Mar 28, 2024  
2018-2019 Southeastern University - Unrestricted Education Catalog 
    
2018-2019 Southeastern University - Unrestricted Education Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Financial Policies


Contents

Registration and Payment Options

Fall Semester

Payment in full is due by August 2. If using the payment plan option, the first payment and payment plan enrollment fee are due by July 1.

Spring Semester

Payment in full is due by December 15. If using the payment plan option, the first payment and payment plan enrollment fees are due by December 1.

Summer Semester

Summer classes must be paid in full at the time of registration. If using the payment plan option, the first payment and payment plan enrollment fee are due by April 15 or May 15.

Payment may be made in cash, by check, credit card (MasterCard, Visa, American Express, or Discover), approved financial aid, approved scholarships, or a combination of these. If payment cannot be made in full, the Southeastern University payment plan (Tuition Management Systems) must be used to assist students in completing the financial registration process. Students will not be allowed to register for the current semester if any unpaid balance remains from a prior semester.

Payment Plan

In a continuing effort to assist the families of our students, Southeastern University offers a payment plan as an alternative to standard payment arrangements. The university has partnered with Tuition Management Systems (TMS) to administer the payment plan. Families are able to pay university-billed expenses in regular monthly payments. Parents determine how much of the expenses they wish to pay in equal monthly payments. Tuition Management Systems can also aid in budget planning.

No Finance Charges

The Southeastern University payment plan provides the benefits of a monthly payment plan without finance charges. The only cost is the enrollment fee to cover administrative expenses.

Several Payment Plans for Your Convenience

Twelve-Month Annual Plan

This plan is budgeted in twelve equal payments from May 1 to April 1 for the student who is attending the fall and spring semesters. The first monthly payment, plus the enrollment fee, is due by May 1. Payments are due on the first day of each month thereafter.

Ten-Month Annual Plan

This plan is budgeted in ten (10) equal monthly payments for the student who is attending the fall and spring semesters. The first monthly payment, plus the enrollment fee, is due by July 1. Payments are due on the first day of each month thereafter.

Five-Month Plan—Fall Term

This plan is budgeted in five (5) equal monthly payments for the student who is attending the fall semester only. The first monthly payment, plus the enrollment fee, is due by July 1. Payments are due on the first day of each month thereafter.

Five-Month Plan—Spring Term

This plan is budgeted in five (5) equal monthly payments for the student who is attending the spring semester only. The first monthly payment, plus the enrollment fee, is due by December 1. Payments are due on the first day of each month thereafter.

Two- or Three-Month Plan—Summer Term

This plan is budgeted in three (3) equal payments beginning April 15 or two (2) equal monthly payments beginning May 15th for the student who is attending the summer semester. The first monthly payment, plus the enrollment fee, is due at the time of enrollment. Payments are due on the fifteenth day of each month thereafter.

What to Send

Enrollment forms and worksheets can be obtained from seu.afford.com. Counselors in Student Financial Services can assist you with a cost estimate each semester. Make checks payable to Tuition Management Systems. Payments must be made in U.S. dollars.

Questions

Questions concerning the Southeastern University Payment Plan should be directed to Tuition Management Systems at 1.800.722.4867 or online at https/seu.afford.com. TMS will be happy to assist you.

Billing

Students may access their account information online. Parents may access the student’s account information online with permission from the student. Students are responsible for reviewing the account online on a regular basis.

  1. Go to Southeastern website: www.seu.edu

  2. At the top of the homepage, choose Login.

  3. You will be prompted to log in. Enter your username and password to log in.

  4. Choose the JICS - Class/Account Info Portal. Enter your login credentials.

  5. A new tab will open. Click on the Student Finances tab.

  6. Click on My Account Balances.

  7. To review account detail, click on Accounts Receivable. The most recent transactions are at the top. A Beginning Balance of $0.00 will remain at the top of the page. Your current account balance is immediately following the beginning balance. 

  8. To create a statement, use View My Course and Fee Statement.

Online Payment

  1. Go to Southeastern website: www.seu.edu

  2. Choose the Make a Payment link at the bottom of the homepage.

  3. A new tab will open.

  4. Enter student ID number and the student’s Last Name in the User Name field. Click Login.

  5. Click on Account Payment.

  6. Enter the amount and follow the steps to complete your payment.

Finance Charge

A 1.25% finance charge is added monthly (15% annually) to any unpaid balance more than 30 days old unless the student is enrolled in the Tuition Management Systems payment plan.

Credit Balances and Refunds

Disbursement of financial aid occurs according to federal regulations. If a credit balance results once financial aid is applied to a student’s account, the surplus will be refunded to the student within 14 days of the aid posting date reflected on the student account. The student may elect to have refund disbursements automatically deposited into a checking/savings account. Students who do not enroll in automatic deposit will have their refund mailed to them in the form of a check to the legal home permanent address on file unless otherwise authorized in writing using the Refund Request form accessed in the Student Financial Services Office.

If the credit balance is caused by a Parent PLUS Loan, the refund will be issued either to the parent or the student according to the parent’s preference as selected on the PLUS application.

Late Payment and Termination

A student may not complete the registration process for a new semester or receive a transcript until the student account has been satisfactorily settled. If a student account is delinquent and it becomes necessary to submit the account to a collection agency, all charges and fees incurred for the collection process will be added to the outstanding balance and will adversely affect the student’s credit report.

Payment Requirements for Graduation

Student balances must be paid in full prior to graduation, including any charges for after-graduation coursework, in order for the student to receive official transcripts and his/her degree.

Payment Requirements for Special Programs

Students enrolled in Directed Study courses or special study programs, not a part of the regular semester, are required to make payment in full by the first day of classes. Internships are charged an internship fee and hourly tuition.

Withdrawals and Refunds

Tuition refunds are granted on a pro-rated basis. When a student submits written notice of withdrawal to the Admission Office or the Office of the Registrar prior to the first day of classes, a full refund (100%) of institutional charges is made. If a student withdraws from the university on or before the add/drop deadline, as defined in the academic calendar annually, tuition will be refunded according to the schedule below:

Sixteen -week Classes:  A course dropped the week class beings in a 16-week semester will receive a 100% refund. During each consecutive week, the refund is reduced by 25% each week. After the third full week of classes, no refund is granted. Example:

  • Week class begins - 100%
  • 1st full week of class - 75%
  • 2nd full week of class - 50%
  • 3rd full week of class - 25%
  • 0% thereafter

Courses less than eight weeks: A course dropped prior to the first meeting will receive a 100% refund. After the first and succeeding meetings, the refund is reduced by 25% each class. After the third class, no refund is given.  Example:

  • Dropped up to the first class: 100% refund
  • Dropped after first class until second class: 75% refund
  • Dropped after second class until third class: 50% refund
  • Dropped after third class – no tuition refund

Room: Rooms are reserved for each student for an entire semester. No refund of room charges is made except in cases of severe illness or incapacity.

Meal Plans: Meals plans will be refunded on a prorated weekly basis (Sunday – Saturday).

 

Fees are nonrefundable after the first week of classes. In some cases, state refund requirements may supersede institutional policy.

Return of Title IV Funds

The law (34 CFR 668.22) specifies how Southeastern must determine the amount of Federal Student Aid (FSA) that a student has earned when withdrawing from school. The FSA programs covered by this law are: Federal Pell Grants, Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans, PLUS Loans, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG), Federal Perkins Loans, and, in some cases, certain state grant aid. The amount of financial assistance that a withdrawing student earns is calculated using a Return to Title IV formula. Once the student has completed more than 60% of the payment period, all federal financial assistance is considered to be earned.

In order for aid to be included in a Return of Title IV funds calculation a student must be fully eligible to receive these federal funds prior to their withdrawal.  Funds considered as aid that could have been disbursed and, consequently, included in the Return to Title IV calculation must meet the following eligibility criteria:

  1. The Student Aid Report (or ISIR) must have been processed with an official EFC by the date of withdrawal,

  2. The student must have been making Satisfactory Academic Progress,

  3. For any Federal Direct Subsidized, Unsubsidized  or PLUS Loan, the loan must have been certified prior to the date of withdrawal,

If the student did not receive all of the funds that s/he earned, the student may be due a post-withdrawal disbursement. If the post-withdrawal disbursement includes loan funds, Southeastern University must obtain the student’s permission within 30 days of the date of determination before the funds can be disbursed.  A student may choose to decline some or all of the loan funds so that they do not incur additional debt. Southeastern University may automatically use all or a portion of a student’s post-withdrawal disbursement of Title IV funds for tuition, fees, and room and board charges (as contracted with the University). The University needs the student’s permission to use the post-withdrawal Title IV disbursement for all other school charges. If the student does not give permission, the student will be offered the funds directly; however, it may be in the student’s best interest to allow the school to keep the funds to reduce his debt at the school.

A post-withdrawal disbursement to the student’s account for charges incurred must be disbursed as soon as possible but no later than 45 days after the date the school determined the student’s withdrawal date. A post-withdrawal disbursement made directly to the student must be disbursed as soon as possible, but no later than 45 days for grants and 45 days for loan funds.

A student’s withdrawal date is:

  • The date the student officially notifies the Registrar of his/her intent to withdraw; or

  • The midpoint of the period for a student who leaves without notifying the institution; or

  • The student’s last date of attendance at a documented academically-related activity, if known.

The percentage of Title IV aid earned shall be calculated as follows:

  • Number of calendar days completed up to and including the withdrawal date divided by total calendar days in the payment period with an allowance for any scheduled breaks that are at least five (5) days long.

  • The percentage of the semester completed shall be the percentage of Title IV aid earned by the student in accordance with the Return to Title IV calculation.

  • The percentage of Title IV aid unearned shall be 100% minus the percent earned.

  • Southeastern University must return any unearned funds within 30 days of the date of the school determination that the student withdrew.

Loan funds disbursed and eligible to remain on the student account must still be repaid in accordance with the terms of the promissory note. Any amount of unearned grant funds that a student must return is called an overpayment. The maximum amount of a grant overpayment that a student must repay is half of the grant funds he received or was scheduled to receive. The student must make arrangements with the University or the Department of Education to return the unearned grant funds. Within 30 days of the date the University determined the student withdrew, the University is required to notify the student of his obligation to repay grant funds. The student is required to repay the grant funds within 45 days of the earlier of: (1) the date the University sends the student notice of the overpayment, or (2) the date the school was required to notify the student of the overpayment (in the event of a late notification).The school must return the unearned aid for which the school is responsible by repaying funds to the following sources, in order, up to the total net amount disbursed from each source:

  • Federal Direct Unsubsidized  Loan

  • Federal Direct Subsidized Loan

  • Perkins Loan

  • PLUS Loan

  • Pell Grant

  • Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

  • Other Title IV programs

The requirements for the return of Title IV program funds when a student withdraws are separate from any refund policy for charges on the student account. Therefore, a student may still owe funds to the University to cover unpaid institutional charges. The University may also charge a student for any Title IV program funds that had to be returned. A copy of the institution’s refund policy is published in the catalog under the Financial Information section and can also be obtained from the Office of Student Financial Services. If a student wishes to withdraw, he should speak with the Retention Coordinator and complete an official Withdrawal form.

For more information, please call Student Financial Services at 863-667-5018 or email: sfs@seu.edu.

 

Financial Aid

Although the primary responsibility for financing a university education lies with the student and his or her family, Southeastern University offers many financial aid resources to those who qualify. Student financial assistance at Southeastern University is provided to eligible students in the form of grants, scholarships, loans and student employment. To apply for financial aid, students must submit an application for admission to Southeastern University and complete the Free Application for Federal STudent Aid (FAFSA) at fafsa.ed.gov. Detailed procedures are available online at seu.ed./financial or can be obtained by contacting the University’s Student Financial Services Office.

The location of the university in central Florida provides students with many opportunities for part-time employment. The returns from such work, together with savings from summer employment and financial aid, enable many Southeastern students to work their way through college.

Information regarding scholarships for Florida residents may be found at: Office of Student Financial Assistance.

Statement of Educational Purpose/Certification Statement of Refunds and Default

Students may not owe a refund on any federal grant or federal loan, nor be in default on any loan or have made satisfactory arrangements to repay any defaulted loan. Students must not have borrowed in excess of the Title IV loan limits at any institution. Students agree that they will use any money they receive under a Title IV loan, grant, or work-study program only for expenses related to their study at Southeastern University. Students are responsible for repaying any funds they receive which cannot reasonably attributed to meeting education expenses related to Southeastern University. Students must understand that the amount of any repayment is based on regulations published by the U.S. Department of Education.

Federal Financial Aid Programs

Satisfactory Academic Progress & Eligibility for Financial Assistance

To be eligible for financial aid, you must meet certain academic progress requirements as evaluated at the end of each academic year (ending the spring semester). Those requirements include: (1) credit completion ratio, (2) grade point average, and (3) maximum time frame.

1. Credit completion

You must earn at least 67 percent of the credits you attempt in order to maintain satisfactory academic progress. At the end of the academic year, your academic progress will be determined by comparing the number of credits you attempted (including any course in which you were enrolled past the drop/add period) to those you actually earned. Note: Transfer credits from another institution will be included in both attempted and earned credits.

2. Grade point average

Students in a graduate level program must maintain a minimum GPA as outlined by their specific degree program, typically a 3.0 GPA overall.  Undergraduate students must maintain a minimum overall GPA as determined by your attempted credit hours. Your cumulative grade point average (GPA) will be reviewed by the Student Financial Services office at the end of the academic year (the end of the spring semester) Minimum GPA requirements are based on the number of attempted hours as follows:

REQUIRED COMPLETION OF ATTEMPTED HOURS

Attempted Hours: Cumulative GPA

  • 1 – 31 : 1.6 gpa
  • 32 – 63: 1.8 gpa
  • 64 +:  2.0 gpa
  • Graduate students - 3.0 gpa

3. Maximum timeframe

You are eligible to receive financial aid for a maximum of 150 percent of the published degree credits required to complete your program. For example, if your undergraduate degree program requires 120 degree credits, you are eligible for aid up to 180 attempted credits. You will not be eligible to receive financial aid once you have exceeded the SAP maximum timeframe (total attempted credits) of 150 percent of the published degree credits required to complete your program.

Loss of Financial Aid Eligibility

If you do not attain the required cumulative GPA, credit completion ratio, or pace of completion, you will lose eligibility for financial aid.  If you fail to meet any/all SAP requirements, you are not eligible for most financial aid programs (the exceptions include private loan programs that do not require a stipulation of meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress and outside assistance not subject to SAP). You may attend the university, at your own expense, until you obtain the cumulative GPA and cumulative credit completion requirement. To regain financial aid eligibility your record must reflect that you have met these requirements. If you failed to meet these standards due to unusual circumstances, you have the right to appeal by contacting the Office of Student Financial Services as outlined in the notification you will receive at that time.  

In conjunction with, and in addition to the academic policy listed in the University catalog, the grading marks F, I, W, WF, WP, and WD will not be considered as successful completion of courses attempted. The attempt of these courses will be considered in quantitative (percent completion) analysis of SAP but I, W, WF, WP, and WD will not be included in the qualitative (GPA) analysis. The Incomplete (I) grades will be considered into the qualitative (GPA) analysis when completed according to the provisions in the University catalog. When an incomplete grade changes to another grade notation, that change will be picked up in the next SAP review.

Repeat course credits earned are averaged into the cumulative grade point averages; however, credit hours are counted only once toward graduation requirement, but both attempts toward the percent of completion calculation. Credit hours in which a “CR” has been earned count toward total graduation requirements but are not used in the computation of grade point averages. Non-credit hours for which a “NC” has been earned are not used in the computation of grade point averages. Audit classes (AU) do not constitute hours attempted or completed.

Notification of Satisfactory Academic Progress Deficiency

Both undergraduate and graduate students that are not meeting quantitative (completion ratio) OR qualitative (GPA) satisfactory academic progress are notified by the Office of Student Financial Services via email to their assigned SEU student email, at the end of the spring semester. Loss of financial aid eligibility is effective immediately.

Summer Semesters and Academic Progress

If a student receives notification of loss of financial aid eligibility at the end of the spring semester, the student has the right to submit an appeal to the Office of Student Financial Services for review of academic standing. If the appeal is approved, continuation of financial aid eligibility will remain allowing the student to enroll in coursework for the upcoming semester.  Annual limits and requirements for awards still impact a student’s ability to receive funding and an approved appeal does not automatically enable a student to receive aid in the summer if all funding has already been exhausted for that academic year. If the appeal is denied, any already awarded FSA funds for any upcoming or current semesters or terms will be removed making the student financially liable for tuition and fees for the summer term if enrolled. Due to the timing of summer courses and the completion of the SAP review there may be instances where aid was awarded and disbursed for summer prior to being aware of the failure to meet SAP requirements.  If this occurs, funding will need to be returned without an approved appeal and the student will be fee liable.

Your Right to Financial Aid Appeal

A student who wishes to appeal academic progress status due to extenuating circumstances (i.e., prolonged personal illness, or injury to the student, death of a relative of the student, special circumstances as determined by Southeastern University, consideration for change of major not to exceed 150 percent of the published degree credits required to complete your program, etc.) must submit a written request to the Financial Aid Appeal Committee as outlined in their notification from the Office of Student Financial Services. A student who loses financial aid eligibility may submit an appeal to the Student Financial Services office for such extenuating circumstances as outlined above. The written appeal must be filed with the Student Financial Services office no later than the last day of the add/drop period . Supporting documentation and verification of the circumstances must be submitted with the appeal. The appeal must state the reasons why the student failed to meet the SAP requirements and what steps have been taken to ensure academic success in the future. This process is separate from the academic appeals process and must be handled through the Office of Student Financial Services. Appeals are subject to committee review and are not automatically approved.

Should an appeal request be approved, the student will be placed on financial aid probation for one semester and may receive financial aid on a probationary status as described in the appeal response. Any appeal conditions will be outlined in the response and may include an ongoing academic plan or timeframe for which a student must meet certain requirements in order to continue to receive financial aid. If a student fails to make satisfactory academic progress during the period of financial aid probation as assigned, and/or fails to meet correct academic deficiencies within the prescribed time, that student will be then notified by Student Financial Services of his or her loss of financial aid eligibility, and the loss cannot be appealed again without there being new and extenuating circumstances for consideration.

(NOTE: State programs have separate Academic Progress Requirements.)

Student Payment Responsibility Form

Students who register for classes at Southeastern University assume responsibility for tuition and fees generated from that registration, including any room, meals, and miscellaneous charges, as applicable. Failure to make satisfactory financial arrangements can result in the delay of graduation, denial of registration privileges, removal from classes, withholding of transcripts, and/or referral to a collection agency.

Students whose accounts are referred to a collection agency will be liable for all reasonable collection costs, including attorney fees and other charges necessary for collection of this debt. By registering for classes, students acknowledge receipt of this information and their acceptance of the associated responsibilities.

 

Enrollment Status Requirements For Graduate Students

For financial assistance purposes, SEU has various credit hour requirements for Graduate programs dependent on the program of study.  Please refer to the SEU Graduate Catalog for details.

Academic Probation and Financial Aid Eligibility for Graduate Students

Graduate Degrees

The term “Academic Progress Standards” defines a minimum standard of progress that the University expects graduate students to achieve as they work toward their educational goals. A satisfactory level of academic achievement is determined on the basis of the student’s cumulative grade point average calculated on the basis of all graduate work attempted.

To be eligible for continued enrollment in good standing, a student must maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average. Students who maintain the standards noted below will ensure they graduate with the required cumulative GPA. Students are expected to maintain a cumulative (3.0) average in their graduate program. A student is in academic good standing only if his or her cumulative grade point average is 3.0 or higher.

The maximum number of C’s allowed in a graduate program is two. If a student earns a grade of D or F in a course, the student may be placed on probation or suspension. Courses in which a student receives a grade of D or F may not be counted toward degree completion.

Students who fall below the minimum GPA will be placed on academic probation and may be suspended. A student must maintain satisfactory academic progress as defined to be eligible for federal financial aid programs at Southeastern University.

To qualify for state aid, a student must maintain the standard of progress as defined by the state agency. In addition, agencies and/or organizations supporting academic scholarships may enforce stricter eligibility standards than the minimum standards required by Southeastern University. Refer to the section on Financial Aid Information in the Graduate Handbook for additional criteria that may apply.

Some University master’s programs require or give the option for a culminating project, thesis, or directed reading for graduation. These culminating efforts will be taken as a regular course with the intent that the student completes the culminating effort in that term. In the event a student is unable to complete that culminating effort in the initial semester, the student must enroll in a zero-credit continuation course with an associated fee for each semester until the completion of the culminating project, thesis, or directed research. After three semesters of continuance (one year), the course grade(s) will revert to an F.

Federal Pell Grant

All students applying for a Federal Pell Grant (and all other federal financial aid) must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students may apply for FAFSA on the Web (fafsa.ed.gov). Students will receive a Student Aid Report Information Acknowledgment in the mail about two weeks after submitting the online FAFSA (students providing an email address will receive an email with a link to their Student Aid Record - SAR - in no more than five days.)

Based on the information in the SAR and a complete financial aid file, the Office of Student Financial Services will calculate the amount of Pell Grant (and other financial aid) to be awarded to the student.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant

A Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) is a federally funded program provided for undergraduate students with exceptional financial need. Priority is given to Federal Pell Grant recipients. The amount of the grant depends on the amount of verified need (as determined by the SAR) and on the availability of federal funds provided to the institution.

Federal Work-Study Program

The Federal Work-Study Program (FWSP) provides jobs for students who are eligible for financial aid and who need to earn part of their education expenses to stay in college. The compensation is at least equal to the current minimum wage.

The amount of the work-study award depends on the financial need (as determined by the FAFSA), on the amount of other aid received, and on the availability of federal funds provided to the institution. Some examples of FWSP jobs at Southeastern University include: library assistant, laboratory assistant, secretarial assistant and custodian.

Federal Student Loans

Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans

  • Criteria: Must file FAFSA and complete additional loan requirements.

  • Repayment: Loan repayment can be deferred until six months after student graduates or drops below half-time enrollment.


Federal Direct SUBSIDIZED Loans – For undergraduate students with financial need. The U.S. Department of Education generally pays the interest while a student is in school at least half time and during certain other periods. Interest rate varies from year to year but is fixed for the life of the loan. Interest does not begin accruing until you graduate or drop below half-time attendance.

Federal Direct UNSUBSIDIZED Loans – For undergraduate and graduate or professional students; non-need based. Interest begins accruing as soon as the loan is disbursed, and borrower is responsible for all interest. Interest rate varies from year to year but is fixed for the life of the loan.


Maximum Total Award Amounts per Year, based on eligibility:

Undergraduate, Dependent Students:

  • Freshman (1-31 credit hours): up to $5,500 (maximum $3,500 in subsidized loans)
  • Sophomore (32-63 credit hours): up to $6,500 (maximum $4,500 in subsidized loans)
  • Junior/Senior (64+ credit hours): up to $7,500 (maximum $5,500 in subsidized loans)

Undergraduate, Independent Students:

  • Freshmen (1-31 credit hours): up to $9,500 (maximum $3,500 in subsidized loans)
  • Sophomore (32-63 credit hours): up to $10,500 (maximum $4,500 in subsidized loans)
  • Junior/Senior (64+ credit hours): up to $12,500 (maximum $5,500 in subsidized loans)

Graduate/Professional Students: $20,500 (unsubsidized only)


Subsidized and Unsubsidized Aggregate Loan Limits

  • Undergraduate, Dependent Students: $31,000 (maximum $23,000 may be in subsidized loans)
  • Undergraduate, Independent Students: $57,500 (maximum $23,000 may be in subsidized loans)
  • Graduate/Professional Students: $138,500 (maximum $65,500 may be in subsidized loans). The graduate/professional aggregate limit includes all federal loans received for undergraduate study.

Additional Loan Information

Use your FSA ID to log in to studentloans.gov for additional loan information.

Federal Parent Loan for Undergraduate Student (PLUS)

Federal PLUS loans are for parents who want to borrow to help pay for their dependent student’s education. These loans enable parents with good credit histories to borrow for each dependent child who is enrolled at least half-time. An origination fee is deducted by the lender from each loan prior to disbursement.

Interest rates are fixed for the life of the loan and are determined annually for new loans. Repayment begins immediately after disbursement of funds but can be deferred while the student is enrolled at least half-time. Parents have 10-25 years to repay depending on the repayment plan chosen.

Students should complete a FAFSA in order to determine the amount of the parent’s eligibility for a Federal PLUS loan.

Financial Aid Programs for Florida Residents

Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program

Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program provides scholarship awards to high achieving students. Each recipient must be a Florida resident, enrolled for at least six (6) hours in an eligible Florida public or independent postsecondary educational institution, and meet all requirements of the scholarship program. Initial eligibility is determined by the Florida Office of Student Financial Assistance. Visit http://www.floridastudentfinancialaid.org/ for additional information.

Florida Student Assistance Grant

The Florida Student Assistance Grant (FSAG) provides aid to students who demonstrate financial need as evidenced by the federal system of needs analysis. In addition to demonstrating need, a student must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident; a Florida resident for reasons other than education for no less than one year preceding the beginning of the academic year for which application is made; and, enrolled or accepted for enrollment, as a full-time undergraduate student.

Contact the Office of Student Financial Services or a high school guidance counselor for information.

Florida Effective Access to Student Education (EASE) Grant

The Florida Effective Access to Student Education (EASE) Grant provides tuition assistance at eligible independent non-profit Florida colleges and universities. The maximum award amount is specified in the General Appropriations Act. Actual award amounts depend on the level of funding and number of eligible students. Applicants must be Florida residents, enrolled full-time in a first bachelor’s degree program and making satisfactory academic progress. For information or application, contact the Office of Student Financial Services.

Other Scholarships

Applications for some  third-party scholarships are available on the Financial Services Webpage.  Students are encouraged to seek out additional outside scholarship options on their own.  

Veterans Benefits

Southeastern University is approved by the State Approving Agency of the State of Florida for the education and training of veterans and eligible dependents under public laws in effect. Students who are eligible for educational benefits under any Veterans Administration program should apply through the US Department of Veteran Affairs website. All information, instructions, and procedures are provided on the website.

Students must be enrolled for 12 or more semester hours to be eligible for full-time benefits. These semester hours do vary and differ for our non-traditional student population. ​A student cannot receive educational benefits for audit courses. VA regulations require that students take courses that are applicable to their degree program, make satisfactory progress toward their degree, and maintain satisfactory attendance for the degree program as stated in the Standard of Progress. Students using  VA educational benefits are “required” to submit all transcripts from prior higher ed institutions for evaluation of course credit. Veterans’ benefits will be terminated for students who fail to make satisfactory progress or receive dismissal for academic or disciplinary reasons.

The student is responsible for notifying the certifying official at Southeastern University of any enrollment changes such as withdrawal and/or dropped courses or termination of enrollment. The VA student is responsible for any overpayment of benefits resulting from a change in enrollment. The VA toll-free number is 1-888-GIBILL1 (888-442-4551). .

Southeastern University also participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program.

Three Easy Steps to receiving VA benefits at Southeastern University:

  1. Apply for benefits on the US Department of Veteran Affairs website.

  2. Submit a copy of your Certificate of Eligibility to the VA Certifying Official  in the Student Financial Services Office via email or fax (863-667-5961) .

  3. Our Certifying Official will certify your enrollment hours and tuition to the VA website following the drop/add period for each semester that you are enrolled.

Southeastern University VA Representative:

Ivette Valentin, VA Certifying Official/Associate Director of SFS (imvalentin@seu.edu; 863-667-5034)