Financial Information

Tuition & Fees

Program-specific tuition and fee information are available within the Catalog under each program section. Tuition rates are subject to change each academic year for all enrolled students.

Supporting information that is relevant to all programs is listed below.

Tuition and Fees for Extended Graduations and Retakes

Residential Program Tuition and Fees

1. Students with an academic plan that includes an extended graduation date that originated in the predominantly didactic or pre-clinical years (excluding students in an approved Enhanced Mastery Track), and requires students to be enrolled in one or more credit hours, will pay 50 percent of normal tuition for each term enrolled in the additional year. Students will also pay 100 percent of normal student technology fees and may have to pay up to 100 percent of equipment fees depending on the program for each extended term. The student will be enrolled in an appropriate course(s) with appropriate credit hours. In addition to course(s) with credit hours, students may be enrolled in courses with zero credit hours. Zero credit courses allow a student to remain enrolled at the University while not actively pursuing coursework for credit. Examples of zero-credit courses include continued work on dissertations, practicums, or work related to board preparation which are used when all required credit coursework has been completed. The charges will be assessed on a term basis.
2. Students with an academic plan that includes an extended graduation date that originated in the predominantly clinical or rotation years, and requires students to be enrolled in one or more credit hours, will pay a percent of the tuition being charged to the students enrolled in the final year of the academic program. This percentage is determined by the program. Students will also pay 100 percent of normal student technology fees and may have to pay up to 100 percent of equipment fees depending on the program for each extended term. The student will be enrolled in an appropriate course(s) with appropriate credit hours. In addition to course(s) with credit hours, students may be enrolled in courses with zero credit hours. The charges will be assessed for each term that the student maintains enrollment until all requirements are completed, the student withdraws from the program, or the student is dismissed from the program. Charges will not be pro-rated. 
3. Students with an academic plan that includes zero credit hours will pay $800 per term/$400 per quarter plus 100 percent of normal student technology fees for each extended term. Students may have to pay up to 100 percent of equipment fees depending on the program. This will meet the University’s requirement of continuous enrollment. The charges will be assessed for each term that the student maintains enrollment until all requirements are completed, the student withdraws from the program, or the student is dismissed from the program. Charges will not be pro-rated.
4. Students required to repeat a course or rotation may pay a per-credit-hour rate as determined by the University. Charges will not be pro-rated.
5. When a student returns from an approved leave of absence during a term, tuition and student technology fees may be pro-rated. Students may have to pay up to 100 percent of equipment fees depending on the program.

This policy will in no way cause the student to pay less than the entire cost of the program.

Online Program Tuition and Fees

1. Students with an academic plan that includes an extended graduation date will continue to be charged the full per-credit-hour rate according to their program.
2. When a student returns from an approved leave of absence during a term, tuition and student technology fees may be pro-rated.

This policy will in no way cause the student to pay less than the entire cost of the program.

Payment Information

Tuition Payment Policy

All tuition, including student technology fees, equipment fees, and miscellaneous fees for ATSU programs, must be settled by the first week of each academic term. Programs billed entirely upfront require full payment before the program commencement or as per the agreed quarterly payment schedule. Student Accounts manages the receipt of tuition payments and facilitates refunds when necessary.

A late payment fee will be assessed on past due amounts at the rate of eighteen percent (18%) per annum, beginning the fourth (4th) business day after the due date. A service charge of $25 for returned checks will be assessed. Any waiver of the late payment fee applies only to the amount applied for on eligible loans or payable from approved third-party sources. Students applying for Title IV, Federal Direct student loans before the payment due date will be exempt from the late payment fee.

Students enrolled in online programs may sign up for an ATSU-approved payment plan per term. An administrative fee will be charged upon each enrollment in the payment plan.

Lenders will be requested to forward all funds to the University by electronic funds transfer (EFT). Where necessary, lenders will be requested to make checks co-payable to the University and the student. Funds credited in excess of the tuition and fees will be refunded to the student. If a student chooses a lender that disburses funds by check only, the student must make a tuition payment within three (3) business days after notification the loan check is available.

Primary Care Loan and other institutional award funds will be applied directly to the student’s account with any over-payment refunded to the student or returned to the lender to prevent an over award.

Registration Holds

The University will withhold registration of future courses under the following circumstances as permitted by state laws:

1. There is an outstanding balance due the University for tuition, fees, short-term advances, or any other amount due the University unless satisfactory arrangements have been made.
2. There is a default on any student loan obtained through the University.
3. Students owing balances for the previous academic term will be required to pay past due amounts and late charges before registration for the next term. Waivers to this exception may be requested by contacting Student Accounts at studentaccounts@atsu.edu.

Repayment of ATSU Scholar Awards

In the event an ATSU scholar award recipient does not complete their education at ATSU, the scholar award must be repaid to the University under one of the following options:

1. Repayment in full within three (3) months of the date of withdrawal/dismissal with no interest charge.
2. If not paid in full, the balance is due in twelve (12) monthly installments plus interest based on the prime rate at a local Kirksville bank as of the date of withdrawal/dismissal and will begin accruing on same date.
3. If a repayment agreement is not established or becomes sixty (60) days past due, the remaining balance will be referred to a collection agency; and the former student will be responsible for all related costs the University incurs that are associated with collecting the debt.

Debts Owed to ATSU

Fees and expenses charged by an attorney or collection agency to secure payment of any debt owed to ATSU by a student or former student will be the responsibility of such student or former student.

Refund Information

Tuition Refund Policy

A.T. Still University adheres to a fair and equitable refund policy consistent with the requirements established by the U.S. Department of Education. This policy applies to students who officially withdraw from any program or course while attending the University. In order to officially withdraw, students must complete either an ATSU Withdrawal Form or an ATSU Course Add/Drop Form located in the ATSU portal. The following information also applies to students who are administratively withdrawn or dismissed from a program.

Refund Policy for Residential Programs and Post-Professional Doctor of Audiology Online Program

Students who withdraw by the end of the seventh calendar day of the term will receive a 100% refund of tuition and student technology fees. Equipment fees will be waived if the equipment is returned to the school in the condition in which the student received it.

For students withdrawing after the seventh calendar day of the term, ATSU will determine the amount of tuition, fees, and equipment charges (if any) incurred by the student by calculating how many calendar days attended in the payment period divided by the total number of calendar days in that same payment period. A student who withdraws after the 60% point of the term will not be entitled to a refund. Students will be eligible for a refund of Title IV aid based on this formula.

Student Refund Example

A student withdraws after 51 calendar days but pays for 153 calendar days. The student would have incurred 33.3% of educational costs. Therefore, ATSU would refund 66.7% of the tuition, fees, and equipment charges paid.

• Educational costs paid for 153 calendar days = $17,280.00
• Calendar days attended by the student = 51
• 51/153 = 33.3% (Percentage of educational costs incurred by the student)
• 33.3% of $17,280 = $5,754.24 (Educational costs incurred by the student)
• $17,280 - $5,754.24 = $11,525.76
• Amount of the ATSU refund= $11,525.76

Refund Policy for Pay-per-Credit Programs

Students who drop courses prior to the term or up until the seventh calendar day from the course start date will be entitled to a 100 percent refund of tuition and student technology fees. The submission time of the ATSU Course Add/Drop Request will determine the drop date using Central Time. 

For students who drop a course after the seventh calendar day, ATSU will determine the amount of tuition and fees incurred by the student by calculating how many calendar days attended in the course divided by the total number of calendar days scheduled. A student who drops a course after 60 percent completion will not be entitled to a refund. 

Student Refund Example

A student withdraws after 30 calendar days but pays for 70 calendar days. The student would have incurred 42.9% of educational costs. Therefore, ATSU would refund 57.1% of the tuition, fees, and equipment charges paid.

• Educational costs paid for 70 calendar days = $9,516.00
• Calendar days attended by the student = 30
• 30/70 = 42.9% (Percentage of educational costs incurred by the student)
• 42.9% of $9,516 = $4,082.36 (Educational costs incurred by the student)
• $9,516 - $4,082.36 = $5,433.64
• Amount of the ATSU refund= $5,433.64

Refund Policy for Programs Charged in Full at the Beginning of the Program

Students who withdraw prior to logging into the first course will receive a 100 percent refund of tuition minus a $250 administrative fee.

Students who withdraw prior to completing the first course will receive a 100 percent refund of tuition minus a $500 administrative fee.

Students who withdraw after completing the first course or thereafter will receive a prorated refund minus a $500 administrative fee.

Refund Policy for the California Central Coast Physician Assistant Studies Program

Students who withdraw by the end of the seventh calendar day of the term will receive a 100 percent refund of tuition, student technology fees, and student tuition recovery fund fees. Equipment fees will be waived if the equipment is returned to the school in the condition in which the student received it.

For students withdrawing after the seventh calendar day of the term, ATSU will determine the amount of tuition, fees, and equipment charges (if any) incurred by the student by calculating how many calendar days attended in the payment period divided by the total number of calendar days in that same payment period. A student who withdraws after the 60 percent point of the term will not be entitled to a refund. Students will be eligible for a refund of Title IV aid based on this formula.

Student Refund Example

A student withdraws after 51 calendar days but pays for 153 calendar days. The student would have incurred 33.3% of educational costs. Therefore, ATSU would refund 66.7% of the tuition, fees, and equipment charges paid.

• Educational costs paid for 153 calendar days = $17,280.00
• Calendar days attended by the student = 51
• 51/153 = 33.3% (Percentage of educational costs incurred by the student)
• 33.3% of $17,280 = $5,754.24 (Educational costs incurred by the student)
• $17,280 - $5,754.24 = $11,525.76
• Amount of the ATSU refund= $11,525.76

Federal Financial Aid

Federal Direct Student Loans

The information contained in this section is referring specifically to Title IV, Federal Direct student loan opportunities available to students at ATSU. This information is required for students who apply for and accept Title IV, Federal Direct student loans. More information about Federal Direct student loans and other types of aid may be found on the Enrollment Services website.

When a student obtains a loan to pay for an educational program, the student will have to repay the full amount of the loan plus interest, less the amount of any refund. If the student receives federal student financial aid funds, the student is entitled to a refund of the moneys not paid from federal financial aid funds.

Return of Title IV Funds Formula

If a Title IV recipient withdraws during a payment period, the institution will calculate the amount of Title IV funds unearned by the student and return the funds to the lender. 

Enrollment Services will be notified of an official withdrawal through the census date, add/drop, withdrawal or administrative withdrawal processes. The date of the notice will be the official withdrawal date. In the instance where the student does not notify ATSU of their intentions to withdraw, Enrollment Services will work with the program to identify, and use as the official withdrawal date, the last date the student attended classes.

The amount of unearned Title IV funds is determined by dividing how many calendar days are remaining in the payment period by the total number of calendar days in the payment period. Unearned Title IV funds will be returned to the lender, up to 60% of the payment period for which the student was charged tuition/fees and equipment charges. After 60% of the payment period, the student will have earned all Title IV funds for that payment period and no financial returns or refunds will be made.

For example, if a student paid tuition, fees, and equipment charges (if applicable) with Title IV funds for 174 calendar days, but withdrew after 87 calendar days, the percentage of Title IV funds earned will be 50.0%. Unearned Title IV funds will be 50.0%, as well. Therefore, ATSU will return 50.0% of all Title IV funds to the lender. (Please note: The federal funds may not cover institutional charges due to ATSU at withdrawal. So, the student may owe a balance to ATSU upon withdrawal.)

• Tuition, fees, and equipment charges paid with Title IV funds for 174 calendar days = $37,000.00
• Student enrolled for 87 calendar days out of 174
• 87/174 = 50.0% (Percentage of Title IV funds unearned)
• 50.0% of $37,000.00 = $18,500.00 (Unearned Title IV funds)
• Amount ATSU returns to the lender = $18,500.00

The Return to Title IV calculation (R2T4) and the return of any corresponding funds owed will be completed within 45 days of the date ATSU determined a student has withdrawn. Credit balances will be disbursed as soon as possible, and no later than 14 days after the R2T4 calculation. If the R2T4 calculation results in an amount to be returned that exceeds the school’s portion, the student must work with Student Accounts to pay the balance.  

The funds must be paid back to the federal loan programs in the following order:

1. Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loan
2. Federal Perkins Loan (if applicable)
3. Federal GradPLUS Loan

Post-withdrawal Disbursement

If the R2T4 calculation determines a student is eligible for a post-withdrawal disbursement, or funds that they have earned but have not yet received, the student will be notified via email within 30 days of the possible disbursement and given 14 days to respond and accept or decline some or all of the offer. Accepted loan amounts will be disbursed and immediately applied to any outstanding balance owed. Any credit balance resulting from the post-withdrawal disbursement, after the outstanding balance has been paid, will be scheduled for deposit into the student’s personal account as soon as possible, but no later than 180 days from the date ATSU determined the student withdrew.

Satisfactory Academic Progress for Federal Financial Aid

According to the United States Department of Education regulations (34CFR 668.16 and 668.34), all students receiving Title IV funds must meet and maintain a set of academic standards that demonstrate they are meeting satisfactory academic progress. Satisfactory academic progress (SAP) is measured in terms of qualitative (grade-based) and quantitative (time-based) standards and must be measured regardless of whether the student received financial aid for the terms and credits measured. Academic programs equal to or less than 1 year in length will have academic progress checked at the end of each term. For all programs longer than 1 year, academic progress will be checked for all students annually after spring grades are posted. Students on SAP Probation or SAP Probation w/Academic Plan will be reviewed for compliance at the end of each term.

Qualitative Measure

The qualitative, or grade-based measure of a student’s progress is measured by reviewing a student’s cumulative grade point average or comparable norm. The minimum cumulative GPA or comparable norm students must maintain to remain eligible to apply for Title IV financial aid at A.T. Still University is as follows:

• Programs operating on a 4.0 scale (A, B, C, etc.): SAP is evaluated annually after the spring term for programs greater than one year in total length. For programs less than one year in total length SAP is evaluated at the end of each term. A student’s cumulative GPA after SAP evaluation must meet the minimum cumulative GPA requirement set by their program for the catalog year for which their SAP is evaluated. For example, students evaluated in the spring of the 2022-23 academic year will be assessed using the GPA requirements of the 2022-23 University Catalog.  
• Students in a program that does not specify a minimum cumulative GPA requirement must meet a minimum 2.00 cumulative GPA to maintain SAP. 
• Programs operating on a Pass/Fail scale (P, HP, H, LP & RP grades): As pass/fail grades do not have a numeric value assigned, the calculation used for the quantitative measure will also measure the qualitative measure for programs operating solely on pass/fail grades. The credit hours earned will be compared to the credit hours attempted [credit hours earned ÷ credit hours attempted] with students needing to achieve 67% or higher. ATSU recognizes the 67% threshold as at or above the same academic expectations of each program and therefore a comparable norm.

Additional Grading Considerations

Courses that have a grade of incomplete or in progress at the time Enrollment Services calculates SAP will not be included in the GPA calculation. When the incomplete or in progress grade has been replaced with the final grade, this course will be included in the GPA calculation at the first SAP review following the final grade entry.

Transfer grades of TR and Withdraw grades of W do not calculate into GPA calculation. Repeated courses are only calculated into the GPA on the most recent attempt.

Quantitative Measure

Pace of Progression

The quantitative, or time-based measure of a student’s progress is measured by reviewing a student’s pace of progression. Every student’s pace of progression is measured at each standard review time by calculating the [credit hours earned÷ credit hours attempted]. Federal financial aid recipients must maintain a 67% minimum completion rate for attempted credit hours. Credit hours for a course are earned by completing and passing the class. Dropped, failed, and remedial courses for which no credit is received do not count towards credit hours earned but do count toward credit hours attempted. Courses dropped during the add/drop period will not be counted in credits attempted.

Additional Grading Considerations

Incomplete and In Progress grades count towards credits attempted, therefore will calculate into the maximum time frame.

Courses that have a grade of Incomplete or In Progress at the time Enrollment Services calculates SAP will be included in the pace of progression calculation as credits attempted. When the Incomplete or In Progress grade has been replaced with the final passing grade, the final grade will be included in the pace of progression calculation as credits earned and attempted at the first SAP review following the final grade entry.

Pace of Progression Example 1

A student has completed four courses that are 3 credit hours each. The student successfully passed three of those courses and failed the fourth course. The student has attempted 12 credit hours, but has only earned 9 credit hours. This student’s calculation would be 9 ÷ 12, or a 75% completion rate, and they would still be meeting the SAP minimum requirement. Their SAP status would be SAP Met which continues their eligibility to receive Title IV loans.

Pace of Progression Example 2

A student has completed three courses that are 4 credit hours each.  The student successfully passes one of the three courses.  The student attempted 12 credit hours, but has only earned 4 credit hours.  This student’s pace of progression calculation would be 4 ÷ 12, or a 33% completion rate.  This student would not be meeting the SAP minimums, and would be moved to SAP Suspension status.  Students on SAP Suspension lose their eligibility to receive Title IV loans unless an appeal is granted.

Maximum Time Frame

Financial aid recipients must complete an educational program within a time frame no longer than 150% of the published length of the educational program. All attempted, withdrawn, failed, repeated, and/or transferred credit hours that apply to a student’s program count toward this maximum time limit. 

Maximum Time Frame Example

A student pursuing a doctorate degree requiring 120 credit hours may attempt up to 180 credit hours before financial aid eligibility is suspended (120 x 150% = 180). Students on SAP Suspension lose their eligibility to receive Title IV loans unless an appeal is granted.

Additional Grading Considerations

Courses that have a grade of Incomplete or In Progress at the time Enrollment Services calculates SAP will be included in the 150% calculation as credits attempted. When the Incomplete or In Progress grade has been replaced with the final passing grade, this course will be included in the 150% calculation both as credit attempted and earned at the first SAP review following the final grade entry.

SAP Statuses

ATSU’s Enrollment Services will conduct a SAP review annually after the spring term for programs greater than one year in total length. For programs less than one year in total length SAP is evaluated at the end of each term. During this review, each student’s cumulative GPA and pace of progression will be assessed and determine the student’s SAP status. Each SAP status is defined below.

• SAP Met: Students meeting the required GPA and with at least a 67% pace of progression (66.5% or higher qualifies) will have a SAP status of SAP Met. This entitles the student to continued eligibility for Title IV aid.
• SAP Suspension: Students who fail to meet the GPA and pace of progression requirements are placed on SAP suspension for the Fall term and are not eligible for Title IV financial aid until their GPA and/or pace of progression return to the minimum requirements. These students will receive written notification to their ATSU email account of their failure to comply and that future Title IV financial aid will be canceled. This status can be appealed.

Appealing a SAP Suspension

Students who have earned a SAP Suspension status may submit a written appeal to Enrollment Services for reinstatement of eligibility. Appeals must be received within 1 week of the notification of SAP Suspension status or before the 15th day of each following month. Eligibility for Title IV aid will remain suspended at least until the appeal is reviewed. The appeal will be based on the student’s GPA and pace of progression at the time of SAP Suspension status. Retroactive appeals may be granted for a payment period(s) in the current award year only.

• Occasionally, extenuating circumstances contribute to their inability to meet the requirements for satisfactory progress. Extenuating circumstances include, but are not limited to, the following:
• Death of an immediate family member
• Severe injury or illness of the student or an immediate family member
• Emergency situations such as fire or flood
• Legal separation from spouse or divorce
• Military reassignment or required job transfers or shift changes

Students who have extenuating circumstances may appeal by completing and submitting the SAP Suspension Appeal. If you decide to pursue an appeal, login to the ATSU portal and locate the StudentForms tile under Departments > Enrollment Services. Under the Needs Action menu, select the Manage Requests button and then the ‘+’ sign next to COA Appeal. Read the instructions, provide a general statement and submit. The new COA Appeal workflow will be made available for you to access and complete. Select the new workflow and follow the prompts to complete the appeal. A student will be notified if additional supporting documentation is required. The completed appeal form and supporting documentation will be presented to the SAP Committee for consideration. The student will be notified via ATSU email of the SAP Committee’s decision and recommendations.

A student whose appeal is denied will remain on SAP Suspension and therefore will be ineligible to receive Title IV financial aid until eligibility is reestablished by completing courses without Title IV financial aid in one or more payment periods at ATSU. Regaining eligibility requires the cumulative GPA and/or pace of progression meet the required SAP minimums.

SAP Probation

If a student appeals their SAP Suspension status and the appeal is approved, that student is put on SAP Probation for one payment period. A student may receive Title IV financial aid while on SAP Probation. If a student fails to meet SAP standards during the term of SAP Probation, their status will move to SAP Suspension, losing their eligibility to receive Title IV aid until that time that they return to meeting the SAP standards. Students may request an additional appeal if the reason for the continued academic issue is different from the reason used for any prior appeal.

SAP Probation with an Academic Plan

If the SAP Committee determines that the student needs more than one payment period to meet SAP standards, the Committee may elect to place the student on SAP Probation with an Academic Plan. This plan will include a goal date that the student should be able to return to meeting SAP standards. Student progress will be assessed at the end of each payment period to determine if the student is meeting the requirements of their SAP academic plan. If it is determined that a student is not making the necessary progress, the student may be moved back to SAP Suspension status. Students may request an additional appeal if the reason for the continued academic issue is different from the reason used for any prior appeal.

Reinstatement

Federal financial aid may be reinstated when one of the following conditions has been met:

• The student completes courses without federal aid in one or more payment periods at ATSU until the cumulative GPA and/or pace of progression percentage meet the required standard, OR
• The student files an appeal and the SAP Committee approves the appeal. The student must maintain the requirements set via appeal and with the SAP Probation or SAP Probation with Academic Plan status. 

It is the student’s responsibility to notify Enrollment Services when reinstatement conditions have been met.

Military Benefit Information

Veterans Educational Benefits

A.T. Still University is approved by the Missouri, Arizona, and California State Approval Agencies to certify the enrollment of students eligible to receive VA educational benefits.

A.T. Still University of Health Sciences, in compliance with The Veterans Benefits and Transition Act of 2018, Section 3679 of title 38, will not impose any penalty on a covered individual due to the individual’s inability to meet his or her financial obligations to ATSU due to the delayed disbursement of funding from VA under chapter 31 or 33.

For the purposes of certifying VA Benefits, the University will determine enrollment status. 

For assistance with utilizing veterans educational benefits at ATSU, please contact a School Certifying Official via Enrollment Services by email at enrollmentservices@atsu.edu or by phone at 660.626.2019.

Review of Prior Training Requirement

In the instance where a program accepts transfer credit, this institution will inquire about each veteran’s previous education and training, and request transcripts from all prior institutions, including military training, traditional college coursework and vocational training. Previous transcripts will be evaluated and credit will be granted, as appropriate.

Many of ATSU’s programs require students to provide copies of their official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended as one of the admissions requirements. Student veterans that have been accepted to a program that does not require transcripts from all colleges and universities attended will have to provide these copies to their School Certifying Official. These transcripts beyond the required documents for admission may be unofficial copies.

Military Tuition Assistance

For assistance with utilizing your military tuition assistance benefits, please contact Student Accounts by email at studentaccounts@atsu.edu or by phone at 660.626.2888. Tuition Assistance (TA) is a Department of Defense (DoD) program. The VA does not administer TA. Some students may be prohibited from simultaneously receiving education benefits from VA and TA benefits from the military.

Steps for Applying for Tuition Assistance

1. All prospective TA students must first speak with their unit Education Service Officer (ESO), a military counselor, or visit their local installation Education Center regarding their desire to use Federal Tuition Assistance. Service members must coordinate with ESO’s and receive approval before they begin using Federal Tuition Assistance.
2. After obtaining the proper approval, visit the TA portal for your respective branch and create an account.
3. You may now contact your A.T. Still University representative to schedule your coursework.
4. Log into your branch portal account and request tuition assistance for each of your classes. You’ll need to have your A.T. Still University billing statement and your class schedule in digital form to upload onto the portal if/when prompted.
5. Revisit the portal routinely in the days and weeks following your request. Once your request is approved, you will receive a TA authorization statement.
6. Email your TA authorization statement to A.T. Still University Student Accounts, studentaccounts@atsu.edu.

All TA vouchers must demonstrate approval was received prior to start of the course.

Requirements for Return of Tuition Assistance (TA) Funds

• All Tuition Assistance (TA) Funds will be returned directly to the military service, not to the service member. 
• Up to the start date, 100% of all TA funds will be returned to the appropriate military service when the service member fails to: begin attendance, start a course (regardless if the student starts other courses), or the course is cancelled.
• All Tuition Assistance (TA) funds will be returned according to the University’s institutional refund policy.

A committee comprising of the dean of the applicable school, the university CFO, and Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs will determine the appropriate actions needed when a Service member ceases their attendance due to a military service obligation. This decision will take into consideration the unique circumstances for each individual Service member, with the goal of no student debt for the returned portion.