Grants

Loans

Need-Based Financial Aid

Non-Need-Based Financial Aid

Non-Resident Tuition Exemption Program for International Students

Scholarships

Short-Term Advance

Student Employment Programs

Summer Financial Aid

Transient student Procedures for Students Receiving Financial Aid

Veterans Affairs

Florida Atlantic University offers comprehensive financial aid programs to assist in meeting reasonable educational expenses by both full-time and part-time students who might otherwise be unable to afford college. Reasonable educational expenses include tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, transportation, miscellaneous personal expenses and expenses related to childcare of a student's dependents.

For financial aid purposes, undergraduate students enrolled for 12 or more credits and graduate students enrolled for 9 or more credits are considered "full-time students."

In addition to providing funds on the basis of demonstrated financial need in the form of grants, work study awards and loans, FAU offers scholarships to recognize and reward talent, academic achievement and meritorious performance.

Students who may be eligible for educational benefits under any Veterans Administration program should refer to the subsection "Veterans Affairs" in the Student Services and Activities section of the catalog. Students also should contact the Student Financial Aid Office on campus well in advance of their first time registering at the University.

The Florida Atlantic University financial aid program is administered by the Office of Student Financial Aid without regard to race, creed, color, sex, physical handicap or national origin. This ensures equitable treatment of all qualified applicants. For forms to submit and information concerning financial aid, scholarships, need-based employment and other special programs, contact the Office of Student Financial Aid at 561-297-3530, Boca Raton campus; 954-236-1229, Broward campuses; 561-799-8697, Jupiter campus; or by visiting its website.

New Students to FAU
New FAU students are encouraged to visit the Office of Student Financial Aid's website and click on the "New Students to FAU" link in the left column. Information on how to apply for financial aid, different types of aid available, navigating the Financial Aid section of MyFAU, accepting awards and how to apply for money to purchase books/school supplies can be found here.

Need-Based Financial Aid
The need-based financial aid programs are administered according to a nationally accepted policy that the family, meaning parents, student and/or spouse, is responsible for a student's educational expenses. Need-based financial aid is available to fill in the gap that may exist between the total cost of education and what the family can reasonably be expected to contribute. This aid is awarded on the basis of greatest financial need with priority given to those students who apply by the FAU priority consideration date (March 1). Complete the FAFSA application (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) as soon as possible after January 1 each year. FAU school codes are: Boca Raton campus - 001481; Davie campus - E00584; Jupiter campus - E00830.

Eligibility Requirements for Need-Based Financial Aid
To be considered for financial aid, a student MUST meet the following criteria:

1. Be accepted for enrollment at FAU in a degree-seeking program.

2. Be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident or eligible non-citizen.

3. Have completed all required forms.

4. Be in good academic standing and meet Satisfactory Academic Progress standards in regards to GPA, percent completion of attempted credit hours and timeframe.

The major need-based student aid programs available to eligible FAU students are listed below:

1. The applicant must have completed a FAFSA and must have it on file in the FAU Office of Student Financial Aid.

2. The applicant must have no unsatisfied document requirements.

3. The applicant must meet all other general aid requirements, including admission to an eligible degree.

4. The applicant must respond to all questions regarding summer financial aid on Self-Service.

Here is the procedure to follow:
1. Log on to MyFAU.

2. Click on the "Money Matters" tab.

3. Click on the "Request for Summer Financial Aid" link.

4. Click on the "Financial Aid" tab or menu link.

5. Click on the "My Award Information" link (select award year, if prompted).

6. Click on the "Resources/Additional Information" link.

Apply early because funds will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. For information on summer financial aid, use the Summer Information Bulletin link.

Summer Enrollment Requirements
Financial aid applicants must register for ALL summer sessions (summer terms 1, 2 and 3) by the summer 1 drop/add deadline (see Academic Calendar for date) and must remain at least half-time (see criteria below for definition of half-time enrollment) to be considered eligible for most forms of aid.

Regardless of award projections, all types of grant support are directly linked to the hours attending. Grant disbursements will be calculated based upon a student's final enrollment at the end of drop/add week. Grants may be reduced based on changes in hours attended.

Enrollment classification is determined according to the tables below:

Less than Half-time
Students will NOT be eligible for most forms of financial aid or grants if they are enrolled less than half-time at FAU. In some cases, Federal Pell Grant recipients may be eligible to receive their Pell Grant with less than half-time enrollment. Some private/alternative loans are available for students enrolled less than half-time if additional funds are needed.

Grants
The FAU Grant is a program of direct grant assistance for undergraduate and graduate students enrolled at least half-time at FAU. Funds are limited and awards will be made first to those who meet the priority consideration date of March 1 and who demonstrate the greatest financial need.

The FAU Academic Achievement Grant is for undergraduate students enrolled at least half-time at FAU who demonstrate financial need and exceptional academic performance. Funds are limited and awards are generated based on priority consideration.

The Federal Pell Grant is an entitlement program meaning that any student who applies and is eligible will receive the grant. Pell grants are awarded only to students who have not earned their first bachelor's degree. Application is made by completing the FAFSA (see Need-Based Financial Aid heading above). Early application is encouraged.

The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG) is a program of direct grant assistance for first baccalaureate degree students enrolled at least half-time at FAU. Funds are limited and awards will be made first to those who meet the priority consideration date of March 1, meet the eligibility criteria and demonstrate the greatest financial need.

The First Generation Matching Grant is a program of direct assistance for first-time-in-college freshmen or Florida community/state college transfer undergraduates enrolled at FAU who demonstrate financial need, meet the eligibility criteria and whose parents have not earned a baccalaureate degree.

The Florida Student Assistance Grant is a program of direct grant assistance for Florida residents seeking a first baccalaureate degree and enrolled full-time at FAU. Funds are limited. Eligible students who meet the priority deadline of March 1 will be the first to receive the awards. Some funds are available for part-time students.

Loans
Federal Perkins Loans are available for undergraduate and graduate students enrolled at least half-time at FAU. Repayment of principal and 5 percent interest begins nine months after the student graduates, withdraws or drops below half-time enrollment. Funds are limited. Awards are made based on the priority consideration date, which is March 1.

The Federal Direct Loan Program, also known as Direct Loans, is for undergraduate and graduate students who enroll at least half-time at FAU. The lender is the U.S. Department of Education, which offers these low-interest loans to assist students and parents in paying for the cost of education. Repayment begins six months after the student graduates, withdraws or drops below half-time enrollment. There are two types of Direct Loans: Subsidized and Unsubsidized. For the Direct Subsidized loans, the borrower is not responsible for the interest while still enrolled half-time in school. The Direct Subsidized loans are not eligible for an interest subsidy during the six-month grace period. With the Direct Unsubsidized loans, the interest accrues while the student is in school. The yearly maximum borrowing limit for a student is a function of the student's dependency status (as determined by the U.S. Department of Education guidelines) and the student's grade level, according to the table below:

* A dependent student whose parent has been denied access to the Federal PLUS program may be eligible to borrow at independent student loan limits.

Direct Loan Entrance Counseling and Master Promissory Note
As part of the federal government's initiative to reduce defaults on student loans, Direct Loan recipients who are obtaining their first Direct Loan at FAU are required to complete Entrance Counseling prior to receiving their first loan disbursement. Entrance counseling is conducted through an online entrance counseling seminar available through Direct Loan Servicing. Students also must complete a Master Promissory Note (MPN) with the Department of Education to process the loan. The MPN may be completed at www.studentloans.gov.

Direct Loan Exit Counseling
All Federal Direct Loan recipients from any post-secondary institution are required by federal regulations to complete Direct Loan Exit Counseling upon graduation or dropping below half-time attendance. As a means toward helping students meet these requirements, an Exit Counseling Package is sent to all Florida Atlantic University Federal Direct Loan recipients who have recently graduated, withdrawn or dropped below half-time. It provides valuable information regarding repayment and borrower's rights and responsibilities. After reviewing the information in the package, students are required to complete an online exit counseling seminar at www.studentloans.gov.



Student Employment Programs
Need-Based Employment Programs
The Federal Work Study Program is a federally funded program for eligible graduate and undergraduate students enrolled at least half-time and who demonstrate financial need. Students normally work up to 20 hours per week and are paid biweekly. An attempt is made by the Student Financial Aid Office to match the job assignment with the student's educational interest. Priority consideration date is March 1. For information on Need-Based Employment Programs, visit the Financial Aid website and click on "Need-Based Employment."

Community Part-Time Jobs
Off-campus job resources are open to all registered, degree-seeking, U.S. employment-authorized students, regardless of financial need. The Office of Student Financial Aid acts as an employer/employee resource center for FAU students and the community via the "Get a Job!" database. To search jobs listings for off-campus, part-time employment, the "Get a Job!" database login is located on MyFAU under the Money Matters tab.

Transient Student Procedures for Students Receiving Financial Aid
Undergraduate students wishing to take courses at both FAU and another eligible institution (Concurrent Enrollment) OR only taking courses at another eligible institution (Consortium) must submit the appropriate forms to the FAU Student Financial Aid Office after the drop/add deadline of the "host school" each semester. Failure to submit required documents from the "host school" could result in the reduction of aid. Click here to download a copy of the Transient Student Terms and Conditions Form.



Non-Need-Based Financial Aid
Direct Parent PLUS Loan is for parents of dependent students who want to borrow. Maximum eligibility is equal to the cost of education minus other aid. Currently a fixed interest rate of 7.9 percent is offered on Parent PLUS. Repayment of principal and interest begins within 60 days of the disbursement of the loan. Parents may be eligible to defer repayment until the student graduates. For more information, click here.

Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans are available for all students once the FAFSA information determines a student’s financial need. Some students may only qualify for unsubsidized. Repayment is the same as the Direct Subsidized Stafford Loan except that students accrue interest while enrolled. There are no penalties to pay off the loan early or make payments on the loan(s) while enrolled. For more information, click here.

Direct Grad PLUS Loan allows graduate and professional students who have exhausted their Direct Loan annual limit or aggregate limit the opportunity to borrow up to the cost of education minus any other financial aid. Currently a fixed interest rate of 7.9 percent is offered on Grad PLUS. For more information, click here.

Institutional Employment is available to a limited degree to students with special skills and abilities, without regard to financial need. Inquiries and applications should be directed to the employing department within the institution or the Student Employment Office.

Short-Term Advance
The Short-Term Advance is a University monetary advance available to assist degree-seeking students enrolled at least half-time with:

. Purchasing textbooks
. Emergency funds relating to educational expenses
. Unanticipated living expenses

Keep in mind that the Short-Term Advance is NOT a source to assist with paying tuition and other related fees. Students may borrow up to $750, and a $7.50 non-refundable processing fee will be assessed.

The Short-Term Advance Application is available exclusively online each term beginning two weeks before the start of each term. The application is located on MyFAU (click on the "Money Matters" tab). Short-Term Advance disbursements will process before the first day of classes. If the student meets the eligibility requirements, funds should be direct deposited in student's bank account within two to three business days after processing, but not before the first day of classes.

Note: If the student is under 18 years of age, download the Parental Short-Term Advance Application and submit to the Office of Student Financial Aid. In addition, the student must set up direct deposit. The ACH Direct Deposit Online Form is located on MyFAU; click on the Money Matters tab. For information and eligibility requirements, visit the Financial Aid website.

Disbursement Estimator
The financial aid disbursement estimator is designed as a tool to help students determine what they need to pay the University. The disbursement estimate provided using this calculator does not represent a final determination of financial aid disbursements. It is an estimate based on the student's current enrollment and award status. This tool can be accessed by following these instructions.

Non-Resident Tuition Exemption Program for International Students
International students attending any of Florida's state universities or community colleges may be eligible to apply for admission as residents for tuition purposes. In order to qualify, students must be from one of the countries with which Florida Linkage Institutes are established. Students are required to return home after their graduate or undergraduate study for a length of time equal to their exemption period. The Institutes also have criteria for selection of students who will receive out-of-state fee waivers.

To apply for a non-resident tuition exemption, contact the Office for International Students and Scholars at 561-297-3049 for information about the Linkage Institute for the student's home country. A student does not need to attend the Institute where the linkage office is located.

Scholarships
Florida Atlantic University offers students a wide variety of scholarship opportunities, from freshman and transfer scholarships to foundation scholarships offered in general categories or for specific colleges or majors. Visit the Financial Aid website and click on the Scholarships link to view the most up-to-date list of scholarships available at FAU. In addition, the FAU Foundation coordinates endowed and non-endowed scholarships with the Office of Student Financial Aid.

Bright Futures Scholarship Program
The Florida Department of Education offers both need-based and non-need-based programs for Florida residents, including the Bright Futures Scholarship Program. Some of these programs require separate application forms. Information may be obtained from the FAU Student Financial Aid Office or the Florida Department of Education, Office of Student Financial Assistance, State Programs, 255 Collins, Tallahassee, Fla. 32399-0400, or the Florida Bright Futures website.

Outside Scholarships
Every college and university has an outside scholarship policy that specifies what happens to the need-based financial aid package when the student wins a merit scholarship. An outside scholarship is any scholarship not awarded by the government or the school, such as a scholarship provided by a private-sector company, philanthropist or foundation.

Outside scholarships are considered resources, meaning that they reduce a student's financial aid package dollar for dollar. Receiving scholarships counts toward students' overall financial resources. Federal regulations require FAU to consider outside scholarships when calculating students' financial aid packages and eligibility. Therefore, scholarships may potentially reduce federal loans and/or work-study amounts. Students are required to report any outside scholarships to the school's financial aid office. If students fail to report an outside scholarship, they may be required to repay the school or the government all or part of the student's need-based financial aid package.

Tax Status for Scholarships
The Internal Revenue Service, in IRS Publication 520 titled Scholarships and Fellowships, states the following:

1. Scholarship or fellowship grants are taxable, unless the student is a candidate for a degree.

2. Amounts for tuition, fees, books, supplies and equipment are not taxable. However, amounts for other expenses such as room, board and travel are taxable.

3. The part of any scholarship or fellowship grant that represents payment for services rendered (such as teaching, research or other services) is taxable.

If you receive a scholarship and are not sure about the tax status of the grant, consult your tax advisor or local IRS office.

Veterans Affairs
Florida Atlantic University is approved for the education and training of veterans and their children under all public laws now in effect. The Veterans Affairs Office, located in the Student Financial Aid Office on the Boca Raton campus, provides a full range of information about educational assistance, tutorial assistance and work study for veterans. Students who may be eligible for educational benefits under any Veterans Administration program are urged to contact the Veterans Affairs Office.

Veterans are eligible for one fee deferment per academic year. On the VA Certification Request form, students may indicate if they would like a deferment. Checking "yes" provides students with 60 additional days to pay tuition and fees. This extension begins on the first day of classes.

Certification is not automatic and must be requested prior to the start of each semester via the VA Certification Request form, available here. Click on "Veterans" in the menu to the left of the page. Due dates for the VA Certification Request form:

May - Fall semester form due
October - Spring semester form due
March - Summer terms 1, 2, 3 forms due

Eligibility for VA benefits are determined by the Federal Department of Veterans Affairs as per VA rules and regulations.

To remain eligible for veteran benefits, veteran students may not be on academic probation for more than two consecutive terms. Academic progress will be monitored by the University's Veterans Affairs Office. Lack of satisfactory progress will be reported to the Federal Department of Veterans Affairs. Benefits will be terminated for failure to achieve satisfactory progress. For information, call 561-297-1250.