Veteran’s Benefits

The University is approved by the Florida State Approving Agency to offer veterans training.

Upon enrollment, the student should notify the Business and Records Office of VA eligibility so that necessary enrollment certification forms can be sent to the VA. The university offers only administrative “record keeping” assistance to veterans and is not responsible for determining eligibility for VA benefits.

There are many Veterans Administration rules and regulations which students should be aware of that pertain to courses offered off campus, such as independent study courses taken by audit (no benefits) and “I” grades. It is the student’s responsibility to inquire concerning all VA rules and regulations and to report any changes in status that affect these benefits. Additionally, VA benefits will be terminated for students who are dismissed for academic or disciplinary reasons and can only be reinstated after counseling and approval by the VA.

To get started, the student should contact the Department of Veterans Affairs and (National number 1-888-442-4551 or local, PO Box 1437, St. Petersburg, FL 33731) directly request a list of all the forms and steps needed to complete the process.

Student Consumer Information

The University   conforms to the  Student Consumer Information Requirements established by the United   States  Department of Education, and hereby serves notice that the Director of   Student  Financial Aid and office staff are the persons designated under those  requirements to assist the student or prospective student in obtaining  information regarding student financial assistance.

Financial Services

The University participates in the following student financial aid programs:

• Federal Pell Grant
• Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
• Florida Student Assistance Grant Program
• Florida Bright Futures Scholarship
• Access to Better Learning and Education Grant
• José Martí Scholarship Challenge Grant
• Scholarship For Children and Spouses of Deceased or Disable Veterans
• Institutional Scholarships
• Federal Work Study Program (FWSP)
• Florida Work Experience Program
• Federal Direct Stafford Loan
• Federal Direct Plus Loan for Parents of Undergraduate Students
• Federal Direct Plus Loan for Graduate Students
• Alternative Loans

Financial Aid Reference Links

• Free Application for Federal Student Aid
• Federal Student Aid Identification
• Florida Student Scholarship & Grant Programs
• Student Aid on the Web Portal
• Education Planner
• American Council on Education
• Information on scholarship scams

General Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for student aid programs, you must meet the following basic eligibility requirements:

• Demonstrate to have financial need, except for unsubsidized and PLUS loans
• Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen with a valid Social Security number
• Enroll in an eligible degree seeking program as a regular student (RS)
• Have a high school diploma or its equivalent
• If male between ages of 18 and 25, must register with the Selective Service
• Meet satisfactory academic progress standards
• Certify that you will use any federal student aid for educational purposes only
• Have not defaulted your student loans or do not owe a refund on a federal student grant

**Specific Federal or State student aid programs may have additional eligibility requirements.  If you have been convicted for the sale or possession of illegal drugs while you were receiving federal student aid, your eligibility may be affected.  To find out your status, call the Federal Student Aid Information Center 1-800-433-3243 or go to www.fafsa.ed.gov

STUDENT AID APPLICATION PROCESS

Applying for federal student aid is an easy process.  The student must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at www.fafsa.gov .  The Financial Aid Office will receive the results of your application in approximately five labor days if you sign electronically with your FSAID.  You can apply for a FSAID at https://fsaid.ed.gov/.   The student must renew the FAFSA each year before April 22.  If you need assistance to complete your FAFSA, you should contact the Financial Aid Officer or go to the FAFSA website.

After your results are received, the Financial Aid Officer will review your application to detect any mistake or to complete the Verification Process.  If it is required by the Department of Education, documentation such as income tax returns will be requested.

Your financial need will be determined based on your FAFSA results (EFC) and your academic status.

Guidance & Mentoring

The Guidance and Mentoring Office offers students the opportunity to seek assistance, career information, and guidance in the personal, vocational, and academic aspects that may impede the student’s attaining a college education. Counselors assist students individually in making appropriate educational, vocational, and personal choices. The office coordinates assisted institutional services for handicap students.

For Post 9/11 GI Bill® (Ch 33) students and VA Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Ch 31) students, our tuition policy complies with 38 USC 3679(e) which means Post 9/11 and Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment students will not be charged or otherwise penalized due to a delay in VA tuition and fee payments.  For eligibility consideration, a Post 9/11 GI Bill student must submit a VA Certificate of Eligibility (COE) and a Vocational Rehabilitation Student must provide a VAF 28-1905 form. Also, should provide the DD-214 form. If the student needs assistance to complete this document, he/she must contact the Veterans Coordinator in the Registrar’s office.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).  More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at www.benefits.va.gov/gibill

Students eligible for Veterans benefits are required to make their financial arrangements in line with the policies of the University for all students.