Financial Policies

Contents

Registration and Payment Options

Fall Semester

Payment in full is due by August 1. 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.

Eleven-Month Annual Plan

This plan is budgeted in eleven (11) equal payments from June 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 June 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 from the University and Refunds of Tuition

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. Students enrolled at extension sites in Oregon, see Oregon Notices :  

Sixteen -week Classes

A course dropped the week class begins 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:

• Until the expiration of the add/drop period (the add/drop period typically occurs within the first week of a semester): 100% of tuition and fees
• After add/drop period, the student refund is reduced by 25% of tuition for each week thereafter.
• After the add/drop through the 2nd full week of class - 75% of tuition
• After the 2nd full week of class up to the third full week of class - 50% of tuition
• After 3rd full week of class and up to the fourth full week of class - 25% of tuition
• After the 4th full week of class: No refund

Classes lasting 8 weeks or less

 Session A courses:

A course dropped up to or on the first day and for the succeeding two (2) calendar days thereafter will receive a 100% refund. After the third calendar day, the refund is reduced by 25% based on the schedule below:

Upon commencement of the class (Day 1) and for the succeeding two (2) calendar days thereafter, the student will qualify for a 100% refund of tuition and fees.

Calendar days 4-6: 75% of tuition

Calendar days 7-9: 50% of tuition

Calendar days 10-13: 25% of tuition

After Calendar Day 13 of classes: No refund

Session B courses:

Students who begin the semester with Session B courses (who were not enrolled in Session A) may have their courses dropped up to or on the first day and for the succeeding two (2) calendar days thereafter to receive a 100% refund. After the third calendar day, no refund is given.

Refunds of Room, Meal Plans, and Fees:

Room: Rooms are reserved for each student for an entire semester. After add/drop, no refund of room charges is made except in cases of severe illness or incapacity.

Meal Plans: Following the add/drop period, cancellation of a meal plan will result in a $100 charge and the meal plan will be refunded on a prorated weekly basis (Sunday – Saturday).

Fees: Course material, general, technology and student fees are not refundable after the add/drop period for classes lasting sixteen weeks or more. For courses lasting eight weeks or less, course material, general, technology, and student fees are not refundable after calendar day 3 of the course (applicable to Session A courses. See Session B information for limitations on Session B drops). 

Internship fees are not refundable after the first week of the internship.

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

Refund Policy

Southeastern University is committed to providing excellent teaching and learning experiences, through face-to-face, hybrid and remote instruction. As the university has invested in instructional design of courses, their delivery and associated materials, in the event that any of the following occurrences causes or requires Southeastern  University to suspend classes, move to online or remote education, close down the University campus, close on or off campus housing, or otherwise not operate the University in its normal and customary manner, the University shall not be required to provide students any refunds or credits for tuition and fees, meal plans, housing, insurance, or any other fees and costs paid to or owed to the University.  

Any refunds or credits, if any, paid by or determined to be paid by the University to students, shall be deemed voluntary and not mandatory, and students shall not have any right to, claim to, or legal cause of action for any refunds or credits:

1. Federal, State of Florida, Polk County, or City of Lakeland governmental orders, ordinances or decrees;

2. Hurricanes, tornados, earthquakes, floods, fires, explosions, or other Acts of God or natural disasters of any kind;

3. Interruption of utility service or services not temporary in nature;

4. Pandemics, epidemics, or other significant outbreaks of disease;

5. Riots or insurrections;

6. Acts of terrorism;

7. Protests; or

8. Any other situation or unforeseen event, not specifically enumerated, which requires the University to take the actions set forth above. 

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 (SAP) Policy

Requirements & Eligibility for Financial Aid

Undergraduate Students

Students receiving financial aid (including Direct Student Loans and Parent PLUS loans) must maintain good academic standing with the University in order to continue eligibility for financial aid awards. 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. This policy applies to all undergraduate students enrolled in all programs. The periods included in the review include all terms in which the student was/is enrolled, even those during which the student did not receive federal student aid.

1. Credit completion

You must successfully complete (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 are included in both attempted and earned credits.

2. Grade point average (GPA)

Undergraduate students must maintain a minimum overall cumulative 2.0 grade point average (GPA). 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).

Treatment of Grades:

*Incomplete (I) grades will be considered in 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.

3. Maximum timeframe

Students are eligible to receive federal financial aid for a maximum of 150 percent of the published degree credits required to complete their program. For example, if an undergraduate degree program requires 120 degree credits, a student is eligible for aid up to 180 attempted credits. Students will not be eligible to receive federal student aid once they have exceeded the maximum timeframe (total attempted credits) of 150 percent of the published degree credits required to complete their program.

Loss of Financial Aid Eligibility

A student will lose financial aid eligibility if he or she does not attain any one or more of the required components:

• Minimum 2.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA)
• Minimum 67% overall credit completion ratio
• Maximum timeframe of 150% or less of the published degree credits required to complete your program.

Financial aid include all grants, work study, and loans, including Parent PLUS loans. Failure to meet any/all SAP requirements will deem the student ineligible for these programs.

Private loan programs and outside financial assistance that do not require a stipulation of meeting satisfactory academic progress are exceptions, and students may maintain eligibility for these types of programs dependent upon the lender’s criteria.

A student may attend the university, at his or her own expense, until the student is meeting all of the required components of satisfactory academic progress and again regains federal student aid eligibility.

Regaining Financial Aid Eligibility

To regain financial aid eligibility the student’s transcript/record must reflect satisfactory academic progress requirements have been met.  A student may regain eligibility in one of the following ways:

• Meet satisfactory academic progress requirements: Attend the university or transfer in credits from another institution at his/her own expense until the student is meeting all of the required components of this policy.
• Approved appeal: If a student failed to meet these standards due to unusual circumstances, he/she may submit an appeal by contacting the Office of Student Financial Services as outlined in the e-mail notification the student will receive providing an alert to the loss of eligibility due to not meeting satisfactory academic progress requirements. See section titled “Right to Financial Aid Appeal.”

Notification of Satisfactory Academic Progress Deficiency

Undergraduate students who are not meeting quantitative (completion ratio) OR qualitative (GPA) satisfactory academic progress are notified by 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

When a student receives notification of loss of financial aid eligibility at the end of the spring semester and is enrolled in a summer term, he or she will lose financial aid eligibility for summer term courses unless a financial aid appeal has been submitted and approved.

Right to Financial Aid Appeal

A student who has not met SAP (satisfactory academic progress) requirements may appeal the loss of financial aid eligibility if the student has suffered undue hardship such as:

• Severe illness, medical condition or injury
• Death of a family member
• Traumatic life-altering event such as fire, hurricane, etc.
• Other circumstances deemed acceptable by Southeastern University

A student who wishes to appeal satisfactory academic progress status due to extenuating circumstances must submit a written request to the Student Financial Services office for review. All appeals must have supporting documentation attached at the time they are submitted. Acceptable documentation is outlined on the Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeal for Continued Aid form. To submit an appeal, students must:

• Complete and submit a signed Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeal for Continued Aid form, including supporting documentation (including dates) as outlined on the form.
• Attach a signed explanation of the circumstances that prevented the student from maintaining satisfactory academic progress and the reason for the basis as appeal. This explanation must include:

1. what the problem was;
2. when the problem occurred;
3. how long the problem lasted;
4. how this affected ability to complete coursework, and
5. what the student is doing to prevent this from happening again.

• Attach a signed copy of the student’s Academic Recovery Plan or its equivalent, depending upon program delivery method.
• Appeals and all documentation must be received by the end of the add/drop period in which the student is appealing for aid eligibility. It is to the student’s benefit to submit the appeal immediately upon receiving notification of ineligibility.

Appeals are subject to committee review and are not automatically approved.

Approved appeals: Should an appeal request be approved, the student will be placed on financial aid probation and may receive financial aid on a probationary status for one semester as described in the academic progress agreement provided with the appeal response. Any appeal conditions will be outlined in the academic progress agreement and may include an ongoing academic plan and timeframe for which a student must meet certain requirements in order to continue to receive financial aid. If a student fails to meet the terms of the agreement or maintain satisfactory academic progress during the period of financial aid probation as assigned, the student will be 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.

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 a probationary semester if all funding has already been exhausted for that academic year.

A student is limited to two (s) appeals for his/her degree program. For example, if a student exhausts his/her two appeals as an undergraduate student, he/she still has two appeals as a graduate student.

Denied appeals: If the appeal is denied, any already awarded federal student aid funds for any upcoming or current semesters or terms will be removed making the student financially responsible and liable for tuition and fees for the 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 liable for all fees.

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

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Policy

Requirements & Eligibility for Financial Aid

Graduate Students

Students receiving financial aid (including Direct Student Loans and Parent PLUS loans) must maintain good academic standing with the University in order to continue eligibility for financial aid awards. 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. This policy applies to all Graduate students enrolled in all programs. The periods included in the review include all terms in which the student was/is enrolled, even those during which the student did not receive federal student aid.

1. Credit completion

You must successfully complete (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 are included in both attempted and earned credits.

2. Grade point average (GPA)

Graduate students must maintain a minimum overall cumulative 3.0 grade point average (GPA). 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).

Treatment of Grades:

*Incomplete (I) grades will be considered in 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.

3. Maximum timeframe

Students are eligible to receive federal financial aid for a maximum of 150 percent of the published degree credits required to complete their program. For example, if a graduate degree program requires 60 degree credits, a student is eligible for aid up to 90 attempted credits. Students will not be eligible to receive federal student aid once they have exceeded the maximum timeframe (total attempted credits) of 150 percent of the published degree credits required to complete their program.

Loss of Financial Aid Eligibility

A student will lose financial aid eligibility if he or she does not attain any one or more of the required components:

• Minimum 3.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA)
• Minimum 67% overall credit completion ratio
• Maximum timeframe of 150% or less of the published degree credits required to complete your program.

Financial aid includes all grants, work study, and loans, including Parent PLUS loans. Failure to meet any/all SAP requirements will deem the student ineligible for these programs.

Private loan programs and outside financial assistance that do not require a stipulation of meeting satisfactory academic progress are exceptions, and students may maintain eligibility for these types of programs dependent upon the lender’s criteria.

A student may attend the university, at his or her own expense, until the student is meeting all of the required components of satisfactory academic progress and again regains federal student aid eligibility.

Regaining Financial Aid Eligibility

To regain financial aid eligibility the student’s transcript/record must reflect satisfactory academic progress requirements have been met.  A student may regain eligibility in one of the following ways:

• Meet satisfactory academic progress requirements: Attend the university or transfer in credits from another institution at his/her own expense until the student is meeting all of the required components of this policy.
• Approved appeal: If a student failed to meet these standards due to unusual circumstances, he/she may submit an appeal by contacting the Office of Student Financial Services as outlined in the e-mail notification the student will receive providing an alert to the loss of eligibility due to not meeting satisfactory academic progress requirements. See section titled “Right to Financial Aid Appeal.”

Notification of Satisfactory Academic Progress Deficiency

Graduate students who are not meeting quantitative (completion ratio) OR qualitative (GPA) satisfactory academic progress are notified by 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

When a student receives notification of loss of financial aid eligibility at the end of the spring semester and is enrolled in a summer term, he or she will lose financial aid eligibility for summer term courses unless a financial aid appeal has been submitted and approved.

Right to Financial Aid Appeal

A student who has not met SAP (satisfactory academic progress) requirements may appeal the loss of financial aid eligibility if the student has suffered undue hardship such as:

• Severe illness, medical condition or injury
• Death of a family member
• Traumatic life-altering event such as fire, hurricane, etc.
• Other circumstances deemed acceptable by Southeastern University

A student who wishes to appeal satisfactory academic progress status due to extenuating circumstances must submit a written request to the Student Financial Services office for review. All appeals must have supporting documentation attached at the time they are submitted. Acceptable documentation is outlined on the Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeal for Continued Aid form. To submit an appeal, students must:

• Complete and submit a signed Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeal for Continued Aid form, including supporting documentation (including dates) as outlined on the form.
• Attach a signed explanation of the circumstances that prevented the student from maintaining satisfactory academic progress and the reason for the basis as appeal. This explanation must include:

1. what the problem was;
2. when the problem occurred;
3. how long the problem lasted;
4. how this affected ability to complete coursework, and
5. what the student is doing to prevent this from happening again.

• Attach a signed copy of the student’s Academic Recovery Plan or its equivalent, depending upon program delivery method.
• Appeals and all documentation must be received by the end of the add/drop period in which the student is appealing for aid eligibility. It is to the student’s benefit to submit the appeal immediately upon receiving notification of ineligibility.

Appeals are subject to committee review and are not automatically approved.

Approved appeals: Should an appeal request be approved, the student will be placed on financial aid probation and may receive financial aid on a probationary status for one semester as described in the academic progress agreement provided with the appeal response. Any appeal conditions will be outlined in the academic progress agreement and may include an ongoing academic plan and timeframe for which a student must meet certain requirements in order to continue to receive financial aid. If a student fails to meet the terms of the agreement or maintain satisfactory academic progress during the period of financial aid probation as assigned, the student will be 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.

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 a probationary semester if all funding has already been exhausted for that academic year.

A student is limited to two (s) appeals for his/her degree program. For example, if a student exhausts his/her two appeals as an undergraduate student, he/she still has two appeals as a graduate student.

Denied appeals: If the appeal is denied, any already awarded federal student aid funds for any upcoming or current semesters or terms will be removed making the student financially responsible and liable for tuition and fees for the 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 liable for all fees.

 (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 Student Loans

Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans

• Criteria: Must file FAFSA and complete additional loan requirements (entrance counseling and Master Promissory Note).

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

• Origination fees are deducted by the loan servicer from each loan prior to disbursement.

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 a student graduates or drops 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 (1-29 credit hours): up to $5,500 (maximum $3,500 in subsidized loans)
• Sophomore (30-59 credit hours): up to $6,500 (maximum $4,500 in subsidized loans)
• Junior/Senior (60+ credit hours): up to $7,500 (maximum $5,500 in subsidized loans)

Undergraduate, Independent Students:

• Freshmen (1-29 credit hours): up to $9,500 (maximum $3,500 in subsidized loans)
• Sophomore (30-59 credit hours): up to $10,500 (maximum $4,500 in subsidized loans)
• Junior/Senior (60+ 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.

For Washington State residents seeking information and resources about student loan repayment or seeking to submit a complaint relating to your student loans or student loan servicer, please visit www.wsac.wa.gov/loan-advocacy or contact Student Loan Advocate at loanadvocate@wsac.wa.gov.

Federal Direct Parent Loan for Undergraduate Student (PLUS)

Federal PLUS loans are for parents who want to borrow to help pay for their dependent student’s educational expenses. 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 must complete a FAFSA in order to determine the amount of the parent’s eligibility for a Federal PLUS loan. The FAFSA can be completed at fafsa.ed.gov. To apply for a Parent PLUS loan, parents should visit StudentLoans.gov.

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 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 the 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 enrollment hours and tuition to the VA website following the drop/add period for each semester the student is enrolled.

How does a student’s financial aid interact with the Post 9/11 GI Bill?

In general, only Title IV Federal Aid (Pell, SEOG, Direct loans, and PLUS loans) will not be affected by VA benefits in any way. In most cases, the student will be refunded Pell grant and/or student loans, or they will be applied toward other expenses like room and board, if applicable. 

Other financial aid designated will be applied to a student’s total cost of attendance. The student should not expect any refund of SEU scholarships/grants or any other financial aid source, with the exception of Title IV Federal Aid.

Site fees are not covered by Chapter 33 benefits.

Southeastern University VA Representative:

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

In accordance with Title 38 US Code § 3679 subsection (e), this school adopts the following additional provisions for any students using U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Post 9/11 G.I. Bill^® (Ch. 33) or Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment (Ch. 31) benefits, while payment to the institution is pending from the VA.  This school will not:

• Prevent the student’s enrollment;
• Assess a late penalty fee to the student;
• Require the student to secure alternative or additional funding;
• Deny the student access to any resources (access to classes, libraries, or other institutional facilities) available to other students who have satisfied their tuition and fee bills to the institution.

However, to qualify for this provision, such students will be required to:

Provide the enrolling institution with a copy of his/her VA Certification of Eligibility (COE) - A “certificate of eligibility” can also include a “Statement of Benefits” obtained from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) website; eBenefits; or a VAF 28-1905 form, for chapter 31 authorization purposes.