|
Please refer to the section on Financial Aid for more information, or address specific questions to the Office of Financial Aid.
Financial Aid
Click on a link to be taken to the entry below.
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.edu.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.
Southeastern University recommends that a prospective student contact his/her high school guidance counselor for information about ways to finance an education. Information regarding scholarships for Florida residents may be found at: www.FloridaStudentFinanicalAid.org.
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 be 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 ^ TOP
Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Policy
Requirements & Eligibility for Financial Aid
Undergraduate Students
Students receiving federal 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
Students must successfully complete (earn) at least 67 percent (67%) of the credits they attempt in order to maintain satisfactory academic progress.
At the end of the academic year, academic progress will be determined by comparing the number of credits attempted (including any course in which a student was enrolled past the drop/add period) to those 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:
|
Grade
|
Quantitative (completion) Treatment
|
Qualitative (GPA) Treatment
|
|
A, B, C, D
|
Attempted & earned
|
Calculated
|
|
F
|
Attempted & unearned
|
Calculated
|
|
*I (Incomplete)
|
Attempted & unearned
|
Not calculated
|
|
W, WF, WP, WD
|
Attempted & unearned
|
Not calculated
|
|
Repeat coursework – A, B, C, D
|
One attempt counted toward completion
|
Highest grade calculated
|
|
Repeat coursework – F
|
Attempted & unearned until a passing grade is attained
|
Calculated until a passing grade is attained
|
|
CR
|
Attempted and earned
|
Not calculated
|
|
NC
|
Not attempted or earned
|
Not calculated
|
|
Pass/Fail
|
Pass – Attempted and earned
Fail – Attempted and unearned
|
Not calculated
|
*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 (150%) 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 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
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 (2) 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
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. Any excess balance not covered by financial aid is due and payable in full 30 days prior to the first day of class.
Understand that if you decide not to attend the course(s) for which you are registered, it is the student’s responsibility to drop the course(s) by the published add/drop date (date varies by semester) to avoid any financial liability to, the student.
Students are also responsible for past due balances on their accounts. The account balance must be paid in full before the start of the next semester.
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 received under a Title IV loan, grant, or work-study program only for expenses related to their education. Students must understand that the amount of any repayment is based on regulations published by the U.S. Department of Education.
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.
Federal Pell Grant
Federal Pell Grants usually are awarded only to undergraduate students who display exceptional financial need and have not earned a bachelor’s, graduate, or professional degree. (In some cases, however, a student enrolled in a postbaccalaureate teacher certification program might receive a Federal Pell Grant.) Students are not eligible to receive a Federal Pell Grant if they are incarcerated in a federal or state penal institution or are subject to an involuntary civil commitment upon completion of a period of incarceration for a forcible or nonforcible sexual offense.
A Federal Pell Grant, unlike a loan, does not have to be repaid, except under certain circumstances.
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 (SAR) 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 FAFSA) and on the availability of federal funds provided to the institution.
Federal Work-Study Program
Federal Work-Study (FWS) is a need-based financial aid award that allows students to work on campus or with an approved off-campus employer and earn money that helps to pay for educational expenses while they are enrolled. Compensation starts at minimum wage, and the amount of work-study funding awarded depends on financial need (as determined by the FAFSA), on the amount of other aid received, and on the availability of federal funds provided to the University. Some examples of FWS jobs at Southeastern University included: library assistant, game operations, teacher’s assistant, academic tutor, and customer service representative.
FWS is not a grant, because a student must work to earn it, and it is not a loan because it does not require repayment.
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 studentaid.gov for additional loan information.
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 ^ TOP
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 post-secondary 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. A FAFSA must be processed by the U.S. Department of Education by April 15th.
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 Grant (EASE) provides tuition assistance at eligible independent non-profit Florida colleges and universities for Florida residents. 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.
Southeastern Academic Scholars Programs ^ TOP
Please contact the Admission Office for information regarding Academic Scholarships.
National Assemblies of God Scholarships ^ TOP
These scholarships are awarded by the General Council of the Assemblies of God.
Other Scholarships ^ TOP
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.
Other Programs ^ TOP
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:
- Apply for benefits on the US Department of Veteran Affairs website.
- 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) .
- 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.
Southeastern University VA Representative:
|
