What loans can a U.S. student receive attending The American University of Rome?
Students may receive funding under the US Federal Direct Loan Program. Under this program, loans available include Direct Subsidized, Unsubsidized, and PLUS loans only.
Congress has regulated that students attending foreign schools (like The American University of Rome as we are located on foreign soil) are not eligible for any of the grant programs, such as the Federal Pell Grant or the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant.
Private Education Loans are also an available alternative to federal loans for US students pursuing degrees at The American University of Rome. A student may borrow up to the Cost of Attendance minus any AUR institutional aid. While a student may pursue any private loan lender, the most accessible private student loan options for US Citizens studying at foreign schools are Sallie Mae or Earnest. For more information, please visit their websites and be sure to compare the terms and conditions to make an informed decision: Sallie Mae Student Loans. --- Earnest Student Loans.
Do I need to be a U.S. Citizen to receive federal student aid?
A student must be a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen to be eligible for federal student aid. This includes citizens of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, and the Northern Mariana Islands. The general requirement for eligible non-citizens is that they be in the U.S. for other than a temporary purpose with the intention of becoming a citizen or lawful permanent resident, as evidenced by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The Department performs matches against a student’s application to verify citizenship status. In addition, there are procedures that a participating institution must follow to confirm a non-citizen’s status through the DHS and Social Security Administration if citizenship status is not confirmed through our verification
procedures.
What kinds of educational programs offered by The American University of Rome may I enroll in that would allow me to receive federal student aid?
An educational program offered by a foreign school, such as The American University of Rome, is not an eligible program for purposes of federal student aid if it is provided by correspondence or distance education in whole or in part. In addition, a foreign institution may only approve federal student loans or deferments for eligible U.S. students for enrollment in an educational program that is at least one year in length and leads to a certificate, diploma, or full degree program. The program must be at the undergraduate or graduate level.
If I am attending The American University of Rome through a “Study Abroad” Program sponsored by my domestic school, do I apply for federal student aid through the foreign school?
No. Federal student aid for a short term, or a study abroad program is processed by the student’s home institution in the U.S. The American University of Rome would not be authorized to certify student loans or deferments for U.S. study abroad students who only plan to attend for a semester or for a one year study abroad experience to earn credits that apply toward or transfer into a degree program in which the student is enrolled in the U.S.
I am enrolled at The American University of Rome. Can I receive funding to perform research in another country for a semester?
No. Funding does not cover studies in a country outside of your institution’s location. Funding only covers eligible programs within an eligible institution.
The American University of Rome Enrollment Status for eligibility and reporting for US Title IV funds policy
In determining enrollment status for eligibility for Title IV funds at The American University of Rome our policy is as follows; to be enrolled half time a student must be taking at least a half time course load. ‘Audit’ courses, courses that are not matriculating to your degree and some remedial courses do not count. The reported status for the three enrollment periods (fall, spring and summer is determined as follows:
| Enrolled credits | Enrollment status |
| 12+ | Full-time |
| 6 - 11.99 | Half-time |
| Less than 6 | Less than half-time |
Appealing Your Aid Decision
The US Department of Education has certain guidelines and regulations that The American University of Rome must abide by. However you have the right to appeal your financial aid decision if you feel there are extenuating circumstances.
Please submit the Appeal Application, an Income Expense and Benefit Form and necessary documentation along with an explanation of your circumstances.
Appeals will be reviewed only after all requested supporting materials are received.
What happens if I leave school or graduate?
Leaving school: graduating, withdrawing, or dropping below half-time
Once you are no longer enrolled at least half time, you’ll receive a 6-month grace period on your Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans during which you are not required to make loan payments. You must begin repayment at the end of your grace period.
Make sure that the Direct Loan Servicing Center knows that you are no longer enrolled. If you don’t begin making payments when required, there is the possibility that you will lose repayment incentives you may have received or even go into default.
You are required to complete the Exit Counseling before you graduate or withdraw. You may complete the Exit Counseling online, at the Direct Loan Servicing Web Site.
General financial aid requirements: All awards are limited to students enrolled full-time and are in good academic standing, by meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP), and not have defaulted on previous education loans.
