Half-Time Enrollment Requirement: Be enrolled at least half-time in an eligible program to receive Direct Loan disbursements (Direct Unsubsidized or Direct Graduate PLUS). Per institutional policy and federal definitions [34 CFR 668.2(b)], half-time enrollment status at Pentecostal Theological Seminary is defined as:
Master’s Programs: Minimum 5 credit hours per semester.
Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.): Minimum 3 credit hours per semester.
Ph.D. Program: Minimum 4 credit hours per semester.
** Students enrolled below these threshold hours are ineligible to receive Direct Loan funds for that term [34 CFR 668.32(a)(2); 34 CFR 685.200(a)(1)(ii)].**
Educational Attainment: Have earned a baccalaureate degree or its recognized equivalent from an accredited institution prior to entering the graduate program [34 CFR 668.32(e)].
Citizenship / Eligible Noncitizen Status: Be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or eligible noncitizen with valid documentation verified through the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) / SSA match [34 CFR 668.33
Valid Social Security Number: Possess a valid Social Security Number (SSN), verified through the Social Security Administration match process [34 CFR 668.32(i)].
Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP): Maintain SAP according to the institutional policy established under federal guidelines, measuring qualitative (GPA), quantitative (pace of completion), and maximum timeframe standards [34 CFR 668.34].
Statement of Educational Purpose & Loan Status: Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) certifying that federal aid will be used for educational purposes only, and certify that you are not in default on any Title IV loan nor owe an overpayment/refund on any federal grant [34 CFR 668.32(g), (h)].
Distance Education Eligibility: Distance education courses must be part of an approved degree program offered by an institution accredited by a recognized accrediting agency (SACSCOC, ATS) with explicit scope of approval for distance learning programs [34 CFR 668.32, 34 CFR 602.16].
Aggregate Loan Limits & Financial Need: Must not have exceeded maximum aggregate federal loan limits for graduate/professional students ($138,500 total Direct Loans, including undergraduate loans) [34 CFR 685.203].
Fraud Conviction Restrictions: Must not have been convicted of, or pled nolo contendere/guilty to, a crime involving fraud in obtaining Title IV aid [34 CFR 668.32(m)]
If you need assistance or have any questions on how to answer this question, call 1-800-4-FED- AID (1-800-433-3243) for help from the Federal Student Aid Information Center. Even if you’re ineligible for federal student aid because of a drug conviction, you should still complete the FAFSA because most schools and states use FAFSA information to award nonfederal aid. If you have lost federal student aid eligibility due to a drug conviction, you can regain eligibility if you pass two unannounced drug tests conducted by a drug rehabilitation program that complies with criteria established by the U.S. Department of Education.
The Federal Student Aid (FSA) is the U.S. Department of Education's central database for student aid. The web site allows you to access data on your Title IV loans and/or Pell grants. The site displays information on loan and/or grant amounts, outstanding balances, loan statuses, and disbursements. http://www.studentaid.gov
The Federal Student Aid Ombudsman of the Department of Education helps resolve disputes and solve other problems with federal student loans. If you have an issue at PTS, please contact the Financial Aid Office so that they can work towards a quick resolution. You are encouraged to file a grievance at PTS through the Student Service Office at: 423-478-7724. This information is also found in the PTS catalog.
Ombudsman Contact Information
Telephone: 877.557.2575 (Toll Free)
202.377.3800 (Toll Call)
Fax: 202.275.0549
Mail: U.S. Department of Education FSA
Ombudsman 830 First Street, N.E.
Washington, DC 20202-5144
Online: www.ombudsman.ed.gov
Email: fsaombudsmanoffice@ed.gov
