Free Ninth Semester for Students Enrolling In Fall 2020

Seton Hall will be offering a tuition-free ninth semester to all incoming freshman who enroll at Seton Hall in the fall 2020 semester.

This is to provide peace of mind to the many students beginning their college career during a pandemic. We want students to feel confident that they will have all the time needed to fully engage in campus activities, study abroad, internships and research opportunities as well as pursue a double major or a minor. This opportunity alleviates concern around added time or cost by providing the ninth semester tuition free to any student who needs to enroll for the additional semester to complete their studies.

To qualify for this program, students must:

• Enroll at Seton Hall as a first-time, full-time freshman in the fall 2020 semester
• Remain continuously enrolled for a minimum of 15 credits each semester
• Meet federal satisfactory academic progress guidelines during their studies at Seton Hall

Students who enroll as incoming freshman in the fall 2020 semester automatically qualify for this program. Communications with details and instructions will be sent to students during their senior year if they have not applied for graduation.

This program will only cover the ninth semester of undergraduate coursework; that is, the tuition charges for the ninth semester of study at Seton Hall that fulfill courses needed to complete undergraduate degree requirements based on declared majors/minors at the end junior year. This will be minus any grants or scholarships from the federal or state governments or any other grant/scholarships sources the student qualifies for in the ninth semester. Students will still be responsible for all fees and room and board charges in the ninth semester.

It will not cover graduate-level study even as part of a joint-degree program. It also will not cover tuition costs for joint-degree programs with other institutions.

December 2023 Update

Students who began in the Fall 2020 semester are expected to be nearing the completion of their degrees during the Spring 2024 semester. If a student meets the qualification criteria referenced above, they will need to complete our online form to determine eligibility for the Free Ninth Semester program. 

Eligibility review for students who complete this form will begin in the middle of the Spring 2024 semester. Students who meet these conditions will be contacted by the Office of Enrollment Management shortly thereafter to confirm their eligibility.

Complete Ninth Semester Eligibility Interest Form »

Please note that the Free Ninth Semester program will apply to the Fall 2024 semester only, for up to 18 credits in undergraduate courses only.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can transfer students qualify for this program?
  No, this program is only available to incoming freshman

• If I defer my admission can I still get the ninth semester for free?
  No, this is only available to students who begin their enrollment at Seton Hall in the fall 2020 semester. Students who defer will not be able to receive the ninth semester for free.

• Can international students participate in this program?
  Yes, international students can participate if they begin as incoming freshman in the fall 2020 semester.

• Is this program available to currently enrolled Seton Hall students?
  No, this program is only available to new incoming students. Currently enrolled students do not qualify.

• If I am admitted to the Physical Therapy program or another 3+ program, will I be able to receive the ninth semester for free?
  No, the free ninth semester is not available to students enrolled in any joint-degree programs. It cannot cover any graduate-level tuition or tuition at another institution. It can only cover undergraduate tuition costs at Seton Hall.

• Will my fees and room and board be free in the ninth semester?
  No, only tuition is free in the ninth semester. Students are responsible for all other fees and charges including room and board.

• Can I study abroad during the ninth semester?
  No, your ninth semester should be used to complete any degree requirements. You are welcomed and encouraged to study abroad during your first four years at Seton Hall but must reserve your ninth semester to complete coursework on campus.

• Do I have to apply for this program?
  No application is necessary. All students who enroll as first-time, full-time freshman in the fall 2020 automatically qualify for the free ninth semester. During your senior year, university officials will reach out to all qualified students who have not filed for graduation at the end of senior year and inquire if they intend to take advantage of the ninth semester. Additional paperwork may be required at this time.

• What happens is I take less than 15 credits in a specific semester or if I take a semester off?
  Students must take 15 credits a semester and must remain continuously enrolled. If they drop below 15 credits in a specific semester or take a semester off, they will no longer qualify for the free ninth semester.
   
• What is considered the ninth semester?
  The ninth semester is considered the fall semester after your senior year.