loan
Amount: $6,000 annual loan limit first and second years; $7,000 for third, fourth, and fifth years; graduate student limit is $12,000 for the 2009-2010 year. The annual unsubsidized limit will increase $7,000 in 2009-2010 for the following categories of students:
- Students with undergraduate degrees who are enrolled in course work necessary for a professional credential or certification for employment as a teacher
- Students with undergraduate degrees who are enrolled in courses that will prepare them to enter a graduate program
Deferment: Study at half time or more, unemployment, or economic hardship; see Financial Aid Office for complete list
Administrator: Same as subsidized Stafford
Repayment: Interest is not subsidized by the federal government; therefore, the repayment period begins on the date the loan is disbursed, and interest begins to accrue on that day; may be deferred
Interest: Rates set by the federal government
Note: Long-term loans available for students who do not qualify for subsidized Stafford Loans or who elect to receive an additional loan; not available to dependent students except under unusual circumstances
- Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS)
Unsubsidized loan taken by a parent for a dependent student. Terms and conditions are similar to those for unsubsidized Stafford, but the parent takes out the loan (not the student). Limited up to the student’s budget less other awarded aid.
Available to qualifying graduate students. This loan is not based on financial need, so Grad PLUS borrowers can apply for a loan amount up to the full cost of education, less other aid received. However, Heritage University requires that you apply for financial aid before you apply for a Grad PLUS loan. A credit check is required for a Grad PLUS loan
- Emergency Short-Term Loans
$75 maximum for personal expenses. Consult the dean of students. Funded through donations to the Heritage University Student Emergency Loan Fund.
Employment
- Federal Work-Study-Available only to students with demonstrated financial need. The federal government subsidizes a percentage of the student’s on-campus wages; the university pays the balance. Percentage may vary from year to year (2009-10 was federal 75%, Heritage University 25%).
- Off-campus employment through Federal Work-Study (FWS) Program or State Work Study (SWS) Program- Students may be placed in off-campus employment with qualified employers. The State Higher Education Coordinating Board (for SWS) or the federal government (for FWS) reimburses the employer a percentage of the student’s wages. Funding for both programs is limited. Student applies through the FAFSA and the Financial Aid Office.
Scholarships
Heritage University awards a number of scholarships each year from university funds and donations from outside corporate and private sources. These scholarships range from $100 to $5,000 per academic year. Awards are generally made based on some combination of need plus academic performance and/or leadership qualities.
In addition, Heritage University makes available information on scholarships from organizations outside of the institution. Contact your advisor for assistance in researching and applying for other scholarships.
YEARLY RE-APPLICATION
Aid is granted for a period of one academic year at a time. Re-application is needed each year. Complete the FAFSA and apply in the winter or early spring for fall attendance. For maximum funding consideration, apply by February 10.
SAMPLE STUDENT BUDGET
The following sample budget may be used as a guide in estimating college expenses for the purposes of financial aid.
Heritage University Undergraduate Student Budget 2009-2010
All Undergraduate Campuses
Living with parent(s) Living away from parent(s)
Nine Months (Dependent) (Independent or Dependent)
Tuition and Fees (24 credits) $11,160 $11,160
Books and Supplies 972 972
Rent/Food/Utilities 2,730 8,460
Transportation 2,025 2,025
Personal Items 1,674 2,040
TOTAL (9 mos. Year) $18,561 $24,657
Undergraduate Enrollment Status per Semester:
12-15 or more credits per semester = full-time undergraduate status
9-11 credits per semester = 3/4-time undergraduate status
6-8 credits per semester = half-time undergraduate status
5 or fewer credits = less than half-time status
Graduate Enrollment Status per Semester:
6 or more credits per semester are equal to full-time graduate status.
4 or 5 credits per semester are equal to 3/4-time graduate status.
2 or 3 credits per semester are equal to half-time graduate status.
Additional Allowances:
Dependent care and/or child care may be added. These are restricted to costs directly resulting from the student’s attendance at college.
RIGHT TO MAKE CHANGES
Heritage University reserves the right to make changes in procedures, policies, and charges related to its tuition and aid programs. Announcements concerning changes are made available in the Student Services Center.