Clearence

General Discussion for SMART Scholarship Recipients
Arnie1

Clearence

Post by Arnie1 »

I've been denied clearance twice now for the summer.

1) what happens if you don't get the main clearance for post graduation?
Do you have to pay the full tuition back (assuming no clearance has nothing to do with drugs, credit other problems "on my end")?

2) If i pull out of SMART because of a job offer, I understand I have to pay everything back. But can they not allow me to do so?

AnotherGuest

Re: Clearence

Post by AnotherGuest »

Arnie1 wrote:I've been denied clearance twice now for the summer.

1) what happens if you don't get the main clearance for post graduation?
Do you have to pay the full tuition back (assuming no clearance has nothing to do with drugs, credit other problems "on my end")?

2) If i pull out of SMART because of a job offer, I understand I have to pay everything back. But can they not allow me to do so?
1) I've heard it's common to not get the summer clearance but to get the clearance once you start full time. Not sure if failing to get a clearance but not at your own fault makes you debt free... The handbook isn't worded that way.

2) Not much different than not showing up to your SF after graduation. You'll just be doing full repayment and your SF is SOL with an empty position they planned years out to be filled.

Arnie1

Re: Clearence

Post by Arnie1 »

But can they legally force me to be there?
Or is it likely they will?

FewPoints

Re: Clearence

Post by FewPoints »

Arnie1 wrote:I've been denied clearance twice now for the summer.

1) what happens if you don't get the main clearance for post graduation?
Do you have to pay the full tuition back (assuming no clearance has nothing to do with drugs, credit other problems "on my end")?

2) If i pull out of SMART because of a job offer, I understand I have to pay everything back. But can they not allow me to do so?
Arnie1 wrote:But can they legally force me to be there?
Or is it likely they will?
1) Check your year's version of the handbook, I think it is in there. My copy of the handbook from a few years ago states it is your responsibility to be eligible for a clearance and that if you fail to get a clearance you are dismissed from the program.

It is not explicit if you would have to pay back the debt or not. I think it would depend on exactly why you couldn't get a clearance and when you reasonably should have known this would cause an issue, but ask SMART if you are concerned.

2) No, nobody can legally force you to work at your SF after you graduate, however, by choosing to leave the program you will be required to pay back the funds they paid you and your school so far. They can (and will) legally force you to payback that money. It is also treated as a debt to the US Government, so the rules are different from other forms of debt.

Post Reply