Financial aid recipients who are considering a leave of absence are encouraged to meet with the Office of Financial Aid to discuss how a leave could impact their aid eligibility.
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Leaving BEFORE the start of the semester
If you decide to take a leave before the start of the semester, your financial aid for that semester is considered unused and does not count toward your total semesters of aid eligibility. See Aid Eligibility Policies in the Policies section of our website for more details.
It is important that you complete any leave paperwork with the Registrar’s Office before the semester starts and that you do not attend/start classes for the term.
Important Information
While you are on leave, you will not receive email communications from the Office of Financial Aid. It is important that you communicate with us and submit all documents for your aid application.
March 2 – Financial aid priority deadline
March 15 – last day to apply to return for fall semester (complete return paperwork with the Registrar)
October 15 – last day to apply to return for spring semester (complete return paperwork with the Registrar)
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Leaving AFTER the start of the semester
If you start/attend classes (even one day), for financial aid purposes you have started the semester. This means that your aid (federal, state and institutional) will be pro-rated based on your days of attendance.
Federal financial aid will be adjusted based on a federal calculation called Return of Title IV funds (R2T4). See Return to Title IV (R2T4) in the Policies section of our website. Pitzer financial aid will also be adjusted using a similar calculation.
After your aid is adjusted, the Office of Financial Aid will send you a revised notification letter outlining the aid you received for the semester.
Semesters of Aid Eligibility
Taking a leave after the semester has started means that you have used a semester of aid eligibility, which will impact your aid eligibility upon your return. See Aid Eligibility Policies in the Policies section of our website for more details.
Important Information
While you are on leave, you will not receive email communications from the Office of Financial Aid. It is important that you communicate with us and submit all documents for your aid application.
March 2 – Financial aid priority deadline
March 15 – last day to apply to return for fall semester (complete return paperwork with the Registrar)
October 15 – last day to apply to return for spring semester (complete return paperwork with the Registrar)
Loan Borrowers
Students who borrowed through any loan programs while enrolled at Pitzer are required to complete Exit Counseling upon their leave from the College.
Pitzer College Loan borrowers: Contact the Office of Financial Aid to complete this exit counseling.
Perkins Loan borrowers: Contact the Office of Financial Aid to complete this exit counseling.
Federal Direct Subsidized/Unsubsidized Borrowers: Complete this exit counseling online on the Federal Student Aid website.
