Continuing Education Student Financial Aid Process

Salve offers resources to help you understand your financial aid options and work to make your goals achievable. 

The financial aid process starts with determining your eligibility, which includes:

• Be a U.S. citizen or legal resident.
• Be enrolled at least half-time (six credits per semester).
• Be officially accepted into a degree- or certificate-granting program. (Students conditionally accepted may receive aid for up to two semesters.)
• Maintain satisfactory academic progress.
• Not be in default on any federal student loans.
• Not owe a refund on a federal grant.
• Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)

To remain eligible for financial aid, students must:

• Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0.
• Successfully complete at least 67% of all cumulative attempted credits.

If these requirements are not met by the end of the academic year, students will be placed on financial aid probation for the following semester. To receive aid during this probationary period, you must submit a letter of appeal to the Office of Financial Aid. If approved, aid may be granted for one additional semester, provided all other eligibility criteria are met.

How to Apply for Financial Aid

Start your financial aid process by completing the following steps:

• Submit the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) at studentaid.gov.
• Complete your Master Promissory Note - a legal document in which you agree to repay your loan(s).
• Complete entrance counseling, required for first-time borrowers of federal Direct Loans.
• Register for courses: Continuing education students must be enrolled in at least six credits per semester to qualify for federal financial aid. Full-time status is defined as 12 credits per semester.
• Students who are Pell Grant-eligible may still receive a Pell Grant if enrolled less than half-time.

Loan Amounts

Federal loan amounts are awarded per semester, based on the number of credits you are registered for and the federal limits for dependent or independent students.

If you would like to decline or reduce your loan amount, you can submit the Student Loan Reduction/Decline Request Form or email your financial aid counselor from your Salve email account.

Additional Financing Options

Private Student Loans

Private student loans are initiated by the borrower and may help cover any remaining balance after federal aid. 

When applying:

• Review each lender’s interest rates, fees, repayment options and borrower benefits.
• Consider applying with a cosigner to improve your chances of approval and better terms.
• Be mindful of credit inquiries when comparing lenders.

Review Salve's list of commonly used private lenders for your convenience. Once approved, the lender will contact us directly to finalize the process.

Monthly Payment Plans

Avoid borrowing by enrolling in our interest-free monthly payment plans offered through Nelnet. These plans break down your tuition into manageable monthly payments.

To get started:

• Log in to your My Salve account and follow the “Payment Plan and Billing” link.
• Call Nelnet at (800) 609-8056. Or reach out to the Business Office for additional assistance.