Key Facts

The regulations of Financial Aid programs are very specific, so please review the following:

Enrollment Status Eligibility

Financial aid is initially based on full-time enrollment, and adjusted after registration. You should be aware, however, that your award(s) will be determined based on your confirmed enrollment and attendance/participation status at the end of the official refund period. (Census Date)

Enrollment Status and Financial Aid Eligibility

How Your Pell Grant is Calculated (Enrollment Intensity)

Instead of using broad categories (like “part-time” or “half-time”), the government looks at your exact Enrollment Intensity. Your Pell Grant pays out at the exact percentage of a full-time schedule (12 credits) you are taking. For example, taking 9 credits means your intensity is 75%, so you receive 75% of your Pell Grant. Taking 6 credits means you get 50%.

New Rule: How Your Loan Limits Are Adjusted

Starting in the 2026-2027 Academic Year: If you are enrolled less than full-time (under 12 credits), your annual student loan limits will now be prorated to match your enrollment level.

Your final loan offer is calculated by our office based on your FAFSA data, your grade level, other aid you receive, and how close you are to your federal annual and lifetime loan caps.

Want the full details?

For an in-depth look at how federal limits are set, definitions of annual vs. lifetime caps, and how enrollment percentages work visit, https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/big-updates/definitions#loan-limits

If your financial aid is reduced and/or cancelled, any charges will become your personal responsibility to be repaid by you.

1. If you have a late-starting class and drop it prior to the census date, your financial aid will be adjusted, and any charges not covered by financial aid will become your personal responsibility.
2. Financial Aid funds are awarded under the assumption that you will attend school for the entire period for which the assistance is awarded. When a student withdraws, the student may no longer be eligible for the amount awarded.
3. Aid can only be awarded for classes that apply towards your current program of study. 
4. Failure to begin attendance or participate in each class by the semester census date may result in the reduction and/or cancellation of financial aid.  

Refunds

Refunds for credits dropped or for withdrawal from your courses will be returned to the financial aid programs from which you received assistance, in accordance with Federal regulations and the College Refund Policy, in the following order: Federal loan programs, Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), other Title IV Federal programs, State of Michigan programs, private funding, and the student.

Books and Supplies

Any funds on your student account must always first go toward paying your tuition and fees.  If a student has remaining funds (credit balance) after all tuition and fees are covered, then a student can use those funds for books and supplies at our Kirtland Bookstore.  The final date that students are allowed to use financial aid at the bookstore, for each semester, can be found on the Important Dates page on our website.

If a class is dropped or canceled, students should contact the Bookstore immediately, as the Bookstore may be able to credit your student account for those returned books.

Student Refunds/Overage Checks

Each semester, students that have remaining funds on their account (credit balance), after all tuition, fees, books, and supplies are covered, may be entitled to a refund.

Disbursement dates (the dates Kirtland is expecting your funds) are outlined in your Net Partner account under “Anticipated Disbursements”.

Refunds/overages are outlined on the Student Refunds page on Kirtland’s website.

All students should sign up for Direct Deposit, so refunds can be deposited directly into his/her bank account.