Q: How do I apply for financial aid?
A: You can apply for aid on-line at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov or you can apply by picking up our financial aid packet, which includes the FREE Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at the Office of Student Financial Aid.
Q: How long does the process take?
A: Normally about four to six weeks. You should apply as early as possible. (January 2nd through March 1st, prior to the following Fall term) Some program funds are limited and awarded on a "first come first served" basis.
Q: How will I know how much aid I qualify for?
A: An award notification postcard will be mailed to you. You will be instructed to log on to "Accept Your Award".
Q: What happens if I don't accept my awards online?
A: If you do not accept your awards online, we will assume you do not need or want financial aid and cancel the award. However, if you realize that you do need it, you can submit a Revision Request form and request to have your aid reinstated.
Q: Do I have to pay my fees up front if I have my award letter?
A: If you submit your award letter by the last day of the drop/add period, your fees are automatically deferred and the system generated late payment charge of $100 will be waived. For those students who apply on time there is not a problem getting the fees deferred.
Q: What happens if I decide to attend part-time?
A: Your aid may be reduced or canceled in some cases in order to comply with regulations or eligibility requirements.
Q: What if I need to take some or all of my classes at another school?
A: As long as you are degree seeking at FAU and the classes will be credited toward your FAU degree, you may be eligible to receive assistance. Contact the FAU Financial Aid Office to see what forms you must complete and for which programs you may qualify. Please refer to Financial Aid Policies - Concurrent Enrollment page.
Q: I was awarded a Stafford loan but I want to reduce the amount, how can I do that?
A: If you want to reduce any award on your award letter, you simply submit a Revision Request form located on the Forms to Download page and state the amount of the that you want to reduce.
Q: How will I receive the funds?
A: Actual Disbursement of financial aid checks or Electronic Fund Transfers are a function of the Controller's Office as requested by the Financial Aid Office starting the third week of classes. FAU encourages all eligible financial aid recipients to have a bank account so they will be able to receive their funds electronically (EFT). Direct Deposit of funds is preferred to go to BankAtlantic accounts. However, FAU is able to directly deposit your financial aid refund into your existing financial institution. To apply for direct deposit, click here.
For financial aid recipients without a bank account, net checks will be mailed to the local address on file with the University's Registrar Office.
Q: How will my fees be paid and what happens to the money that exceeds my fees?
A: Approximately 3 weeks after school starts your aid will be applied to your tuition. Any remaining funds will be electronically transferred to your bank account (see previous question) or mailed by the Controller's Office to your local address on file at the Registrar's Office.
Q: If my fees were deferred, what will happen with my financial aid?
A: The Controller's Office will deduct any tuition fees you owe (except from federal work-study) the university and send you the balance (see previous question).
Q: What happens if I have been awarded a loan, but never received a promissory note in the mail?
A: If you have received a loan in the past, you may not need to complete another Master Promissory Note (MPN). Contact your lender to be sure all paperwork is in order. Your loan will be on hold until funds are ready to be disbursed, about 3 weeks after school starts.
If you did not receive your Master Promissory Note in the mail, click here to fill out the MPN online electronically or view/print to mail MPN to lender. If you have applied for an Alternative Loan, click here to view/print MPN.
Q: Will the Financial Aid Office award me for Summer terms also?
A: Yes, however, you must complete a one page FAU Summer Financial Aid application that we distribute beginning February 1st of each year. The Summer Financial Aid application is located on MyFAU. Apply for Summer Financial Aid early! Some funds are limited and awarded based on when the application is submitted. Click here for instructions on how to access the application and important information regarding Summer Financial Aid.
Q: What happens if I don't do well in my classes?
A: Financial aid regulations require that you make satisfactory academic progress. Generally, you must maintain a 2.0 GPA and successfully complete 70% of your classes. If you do not, you may be placed on probation or denied future assistance. You may appeal if denied by submitting a Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeal form available in our download area.
Q: How can I get information about my award?
A: Due to the Privacy Act, only general information can be given over the phone. However, you may access your Financial Aid information online. Click here for instructions on how to access this information.
Q: My award is based on last year's income. My income and/or my parents' income has changed. What should I do?
A: Submit a request for Professional Judgment to our office. The request for Professional Judgment and Checklist forms are available in the Office of Student Financial Aid. You will be asked to submit written documentation of the change. After a review, you may be awarded additional assistance.
Q: The financial aid application asks for information about my parents but I do not receive any support from them. What do I do?
A: Federal regulations require your eligibility to be based on your income and that of your parents' unless you are 24 years old; married, or have legal dependents other than a spouse; are a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces; an orphan or ward of the court (or you were until age 18); or will be working on a degree beyond a bachelor's. If you think that you have exceptional circumstances contact your FAU financial aid counselor about a possible dependency override. The request for Dependency Override form is available in the Office of Student Financial Aid.
Q: What is an Entrance Interview?
A: All undergraduate borrowers receiving a Federal Stafford Loan and/or a Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loan for the first time must attend an Entrance Interview before their first check can be disbursed. If this is your first Stafford Loan, you may complete the Entrance Counseling interview on-line. If you are a graduate student requesting a Grad PLUS loan, you must also complete Grad PLUS Entrance Counseling.
Q: What if I completely withdraw from classes, will I have to repay my financial aid?
A: Yes, if you withdraw before 60% of the term is completed, you will be required to repay a percentage of the aid you received since the funds were awarded to meet educational expenses for the entire semester. Please review the Refund Repayment policy.
Q: How do I get money for books?
A: Disbursement of aid is a function of the Controller’s office. The scholarship and financial aid fund disbursement process takes several weeks. It is essential that you set aside personal funds to cover expenses incurred during the first few weeks of class. For students who do not have sufficient monetary resources, FAU offers a“Short Term Advance” - a University monetary advance to all students - ONLY if they meet all eligibility criteria. The Short Term Advance application is located on MyFAU - Click on the Money Matters! tab and the application is located under the Financial Aid Online Applications channel.
NOTE: For students under 18 years of age, please download and submit the Parental Short Term Advance Application to the Office of Student Financial Aid.
Q: How do I find how much I owe the school? How do I track my balances?
A: The Controller’s office handles all student account transactions. To check on the status of your account, please log on to MyFAU and click on FAU Self-Service link.
PLEASE NOTE: Students receive their account statements via their FAU E-mail address ONLY.
