Consumer Information
Meritus School of Osteopathic Medicine (MSOM) – Consumer Information and Required Disclosures
In accordance with the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended, Meritus School of Osteopathic Medicine (MSOM) is required to disclose specific information to enrolled students, prospective students, parents, employees, and other interested parties. While this information may also be distributed through various channels, such as email, mailings, printed materials, and the College website; it is compiled here for your convenience.
Below, you will find a list of required disclosures along with the contact information for the appropriate college official or department responsible for responding to questions or requests. MSOM staff are available during normal business hours to assist enrolled and prospective students with obtaining consumer information, with reasonable notice. Paper copies of the information available on the referenced websites can be provided upon request.
General Institutional Information
Privacy of Student Records – Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) – It is this institution’s intent to carefully follow the rules applicable under the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). It is our intent to protect the privacy of a student’s financial, academic and other school records. We will not release such information to any individual without having first received the student’s written request to do so, or unless otherwise required by law. The full FERPA policy is available on the U.S. Department of Education website at https://studentprivacy.ed.gov/ferpa. For additional questions, please contact the Office of the Registrar at registrar@msom.org.
Facilities and Services for Students with Disabilities – Matriculating or current MSOM Students with documented disabilities who desire modifications or accommodations must contact a Learning Specialist.
Student Body Diversity – Information about student body diversity, including the percentage of enrolled, full-time students in the following categories: male, female, and self-identified members of a major racial or ethnic group, is available on MSOM’s website and through publications. Information about Federal Pell Grant recipients is not included because MSOM’s students are graduate students and as such not eligible for Federal Pell Grants.
Cost of Attendance – The cost of attendance reflects the amount of money a typical student is projected to need for school-related expenses during the academic year. The Office of Financial Aid publishes the estimated cost of tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, transportation, personal expenses, and other applicable costs such as insurance, exam fees, etc. Actual expenses can vary depending on a number of factors, including but not limited to: housing arrangements and lifestyle choices. If you have further questions concerning cost of attendance please contact the Office of Financial Aid at financialaid@msom.org.
Net Price Calculator – The net price calculator is required for all Title IV institutions that enroll full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduate students. MSOM is a graduate-level institution, therefore, there is no requirement to have this calculator available to its students.
Refund Policy – Information about MSOM’s Tuition Refund Policy can be found in the Student Handbook. For questions about the Tuition Refund Schedule, please contact the Financial Aid office at financialaid@msom.org.
Requirements for Withdrawal – Students who wish to voluntarily withdraw from the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) program must submit a formal written request to the Office of the Registrar using the designated withdrawal form located on the MSOM Hub. The student must complete an exit interview with the Office of Student Affairs, the Office of Financial Aid, and the appropriate Office of Academic or Clinical Affairs.
Return of Federal Financial Aid – At this time, MSOM is not yet eligible to award federal Title IV funding to students and is not required to perform the Federal Return to Title IV (R2T4) calculation. Once MSOM receives approval for Title IV funding, the Federal Return to Title IV policy will be updated to the current R2T4 regulations at that time. If you have questions concerning the return of funds policy, please contact the Office of Financial Aid at financialaid@msom.org.
Textbook Information – Upon matriculation to MSOM, students are provided with a laptop. All required textbooks are provided to students in digital form. Students are not required to purchase these textbooks in print form.
Academic Programs (Educational Program, Instructional Facilities, and Faculty)
- Information about MSOM’s Doctor of Osteopathic Degree Program.
- Information about research focus areas at MSOM.
- Information about our facilities can be found on our website.
- Information about faculty and other instructional personnel is on our website.
- Information related to academic planning and improvement can be found on our website or by reaching out to one of the Learning Specialists listed on the website.
Transfer of Credit Policies and Articulation Agreements
- Information about MSOM’s transfer policy can be found in the student catalog.
- Information about MSOM’s Articulation Agreements will be listed on our website once agreements are finalized.
Accreditation of Institution – Meritus School of Osteopathic Medicine (MSOM) received pre-accreditation status from the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA) in August of 2024.
Copyright Infringement – Policies and Sanctions (Including Computer Use and File Sharing) – Sharing files without the permission of the copyright owner puts you at risk of a criminal and/or civil lawsuit. If you are found to have violated Federal copyright law, you may be liable for damages up to $30,000 for each work infringed and, if willful infringement can be proven, then damages can go as high as $150,000 for each work infringed. For more information see the “Copyright Infringement and Remedies” documents maintained by the U.S. Copyright Office.
Student Complaints and Grievances – MSOM recognizes the need for students to voice grievances and to seek resolution to problems, disagreements with faculty/administrators, or interpretations of institutional policy. MSOM also recognizes the responsibility of the student to express their concerns in a professional and ethical manner. Concerns may involve course grades, promotion, behavioral issues, financial concerns or issues related to external (e.g., COCA) accreditation standards and procedures. The grievance shall not be used to appeal or review violations of the Honor Code. Complaints should be directed to the Office of Student Affairs in writing via email to mail studentaffairs@msom.org.
Prohibited Discrimination and Harassment – MSOM prohibits discrimination on the basis of age, race, sex, color, gender, gender identity and expression, national origin, ethnicity, ancestry, sexual orientation, religion, creed, disability, genetic information, marital status or any other legally protected class status in all its programs, activities, and employment practices.
Gainful Employment –The regulations regarding Gainful Employment and related reporting were repealed effective July 1, 2020. The Department of Education’s new Financial Value Transparency and Gainful Employment rule takes effect July 1, 2024.
Constitution Day - In compliance with federal requirements, any educational institution receiving federal funding must conduct an educational program on the United States Constitution each year on September 17, commemorating the signing of the Constitution in 1787. If September 17 falls on a weekend or holiday, the observance may take place during the preceding or following week. At the Meritus School of Osteopathic Medicine (MSOM), this requirement is met annually through a collaborative educational event coordinated by the Office of Financial Aid, Student Affairs and the Library. MSOM hosts on-campus activities designed to engage students in learning about the U.S. Constitution and to celebrate its enduring significance.
Resources:
- Constitutionday.com
- Archives.gov
- ConstitutionFacts.com
- Coursera – Introduction to Key Constitutional Concepts and Supreme Court Cases.
- History.com
- Library of Congress – Constitution Resources
Teacher Preparation Program Report
MSOM does not offer a program of teacher preparation.
Student Financial Assistance
Student Financial Aid Information – A number of disclosures are required pertaining to student financial aid information. These include: information about the need-based and non-need-based federal, state, local, private, and institutional student financial assistance programs; criteria for awarding aid; eligibility requirements; method and frequency of disbursements; rights and responsibilities of students receiving federal aid including continued student eligibility and standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress; procedures for applying; and exit counseling information. Additionally, certain disclosures for loans are made when a student completes their Master Promissory Note for Direct Loans. A sample Master Promissory Notes is available to review on the websites without having to create an account first. These loan disclosures include, among other things: terms and conditions of the loans; sample repayment schedule; and the necessity for repaying the loans. Additional information regarding loans will be disclosed during Entrance and Exit Counseling as well. Information such as anticipated loan amount and disbursement date will be provided to students as part of a disclosure statement. For additional information about these disclosures please contact the Office of Financial Aid at financialaid@msom.org.
Books and Supplies – The institution is required to ensure that any student eligible for federal financial aid has a means to obtain or purchase the required books and supplies by the seventh day of the term. This applies if, at least 10 days before the start of the term, the institution could have disbursed the student's eligible funds and, upon disbursement, the student would have a credit balance (i.e., a refund). MSOM meets this requirement as all required textbooks are provided to students in digital form on the first day of class. Students are not required to purchase these textbooks in print form. Questions can be answered by the Office of Financial Aid at financialaid@msom.org.
Credits Earned Through Study Abroad – MSOM does not currently have any student abroad agreements in place.
Code of Conduct – The Office of Financial Aid at MSOM adheres to NASFAA’s Code of Conduct.
College Financing Plan (Shopping Sheet) – MSOM is committed to being transparent about our cost and the aid available to students to meet those costs. MSOM’s tuition and fees are posted to our website and an email is sent to students with this information in the spring prior to fall start dates. The types of aid available are covered on interview day, accepted student day, and on our website. Additionally, MSOM’s Office of Financial Aid staff is available to meet individually with prospective or current student to discuss costs and aid. MSOM provides personalized financial aid information to students via our Student Portal. Questions can be answered by the Office of Financial Aid at financialaid@msom.org.
Student Loan Information (published by U.S. Department of Education)
- State Grant Assistance – Maryland Higher Education Commission does offer a Graduate and Professional Scholarship Program to professional degree seeking students in certain programs at certain institutions. For students from states other than Maryland, please contact your home state’s appropriate office to determine if they award state grants for students attending college outside of their home state.
- National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) – MSOM will submit student federal loan information to the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) once MSOM is approved for Federal Student Aid. This information will be accessible by guaranty agencies, lenders, and schools determined to be authorized users of the data system. You can find a detailed history of your federal loans on this site. Questions can be answered by the Office of Financial Aid at financialaid@msom.org.
- Student Loan Default Rates – A cohort default rate (CDR) is the percentage of a school’s borrowers who enter repayment on certain Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program or William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan (Direct Loan) Program loans during a particular federal fiscal year (FY), October 1st to September 30th, and default or meet other specified conditions prior to the end of the second following fiscal year. Since MSOM does not currently participate in Federal Aid programs, we do not have a Student Loan Default Rate.
- Initial/Entrance Loan Counseling for Student Borrowers – Direct Loan Entrance Counseling is completed online at StudentAid.gov and must be completed prior to MSOM disbursing applicable federal loan funds to a first-time borrower. Please consult the guide about Direct Loan entrance counseling for comprehensive information on the terms and conditions of the loan and the borrower’s responsibilities. Since MSOM does not currently participate in Federal Aid programs, federal entrance counseling is not yet required. Questions can be answered by the Office of Financial Aid at financialaid@msom.org.
- Exit Counseling for Student Borrowers – Direct Loan Exit Counseling is completed online at StudentAid.gov. Federal loan borrowers will be notified to complete exit counseling when the student is nearing graduation or if they drop below half-time enrollment. Please consult the guide about Direct Loan exit counseling for comprehensive information required to be disclosed through exit counseling. Questions can be answered by the Office of Financial Aid at financialaid@msom.org.
- Private Education Loan Disclosures (Including Self-Certification Form) – Information concerning Private Education Loans (i.e. Alternative Loans) and the process for applying for one may be found on our website. Please keep in mind the terms and conditions of federal loans may be more favorable than the provisions of the private education loans and our office would recommend considering utilizing full federal loan eligibility (once available) prior to considering the use of a private education loan to finance their education. Questions can be answered by the Office of Financial Aid at financialaid@msom.org. Please note: MSOM does not participate in a Preferred Lender Arrangement.
- Disputing a Federal Student Loan/Contacting the FSA Ombudsman – The Ombudsman’s office is a resource for Federal Student Loan borrowers to use when other approaches to resolving student loan problems have failed. Borrowers should first attempt to resolve complaints by contacting the school, company, agency, or office directly involved. If the borrower has made a reasonable effort to resolve the problem through normal processes and has not been successful, he or she should contact the FSA Ombudsman.
U.S. Department of Education
FSA Ombudsman Group
P.O. Box 1843
Monticello, KY 42633
Phone Toll-free: 1-877-557-2575
Fax: 606-396-4821
https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/repay-loans/disputes/prepare
Health and Safety
Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Program – Each year MSOM distributes in writing to each student and each employee information related to our drug and alcohol abuse prevention program. Such information includes: standards of conduct; legal sanctions under state, local, and federal law; health risks; available counseling, treatment, rehabilitation, or re-entry programs; and a statement that the school will impose sanctions for violation of standards of conduct and a description of sanctions. A biennial review of the program is also conducted.
Vaccination Policies – Students must obtain all MSOM required immunizations and corresponding titers, prior to matriculation and remain compliant with all immunization requirements through graduation. MSOM’s vaccination policy is stated in the Student Handbook. For further information please contact the Office of Admissions at admissions@msom.org.
Campus Security Policies, Crime Statistics, and Crime Log – By October 1 each year MSOM distributes a notice of the security report to all current students and employees. MSOM also notifies prospective students and employees about the report’s availability. The report includes a number of items, including but not limited to: crime statistics; policies for reporting criminal actions or other emergencies; policies concerning security of and access to campus facilities; enforcement authority and jurisdiction; programs designed to prevent crimes; information concerning registered sex offenders; policies concerning possession, use, or sale of alcohol beverages and illegal drugs along with enforcement of laws; among numerous other items. Some of the additional information includes: timely warnings and emergency notifications; a crime log (which is open for public inspection); emergency response and evacuation procedures; missing person notification policy; programs to prevent dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking; institutional disciplinary action in cases of alleged dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking; and information for crime victims about disciplinary proceedings. A copy of the report will be available on MSOM’s Security web page. Additional information can be found in the Security Handbook.
Fire Safety Policies, Fire Statistics, and Fire Log (On-Campus Housing Facilities) – Fire safety is a major concern of the Security Team and affects all members of the college community. MSOM has a fire alarm system which includes fire sprinklers, emergency strobes and horns and fire doors. Additional information can be found in the Security Handbook.
Fire Logs - Available online at MSOM’s Security web page.
- 2025 to present: No fires Reported
Privacy of Health Records – Your confidentiality is a priority and MSOM is committed to upholding all legal and professional obligations to protect the confidentiality of your health records. Confidentiality is central to the effective provisions of health care services.
Student Outcomes
Retention Rate – Retention rate is the percentage of first-time, first-year undergraduate students who continue at that school the next year. For example, a student who studies full-time in the fall quarter and keeps on studying in the program in the next fall quarter is counted in this rate. MSOM does not enroll first-time, first-year undergraduate students.
Graduation Rates (Student Right-to-Know Act) – Graduation rate is the percentage of first-time, first-year undergraduate students who complete their program within 150% of the published time for the program. For example, for a four-year degree program, entering students who complete within six years are counted as graduates. MSOM does not enroll first-time, first-year undergraduate students. Additionally, MSOM as a new institution will not have its first graduating class until 2029.
Graduation Rates for Students Receiving Athletically Related Student Aid (Student Right-to-Know Act) – The graduation rate report should also include the number of students who attended in the prior year and who received athletically related aid, categorized by race and gender within each sport; the completion or graduation rate of certificate or degree-seeking first-time, full-time undergraduates, categorized by race and gender for the most recently completing class, as well as the same criteria but those who received athletically related student aid within each sport; among other data. MSOM does not enroll first-time, first-year undergraduate students and does not have athletic programs.
Types of Graduate and Professional Education Programs in which Graduates of MSOM Four-Year Degree Programs Enroll – MSOM only offers a graduate professional education program which is considered a terminal degree in the medical field, as such most students end with this program and do not progress to other programs.
Voter Registration
As part of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended, Congress directed schools to make a good faith effort to distribute voter registration forms to its students.
To register to vote, as a Maryland resident, you may obtain a voter registration form or register online at the Voter Registration website. For you to be eligible to vote in an election, your voter registration must be complete at least 21 days before the election.
If your home state is other than Maryland, you may use the national form available or visit your home state’s Secretary of State website.