Continue Your Story

Your Rock Solid Future Awaits.

I’m ready now:
First-Year Application
Transfer Application

Take advantage of the opportunity to pursue more than 80 majors, minors, and programs, and experience all that a small, close-knit community of communities can offer including: practical experiences, global perspectives, and one-on-one research with faculty members.

Learn more about our adult accelerated bachelor of science degree in management studies or our graduate programs.

DEPARTMENT INFORMATION

Office of Admission
Nelson Hall--2nd floor
5050 E. State Street
Rockford, IL 61108
815-226-4050
Fax 815-226-2822
Office of Admission
Admissions@rockford.edu

Hours:
Mon-Thurs - 8:30 am to 7:00 pm
Fri - 8:30 am to 5:00 pm
Sat - 9:00 am to 1:00 pm -- Please call to reserve an appointment on Saturdays.

Chat with an Admission Counselor

Loan Processes

Rockford University participates in the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program for all Stafford loans.  

New Students:  
The Office of Student Administrative Services (SAS) will originate your Stafford Loan once you are registered for classes and have completed the following: Master Promissory Note (MPN), entrance counseling, award letter, 2016-2017 Federal Direct Loan Request Form or 2017-2018 Federal Direct Loan Request Form, and Standards of Academic Progress Policy‌.  The MPN will be used for all subsidized and unsubsidized Federal Stafford loans.  Subsequent Stafford loans accepted by you will be automatically processed under the same MPN in future academic years.  

Please note, federal regulations require that all new borrowers have a 30-day hold (after first day of classes) placed on the disbursement of loan funds.

Current Student borrowers:
The Office of Student Administrative Services (SAS) will originate your Stafford Loan once you are registered for classes and have completed a signed award letter and direct loan request form.  You will not need to complete a new MPN, entrance counseling, or SAP as long as you have an active one on file with Rockford University. 

Upon completion of all required documents, loan funds will be disbursed through an electronic funds transfer (EFT) to your student account.  Loans cannot be processed after a student becomes ineligible or after the term has ended.

Parents: Rockford University participates in the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program.  If you wish to borrow on behalf of your son or daughter in the federal Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS) program please complete the following the steps.

Current/New Parent Borrowers:  All NEW and PREVIOUS parent borrowers will need to complete a PLUS loan application after June 1st. The application process determines credit eligibility. You will be required to use your FSAID to log-in and complete the federal PLUS application.  If approved for the loan, SAS is not able to originate a Parent PLUS loan until a completed PLUS MPN is on file and the student has completed the financial aid process. If a completed Parent PLUS loan MPN is on file, a new one may not be needed. 

Utilizing An Endorser:  An endorser is someone who will pass the credit check and who agrees, similar to a co-signer, to repay the PLUS Loan if the borrower is unable to do so. Almost anyone can serve as an endorser. However, the student cannot serve as an endorser for their parent.

If you choose to obtain an endorser, the endorser should complete the endorser addendum at studentloans.gov. The endorser will need the PLUS Endorser Code (if a Direct PLUS Loan Request was completed) or Loan Identification Number to connect the endorsement to the denied PLUS Loan. Completing the endorsement online also requires a Federal Student Aid ID (username and password).

Master promissory notes (MPNs) are used for PLUS Loans and allow for multiple year borrowing under the same terms. However, when an endorser is used, the terms of the MPN used for that loan is specific only to that loan. Therefore, a borrower who has previously received a PLUS Loan without an endorser will need to complete a unique MPN for the endorsed loan. Also, any additional PLUS borrowing will require a new MPN and endorser addendum (though the same endorser can be used).

Finally, when the borrower is initially denied and approved through use of an endorser or appeal, the borrower will need to complete the Parent PLUS counseling requirement before the PLUS Loan can be disbursed. This counseling is a review of loan and repayment obligations available at studentloans.gov.

In cases of a parent credit denial or when an eligible endorser is not available the student will be eligible for an additional unsubsidized loan. Rockford University will be notified and a new award letter with required documentation will be mailed to the student.

DEPARTMENT INFORMATION

Future Regent Days

DEPARTMENT INFORMATION

Office of Admission
Nelson Hall--2nd floor
5050 E. State Street
Rockford, IL 61108
815-226-4050
Fax 815-226-2822
Office of Admission
Admissions@rockford.edu

Hours:
Mon-Thurs - 8:30 am to 7:00 pm
Fri - 8:30 am to 5:00 pm
Sat - 9:00 am to 1:00 pm -- Please call to reserve an appointment on Saturdays.

Chat with an Admission Counselor

GUIDANCE COUNSELOR

Guidance Counselors and Admission Staff alike strive to provide the support necessary to ease the transition from high school to a university. Providing information on the vast amount of opportunities is part of the process.

Below is a helpful resource about Rockford University to assist you as you serve and change the lives of students.

Fast Facts

• Enrollment: 900 undergraduates (1280 total students)
• Student-to-faculty ratio: 11:1
• Admission requirements:
  • First-year students: 2.65 GPA, 19 ACT or equivalent SAT, top ½ graduating class
  • Transfer students (12 credits or more of 100-level college courses): 2.3 GPA
  • If academic records fall below standard, a student may be allowed to petition for admission.
• Majors and minors: Learn more about our over 80 majors, minors and programs! Popular programs include: Education, Nursing, Pre-Med, Business, Psychology and Performing Arts.
• Tuition and fees: $36,270 for tuition room and board. More info >>
• Academic Calendar
• Athletic Division: NCAA Division III; Northern Athletics Conference. More info >>
• Distinctions: Rockford University is a Princeton Review “Best in the Midwest” university, a “College with a Conscience,” and a Phi Beta Kappa institution. More info >>

Campus Visits

We openly invite and encourage students and families to schedule a visit to learn more about Rockford University. We also offer appointments with an admission counselor and tours Monday-Saturday – give us a call at 815.226.4050 to schedule a visit!

High School Visits

We would love to have a group from your school visit us and experience Rockford University. In addition, Rockford University is pleased to visit your high school and provide financial aid presentations or classroom visits (either an admission counselor or Rockford University faculty member). Please contact Faith DeVries at fdevries@rockford.edu if you would like to set up a group visit to campus or a program at your school.

Refer a student

Simply e-mail admissions@rockford.edu and provide a prospective student’s full name, address, phone number and/or e-mail address, and we will send information directly to him/her.

Admission Steps

Start the process with these first steps:

• Complete an application – students can apply online for FREE
• Submit official transcripts; transfer students should submit official transcripts from each institution attended
• Submit ACT or SAT scores (first-year students)–ACT Code: 1122; SAT Code: 1665
• Learn more >>

Scholarships

We award financial aid to 99% of our full-time students. Every year, Rockford University students receive more than $8 million in scholarships, grants, and other financial aid. We believe an education should be affordable. Through our scholarships, grants, and other financial aid, we work individually with prospective students and their families to determine the most beneficial financial aid package for them.

Clubs and Organizations

Rockford University offers a variety clubs and organizations to fit just about any interest. Students can also start their own clubs. Movies, concerts, athletics, intramurals and more are offered year-round, along with traditional events such as Homecoming and Family Weekend. The Jane Addams Center for Civic Engagement provides outlets for service-oriented experiences, and students can become service fellows and earn scholarships while making a difference.

Athletics

Rockford University is an NCAA Division III competitor and participates in the NACC conference.

• Men’s sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Track and Field, Football, Golf, Soccer
• Women’s sports: Basketball, Cross Country, Track and Field, Soccer, Softball, Volleyball

DEPARTMENT INFORMATION

Office of Admission
Nelson Hall--2nd floor
5050 E. State Street
Rockford, IL 61108
815-226-4050
Fax 815-226-2822
Office of Admission
Admissions@rockford.edu

Hours:
Mon-Thurs - 8:30 am to 7:00 pm
Fri - 8:30 am to 5:00 pm
Sat - 9:00 am to 1:00 pm -- Please call to reserve an appointment on Saturdays.

Chat with an Admission Counselor

CODE OF CONDUCT FOR EDUCATIONAL LOANS

The Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008 (HEOA) requires that institutions participating in the federal student loan programs develop, publish and enforce a code of conduct with respect to student loans.

Rockford University participates in the William D. Ford Federal Stafford Loan Program.  Loans offered through this program are the Federal Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans for students, the PLUS Loan for parents of dependent students and the Grad PLUS Loan for graduate students.  Rockford University is committed to the highest standard of ethics and conduct and has adopted the following Code of Conduct by which all loan programs directly administered by the Office of Student Administrative Services (SAS) must adhere.

Revenue Sharing

Rockford University prohibits all SAS employees from any revenue-sharing arrangements with any lender, guarantor or servicer.  Rockford University prohibits all SAS employees from promoting or recommending any product from said lender, guarantor or servicer.

Gifts

Rockford University prohibits any SAS employee from accepting or soliciting any gifts from a lender, guarantor or servicer. The term “gift” is defined as any gratuity, favor, discount, entertainment, hospitality, loan or other items valued at more than a de minimus  amount.  This also includes any services, transportation, lodging, or meals, whether provided in kind, by purchase of a ticket, payment in advance or by reimbursement.

Contracting Arrangements

Rockford University prohibits any SAS employee from accepting compensation for serving on a board of directors of a lender, guarantor or servicer.

Preferred Lender Lists

Rockford University allows students the freedom to choose any private loan lender and does not assign a specific lender nor will we prohibit or delay a certification based on the student’s choice.

Offers of Funds for Private Loans

Rockford University prohibits acceptance of offers of funds for private loans including funds for opportunity pool loans from any lender, guarantor or servicer in return for special concessions toward a lender, guarantor or servicer.

Advisory Board Compensation

Rockford University prohibits any SAS employee from accepting any form of compensation from a lender, guarantor or servicer for serving on an advisory board, commission or other group established by such lender, guarantor or servicer or a group of lenders /guarantors.

Staffing Assistance

Rockford University and the Office of Student Administrative Services will not accept any offer from a lender, guarantor or servicer for staffing assistance within said office.

This Code of Conduct will be the policy by which the Office of Student Administrative Services will conduct their student loan programs.

Standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress

Federal regulations require Rockford University to establish Standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress in the following three areas:  completion rate, cumulative GPA, and maximum time frame.  The Rockford University Office of Student Administrative Services (SAS) is responsible for ensuring that all students who receive federal, state, and institutional financial aid (including any tuition remission, tuition exchange or graduate assistantships) are meeting these standards.  The standards of satisfactory academic progress apply for all financial assistance programs including Federal Pell Grant, Federal Perkins Loan, Federal Work-study (FWS), Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), the Federal Direct Loans (Stafford and PLUS), assistance from the State of Illinois and Rockford University.

Rockford University (RU) has established the following criteria in compliance with federal regulations published on October 6, 1993, Federal Register Part 668.16 and in Higher Education Amendments of 1986.

1.  Completion Rate

Each semester, a student’s progress will be measured by comparing the number of attempted credit hours with the credit hours earned.  This includes any course for which the student has remained enrolled past the Drop/Add period.  Audited courses are not considered credits attempted.  A student must complete 70% of credits attempted to maintain satisfactory academic progress.

To complete a bachelor’s degree at Rockford University, a student must complete a minimum of 124 semester hours.  This can be achieved by averaging 31 semester hours per year.  A minimum of 36 semester hours is required to complete a master’s degree.  This can be achieved by averaging 18 semester hours per year.

2.  Cumulative GPA

Financial aid recipients are governed by the academic performance standards of Rockford University.  In order to retain financial aid eligibility the student must maintain a cumulative grade point average of:

• 1.8 for 0-29 hours completed
• 1.9 for 30-59 hours completed
• 2.0 for 60+ hours completed
• 3.0 for graduate programs

When you repeat a course, the most recent grade earned will count towards the calculation of your cumulative GPA.

3.  Maximum Time Frame

You will not be eligible to receive financial aid once you have attempted more than 150% of the normal credits    required for your degree or certification program.  At Rockford University, this means that students in programs requiring 124 hours for graduation will be eligible for financial aid during the first 186 attempted hours as an undergraduate.  All Attempted hours are counted, including transfer hours, whether or not financial aid was received, or the course work was successfully completed.  The maximum time frame also applies to students who change their majors and/or seek to earn additional degrees.

4.  Semester SAP Reviews

Academic progress will be reviewed at the end of each semester.  Those students not meeting the requirements stated above will be placed on Financial Aid Warning during the next semester of enrollment and will receive a letter of warning.

Warning

The student may continue to receive financial assistance during the warning period which consists of one semester.  At the end of the warning period the student will either:

1. Be removed from warning status because both cumulative GPA and cumulative completion rate are met; OR
2. Have assistance SUSPENDED from federal, state and institutional sources and will receive a Financial Aid Suspension letter.

Suspension

If you do not meet either item one or two above you are no longer eligible for financial aid until you have taken classes, using your own funding, and have raised your cumulative GPA and completion rate to meet the above standards.

5.  Appeal Procedure

To appeal the financial aid suspension, a student must, within 15 calendar days of notification, submit to Student Administrative Services a signed and dated letter of appeal explaining why he/she should not have his/her aid suspended.

A student may appeal for emergency condition (i.e. health, family, catastrophe, etc.).  Documentation verifying the situation may be requested.

The Financial Aid Committee will consider the appeal and render a decision, which the Financial Aid Specialist will convey in writing to the student.  If the appeal is approved the student will be placed on financial aid probation and will regain financial aid eligibility for one semester.  The decision of the committee is final.

6.  Reinstatement

You can raise your Rockford University GPA and/or satisfy credit deficiencies by taking additional course work at Rockford University without receiving financial aid.  You can eliminate credit deficiencies, but not GPA deficiencies, by successfully completing course work at another institution without receiving aid at that institution; course work must be transferable to Rockford University.  Transfer credits used to satisfy credit deficiencies cannot be credits that were earned prior to the term in which you incurred the deficiencies.  You can also submit a copy of your Rockford University transcript and an appeal form to verify grade changes, including the removal of incompletes, if this will result in the removal of your deficiencies.

7.  Additional Information

All attempted hours are counted, including transfer hours, remedial coursework, withdrawals, repetitions and incomplete grades (whether or not financial aid was received, or the course work was successfully completed).  ESL classes do not count towards SAP as they have no credit hours attached to them.  SAP will be recalculated once incomplete grades are converted into actual grades or withdrawals.

DEPARTMENT INFORMATION

Student Administrative Services (SAS)
Nelson Hall--1st floor
5050 E. State Street Rockford, IL 61108
815-226-4062
Fax: 815-394-5174
sas@rockford.edu

Hours:
Mon-Thurs - 8:30 am to 5:30 pm
Fri - 8:30 am to 5:00 pm

Chat with an Admission Counselor

Parent Resources

Parent and Guest Orientation Handbook (6,102 kB)

RU Resources

• Office of Global Affairs
• Bookstore
• Information Technology
• Performing Arts
• Print Services
• Student Employment Welcome Letter
• Study Buddy

Student Life

• Student Center
• Alan Hutchcroft Alternative Spring Break (AHASB)
• Campus Events Calendar
• Career Development
• Clubs, Organizations, CAB, & SGA
• Jane Addams Center for Civic Engagement (JACCE)
• Lang Center for Health, Wellness, Counseling, and Disability Support Services
• Residence Life

DEPARTMENT INFORMATION

Jane Addams Center for Civic Engagement
Burpee Center, Student Life Suite
5050 E. State Street
Rockford, IL 61108
815-394-5143
815-394-5068
Donnette Tinsley, Director
dtinsley@rockford.edu

NEW STUDENT REGISTRATION

Rockford University is excited to welcome you to our campus community. We believe orientation programs are the foundation for your success both in and out of the classroom and recognize your unique needs as a transfer student. Transfer Orientation is required and designed for you:

• Become familiar with RU Technology prior to the first day of class.
• Connect with other new students
• Understand academic expectations
• Meet Faculty, Staff and members of Administration

New Student Orientation Schedule 2017

DEPARTMENT INFORMATION

Jane Addams Center for Civic Engagement
Burpee Center, Student Life Suite
5050 E. State Street
Rockford, IL 61108
815-394-5143
815-394-5068

First-Year Orientation

‌First Year Student Orientation Handbook (6,495 kB)

‌‌Mark Your Calendar!

Orientation is August 20 – August 23, 2016

We believe that orientation programs are the foundation for your success and, therefore, require all new first-year and transfer students with less than 20 credit hours to attend all orientation events. If an emergency or situation arises and you are unable to attend, you must contact your admissions counselor or the Jane Addams Center for Civic Engagement (815-394-5143) immediately.

Throughout Orientation you will:

♦ Learn about academic expectations, including the knowledge, values and skills that contribute to your success at Rockford University
♦ Develop new friendships
♦ Participate in a variety of events
♦ Connect with your Orientation Leaders
♦ Get to know your First-Year Advisor
♦ Learn your way around campus
♦ Have Fun!
First Year Student Orientation Schedule