Student Consumer Information Requirements

Federal Student Consumer Information Requirements

The Student Consumer Information Regulations of the United States Department of Education require all colleges and universities to provide their students access to certain information to which they are entitled as consumers.  Under these regulations, Allen University annually distributes notice of the availability of consumer information to all students.  The links below provide the information outlined for consumer disclosure by the Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA).

Students are provided consumer information the website at www.allenuniversity.edu/student-consumer-information.  The information is available in hard-copy form upon request.

General Information

The links below are provided as a service to Allen University as required by the Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA).  Click on each section to learn more.

Academics

You can find links to Allen University's program and course offerings by clicking here.

Accreditation

Allen University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, masters, educational specialist, and doctorate degrees. Allen University also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Allen University may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).

Availability of Employees for Information Dissemination

The following personnel at Allen University will be available to provide information in their respective areas upon request: 

Federal Student Aid Penalties for Drug Law Violations

The Higher Education Act of 1965 as amended (HEA) suspends aid eligibility for students who have been convicted under federal or state law of the sale or possession of drugs if the offense occurred during a period of enrollment for which the student was receiving federal student aid (grants, loans, and/or work-study). For more information on the penalties for drug law violations and how it affects financial aid, please Click Here.

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), also known as the Buckley Amendment, was passed by Congress in 1974.  It allows students at an institution of Higher Education to control outside access to their education records, including requests for information from their parents and other family members. The FERPA form must be complete online in the MyAllen Portal.  For more information on FERPA, please Click Here.

Programs and Services for Students with Disabilities

The purpose of Disability Services at Allen University is to provide opportunities for equal access. Academic Affairs and Student Life is responsible for the management, and evaluation of Disability Services. For more on disability services, please Click Here .

2018 FTE = 592

Graduation Rate = 31%

Transfer Out Rate = 12%

Retention Rate = 56%

International Student Retention Rate = 100%


Student to faculty ratio = 15 to 1

Graduate Enrollment = 45

Transfer in Enrollment = 37

2020 Enrollment

Undergraduates = 656

Graduates = 49 

Gender Percentage - Undergraduate

Female = 42%

Male = 68%

 

Gender Percentage - Graduate

Female = 47%

Male = 53%

 

Human Resources Data

Total Number of Staff = 114


Transfer and Articulation

A transfer applicant is a student who has attended another regionally accredited post-secondary institution (whether or not credit was earned) after completing high school.  More information on Allen University’s transfer policy can be found HERE.

Cost of Attendance and Net Price Calculator

Please find below information regarding the cost of attendance and the net price calculator. The Net Price Calculator is a tool that students can use to estimate their net price to attend a particular college or university.  For more information, please visit HERE.

Copyright Infringement Policies and Sanctions

Allen University strictly prohibits any and all of the following: copyright, trademark, patent, trade secret or other intellectual property infringement, including but not limited to using any copyrighted names, text or images, offering pirated computer programs or links to such programs, serial or registration numbers for software programs, copyrighted music, etc., as policy on the use of copyrighted material on the Institution’s computer systems and networks. 

Allen University respects the copyrights of those involved in creating and distributing copyrighted material, including music, movies, software, and other literary and artistic works. It is the policy of Allen University to comply with copyright law. For more information on our copyright infringement policies and sanctions, please contact the IT department at support@allenuniveristy.edu. 

Institutional Information

Allen University makes certain information about itself is readily available upon request to enrolled and prospective students. This information is often maintained by offices other than financial aid.  For more information, please visit http://www.allenuniversity.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Student-Handbook-2018-2019-2.3.19web.pdf.

Faculty

Information about Allen University’s faculty and instructional employees can be found here.

Complaints

Grievance Procedure at Allen University

In an ideal world, everyone would act in a caring manner and all decisions would be fair and just, and all involved would be in complete agreement as to what constitutes fairness and justice. However, this would be in an ideal world, and we live with differences of opinion while always pursuing what is believed to be fair and just. 

Most students believe they have been treated fairly and justly by the university, and by all of the individuals representing Allen University.  The university’s Student Grievance Procedure is a mechanism by which a student may seek to remedy a situation where she/he feels she/he has been treated unfairly and has not been able to obtain justice in any less formal manner. 

SC Commission on Higher Education Complaint Procedure

The SC Commission on Higher Education responds to formal complaints from students against public, independent non-profit and proprietary institutions of higher education in South Carolina. However, the Commission has limited authority over public and non-profit independent colleges and universities and cannot offer legal advice or initiate court proceedings.  More information can be found at https://www.che.sc.gov/Portals/0/CHE_Docs/academicaffairs/license/Complaint_Procedures_and_Form.pdf.

Constitution Day

In order to comply with the federal regulation requiring the development of educational programming to celebrate Constitution Day on September 17th of each year, Allen University conducts a C.A.R.S. for faculty, students and staff with information on the U.S. Constitution Day. Contact the Student Affairs Office for more information as well as visit https://constitutionday.com/.

Career Center Services

We take great care in preparing our students to achieve in their chosen careers. The Career Placement Center offers guidance and services for all of our students via self-assessment, career counseling, job and internship opportunities, cover letter, resume writing, interviewing skills, and more.  More information can be found here.

Textbook Information

Allen University endeavors to select quality course materials that provide both educational depth and engaging variety. In order to accommodate each student’s individual circumstances and learning style, required course materials, in most instances, is purchased through a University CENGAGE Unlimited subscription.  This resource is provided to all students regardless of their classification at no cost to the student.  Also, through this university funded subscription, students can purchase or rent a hard copy of a required textbook at an extremely affordable rate.

 In the rare case where a textbook appropriated for a particular course is not available through the student’s CENGAGE subscription, every effort is made by faculty to develop a course packet, at no cost to the student, or to secure a reasonably affordable textbook.  In this case, students have many options for obtaining their course materials including purchasing new (physical or electronic) books, finding used books, or textbook rental. These services are available from a variety of online vendors including the following:

  • Amazon– Find new, used, rental, and eTextbooks

  • Bookfinder– Compare prices from dozens of vendors

Voter Registration

Keep your South Carolina voter registration current or register to vote if you have recently moved or turned 18.   Voter registration information will be made available to students through, but not limited to, the following:

  • Voter registration drives through Student Affairs and/or various student organizations

  • Physical voter registration forms available from the Division of Student Affairs

  • E-mail messages, to currently enrolled students, that include information regarding voter registration and a link to a downloadable voter registration form

  • Direct link to a downloadable voter registration form on the University website

More information on South Carolina Voter Registration, forms, requirements, and registration can be found at www.dmv.org/sc-south-carolina/voter-registration.php. 

Student Financial Assistance

Financial Aid Information

The Office of Student Financial Aid (OSFA) provides assistance to students and their families in identifying federal, state, and private resources that can help them pay for the costs of education. Advice and assistance are provided in completing and submitting the necessary applications and providing the appropriate documentation required by the provider(s) of financial aid. The goal of OSFA is to assist students in understanding their financial aid options, while explaining how the system works. Students and their families are expected to contribute to the cost of college. If a family is unable to contribute the entire cost, financial aid is available to eligible students to help bridge the gap. Knowing their financial aid options and how to obtain them is an important piece to funding students’ educational journey. Students may not know where to begin, and that is where OSFA comes in to provide assistance, guidance, and information.  More information about financial aid can be found here.  

Satisfactory Academic Progress

Federal and state regulations require financial aid recipients to maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) towards a recognized degree, HEA Sec 484(c), 34 CFR 668.16(e), 34 CFR 558.34. SAP applies to all undergraduate students who may or may not receive most types of federal, state, and institutional financial aid administered by the university. At the conclusion of each term or payment period, Allen University (AU) review all currently enrolled AU students to verify they are meeting the SAP requirements.  For more information, please Click Here.

Withdrawal Process

Students who desire to withdraw from the University must do so by completing an official Student Withdrawal Form. This form may be obtained from the Vice President of Academic Affairs or the Office of the Registrar. Students who do not officially withdraw from the University will be required to pay all charges assessed to their accounts for the semester. Additionally, in order for a student to be officially withdrawn from the University, the Vice President of Student Affairs must sign and approval of the request for withdrawal, and all other required signatures must be obtained.  For more information, please Click Here.

Return of Federal Financial Aid (Title IV) Policy

If you are receiving financial aid from Title IV federal funds and you withdraw from the University under any circumstances, Allen University will determine whether a refund or repayment is owed to the Title IV account. If a refund or repayment to the account is required, Allen University will return funds according to the federal refund policy. The federal return policy requires that a portion of financial aid funds be returned to the appropriate program upon a recipient’s withdrawal from the university. The amount to be returned is based on the percentage of enrollment completed for that term and the amount of financial aid assistance considered earned.  For more information, please Click Here.

Title IV Loan Counseling

Before students can receive their first Direct Subsidized Loan, or Direct Unsubsidized Loan as an undergraduate or graduate, they are required to complete an Entrance Counseling and Master Promissory Note.  

Entrance Counseling

The Entrance Counseling provides valuable information about student loans including:

  • how to avoid default

  • repayment options

  • deferment and forbearance options

  • information on when to contact the lender

  • how to calculate projected loan payments and to establish a budget that will incorporate the monthly loan payment

Students are required to complete this document at www.studentaid.gov.  More information about loan counseling is also located at this website.

Exit Counseling

Exit counseling provides important information to prepare you to repay your federal student loan(s).

If you have received a subsidized, unsubsidized or PLUS loan under the Direct Loan Program or the FFEL Program, you must complete exit counseling each time you:

  • Drop below half-time enrollment

  • Graduate

  • Leave school

Students are required to complete this document at www.studentaid.gov.  More information about loan counseling is also located at this website

Loan Reporting (NSLDS)

All federal student loans obtained by a student or parent are reported to and tracked on the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS). NSLDS loan records are accessible to all authorized NSLDS users, including schools, student loan guaranty agencies, lenders, federal agencies, and other authorized users.

Alternative and private education loan information is not reported to NSLDS.

Accessing NSLDS

Student and parent loan borrowers may view their federal loan information at NSLDS. Borrowers access the system using their federal FSA ID. Students can also access prior federal grant information at NSLDS.

Student Verification

Allen University performs verification on students that are selected by the US Department of Education. Verification is a process in which a FAFSA is selected for review by the Department of Education or the Office of Student Financial Aid at Allen University. AU verifies information that the US Department of Education requires. For more information, please Click Here.

Health & Safety

The Allen University Police Officers provide the primary law enforcement response on and around the university, business offices, classrooms and properties.

The department handles all patrol, investigation, crime prevention education, emergency preparedness and related law enforcement duties for the university and operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The AU Police coordinate with the City of Columbia Police Department, operating under a mutual aid agreement in the campus areas and surrounding communities.

Campus Safety & Security

The Jeanne Celery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act requires the distribution of an Annual Security Report and Annual Fire Safety Report to all current faculty, staff, and students and notice of its availability to prospective students, faculty, and staff. Allen University Police Department provides an annual security report which includes statements addressing the University's policies, procedures, and programs concerning safety and security, for example, policies for responding to emergency situations and sexual offenses. Three years' worth of statistics are included for certain types of crimes that were reported to have occurred on campus, in or on off campus buildings or property owned or controlled by the University and on public property within or immediately adjacent to the campus. These reports are available online here.  A paper copy may be provided upon request.

In compliance with the fire-related requirements of the Higher Education Opportunity Act, Allen University provides an annual fire safety report that includes information on policies, procedures and programs concerning fire safety, for example, policies on portable electrical appliances, smoking, and open flames; procedures for evacuation; and fire safety training statistics are included for fires that were reported to have occurred in each on-campus housing facility. These reports are available online here.  A paper copy may be provided upon request. You can view the sex offender registry here.

Drug & Alcohol Abuse Prevention

The University is committed to maintaining a drug-free teaching and learning environment.  In addition, the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act Amendment of 1989 (Public Law 101-226) requires the University to certify to the Department of Education that it has adopted and implemented a program to prevent the illicit use of drugs and the abuse of alcohol by students and employees. AU is in compliance with the requirements of the Act.  Allen University is a smoke-free environment. Smoking is prohibited for all employees and students. Smoking by guests is not permitted in buildings and vehicles.  For more information on our alcohol and drug policy, please visit Allen-University Student Handbook on pages 29 & 38.

Vaccination Policies

All new students are required to complete a Health History and Physical Examination Record form including a copy of the student’s Certificate of Immunization Record. All health history documentation must be signed and verified by physician or other qualified medical personnel; and immunization records must be signed and verified by qualified medical personnel or by a clinic or health department.

Required

1. PPD/CXRAY

2. Tetanus Booster (within last 10 years)

3. Two doses of MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) Vaccine

4. Hepatitis B: series of three vaccines

Recommended

1. Meningitis

2. Chicken Pox (Varicella)

Completed forms and documentation should be mailed or faxed to:

Allen University

Residence Life

1530 Harden Street

Columbia, South Carolina 29204

Title IX & Campus Save Act

To accomplish its mission, Allen University seeks to select and employ qualified individuals, and does not discriminate in recruiting, hiring, training, promoting, firing, compensation or terms, conditions or privileges of employment on the basis of race, color, gender, pregnancy, national origin, religion, age or disability. Reasonable accommodations are made for qualified individuals with disabilities recognized by law, unless doing so would result in an undue hardship or direct threat to Allen University.  For more information on our Title IX and Campus Save Act, please visit http://www.allenuniversity.edu/admissions/.

Emergency Information & Timely Warning Notifications

In case of emergency, efforts will be made to contact the emergency contact person listed on the student’s course reservation form. If a student is a minor, effort will be made to consult the parents or guardians of minors to facilitate prompt medical treatment. The University will take the necessary steps to intervene in a medical emergency while a student is on campus. A witness of the incident or the student must complete an incident report form, which is filed with the University’s appropriate campus office. For more information on emergency information, please Click Here.

Campus Crime Log

Information on our campus crime log can be found here. 

Annual Fire & Safety Report

Information on our annual fire and safety report can be found here.

Missing Student Notification

After investigating the missing person report, should the Allen University Police Department determine that the student is missing, and has been missing for more than 24 hours, the Allen University Police Department will notify the student's missing person contact, no later than 24 hours after the student is determined to be missing. If the missing student is under the age of 18 and is not an emancipated individual, the Allen University Police Department will notify the student's parent or legal guardian within 24 hours after making the determination that the student has been missing for 24 hours. As required by law, the Allen University Police Department, regardless if the missing student is over the age of 18, or is an emancipated minor, will inform the local law enforcement agency with jurisdiction in the area the student was reported missing, of any missing student in order to inform them that the Allen University Police Department has conducted an initial investigation and has determined that a student is missing. This notification will be made no later than 24 hours after the student is determined to be missing. In addition to registering an emergency contact, students residing in on-campus housing have the option to identify, confidentially, an individual to be contacted by Allen University in the event the student is determined to be missing for more than 24 hours. Students who wish to identify a confidential contact can do so through the Office of Residence Life. This confidential contact information will be accessible only to authorize campus officials and law enforcement and it will not be disclosed outside of a missing person investigation.

Student Right to Know

Graduation, Transfer, & Retention Rate

Allen University reports annual student enrollment, retention, and graduation data at the state and federal level as required by federal and state law.

Graduation Rate:  31%

Transfer Rate:  12%

Retention Rate:  37%

Graduation & Retention Rates for Student Athletes

Graduation Rate: 62%

Retention Rate: 41.1%

Disclosure Statement of Student Achievement

Equity in Athletic Disclosure

Each year, Allen University submits a federally mandated Equity in Athletic Report (EAR), which includes demographic, expense and revenue information on its intercollegiate athletic program.

For more information, please visit the Office of Postsecondary Education: Equity in Athletics Data Website.  A paper copy may be provided upon request.

College Navigator-National Center for Education Statistics

College Navigator is a free consumer information tool designed to help students, parents, high school counselors, and others get information about over 7,000 postsecondary institutions in the United States – such as programs offered, retention and graduation rates, prices, aid available, degrees awarded, campus safety, and accreditation.  More information can be found at https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/.