Types of Aid

Cost does not need to be an obstacle as you explore your interest in continuing education. There are ways to help finance your educational expenses, and applying for financial aid is easy.

For help, please contact Saint Leo's Office of Student Financial Services:

Toll Free: (800) 240-7658
Fax: (866) 708-7770
Email: finaid@saintleo.edu

What is Financial Aid?

Financial aid is any form of assistance that helps to pay college education expenses. Scholarships, grants, loans, and student employment programs are all classified as financial aid.

Saint Leo University students may be eligible for the following types of aid:

  • Grants: A form of need-based aid, distributed based on financial need as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Grants do not have to be repaid.
  • Loans: A financial aid award that must be repaid with interest. Offered based on financial need as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
  • Scholarships: A form of merit-based aid that does not have to be repaid, and is based on an eligibility factor outside of, or in addition to, financial need.

Alternate ways to finance your education include:

  • Employer assistance
  • Military tuition assistance
  • Veterans G.I. Bill
  • Payment plans
  • Alternative loans not sponsored by the federal government

Am I Eligible for Financial Aid?

Saint Leo University awards institutional, federal and various state financial aid to eligible students who are enrolled in a degree program and attending at least half-time.

Students receiving federal financial aid must meet the Saint Leo academic standards of academic progress. Failure to maintain these standards will result in losing aid eligibility.

Federal Financial Sources

Federal student aid accounts for the largest percentage of aid received by adult students. For information about types of federal student aid, eligibility criteria, and repaying student loans—and to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)—visit www.studentloans.gov. Saint Leo's federal school code is 001526.

To find out about funding from agencies other than the Department of Education, take a look at www.studentaid.ed.gov/othersources.

Federal grants are restricted to students enrolled in undergraduate programs. Graduate students enrolled at least half-time in a degree program are eligible to receive federal financial aid.

  • Pell Grant: Pell Grants are awarded to students who have not earned a bachelor’s degree, are enrolled in a degree program, and have exceptional financial need. Awards are based on financial need and enrollment status.
  • Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG): The Federal SEOG is awarded by Saint Leo University to Pell Grant recipients. Awards are limited based on fund availability and financial need.
  • Stafford Loan: All eligible students may receive a Stafford Loan regardless of financial need. Financial need is used to determine eligibility to receive subsidized interest benefits. Students not qualifying for a subsidized loan may receive an unsubsidized loan. Interest accrues on unsubsidized loans while a student is enrolled in school and during grace periods. All principal payments are deferred until six months after graduation for subsidized and unsubsidized loans.
  • Work Study: The Federal Work Study program provides students with financial need an opportunity to earn money and gain valuable work experience. Funds are limited. Students are paid directly for hours worked.
  • PLUS Loan: To help meet educational expenses, parents may borrow through the Federal PLUS Loan. This is a low-interest, long-term loan that is approved by a PLUS lender based on creditworthiness. Parents may borrow up to the difference between educational costs and the student’s financial aid.

Grants for Florida Residents

  • Resident Access Grant: The Florida Resident Access Grant (FRAG) is a tuition- and fee- restricted entitlement program for Florida residents attending Saint Leo University as full-time, degree-seeking students. This grant requires no repayment. It is given to Florida residents regardless of financial need or academic merit. To confirm eligibility, complete the FAFSA application.
  • Bright Futures: The Florida Bright Futures program provides scholarships awarded on the basis of high school academic achievement. The Florida Department of Education determines the eligibility for the Florida Academic Scholars awards, the Florida Merit Scholarship, the Florida Gold Seal Scholarship, and the Florida Academic Top Scholar Scholarship.
  • Student Assistance Grant: The Florida Student Assistance Grant (FSAG) is awarded by Saint Leo University with funds made available through the state of Florida. Students must be enrolled full time in an undergraduate degree program and meet eligibility standards established by the Bureau of Student Financial Assistance. FSAG funds are limited and awarded based on availability. These awards are not transferable or portable.

Scholarships

Saint Leo is committed to helping you finance your future. Begin your scholarship search now.

Military & Veteran Benefits

Learn more about how Saint Leo helps members of the U.S. Armed Forces, veterans and their families afford a private, Catholic education from a regionally accredited university. Explore Military & Veteran Benefits.