American Public University System participates in the Federal Direct Loan program and subscribes to the code of conduct standards set forth in the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008. The Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) requires educational institutions to develop and comply with a code of conduct that prohibits a conflict of interest for finance or financial aid personnel who have responsibilities with respect to education loans.
- APUS’ Financial Aid/Financial Services Office has not and will not participate in revenue sharing with Lenders, Guarantors or Servicers of these loans.
- Staff is banned from soliciting or receiving gifts from a lender, guarantor or servicer of educational loans other than those considered of minimal value by the federal regulations.
- The Financial Aid/Financial Services Offices will in no way influence the choice of lender for federal and/or private loans.
- APUS does not have and will not have any contractual agreement with any lender to provide private loans to our students.
- Although APUS may provide a lender list based on common student choice, APUS does not recommend external lenders to students or their parents.
- APUS and APUS employees will not encourage the use of any particular lender for private or alternative loans. Students will be advised that they have the right and responsibility to select the lender of their choice.
- APUS does not refuse to process, based on choice of lender, private loan applications.
- APUS will not refuse to certify or delay loan certification based on the borrower’s selection of a particular lender or guarantor.
- APUS will supply the student seeking a private loan with the required Truth In Lending information.
- APUS employees requested to serve on advisory boards for lenders, guarantors, servicers, or state agencies will not accept any compensation for service other than direct expenses such as travel, lodging, and food related to such service.
- All APUS Financial Aid/Financial Services employees are required to sign that they have read and understand the Code of Conduct.
- Knowingly violating this Code of Conduct may result in termination of employment.