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State Aid

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Saint Leo University (SLU) administers the following State student financial aid programs.

Effective Access to Student Education Grant (EASE)

Effective Access to Student Education Grant (EASE) The William L. Boyd, IV, Effective Access to Student Education Grant (EASE) Program provides tuition assistance to Florida undergraduate students.
Eligibility Requirements
  • Be a Florida resident and a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen.
  • Not owe a repayment or be in default under any state or federal grant, loan, or scholarship program unless satisfactory arrangements to repay have been made.
  • Not have previously received a baccalaureate degree.
  • Enroll for a minimum of 12 credit hours per term in an eligible baccalaureate degree program.
  • Meet Florida’s general eligibility requirements for receipt of state aid.
  • Not be enrolled in a program of study leading to a degree in theology or divinity.
  • Due to the differences between term and semester student enrollment, EASE is handled one of two ways on a student account. If you are a full time student for the semester, your EASE award is disbursed after drop/add of your semester. However, if your full time status is split between two 8-week terms (example: FA1 and FA2), your EASE award will not be applied to your account until your full time status is reached during the second term. For example, if you signed up for 6 credits in FA1 and 6 credits in FA2, you will not receive your EASE for both FA1 and FA2 until after the drop/add period of FA2. Once your full time enrollment status is met during the FA2 term your EASE award will disburse onto your account for both terms.
  • For many students this may mean that the balance for their FA1 term or SP1 term, or the balance for their fall or spring semester, becomes past due while the student is waiting for their EASE disbursements. In these situations the University is unable to consider future aid as credit towards a student’s account. Students in this situation are encouraged to sign up for a University payment plan to cover the gap between their financial aid and their tuition. If a student has a zero balance at the time their EASE funds are disbursed and credited to their account, a refund will be issued.
  • Florida statute requires that Saint Leo University determine the residency status of each student seeking any Florida state grants and scholarships. (Parent residency is required for dependent students.) Students must complete and submit the Proof of Florida Residency Form available in Financial Aid Forms with two supporting documents. Students that will not submit a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) must complete and submit the Proof of Florida Residency Form – Non-FAFSA Filer, available via eForm. Be sure to sign (and have a parent sign if dependent) and include your student ID# on all forms.
Aid Awarded The Florida Department of Education Office of Student Financial Assistance selects recipient, Saint Leo University confirms recipient eligibility.
Annual Award Amount for an Academic Year

For additional information, please visit www.floridastudentfinancialaid.org/SSFAD/home/uamain.htm

Disbursement OSFA allocates funds to Saint Leo University. Saint Leo University will distribute awards to eligible students. EASE funding is disbursed for fall through spring terms.
Deadlines Students anticipating (EASE) must have a valid ISIR on file and the Proof of Florida Residency form submitted and approved. For those student that do not file a FAFSA, the Proof of Florida Residency Non-Filer form must be submitted and approved. Additionally, a student must be enrolled fulltime and be admitted to a degree seeking program in order to be eligible for receiving a grant. Students must meet these requirements by October 23 for receiving a grant during the fall semester and by February 21 for students attending only the spring semester.
Veteran Benefit Recipients Students receiving Chapter 33, Chapter 31, and other certain tuition assistance (TA) should note that these benefits only cover tuition and specific fees not covered by other sources of financial support. EASE is a tuition specific award granted by the state. Recipients of EASE and Chapter 33, Chapter 31 and other TA should expect their payment for Chapter 33, 31, and TA sources to be reduced by the amount of the EASE award received. For example, a student receiving 100% benefits under Chapter 33 benefits with $1740 in tuition charges and a EASE award of $750 would be eligible for a payment of $990 from Chapter 33 benefits for tuition. If the student received 50% benefits, the student would only be eligible for a $495 payment from Chapter 33 benefits. Students should consult with their SCO to determine if they want to accept or decline the EASE award.

Florida Student Assistance Grant (FSAG)

Florida Student Assistance Grant (FSAG) The Florida Student Assistance Grant (FSAG) Program is a need-based grant program available to degree-seeking, resident, undergraduate students who demonstrate substantial financial need.
Eligibility Requirements
  • Be a Florida resident and a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen.
  • Not owe a repayment or be in default under any state or federal grant, loan, or scholarship program unless satisfactory arrangements to repay have been made.
  • Not have previously received a baccalaureate degree.
  • Enroll for a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester, or the equivalent, in an associate or baccalaureate degree program.
  • Meet Florida’s general eligibility requirements for receipt of state aid.
  • Due to the differences between term and semester student enrollment, FSAG is handled one of two ways on a student account. If you are a full time student for the semester, your FSAG award is disbursed after drop/add of your semester. However, if your full time status is split between two 8-week terms (example: FA1 & FA2), your FSAG award will not be applied to your account until your full time status is reached during the second term. For example, if you signed up for 6 credits in FA1 and 6 credits in FA2, you will not receive your FSAG for both FA1 and FA2 until after the drop/add period of FA2. Once your full time enrollment status is met during the FA2 term your FSAG award will disburse onto your account for both terms.
  • For many students this may mean that the balance for their FA1 term or SP1 term, or the balance for their fall or spring semester, becomes past due while the student is waiting for their FSAG disbursements. In these situations the University is unable to consider future aid as credit towards a student’s account. Students in this situation are encouraged to sign up for a University payment plan to cover the gap between their financial aid and their tuition. If a student has a zero balance at the time their FSAG funds are disbursed and credited to their account, a refund will be issued.
  • Florida statute requires that Saint Leo University determine the residency status of each student seeking any Florida state grants and scholarships. (Parent residency is required for dependent students.) Students must complete and submit the Proof of Florida Residency Form available in Financial Aid Forms with two supporting documents. Students that will not submit a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) must complete and submit the Proof of Florida Residency Form – Non-FAFSA Filer, available via eForm. Be sure to sign (and have a parent sign if dependent) and include your student ID# on all forms.
Aid Awarded The Florida Department of Education Office of Student Financial Assistance selects recipient, Saint Leo University confirms recipient eligibility.
Annual Award Amount for an Academic Year

For additional information, please visit www.floridastudentfinancialaid.org/SSFAD/home/uamain.htm

Disbursement FSAG funding is disbursed for fall through spring terms. Funds are not available for summer awards.
Deadlines Students anticipating (FSAG) must have a valid ISIR on file and the Proof of Florida Residency form submitted and approved. Additionally, a student must be enrolled fulltime and be admitted to a degree seeking program in order to be eligible for receiving a grant. Students must meet these requirements by October 23 for receiving a grant during the fall semester and by February 21 for students attending only the spring semester.

Florida Bright Futures

Florida Bright Futures

The Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program establishes three lottery-funded scholarships to reward Florida high school graduates for high academic achievement. The Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program is comprised of the following three awards:

  • Florida Academic Scholars (FAS) award, including Academic Top Scholars (ATS) award
  • Florida Medallion Scholars (FMS) award
Eligibility Requirements
  • Be a Florida resident and a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen.
  • Not owe a repayment or be in default under any state or federal grant, loan, or scholarship program unless satisfactory arrangements to repay have been made.
  • Meet specific coursework and minimum grade point average (GPA) and test score requirements which are outlined on the Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA) website www.floridastudentfinancialaid.org/SSFAD/home/uamain.htm
  • ATS - The Academic Top Scholars award, announced by the Florida Department of Education before the end of the fall term after all term one disbursements are reported, is awarded to the Florida Academic Scholar with the highest academic ranking in each county (based on the product of multiplying the Bright Futures GPA and the highest qualifying SAT/ACT test score). The recipient receives a cost per credit hour award established by the Florida Legislature in the General Appropriations Act in addition to the Florida Academic Scholars award. For current year award amounts visit: www.floridastudentfinancialaid.org/SSFAD/home/uamain.htm
  • Florida statute requires that Saint Leo University determine the residency status of each student seeking any Florida state grants and scholarships. (Parent residency is required for dependent students.) Students must complete and submit the Proof of Florida Residency Form available in Financial Aid Forms with two supporting documents. Students that will not submit a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) must complete and submit the Proof of Florida Residency Form – Non-FAFSA Filer, available via eForm. Be sure to sign (and have a parent sign if dependent) and include your student ID# on all forms.
Aid Awarded The Florida Department of Education Office of Student Financial Assistance selects recipient, Saint Leo University confirms recipient eligibility.
Annual Award Amount for an Academic Year For additional information, please visit: www.floridastudentfinancialaid.org/SSFAD/home/uamain.htm
Disbursement Bright Futures funding is disbursed for fall through spring terms. Limited funds are available for summer awards.

Florida Work Experience Program (FWEP)

Florida Work Experience Program (FWEP) The Florida Work Experience Program (FWEP) is designed to help eligible students gain work experience while also earning money to help pay for expenses while in college.  FWEP provides hourly-wage, part-time jobs for Florida resident students with financial need. Due to very limited funds, only a few students are selected for this opportunity.
Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for this program, students must meet the following criteria:

  • Be A Florida resident
  • Be a U.S. Citizen or an eligible non-citizen.
  • Have completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). 
  • Not owe a refund or be in default on any federal or state grant or scholarship (unless a satisfactory payment arrangement has been made).
  • Meet Satisfactory Academic PSAP requirements to continue to be eligible and remain working under the Florida Work Experience Program.
Aid Awarded Awarded to students with financial need, is based on fund availability. Students must file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) as part of the application process for FWEP assistance.
Annual Award Amount for an Academic Year Award amount varies, based on the amount of funding received from the state. Funding is very limited.
Pay Schedule Work study students receive a paycheck bi-weekly.

Honorably Discharged Graduate Assistance Program (HDGAP)

Honorably Discharged Graduate Assistance Program (HDGAP) The Honorably Discharged Graduate Assistance Program (HDGAP) provides need-based veteran educational benefits in the form of supplemental living expenses during holiday and semester breaks.
Eligibility Requirements
  • Be an active duty or honorably discharged member of the Armed Forces who served on or after September 11, 2001
  • Be a Florida resident as determined by Saint Leo University
  • Be enrolled full-time in a degree seeking program of study (undergraduate or graduate)
  • Complete an error-free Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
  • Have sufficient unmet need as defined by the FAFSA
  • Be enrolled in the Fall semester
  • Be registered for the Spring semester
  • Complete and submit all required applications and documents by the deadline.
Aid Awarded Saint Leo University determines recipients based on eligibility and funds available.
Annual Award Amount for an Academic Year

Award funding is dependent on funding from the state; annual awarding amounts vary. The award must not exceed the student’s unmet need.

Disbursement HDGAP funding is disbursed during the fall semester. Funds are only available for the holiday break between the fall and spring semesters.

Florida State Aid Appeal Process

Florida state aid recipients may appeal an ineligible status due to a verifiable illness or other emergency beyond their control. Students must complete the Florida State Programs Appeal Process form to request an exception to the determination of ineligibility. All appeal documents must be received within 30 days from the issue date of the notice of ineligibility by the Florida Department of Education's Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA).

Submit the form, statement of explanation and supporting documentation via Financial Aid Forms, available at login.saintleo.edu.

You will be notified of the Appeal Committee's decision by email to your SLU account within 30 days.

Georgia Helping Outstanding Pupils Educationally (HOPE)

Georgia Helping Outstanding Pupils Educationally (HOPE) Georgia's HOPE Scholarship is available to Georgia residents who have demonstrated academic achievement. The scholarship provides money to assist undergraduate students attending Saint Leo University Educational Centers in the state of Georgia with their educational costs.
Eligibility Requirements

Meet one of the following academic requirements:

  • Meet HOPE's U.S. citizenship or eligible non-citizen requirements;
  • Be a legal resident of Georgia;
  • Meet enrollment requirements;
  • Be in compliance with Selective Service registration requirements;
  • Meet academic achievement standards;
  • Be in good standing on all student loans or other financial aid programs;
  • Be in compliance with the Georgia Drug-Free Postsecondary Education Act of 1990;
  • Not have exceeded the maximum award limits for any HOPE program.
  • Meet one of the following academic requirements:
      • Graduate from a HOPE-eligible high school with a minimum 3.0 grade point average (as calculated by GSFC). Details
      • Receive a high school diploma through petition of the local school board, in accordance with O.C.G.A. §20-2-281.1, from a HOPE-eligible high school with a minimum 3.0 grade point average (as calculated by GSFC). Details
      • Graduate from an eligible high school, complete a home study program in Georgia, or earn a GED and score in the national composite 75th percentile or higher on the SAT or ACT prior to high school graduation, home study completion, or earning a GED. Details
      • Graduate from an eligible high school or complete a home study program in Georgia and then earn a minimum 3.0 cumulative postsecondary grade point average after attempting 30 semester or 45 quarter hours of college degree-level coursework for retroactive HOPE Scholarship payment. Details
      • Earn a minimum 3.0 cumulative postsecondary grade point average after attempting 30, 60, or 90 semester hours or 45, 90, or 135 quarter hours after high school graduation, home study completion, or receipt of GED. Details
  • Be enrolled as a degree-seeking student at a public or private HOPE-eligible college or university in Georgia.
  • Meet academic rigor requirements. Beginning with students graduating from an eligible high school on or after May 1, 2015, students must complete a specific number of academically rigorous courses, as identified on the Academic Rigor Course List, in addition to meeting the GPA requirements. This does not include students who received a high school diploma through petition of his or her local school board, in accordance with O.C.G.A. §20-2-281.1, nor does it apply to students graduating from home study programs.
Aid Awarded Saint Leo University will determine financial aid eligibility.
Annual Award Amount for an Academic Year Funding provided to HOPE Scholars varies and depends on the student’s enrollment.
Disbursement HOPE funding is disbursed throughout the fall and spring terms. Limited funds are available for summer awards.

Georgia Tuition Equalization Grant Program (GTEG)

Georgia Tuition Equalization Grant Program (GTEG) The Georgia Tuition Equalization Grant Program (GTEG) encourages Georgia residents to attend eligible private colleges in Georgia by providing assistance towards educational costs.
Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for this program, students must meet the following criteria:

  • Be a U.S. citizen or national of the U.S. or have evidence from INS of eligible permanent resident alien status;
  • Be a legal resident of Georgia;
  • Be enrolled as a full-time student at Savannah Education Center in Georgia;
  • Be an undergraduate student in a program of study leading to a college degree;
  • Meet the Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) policy;
  • Meet federal Selective Service registration requirements, per Georgia state law. The requirement to register applies to males who were born on or after January 1, 1960, are at least 18, are citizens or eligible non-citizens who came to the United States prior to age 26
  • Not be in default or owe a refund on a student financial aid program;
  • Be in compliance with the Georgia Drug-Free Postsecondary Education Act of 1990;
  • Must not have received TEG payments for more than 127 semester/190 quarter hours.
Aid Awarded Saint Leo University will determine financial aid eligibility.
Annual Award Amount for an Academic Year Recipients receive an award amount budgeted each year by the Georgia Legislature. The amount of the award can vary year to year and may change during the award year.
Disbursement GTEG funding is disbursed throughout the fall and spring terms. Limited funds may be available for summer awards.