Consumer Information

Consumer Information

Glen Oaks Community College provides the following consumer information in compliance with the Higher Education Act of 1965 and related federal regulations. This information is intended for current and prospective students, parents, guardians, guidance counselors, coaches, and the public. All information on this page is available electronically. Paper copies are available upon request.

Questions regarding this information may be directed to the Financial Aid Office at 269-294-4260 or by emailing Financial Aid.

What Is Financial Aid?

Financial aid includes all sources of funding available to help students pay for the cost of a college education. Financial aid may be based on demonstrated financial need, academic or personal merit, or a combination of both.

Students who believe they may need assistance paying for college are strongly encouraged to apply for financial aid. Glen Oaks Community College administers financial aid in a fair and equitable manner for all students in similar financial circumstances.

Types of Aid Offered

Glen Oaks Community College participates in the federal Title IV student aid programs and offers a variety of financial aid options to help make college more affordable.

Most students receive a financial aid package that combines multiple types of aid based on financial need, academic achievement, or other eligibility criteria.

Aid Programs Offered

Grants
Grants are need-based financial aid that does not need to be repaid. Glen Oaks participates in several federal and state grant programs, including:

  • Federal Pell Grant
  • Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
  • Michigan Achievement Scholarship
  • Michigan Tuition Incentive Program (TIP)

Eligibility for grant funding is determined based on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and other program-specific requirements.

Scholarships

Scholarships may be awarded based on academic achievement, leadership, special talent, or financial need. Glen Oaks offers both institutional scholarships and private donor scholarships. Some scholarships require a separate application.

Federal Work-Study (FWS)

Work-Study provides part-time employment opportunities for students with demonstrated financial need, allowing them to earn money to help cover educational expenses. Work-Study positions are available both on and off campus, including community service opportunities.

Federal Student Loans

Glen Oaks participates in the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program, which includes:

  • Subsidized Loans (need-based; government pays interest while enrolled at least half-time)
  • Unsubsidized Loans (not need-based; interest accrues during all periods)
  • Parent PLUS Loans (available to parents of dependent students)

All loans must be repaid with interest, and first-time borrowers must complete Entrance Counseling and a Master Promissory Note (MPN) before loan funds are disbursed.

Year-Round Pell Grant (Additional Pell Eligibility)

Under current federal law, eligible students may receive up to 150% of their scheduled Federal Pell Grant award in a single award year, allowing for an additional (third) Pell disbursement — often referred to as Year-Round Pell.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • The student must be Pell-eligible as determined by the FAFSA and U.S. Department of Education
  • The student must be enrolled in at least 6 credit hours (half-time) during the semester in which they receive the additional Pell funds (typically Summer)
  • The student must not have exceeded their Lifetime Eligibility Used (LEU) limit for Pell Grant (equivalent to 12 full-time semesters)
  • Year-Round Pell helps students accelerate completion by supporting enrollment in Fall, Winter, and Summer semesters without delaying graduation.

Important: Year-Round Pell does not increase the total Pell Grant award a student can receive over their academic lifetime. It simply allows greater flexibility in how funds are distributed across terms.

Who Is Eligible for Financial Aid?

Each financial aid program has specific eligibility requirements. In general, students must meet the following criteria to receive federal financial aid:

  • Have demonstrated financial need for need-based programs
  • Have a high school diploma, GED, or recognized equivalent, or have completed a home-school program
  • Be admitted and enrolled as a regular student in an eligible degree or certificate program
  • Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
  • Have a valid Social Security Number
  • Maintain satisfactory academic progress
  • Use financial aid only for educational purposes
  • Not be in default on a federal student loan or owe a refund on a federal grant
  • Undergraduate students who already hold one or more bachelor’s degrees are generally eligible for federal loans only.
  • Students enrolled at more than one institution at the same time may receive financial aid from only one institution.

Start by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Glen Oaks uses your FAFSA data to determine eligibility and award amounts.

Determining Financial Need

Federal financial aid programs are based on the principle that students and their families share responsibility for paying educational costs.

Financial need is calculated using the following formula: 

  • Cost of Attendance minus Student Aid Index (SAI) minus Other Financial Resources equals Financial Aid Eligibility
  • The Cost of Attendance includes estimated tuition and fees, books and supplies, transportation, living expenses, and personal expenses for an academic year.
  • The Student Aid Index (SAI) is calculated using information provided on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and is determined by a federal formula applied consistently to all applicants.

Financial Aid Packaging and Disbursement

Financial aid packages are created throughout the academic year. All awards are contingent on the continuation of funding programs and the availability of funds.

Packaging guidelines include the following:

  • The Student Aid Index (SAI) is determined using FAFSA data.
  • The Federal Pell Grant serves as the foundation of the financial aid package for eligible students.
  • The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) is awarded according to federal guidelines. Pell Grant recipients with the lowest SAI receive first priority. Due to limited funding, FSEOG awards are made on a first-come, first-served basis. The minimum FSEOG award is $500.
  • Award packages are created based on expected full-time enrollment.
  • Adjustments may be made up to the published freeze date, approximately two weeks after the start of each semester, to reflect changes in enrollment status. These changes may result in reduced or cancelled awards.
  • Students who are not enrolled as of the published freeze date will have a personal freeze date equal to the first date of registration for the semester. Students are encouraged to register for all planned courses on that date to maximize eligibility.

The College reserves the right to correct errors and to review, adjust, or cancel awards at any time.

Confidentiality of Student Records

All financial aid documentation is maintained in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Students are encouraged to retain copies of all submitted documents. Requests for copies from a student file must be submitted in writing.

Awarding of Need-Based Aid

Eligibility for need-based aid is determined by subtracting the Student Aid Index and other financial resources from the Cost of Attendance.

Federal and state grants and scholarships are awarded first. Remaining eligibility may be met through scholarships, loans, and work-study, subject to funding availability.

Due to limited funding, FSEOG awards are prioritized for students with the greatest financial need.

Offer Letters

Once your financial aid file is complete, Glen Oaks Community College will issue an official Offer Letter through the myGOCC student portal. This letter outlines your financial aid package and includes a link to important supplemental information that you are responsible for reviewing.

Your Offer Letter will include:

  • The name of each award
  • The amount of each award per semester
  • The total amount for the academic year
  • Your Federal Pell Grant eligibility based on full-time enrollment

You will also receive supplemental information, which includes your estimated annual Cost of Attendance (COA) — the maximum amount of aid you may receive. Your combined aid package cannot exceed your COA.

Note for Less-Than-Full-Time Students:
Aid is initially awarded based on full-time enrollment. If you are enrolled in fewer than 12 credit hours by the published freeze date, your award amounts will be adjusted to reflect your actual enrollment status.

Reviewing and Accepting Aid

Please review your Offer Letter carefully. If you wish to decline an award or reduce a loan amount, you must contact the Glen Oaks Financial Aid Office directly.

Unless you notify the Financial Aid Office, all awards listed in your Offer Letter are considered accepted.

Enrollment Levels for Financial Aid

  • Full-time enrollment is defined as 12 or more credit hours.
  • Three-quarter time enrollment is defined as 9 to 11 credit hours.
  • Half-time enrollment is defined as 6 to 8 credit hours.
  • Less than half-time enrollment is defined as fewer than 6 credit hours.
  • Courses with incomplete grades from prior semesters are not counted toward current enrollment levels for financial aid purposes.

Verification

Some students who complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) will be selected for verification, either by the U.S. Department of Education or by Glen Oaks Community College. This process ensures the accuracy of information provided on the FAFSA.

What Happens if You’re Selected

If selected, you will be required to submit documentation that may include:

  • Federal tax transcripts for the student, and spouse (if applicable)
  • Parent tax transcripts for dependent students
  • Verification worksheets
  • Documentation of untaxed income and any income exclusions
  • Additional documents based on federal or institutional requirements

The Glen Oaks Financial Aid Office will notify you of the exact documents needed. No financial aid awards will be finalized or disbursed until all requested information is received and reviewed.

Unusual Enrollment History

Students who demonstrate an unusual enrollment pattern—such as attending multiple colleges over the past four academic years—may be flagged for additional review.

If selected, you must submit official transcripts from each college or university previously attended. Students who fail to demonstrate academic credit earned at prior institutions, or who appear to have enrolled solely to receive financial aid credit balances, may be deemed ineligible for Title IV federal student aid.

Dependency Status

Eligibility for federal student aid is determined in part by whether you are considered a dependent or independent student. Federal regulations assume that dependent students have parental support and therefore require parental financial information when completing the FAFSA.

Being classified as a dependent student does not mean your parents are required to pay your education costs — it simply affects how your financial aid eligibility is calculated.

You Are an Independent Student If You Meet Any One of the Following:

  • You will be 24 or older by December 31 of the school year for which you are applying for aid
  • You are married or separated (but not divorced)
  • You are working toward a master's or doctorate degree
  • You have children who receive more than half of their financial support from you
  • You have other dependents (not a spouse or child) who live with you and receive more than half of their support from you
  • You are currently serving on active duty in the U.S. armed forces (for purposes other than training)
  • You are a U.S. military veteran
  • At any time since turning 13, you:
    • Were in foster care
    • Were a ward or dependent of the court
    • Were an orphan (both parents deceased)
  • You are (or were) an emancipated minor or in a court-appointed legal guardianship
  • You are considered homeless or self-supporting and at risk of being homeless
    • This includes living in shelters, cars, motels, or with others due to lack of housing
    • If you fled an abusive parent and are without a stable home, you may also qualify

If none of the above apply, you are considered a dependent student, and must provide parental financial information on your FAFSA.

Note: Parental information must come from your birth or adoptive parents. Information from legal guardians, foster parents, or other relatives cannot be used in place of parent data.

Special Circumstances

If you cannot provide parental information due to unusual circumstances, you may complete your FAFSA without that information. Situations that may qualify include:

  • No contact with your parents and their whereabouts are unknown
  • You left home due to an abusive or unsafe environment
  • Your parents are incarcerated
  • You are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless

In these cases, your FAFSA will remain incomplete until you contact the Glen Oaks Financial Aid Office and submit documentation. The financial aid office must review and approve your circumstances before determining your eligibility.

Note: The following reasons do not qualify as special circumstances:

  • Parents refuse to contribute financially
  • Parents refuse to provide information
  • Parents live out of state or abroad
  • Student chooses not to live with parents
  • Student lives with relatives or on their own

Parent Refusal to Provide Information

In very limited situations, the U.S. Department of Education permits a dependent student to receive a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan without parental information — but only if:

  • The parents have ended all financial support and
  • They refuse to complete or sign the FAFSA

To be considered for this exception, you must contact the Glen Oaks Financial Aid Office. The office must receive and verify written documentation of both the termination of financial support and the refusal to complete the FAFSA.

Even if granted, this special exception only qualifies you for an unsubsidized loan. You will not be eligible for grants, work-study, or other aid that requires full FAFSA completion.

Professional Judgment, Appeals, and Re-Evaluations

Glen Oaks Community College recognizes that the FAFSA may not always reflect a student's or family's current financial situation. Under federal law, financial aid administrators have the authority to use Professional Judgment (PJ) to review and adjust financial aid eligibility based on documented special or unusual circumstances.

Special Circumstances: Requesting a Re-Evaluation

Students may request a re-evaluation of aid eligibility due to changes in financial or household situations not captured on the original FAFSA.

Circumstances considered may include:

  • Loss of income due to unemployment, job change, or loss of benefits
  • Change in parents’ marital status (e.g., separation or divorce)
  • High unreimbursed medical or dental expenses
  • Business or self-employment loss due to bankruptcy, closure, or disaster
  • Unreimbursed private school tuition for children with special needs
  • Increased education-related expenses (e.g., required books, supplies, technology, child care)

Child Care Adjustments:
The Cost of Attendance (COA) can only be increased for child care expenses if:

  • You are single and provide at least 51% of the child’s financial support
  • You are married and your spouse is employed at least 20 hours per week
  • You are married and your spouse is also enrolled in college

To request a re-evaluation, complete the Special Circumstance Appeal Form, available through the Glen Oaks Financial Aid Office. All requests must be accompanied by documentation.

Unusual Circumstances: Dependency Override Requests

If you are unable to provide parental information on your FAFSA due to serious situations such as abuse, abandonment, or estrangement, you may request a dependency override based on unusual circumstances.

Situations considered for a dependency override include:

  • Parent incarceration or abandonment
  • Documentation of an unsafe or abusive home environment
  • Homelessness or risk of homelessness
  • Lack of parental contact or support

Unusual circumstance requests must be submitted to the Financial Aid Office with supporting documentation. Each request is reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Appeals of Financial Aid Decisions

If you have questions about a financial aid decision or feel your situation deserves further review, you may request a consultation with the Director of Financial Aid.

To begin this process:

  1. Submit the appropriate appeal form with supporting documentation
  2. If your request is denied or you need further clarification, request a follow-up meeting with the Director

Important: All Professional Judgment decisions are made at the discretion of the financial aid administrator and are final. These decisions cannot be appealed to the U.S. Department of Education.

Disbursement of Financial Aid Awards

Student Account Disbursements

Grants, scholarships, and loans administered by the Glen Oaks Financial Aid Office are applied directly to your student account to cover tuition, fees, and other institutional charges.

Important: Aid awarded for a specific semester can only be used to pay charges for that same semester. It cannot be carried over or applied retroactively to past or future terms.

Financial Aid Refunds

If your total financial aid exceeds your direct charges, the remaining amount (known as a credit balance) will be refunded to you. Refunds may be used for other education-related expenses, such as books, transportation, or living costs.

Refunds are issued as follows:

  • By check mailed to your address on file with the Registration Office, or
  • By direct deposit if you have enrolled in the Nelnet Payment Plan and submitted banking information

Note: Financial aid refunds are typically issued no earlier than four weeks after the start of classes, and only after all eligibility requirements are met.

After the first disbursement date of the semester, aid is generally disbursed within two weeks of the following conditions being met:

  • All requested documentation has been submitted to the Financial Aid Office
  • You are fully enrolled (not waitlisted) in eligible coursework
  • You have completed all loan requirements, if applicable

Direct Loan Requirements and Disbursement

If you are receiving Federal Direct Loans, you must complete the following before funds can be disbursed:

  • A valid Master Promissory Note (MPN) at StudentAid.gov
  • Entrance Loan Counseling (required for first-time loan borrowers)

Loan disbursements are made in two payments, per federal law. First-time borrowers may experience a delay of up to 30 days in their first disbursement if they are first-year, first-time loan recipients.

If you complete your program, withdraw, or are not returning to Glen Oaks, you are required to complete Exit Loan Counseling online. A hold may be placed on your account — and transcripts withheld — until this requirement is met.

Work-Study Earnings

Federal Work-Study funds are not applied directly to your student account. These awards are earned through employment in eligible positions on or off campus.

  • Students are paid bi-weekly by paycheck or direct deposit
  • Community service positions are available and encouraged

Work-study funds are not disbursed in advance and do not count toward tuition charges.

Private Scholarships

If your scholarship check is sent to Glen Oaks, it will be processed and applied to your student account, typically in two equal payments — half in Fall, half in Winter — unless otherwise directed by the scholarship provider. Disbursements begin approximately four weeks after the term begins, following verification of full-time enrollment.

If your scholarship check is:

  • Made out to the College: It must be submitted to the Financial Aid Office for processing
  • Made co-payable to you and the College: You must endorse the check and submit it to the Financial Aid Office
  • Made out to you only: You are still required to report the scholarship to the Financial Aid Office so it can be included in your aid package and applied appropriately

Work-Study Employment

Work-Study funds are earned through approved employment and paid as wages. Payment is typically made on a bi-weekly basis.

Reporting Additional Aid

Under federal law, students are required to report all sources of financial assistance—including scholarships, grants, employer tuition assistance, and any third-party educational benefits—to the Glen Oaks Financial Aid Office.

This includes, but is not limited to:

  • Scholarships from outside organizations
  • Glen Oaks Foundation scholarships
  • Veterans benefits
  • Employer-paid tuition
  • Tribal assistance
  • AmeriCorps education awards
  • Tuition waivers

Why Reporting Is Important

All resources must be included in your financial aid package to ensure your total aid does not exceed your Cost of Attendance (COA). If your total aid exceeds your COA, your awards may be adjusted to prevent an overaward, as required by federal regulations.

In general:

  • External aid is applied to fill any gap between your aid package and your full cost of attendance.
  • If your aid exceeds need, adjustments may be made by reducing Work-Study or loan eligibility first, before adjusting grants.

Your Responsibility

If you receive any additional aid at any point during the academic year, you must notify the Financial Aid Office immediately. Failure to report external resources could result in:

  • Reduction of existing aid
  • Return of funds
  • A balance owed to the college

If you have questions about how additional aid affects your financial package, contact the Financial Aid Office before accepting or applying for new awards.

Repeat Coursework and Financial Aid Policy

Under federal regulations, the Financial Aid Office is required to monitor and adjust a student’s enrollment level for Title IV federal financial aid when a student repeats coursework for which academic credit has already been earned.

Federal financial aid eligibility for repeated coursework is separate from Glen Oaks Community College’s academic repeat policies and applies only to federal aid programs.

When Federal Financial Aid May Be Used

Federal financial aid may be applied under the following conditions:

  • A student may receive federal aid to repeat a course previously failed or withdrawn until a passing grade is earned.
  • A student may receive federal aid one additional time to repeat a course that was previously passed.

A passing grade for federal financial aid purposes is defined as a grade of 1.0 or higher.

Limits on Repeated Coursework

Once a course has been passed, federal financial aid cannot be used to cover the cost of that course after the second attempt, regardless of the outcome of the repeated attempt (fail, withdrawal, or pass).

This means:

  • Failed or withdrawn courses may be repeated with aid until passed
  • Passed courses may only be repeated one additional time with aid
  • Any further attempts are not eligible for federal financial aid coverage

Students are encouraged to consult with an academic advisor and the Financial Aid Office before repeating coursework to understand how repeated classes may affect financial aid eligibility.

Refund Policy and Return of Title IV Funds (R2T4)

Federal law requires that students who withdraw or stop attending classes may keep only the portion of Title IV federal financial aid they have earned based on the length of time they attended.

If a student withdraws or stops attending on or before completing 60% of the semester, a portion of the federal aid received may need to be returned to the federal government by the College and/or the student.

After the 60% point of the semester, a student is considered to have earned 100% of the federal aid for that term, and no return of funds is required.

How Earned Aid Is Calculated

The Financial Aid Office calculates earned aid by dividing:

  • The number of calendar days attended
  • By the total number of calendar days in the semester
  • Excluding scheduled breaks of five days or more

The resulting percentage is multiplied by the total Title IV funds disbursed for the term to determine the amount of aid the student has earned.

Any unearned aid (aid disbursed minus aid earned) must be returned.

Students may owe funds to:

  • Glen Oaks Community College
  • The U.S. Department of Education
  • Or both

Students required to return funds will be notified in writing and provided repayment instructions.

Determination of Last Date of Attendance

Federal regulations recognize two types of withdrawals:

Official Withdrawal

A student who officially withdraws from all courses must complete withdrawal paperwork with the Registration Office. The official withdrawal date is used to calculate earned aid.

Unofficial Withdrawal

If a student stops attending classes without formally withdrawing, the student is considered an unofficial withdrawal for Title IV purposes.

  • Faculty are asked to document the student’s last date of academic activity
  • The latest documented date is used in the R2T4 calculation
  • If no date is documented, the midpoint of the semester is used

If a student has both official and unofficial withdrawals, the latest applicable date is used.

Students are strongly encouraged to contact the Financial Aid Office and their academic advisor before withdrawing to understand the financial consequences.

Allocation of Returned Title IV Funds

Returned federal aid is allocated to the following programs in this required order, up to the amount disbursed:

  1. Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan
  2. Federal Direct Subsidized Loan
  3. Federal Direct PLUS Loan (Parent or Graduate)
  4. Federal Pell Grant
  5. Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

Non‑federal aid (such as private or institutional scholarships) may also need to be returned according to the terms of the award. Any resulting balance owed to the College must be paid in full before financial aid eligibility is restored.

Post‑Withdrawal Disbursement

If a student withdraws before aid has fully disbursed, the Financial Aid Office will determine whether a post‑withdrawal disbursement is required.

Aid may be considered “aid that could have disbursed” if:

  • A valid FAFSA with an official Student Aid Index (SAI) was received prior to withdrawal
  • The student met all other eligibility requirements
  • Loans were originated and a Master Promissory Note (MPN) was completed prior to calculation

Grant funds owed will be applied to outstanding institutional charges.
Loan funds owed require written authorization from the student or parent and must be accepted within 14 days of notification.

Post‑withdrawal disbursements are made no later than 45 days after the College determines the student withdrew.

A post‑withdrawal disbursement cannot be made to a deceased student or the student’s estate.

Notification Timeline

R2T4 calculations are performed throughout the semester. Glen Oaks will notify students of the results within 45 days of the student’s withdrawal or the date the College becomes aware of the student’s last date of attendance.

Cost of Attendance (COA)

The Cost of Attendance (COA) is an estimate of the total educational expenses a student may incur while attending Glen Oaks Community College. These figures are used to determine your financial aid eligibility and are based on federal guidelines under the Higher Education Act.

The COA includes both direct costs (billed by the College) and indirect costs (other expenses you may incur).

COA Components

Each annual student budget includes:

  • Tuition and fees (based on residency and credit hours)
  • Books and supplies
  • Room and board (housing and meals, based on living situation)
  • Transportation
  • Personal and miscellaneous expenses
  • Child care and other dependent care expenses (if applicable)
  • Disability-related expenses (if applicable)

Actual expenses will vary from student to student. These budgets are based on modest but adequate living costs determined through regional research and reviewed annually by the Financial Aid Office.

COA Categories

Glen Oaks publishes COA estimates annually for the following full-time student categories:

Cost estimates are published for both Fall/Winter and Summer terms. The Fall/Winter estimates are updated annually in June, after final tuition and fee rates are confirmed.

Late Financial Aid Awards

Awards made by the Financial Aid Office or notification of additional aid by the student or an outside source after the initial award letter is mailed may result in the adjustment of awards. Adjustments are made to ensure compliance with individual program requirements and to avoid over awards in the total award package.

Applying for Financial Aid

For detailed information about applying for financial aid, please see our Apply for Aid page.

Academic Programs and Accreditation

Glen Oaks is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. For a full list of academic programs, visit the Programs and Training and Accreditation pages

Student Outcomes, Policies, and Disclosures

Information related to accreditation, program completion, retention, graduation rates, athletic participation, student rights, complaint procedures, and cohort default rates is available through linked disclosure pages.

Student Terms & Conditions

When you accept the offer of financial aid specified in your award letter, you agree to accept and fulfill all of the following responsibilities, including the terms and conditions set by the federal regulations for financial aid.
You can see the full details on our Student Terms & Conditions page.

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)

Please review the Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Policy in our catalog.

Book Advance and Inclusive Access

Please visit our Book Advance and Inclusive Access pages for full information on these topics.

Student Retention

Please see our IPEDS Data Feedback Report (PDF) for up-to-date information on Student Retention and Graduation numbers.

Graduation and Retention Rates for Student Athletes

This must be provided to student-athletes, their parents, high school coaches, and guidance counselors when an athletically related student aid offer is made. For information, contact the Athletic Department at 269-294-4213.

Athletic Program Participation and Financial Support

Glen Oaks is committed to providing equitable athletic opportunities for its male and female students. Please review the Student Outcomes area of our Student Disclosures page for more detailed information on Equity in Athletics.

Facilities & Services Available to Disabled Students

Please see the Disability Support Services page for a complete listing of facilities and services available to disabled students.

Program Completions

For a full listing, please see our Course Completion Rates (PDF) for up-to-date information on Program Completion numbers.

College Policies

Please review our Student Policies & Handbooks page for a full listing of all polices, procedures, and handbooks for Glen Oaks students.

Student Rights and Complaints

Glen Oaks Community College is committed to maintaining a supportive, respectful learning environment and to resolving student concerns in a fair, accessible, and timely manner.

Step 1: Informal Resolution

Whenever possible, students are encouraged to address concerns directly with the faculty or staff member most closely involved. Open, respectful dialogue often resolves issues quickly and informally.

Step 2: Formal Complaint Submission

If a concern cannot be resolved informally, students may submit a formal complaint through the college’s official reporting process.

  • To report a general concern, complaint, Code of Conduct violation, or academic grievance, please visit the Report a Concern page.

  • For complaints involving academic integrity or program quality, contact the Administrative Assistant to the Vice President of Academics and Extended Learning at 269‑294‑4308 to request the Student Concern Procedure packet.

All formal complaints must be submitted in writing and will be reviewed by the appropriate college official.

External Complaint Contacts

In compliance with 34 CFR § 668.43(b), Glen Oaks provides the following contacts for unresolved complaints:

Accreditation Complaints

Unresolved complaints related to institutional practices that may affect accreditation may be directed to the College’s accrediting agency:

Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, IL 60604-1411
www.hlcommission.org

Consumer Protection Complaints (State of Michigan)

Unresolved complaints related to fraud, misrepresentation, or consumer protection may be submitted to:

Consumer Protection Division
Michigan Attorney General
P.O. Box 30213
Lansing, MI 48909-7713
www.michigan.gov/ag

Online and Distance Education Complaints (PA 45 of 2015)

The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) is designated to review complaints related to distance education and online instruction provided under the Higher Education Authorization and Distance Education Reciprocal Exchange Act (2015 PA 45). These may be directed to:

Corporations, Securities & Commercial Licensing Bureau
Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA)
P.O. Box 30018
Lansing, MI 48909
Visit the Post-Secondary Student Complaints page for procedures.

Military and Veteran Students

Active-duty service members, veterans, and their families who have concerns about the quality or integrity of education offered at Glen Oaks may contact:

DoD Post-Secondary Education Complaint System
www.militaryonesource.mil

Need Help Navigating the Process?

If you're unsure where to direct your concern, the Office of the Vice President of Student Services can help guide you through the appropriate steps. Please call 269‑294‑4303 for assistance.

Student Loan Default Rates

Glen Oaks Community College is committed to transparency in student borrowing and financial responsibility. As part of our federal reporting obligations, we publish our institution’s official cohort default rates (CDRs) for federal student loans.

What is a Cohort Default Rate?

A Cohort Default Rate (CDR) is a percentage that shows how many of a college’s federal student loan borrowers enter repayment during a federal fiscal year (October 1 through September 30) and default on their loans within the next two fiscal years.

CDRs are calculated and published annually by the U.S. Department of Education. They help evaluate how effectively schools prepare students for successful loan repayment after they graduate, withdraw, or drop below half-time enrollment.

Why It Matters

The federal government monitors cohort default rates as part of institutional eligibility to participate in Title IV financial aid programs. Under 34 CFR 668.206, the following rules apply:

  • If a school’s three most recent official CDRs are 30.0% or higher, it may lose eligibility to offer Federal Direct Loans and Federal Pell Grants for the remainder of the current year and the next two fiscal years.
  • If any single official CDR exceeds 40.0%, the school may lose eligibility to participate in the Federal Direct Loan program for up to three years.

Note: Schools are exempt from Federal Pell Grant sanctions if they withdrew from participation in federal loan programs before October 7, 1998, and have not resumed loan participation since. These exemptions do not apply to Glen Oaks Community College.

Glen Oaks Community College Cohort Default Rates

Below is a historical summary of Glen Oaks’ 3-Year Official CDRs as reported by the U.S. Department of Education. Each year shows the number of borrowers who entered repayment, the number who defaulted, the resulting default rate, and the national average for comparison.

 

Fiscal Year Rate Type Defaults Total in Cohort CDR (%) National Avg. CDR (%)
2018 3-Year Official 20 116 17.2 7.3
2017 3-Year Official 32 132 24.2 9.7
2016 3-Year Official 27 157 17.1 10.1
2015 3-Year Official 38 189 20.1 10.8
2014 3-Year Official 71 293 24.2 11.5
2013 3-Year Official 82 402 20.3 11.3
2012 3-Year Official 55 280 19.6 11.8
2011 3-Year Official 46 259 17.7 13.7
2010 3-Year Official 30 172 17.4 14.7

 

Questions? Contact Financial Aid

For the most current cohort default rates or to better understand what these figures mean for your financial aid eligibility, please contact the Financial Aid Office