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Financial Assistance

Terms and Conditions

By accepting the financial aid package and/or enrollment in classes offered by Pepperdine University, Seaver College, the student agrees to comply with the terms and conditions listed below, acknowledging that you are the student:

  • Financial information reported on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) will be verified against federal tax documents, IRS Data Retrieval Tool,  and other verification documents. Any conflicting information may result in changes, reductions, and/or cancellations to my financial assistance package.
  • The Office of Financial Assistance uses the Pepperdine email and WaveNet accounts to send messages regarding updates, adjustments, and/or cancellation of financial assistance. It is my responsibility to review my "To Do List" on a consistent basis and comply when necessary with required requests.
  • I understand that Verification is the process in which my FAFSA data is selected for review and I am required to submit all requested copies of documents as listed on my “To Do List” in order to complete my financial assistance process.  I understand that all required documents must be submitted, verified and processed before my financial aid is disbursed.
  • I understand that it is my responsibility to resolve technical and/or computer challenges regarding my Pepperdine email and WaveNet accounts. The HELP desk is available at (310) 506-HELP or (866) 767-8623.
  • I must meet all federal eligibility requirements, as specified on the FAFSA, to receive federal financial assistance.
  • I understand the priority deadline is March 1 for returning students to complete the FAFSA in order to continue to be considered for certain types of need-based aid.  Need-based aid includes, but is not limited to, Federal Work Study, FSEOG, Seaver Trust Grant, Perkins Loan, etc.
  • I understand the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), is only offered to Pell grant recipients that have the lowest Expected Family Contribution (EFC) and meet the priority deadline. I understand that FSEOG will be canceled if I am ineligible after verification.
  • I understand that certain Pell Grant-eligible students may be provided with funds to purchase books and supplies near the beginning of the payment period.  Eligible students must have a Title IV credit balance to qualify.  This means that the sum of your total disbursed federal aid would create the credit balance on your account.  Funds are disbursed to eligible students that meet all required disbursement criteria, no sooner than the first day of classes.  Students that qualify may request a refund for the cost of their books and supplies, if applicable.
  • Beginning with the 2011-12 academic year, Academic Competitiveness (AC) and Science Math Access to Retain Talent (SMART) Grants have not been reauthorized and ended with the 2010-11 award year. Therefore funding is not in future years and these grants will not be offered. Loans will be used to replace this gap in funding if applicable.
  • I understand that need-based grants provided by the University may not in themselves, or when combined with state grants, exceed the need level (as calculated by the federal formula) or cost of tuition. Furthermore, I understand that my aid cannot exceed the standard Cost of Attendance.
  • I understand that I may request in writing an increase to my Cost of Attendance based on Room/Board/Housing/Health Insurance, books, computer etc. charges as long as those fees are charged to my Student Account and/or sufficient documentation is provided, which may include receipts, bank statements, etc.
  • I understand that need-based merit aid, specifically departmental scholarships, offered by the University to current students may exceed tuition and fees but cannot exceed the standard cost of attendance.  Newly admitted students' combined institutional grants and scholarships may not exdeed tuition.
  • I understand that the Office of Financial Assistance reserves the right to revise my financial assistance. Modifications to this offer may be required by reductions or elimination in state, federal, or institutional funding; corrections or changes in the data reported; receipt of additional resources, or other eligibility criteria.
  • I understand that a portion of my Pepperdine Grant/Scholarship may be replaced with private University scholarships. I agree to participate in the stewardship thank-you letter (TYL) process to express my gratitude to the donor for his/her generosity according to the TYL guidelines as indicated on the website.  Furthermore, I understand my scholarship will be cancelled and will not expend/disburse to my student account if I fail to complete the TYL.
  • Beginning with the 2011-12 academic year I understand my Cal Grant eligibility is dependent upon staying within or below the income and asset ceilings. I understand if I am above the ceilings my Cal Grant will be cancelled and I will be offered loans to cover the difference. I may refer to the Cal Grant website for additional information regarding eligibility.
  • I understand I may request in writing the Cal-Grant B stipend be paid directly to me. I understand if I receive a refund from my stipend and/or federal funds, I am responsible for any outstanding balances on my student account.  I will be unable to register in future terms if I have an outstanding balance.
  • I understand that there are many scholarship resources available and that I can review and search for specific scholarships from my state at http://www.collegescholarships.org/grants/state.htm.  Other scholarship websites include http://apps.collegeboard.com/cbsearch_ss/welcome.jsp and http://www.fastweb.com.
  • I must immediately report to the Office of Financial Assistance any outside scholarship(s) or tuition benefits so that all financial assistance may be coordinated according to policy.
  • I understand that any scholarship or grant assistance received in excess of tuition, fees, books, and required supplies may be subject to federal taxation.
  • I certify that any funds received from federal, state, private, or institutional programs will be used only for expenses related to the cost of attendance at Pepperdine University, Seaver College.
  • I understand my financial assistance may be subject to change without notice due to reduction, cancellation, verification, audit or changes in institutional, federal and/or state programs.
  • Regarding newly-admitted students: I understand that my "To Do List" must be complete and all documents must be submitted to confirm my financial assistance. Financial assistance cannot be confirmed until after the May 1 deposit deadline. Therefore, need-based grants and/or loans may be reduced or canceled after verification documents are received.
  • I understand that failure to submit all required verification documents by the priority deadline may cause delays, reduction or cancellation of disbursement of federal and state awarded financial assistance.  Finance charges accrue daily on past due balances.  If financial assistance is delayed, reduced or cancelled it is my responsibility to find other resources to pay all charges prior to the due date in order to avoid finance charges.
  • I understand that grants are based on financial need, whereas scholarships are based on merit, test scores, grades and/or special talents.
  • I understand that all scholarships, grants, loans and private/outside awards will be evenly disbursed to my student account, one half each semester.
  • I understand all loans are estimated, must be accepted, require separate application, and may be adjusted due to changes in enrollment status, verification of income, or additions of other types of aid. PLUS and alternative loans are based on credit and are subject to approval by the lending institution. Loan fees may be deducted from the loan proceeds prior to disbursement of the loan. I understand that I should follow-up with my loan(s) status of approval and/or denial, and furthermore, I understand the University cannot be responsible for my adverse credit.
  • I understand that Institutional loans (Pepperdine Restricted Loan, Seaver Associate Loan, Seaver Institutional Loan, Seaver Student Loan, Elkins Loan) require that I follow all instructions from the loan servicer, Educational Computer Systems Inc. (ECSI) after it is accepted in WaveNet. I understand that I am required to complete the promissory note, disclosures, and self-certification from ECSI according to the instructions provided by ECSI. I also understand this process may take two weeks or longer to complete, therefore my loan will not disburse and my financial hold will not be cleared until all required documents are completed, submitted and processed. In addition to Institutional loans, private alternative loans require the same disclosures and may take two weeks or longer to process.
  • I authorize my federal, private and institutional loans, grants and scholarships to cover any finance charges that may be charged to my student account. This includes but not limited to Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students (PLUS) and Graduate PLUS for graduate students.
  • I understand it is my responsibility to research and review lenders before applying or re-applying for state, institutional or alternative loans. I also understand it is my responsibility to read the promissory note(s), terms, and conditions, as borrower benefits are subject to change at any time without notice.
  • Federal loan recipients are required by law to complete Entrance Counseling prior to the first loan disbursement. Upon separation from Pepperdine, I must complete Exit Counseling. These counseling sessions may be completed online at www.studentloans.gov.
  • I understand I have the right to cancel all or any portion of the loan(s) that I accept on the Financial Aid Award Summary. I am required to notify the Office of Financial Assistance of my cancellation request prior to disbursement.
  • I understand I am required to Accept/Decline financial aid items in WaveNet.  Failure to accept institutional grants, scholarships and/or loans within 30 days of enrollment may risk cancellation of these funds.
  • I must report in writing to the Office of Financial Assistance any changes in financial, marital, or academic status.
  • My submission of my enrollment confirmation and subsequent registration and enrollment indicates my approval of the release of certain information to parties outside of the University who are providing scholarship assistance to Pepperdine students. The information released may include any one of my student attributes such as name, GPA, test scores, home town, ethnicity, major, etc.
  • I understand it is my responsibility to authorize my parent(s) or any other User Guest Access through my WaveNet account.  Furthermore, if I do not provide access and make sure they are a confirmed user, I understand they will not be able to access my student account and/or receive financial assistance information.  The instructions to complete Guest User Access can be found on the website at http://www.pepperdine.edu/registrar/content/setupga.pdf .
  • Financial assistance is intended for full-time students (12-18 units/semester). Students enrolled in less than 6 units in a semester may not qualify for certain types of financial assistance.  Adjustments will be made to my financial assistance if I add or drop units below or above flat rate tuition (12-18 units per semester) resulting in a change in tuition charges.
  • I understand I must make satisfactory academic progress (SAP) in order to remain eligible for financial aid.  SAP is monitored at the end of each term, including summer.  The following areas are monitored:  maximum time frame, qualitative standard, and pace (quantitative standard).  An explanation of the policies is listed here.
  • I understand that if my financial assistance is canceled due to academic probation or not meeting SAP, I will be notified via my Pepperdine email account. If my financial assistance is canceled I understand that I am required to pay my student account with my own resources or secure an alternative loan with a credit-worthy cosigner, if needed.
  • Any student who fails to complete a minimum of twelve semester units with passing letter grades or passing ("CR") during the fall or spring semester may forfeit federal and/or institutional financial assistance for future semesters.
  • I understand that I will receive financial assistance for a maximum of eight semesters or until graduation requirements for the first degree are met, whichever comes first. I should complete an average of 16 units per semester with passing letter grades or passing credit (CR) to finish degree requirements within that time frame.
  • I understand that double majors or minors must be completed within the eight semester time-frame in order to qualify for institutional aid.  Students that need additional time to complete another major/minor are expected to use federal and/or private aid as long as they qualify.
  • I am required to provide and maintain local and permanent mailing addresses with the Registrar's Office in order to receive Pepperdine institutional financial assistance, or my financial assistance may be canceled.
  • I understand that Pepperdine institutional financial assistance is partially based upon a student's personal conduct and citizenship. Behavior inconsistent with established University guidelines and policies for personal conduct, as outlined in the Student Handbook, is cause for termination of institutional financial assistance.
  • I understand that it is my responsibility to apply for financial assistance each academic year. Furthermore, if I am dismissed, suspended, withdraw from school, or take a leave of absence, once I return to school and as long as I qualify for aid, I will contact the Office of  Financial Assistance to reactivate my financial assistance file.
  • I understand that my Seaver College financial assistance award applies only to Seaver College academic programs, and this award is not valid at the other schools of Pepperdine University, including those portions of  joint degree programs completed at other schools of the university.
  • I understand that a complete withdrawal from school may negatively impact my current financial assistance eligibility and may create an outstanding balance on my account. I am required to consult with the Office of Financial Assistance concerning the effects of a withdrawal or change in course load. Furthermore I understand it is my responsibility to pay all charges owed at the time of withdrawal or dismissal.
  • In addition to the Financial Aid Terms and Conditions, students awarded academic scholarships* must also agree to the following Terms and Conditions regarding their academic scholarships. A student's initial academic scholarship award letter from the chairperson of the Academic Scholarship Committee states s/he must maintain a minimum 3.25 Pepperdine cumulative GPA and remain in good academic and disciplinary standing in order to keep an academic scholarship.
  • If a student is suspended or dismissed for disciplinary conduct, his/her scholarship will be permanently revoked and not re-instated for any future semesters at Pepperdine. No appeals to re-instate the academic scholarship will be granted for students who lose their scholarships due to disciplinary suspension or dismissal.
  • If the student's Pepperdine cumulative GPA drops below a 3.25 by the end of any semester (including summer school), s/he will have until the end of one probationary, funded semester for which s/he is enrolled for a grade (including summer school) to bring the Pepperdine cumulative GPA back up to at least 3.25. If s/he does not, the scholarship will be canceled. When academic scholarships are canceled, they are immediately revoked and can only be re-instated if appealed to and approved by the Financial Assistance Academic Committee. Students must complete the FAFSA www.fafsa.ed.gov as part of this appeal process.
  • Further, in the event a scholarship is permanently cancelled and revoked, appealing for need-based financial aid, if the student qualifies, to the Office of Financial Assistance is the student's responsibility unless otherwise stated. It is also the student's responsibility to research and apply for outside scholarships, loans, and work to help fund his/her education at Pepperdine University, should his/her scholarship be permanently cancelled or revoked due to unsatisfactory academic or disciplinary performance.
  • Additionally, if the student improves his/her Pepperdine cumulative GPA to a 3.25 at the end of a probationary semester, s/he is expected to maintain this Pepperdine cumulative GPA for the duration of his/her scholarship, and is also expected to remain in good disciplinary standing. After re-attaining the required 3.25, if the Pepperdine cumulative GPA drops below the required 3.25 at the end of any subsequent semester (including summer school) again, the student will have until the end of one probationary, funded semester for which s/he is enrolled for a grade (including summer school) to bring the Pepperdine cumulative GPA back up to a 3.25. If s/he does not, the scholarship will be canceled. When academic scholarships are canceled, they are immediately revoked and can only be re-instated if appealed to and approved by the Financial Assistance Academic Committee. Students must complete the FAFSA www.fafsa.ed.gov as part of this appeal process.


*Academic Scholarships include the Dean's, Regents', Seaver, and Chancellor's Endowed Merit Scholarships.