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Student Consumer Information

Student Consumer Information

The Student Consumer Information site is maintained by the Office of Institutional Effectiveness. Content is reviewed and updated quarterly.

USJ offers merit and need-based financial aid awards that include a combination of grants, loans and on-campus employment opportunities. For more information on types of aid and how to apply, visit our Financial Aid page. To discuss individual needs or concerns, contact the Office of Student Financial Services.

The USJ Office of Student Financial Services provides additional Consumer Information for current and prospective students.

This measures the average per-undergraduate-borrower cumulative principal borrowed through federal loan programs including Federal Perkins, Federal Stafford Subsidized and Federal Stafford Unsubsidized student loans. This amount includes both Federal Direct Student Loans and Federal Family Education Loans,

For undergraduate students graduating with a bachelors degree between July 1, 2021 and June 30, 2022 the average debt was $28,745.

General Institutional Information

Consumer Information Regarding State Authorization & Distance Education

Disclosures & Student Complaints

In April 2017, the National Council for State Authorization reciprocity Agreements (SARA) welcomed University of Saint Joseph as an institutional participant of NC-SARA. Consequently, the University of Saint Joseph is authorized to offer interstate distance education in SARA member states.

Grievance and Appeals Procedures

If you are taking any University of Saint Joseph courses and you have a complaint about your experience with the University of Saint Joseph, you can follow the University’s process for student appeals and grievances, which is located in the Student Handbook.

For students who have exhausted all institutional grievance procedures, the following state and accrediting agencies are available to address complaints:

The University’s regional accrediting agency, the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), is located at 301 Edgewater Place, Suite 210, Wakefield, MA, 01880 at 781.425.7785
The Connecticut Office of Higher Education, at: Office of Higher Education, 450 Columbus Blvd, STE 707, Hartford, CT 06103-1841 at 860.947.1800
The University of Saint Joseph has been approved by Connecticut to participate in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements. NC-SARA is a voluntary regional approach to state oversight of postsecondary distance education. If you reside outside of Connecticut, and are attending the University of Saint Joseph via an online distance-learning course and wish to file a complaint please refer to the Grievance and Appeals Procedures in the University of Saint Joseph Catalog.

Because licensing requirements vary by state, and relocation might affect a student’s ability to:

Complete their program of study
Meet licensure requirements
Maintain eligibility for Title IV funding

Prospective students who plan to pursue licensure related to a course or program of study should contact Admissions at [email protected] to discuss how their relocation might affect their eligibility for licensure.

Current students should notify the Registrar’s Office at [email protected] if they relocate or plan to relocate.

All students should contact the appropriate licensing agency for professional licensure eligibility requirements in the state the plan to relocate to.

Academic Policies and Textbook Information

Articulation Agreements (See above)
Textbook Information (and course schedule)
Academic Programs Overview (educational, facilities and faculty)
Transfer of Credit Policies
Copyright Infringement Policies and Sanctions (including Computer Use and File Sharing)
Privacy of student records under the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
The Office of Accessibility Services strives to provide equal access to programs, facilities and services to qualified students with documented disabilities.

At the University of Saint Joseph a credit hour is defined as the amount of class time including out-of-class work to meet the learning outcomes set forth. Generally, for each academic credit assigned to a course, students spend one hour per week in class and are required to spend two hours on out-of-class assignments per each hour of instruction spent in the classroom for a 15-week semester. For online courses or accelerated courses, students are required to spend the equal amount of total time per credit hour as spent in on-campus courses. However the mix of time spent in direct instruction and time spent on assignments and other work may vary. Laboratories, internships and practicums vary by program in terms of the number of hours required, but in general it is two-three hours per week per credit. No student is allowed credit for a course unless formally registered by the registrar, or registered as an auditor even though the student has taken all the quizzes and examinations and completed all the required work. (USJ Catalog 2021-22)

Teacher Preparation Program

Health and Safety

Student Outcomes

4-year average Student Right-to-Know transfer-out rate: 30%

This is calculated as part of the Graduation Rate component of IPEDS. The rate is obtained by dividing the number of undergraduate students who transferred out within eight years of entry, by the total number entering during the same time period.

Most recent reporting period covers those who entered University of Saint Joseph during Academic Years 2012-13, 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16.

The Career Development Center assists both students and alumni with major and career exploration, resume preparation, interviewing skills and other career-related services. The office does not facilitate actual job placement; rather, services are provided that support students and alumni seeking employment.

Job Placement Rates for Graduates are not required to be reported by USJ; but only by those institutions who use job placement rates to recruit new students.

Voter Registration Information

Connecticut Secretary of the State (information on voting and elections in Connecticut)

For more detailed materials, contact Student Financial Services directly.

Although the primary sources of grants and scholarships are the federal government, state governments and the University, many local and private organizations offer merit- and need-based scholarships to assist students with their college expenses. Explore these sources through your high school guidance office, local library, and the Internet. Also visit the Student Financial Services Office for opportunities housed in the Bruyette/TD Bank Financial Literacy Center.

Work-study is an estimated amount that students can earn by working at a job, usually on campus.

Work-study positions are not assigned.
Typically students work up to 19 hours per week and usually earn minimum wage.
This award is not deducted from the student’s bill; students are paid bi-weekly for actual hours worked.
Although USJ is committed to providing students with work opportunities, jobs are not guaranteed.
Find out more:
- Work Study

Cost of Attendance

Tuition & Fees Information

Rights and Responsibilities

Eligibility for federal student aid is based on financial need and several other factors.

Congress created a federal needs analysis methodology known as FM, which is used to calculate eligibility for federal student aid. Many state agencies also use FM to determine eligibility for need-based state grant eligibility. Students should contact their state’s Department of Education for additional information on state grant eligibility.

Students have the right to expect that:

All financial aid records will be maintained in a confidential manner.
Information regarding the application process, eligibility criteria, and
disbursement procedures will be provided upon request.

Students have the following responsibilities:

Complete and submit all financial aid applications in a timely, thorough, and accurate manner.
Provide the Student Financial Services Office with all requested documentation.
Read, understand, and retain copies of all forms that are distributed.
Apply or reapply for any eligible federal and state grants.
Report to the Student Financial Services Office all grants and scholarship awards received each year.

This measures the percentage of students who enter during the fall term as full time, first time in college, matriculated Bachelor’s Degree seeking students who return to the institution the following fall. Current retention rates are available on the main Student Consumer Information page under Student Outcomes.

Note: Increased retention is a reflection of academic engagement, student engagement, financial commitment, and a student’s sense of satisfaction all coming together at once.

The overall graduation rate is also known as the Student Right to Know or IPEDS graduation rate. It measures the percentage of students who enter during the fall term as full time, first time in college, matriculated Bachelor’s Degree seeking students, who complete their degree in 150% of time (i.e. within six years). Current graduation rates are available on the main Student Consumer Information page under Student Outcomes.

Financial Aid Received at USJ

Percentage of first-time, full-time students receiving aid through our institution:

Type of Aid

Professional Licensure

Prior to enrolling or continuing in a course or program that may lead to licensure, The University of Saint Joseph strongly recommends students contact the applicable licensure board(s) in their home state, and/or where they are located or intend to relocate, to obtain the most recent information and requirements pertaining to licensure.

For a graduate to be eligible for a license, academic programs and individual graduates must meet standards set by each state’s licensure requirements.

Below is a list, by state, of pertinent licensing board contact information for programs that may lead to licensure or certification. This information is subject to change. Unless otherwise specified, University of Saint Joseph has not determined whether our curriculum for an academic program meets the state educational requirements for licensure or certification in the state listed.

State Authorization
The University of Saint Joseph is authorized to operate in Alabama under the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA). Approval for institutional participation was granted by the State of Connecticut Office of Higher Education in April 2017.

Professional Board Licensure
Academic programs and individual graduates must meet standards set by each state’s licensure requirements in order for a graduate to be eligible for a license.

Note for Prospective Students: All students considering an academic program that leads to obtaining professional licensure should contact the appropriate licensing agency within their state to seek information and additional guidance before beginning a program outside of their state.

Accounting
USJ has not determined whether the B.S. in Accounting program curriculum meets professional licensure or certification requirements in the state of Alabama. USJ strongly recommends that you contact the applicable licensure board in the state where you are located, or plan to relocate, to obtain the most recent information and requirements pertaining to licensure. A list of pertinent licensing board contact information, by state, can be found on the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) website at https://nasba.org/stateboards/. Please contact your Program Director or Chair for additional information.
Applied Behavior Analyst (ABA)
Our program is designed to help students obtain BCBA® certification. In order to obtain this certification, you must successfully complete a master’s degree, the required behavior-analytic coursework specified by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI), the fieldwork requirements specified by the BCBA®, and the BCBA examination (https://www.bacb.com/bcba/). Importantly, you must meet both your coursework AND fieldwork requirements prior to becoming eligible to take the BCBA® exam.ABAI has verified our courses toward the coursework requirements for eligibility to take the BCBA® examination (VCS #51040; 5^th Edition). Students who choose to complete our Intensive Practicum at the Gengras Center on campus also meet the BACB® fieldwork requirements for eligibility to take the exam, thus meeting all requirements to take the exam for certification. Students who choose not to complete our Intensive Practicum need to meet the fieldwork requirement elsewhere before they can be deemed eligible to take the examination.In Connecticut, and most other states with licensure (i.e., except New York), passing of the BCBA® exam meets the requirements for licensure. A list of states that have enacted licensure laws can be found here: https://www.bacb.com/u-s-licensure-of-behavior-analysts/. Since the field is relatively new, licensure laws are added and modified frequently, so please reach out to the ABA program director, Dr. Laura Turner at [email protected] if you have questions about the licensure law in the state you ultimately want to practice in.
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
At USJ, the Clinical Mental Health Counseling MA program is accredited by CACREP and meets the educational requirement for licensure in counseling in Alabama.
Education
The curriculum for the Special Education, Elementary, Secondary, and Early Childhood/Special Education Teacher Education Programs at USJ meet the state educational requirements for licensure or certification in the State of CT only. They do not meet the state educational requirements for licensure or certification in any other state. More specific information on licensure requirements by state can be found on the NC SARA website at: https://nc-sara.org/resources/professional-licensure
Nursing
Traditional and ASD
The baccalaureate degree programs in Nursing at the University of Saint Joseph are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. This program DOES meet the pre-licensure educational requirements for all 50 states and the District of Columbia. To plan accordingly, it is important that you be aware of the licensing requirements in the state where you are located, or plan to be licensed, to determine whether there are other requirements for licensure (e.g. additional post-graduation examinations, application and licensing fees, criminal background checks, etc.). Below are links to resources regarding licensing requirements by state: National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN); https://www.ncsbn.org/licensure.htm or the NC SARA website: https://nc-sara.org/resources/professional-licensure
Graduate Nursing programs
The master’s degree program in Nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice program, and post-graduate APRN certificate program in Nursing at the University of Saint Joseph are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. These programs meet the licensure educational requirements for all 50 states and the District of Columbia. To plan accordingly, it is important that you be aware of the licensing requirements in the state where you are located, or plan to be licensed, to determine whether there are other requirements for licensure (e.g. additional post-graduation examinations, application and licensing fees, criminal background checks, etc.). Below are links to resources regarding licensing requirements by state: National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN); https://www.ncsbn.org/licensure.htm or The NC SARA website: https://nc-sara.org/resources/professional-licensure
Nutrition & Dietetics
Academic programs and individual graduates must meet standards set by each state’s licensure requirements in order for a graduate to be eligible for initial license or certification. Requirements to be eligible to sit for the National Registration Examination for Dietitians includes completion of a baccalaureate degree from a university with an ACEND (Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics) accredited dietetics program curriculum and a minimum of 1200 hours of supervised practice experience (dietetic internship) in an accredited program.
** to be eligible to take the credentialing exam to become a RDN, the commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) will require a minimum of a Master’s degree, effective January 1, 2024. More information about this requirement can be found on the CDR website: https://www.cdrnet.org/graduatedegree. The Nutrition, B.S., Didactic Program in Dietetics and the Dietetic Internship Program at USJ are granted accreditation status by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. ACEND is recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE) as the sole accrediting agency for nutrition and dietetics education. USJ strongly recommends that you contact the applicable licensure board in the state where you are located, or plan to relocate, to obtain the most recent information and requirements pertaining to licensure. Additional information pertaining to licensure by state may be found at: https://www.eatrightpro.org/advocacy/licensure/licensure-map. Please contact your Program Director or Chair for additional information.
Pharmacy
The University of Saint Joseph has determined that our Pharmacy Program curriculum meets the state educational requirements for licensure or certification in all 50 states of the U.S.
Physician Assistant
The curriculum for the Physician Assistant (PA) Studies program meets the educational requirements for PA certification/licensure in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. Territories (American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, Northern Mariana Islands, US Virgin Islands).
School Counseling
The curriculum for the School Counseling Program meets the state educational requirements for licensure or certification.
Social Work
The BSW Program at USJ is accredited by CSWE and meets the educational requirement for LBSW in the state of Alabama. The MSW (Masters in Social Work) Program curriculum at USJ meets the state educational requirements for licensure or certification in Alabama. More specific information on licensure requirements by state can be found at: Social Work Licensure by State | MSW Guide

State Authorization
The University of Saint Joseph is authorized to operate in Alaska under the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA). Approval for institutional participation was granted by the State of Connecticut Office of Higher Education in April 2017.