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FAQs

frequently asked questions about:

• Admissions
• Financial Aid
• Prior Learning

The School of Human Services at Springfield College has three terms which begin in September, January and May. Our trimester schedule allows you to complete your degree more quickly than a traditional program.

We take pride in academic excellence that promotes leadership, diversity and social justice. We feature:

• Weekend classes for working adults
• Concentrations that allow you to enhance your leadership skills and build communities
• Financial aid for qualified students
• Undergraduate degree credit awarded for college-level knowledge gained through prior work and life experience

Admissions

Is Springfield College accredited?

Yes. Springfield College is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Inc. through its Commission on Institutions of Higher Education.

Can I transfer credits from another college?

Yes. In order to be accepted as a transfer credit at the undergraduate level, courses must be:

1. Completed at a regionally accredited institution of higher education.
2. Graded as C- or better. Grades of P (pass) will only be accepted if there is documentation that the P is equivalent to a C- or better.
3. Completed within 10 years prior to the student's matriculation at Springfield College.

How much does it cost to enroll in this program?

Tuition Rates effective through January 2008 term

• Undergraduate: $333 per credit
• Graduate: $454 per credit

Payment Plan Fee: $15 per term (if making payments to pay off tuition balance)

Portfolio Assessment Fee: $250 (one-time payment -- only charged if you register for prior learning/portfolio class)

Is this a part-time program?

No. Although classes only meet on weekends, undergraduate students can still enroll for a full-time course load of 12 credits, and graduate students can enroll for a full-time course load of 9 credits.

Do classes meet every weekend?

Classes are usually held the first two weekends of the month on Saturday and Sunday. A full-time student would take four classes per term.

Can I finish the program in 12 months (one year)?

No. Classes are held all 12 months of the year. The minimum amount of time that someone could complete the degree requirements for the program is 16 months.

Financial Aid

How do I apply for financial aid?

All applicants must complete the following 3-step process:

• File your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)*. You are encouraged to file on-line at fafsa.ed.gov. If you have a PIN, you may use it to electronically sign your FAFSA. If you do not have a PIN, please print and sign your signature page and mail it to the federal processor. You may also get a paper FAFSA form from your campus. Fill it out completely, sign it, and mail it in the attached envelope to the federal processor. Make sure that Springfield College, Springfield, MA is on the list of schools you want to receive your FAFSA information. Our school code is 002211.
  
  
• Complete a Springfield College Financial Aid Application and submit it to the Springfield College Financial Aid office.
  
  
• Submit a signed photocopy of the required federal tax return* to the Springfield College Financial Aid office. Enclose copies of your W-2s as well.
  
  *For enrollment in September 2007, January 2008, May 2008, complete a 2007-2008 FAFSA using your 2006 federal tax return. Send a copy of this tax return to the college.

How do I find scholarships?

To find scholarships, try these websites, or check your local library.

• fastweb.com
• srnexpress.com
• collegeanswer.com
• scholarships.com
• finaid.org

Remember... Be sure to sign up with all of them if possible, as each site will give you slightly different results!

Remember... You should NEVER have to pay money to find out about scholarships! If someone tries to charge you a fee to get results, it could be a scam!

Do I need to apply for financial aid every year?

Yes. The financial aid award year begins every September.

2007-2008 financial aid year = September 2007, January 2008, May 2008. Students completing a 2007-2008 FAFSA need to use their 2006 federal tax return. Send a copy of this tax return to the college with your 2007-2008 Springfield College Financial Aid Application.

How many credits do I need to take to receive Financial Aid?

Students generally need to be accepted and enrolled at least half time to receive financial aid, which includes Stafford Student loans, the Pell Grant, Springfield College grant and state grants.

• For undergraduate students, half-time is 6 or more credits per term.
• For graduate students, half-time is 4.5 or more credits per term.

Prior Learning

How does assessment of my prior learning help me earn credit towards my degree?

It offers you an opportunity to demonstrate and document college-level learning you gained through any or all of the following: non-transferable courses, licenses, certificates, and personal and professional experience. Credit may be granted towards degree requirements.

How do I present my college-level learning?

The first step is to take a class called Human Services and Portfolio Development. A portfolio is a written presentation which articulates knowledge equivalent to that which is taught in a college course. The Portfolio process is covered in great detail in this class.

Do I actually get credit for my life experience?

No, we do not award credit for experience. Credit is awarded for the college level knowledge and learning gained from the experience.

How many credits may I earn through the Portfolio?

The maximum number of credits available through the prior learning process is dependent upon state regulations. The average prior learning credit award is 30 credits.