How Financial Aid Works

The financial aid office places primary emphasis on financial need, enrollment status, and academic achievement. Financial need is determined by looking at outside sources of aid, such as grants and scholarships are applied to your tuition. Then, financial aid loan awards are offered based upon program eligibility and need.
Every semester students meet with the Director of Financial Aid, after registering for classes, and receive an Award Letter listing the sources, amounts, and terms for which assistance is offered.

The Financial Aid Office may cancel or reduce any award/funds because of changes in a student’s financial or academic status, academic program, living arrangements, or enrollment status.

Enrollment Status:

Most university student financial aid is awarded based on the assumption that students will enroll full time – at least 12 credit hours per semester. Awards may be adjusted for any other enrollment status. Federal loan programs allow you be enrolled at least half-time – six hours of required course work. All Financial Aid is limited to course work required for a degree program. Complete withdrawal from classes or dropping a class without attending may result in the required repayment of the financial assistance or the forfeiture of any entitled refund.

Basic Eligibility for Federal Programs:

To be considered for federal financial aid, you must meet all of the following requirements: Maintain satisfactory academic progress as defined in the policy in the college catalog; Not owe a refund on any federal/state grant previously received at any institution; Not be in default on any federal educational loan received from any institution; Be a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident; Be registered with the Selective Service, if applicable.

Financial Aid Helpful Hints:

Complete your new FAFSA on October 1st each year. An early start will leave time to collect information, ask questions and solve problems.
Read instructions and follow directions carefully making sure all documents submitted are complete, accurate and contain required signatures.
Print your name and Social Security number on all documents submitted.
Make copies of all documents including all correspondence with your lender or school and keep them in a financial aid file.
Respond promptly to all requests for additional information.
Notify financial aid of any outside aid. (outside scholarships, grants, military benefits etc.) These awards will be added to your award letter for payment to your student account.
Note your eligibility for federal student aid can be affected by incarceration. See studentaid.gov for further information.

Financial Aid Handbook

Click here to download the John A. Gupton Financial Aid Handbook.