Faith
Theological Seminary (FTS) lost accreditation at the end of May, 2020. As such, FTS is no longer a degree granting
institution approved to operate in Maryland.
The Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) is working closely with
students, administrative staff at FTS, and other institutions of higher
education to support Maryland students through this transition. MHEC is working
to identify processes for students to obtain records, as well as transfer/teach-out
options for students to complete their program of study.This
webpage will be updated regularly as information becomes available. Please contact Ta’Von Vinson (tavon.vinson@maryland.gov) with questions.
Options for Students Enrolled at FTS at Time of Closure
Students affected
by the closure of FTS have several options:
1.
Pursue a federal loan
discharge and state refund of self-paid or private lender monies paid to the
school – see more information below regarding federal loan discharge
2.
Pursue a transfer
opportunity with an MHEC approved teach-out school – see more information below
regarding teach-out and transfer
3.
Pursue a
self-chosen/determined transfer to another school (subject to all transfer
policies of the accepting school)
If
a student chooses option #2 or option #3 then the student cannot pursue option
#1. If a student chooses option #1 the student cannot pursue a teach-out or
transfer.
Information Regarding Federal Loan Forgiveness
- You
may be eligible to have your federal student loans used to attend FTS
discharged and any amounts already paid on those loans reimbursed. Federal
regulations provide that students who are actively enrolled in a school that
closes, or who withdrew up to 120 days before the school closed, and were not able
to complete their program of study can apply for a Closed School Discharge of
their Federal Direct Loans, Federal Perkins Loans, or FFEL Loans used to attend
the closed school.
- To
receive a Closed School Discharge, you must file an application to your loan
servicer. You can determine your current loan servicer and check how much you
currently owe in federal debt at https://www.nslds.ed.gov. You should contact
your loan servicer with questions related to the Closed School Discharge
process and to obtain an application. You can also print this application
and submit it to your servicer (see link copied below). You can learn more
about the Closed School Discharge at https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/repay-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/closed-school.
- Download
the Closed School Loan Discharge Form here: https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/sites/default/files/closed-school-loan-discharge-form.pdf
- Completing
your program of study through another school can disqualify you from receiving
a Closed School Discharge. As such, you should carefully consider your options
and personal finances before continuing your studies or applying for a Closed
School Discharge. For some people, having their loans discharged will be
preferable to continuing their programs of study and being obligated to repay
the student loan debt accrued at FTS. Students whose loans are discharged have
the option of pursuing a new degree at institutions that are less expensive,
such as state schools or community colleges.
Information Regarding Refund through MHEC
FTS
students may be eligible for a refund for any non-title IV (non Federal aid)
paid to FTS. More information regarding
this opportunity will be posted here as details are confirmed.
Teach-out and Transfer Agreements with Maryland Institutions
If
a student chooses to pursue a teach-out or transfer opportunity, then the
student cannot pursue loan discharge and state refund. If a student
chooses option #1 the student cannot pursue a teach-out or transfer.
MHEC
has entered into several transfer/teach-out agreements for students interested
in finishing their program of student.
Students should read each transfer/teach-out agreement carefully.
Agreements
will be posted here as they become finalized.
Teach-out Agreements:
Contact Information:
o Jenell Magnant and Sheannea Smith can be reached at 717.569.7071- Option 3
More information can be found on Lancaster Bible College's website
Contact Information:
o
Dana Davis (dana.davis@mbu.edu; 920-206-2515)
Students using VA Education Benefits
Students
using VA Education Benefits should contact the Maryland State Approving Agency
for details regarding transferring GI Bill® benefits and ensuring program
approval for the use of VA Education Benefits. Veterans with specific inquiries
may call 410-767-3301 or send an email to: vaeducationbenefits.mhec@maryland.gov. Veterans may also call the Department of
Veterans Affairs at 1-888-442-4551.
Please note: In order to continue your
education using your Title 38 educational benefits, you must be enrolled in a
qualified program or educational institution.
Visit the GI Bill®
Comparison Tool for assistance
in selecting an alternate program or school. You can also find research
information regarding school tuition and fees, basic housing allowance rates,
graduation statistics, and loan default rates.
You
can find a complete list of qualified programs and schools on the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website.
For Further Assistance Regarding VA Education
Benefits:
- Visit the GI Bill® website to access
education benefit information.
- All questions regarding eligibility and payment of GI Bill benefits must be
directed to USDVA at 1-888-GIBILL1.
- Complaints regarding a specific school or program should be directed to USDVA.