Financial Aid Terms and Conditions

·         FGCU awards financial aid to recipients on a non-discriminatory, equal opportunity basis.

·         You must be a fully admitted student, enrolled in an eligible degree-seeking or teacher certification program.

·         Non- degree seeking students are not eligible for financial aid.

·         You must read and understand your electronic award letter and follow the instructions for accepting/declining the Awards.

·         You must complete all requirements listed on Gulfline in a timely manner. If your application was selected for verification, this process must be completed before your award can be finalized. If corrections are required, your award could change. Priority deadline for submitting required paperwork and documentation is July 1.

·         You must be enrolled at least halftime to receive a student loan. Other awards will be pro-rated for less than full time attendance.

·         It is your responsibility to file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form each academic year by March 1.

·         Florida Bright Futues scholarship amounts are estimated and do not reflect what will actually pay out. Actual payment amounts are determined by the Florida Department of Education based on the type of Bright Futures program and enrollment.

 Disbursement of Financial Aid Awards

·         With written authorization from the student, Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) will credit the student's account to pay allowable charges, in addition to tuition/fees and room/board, with federal financial aid funds. Allowable charges may include, but are not limited to: bookstore charges, library fines, parking fees, returned check charges, student health charges, and other service charges.

·         Financial aid awards (except work-study awards) are disbursed to your student account after the end of add/drop week each semester.

·         If the total amount of your award for the term exceeds the charge for your tuition, fees, on-campus housing, and any other charges you will receive a refund of the credit balance from the University Cashier's Office.

·         Refunds are issued approximately three weeks after the start of the semester. Students should make arrangements to cover living expenses and book costs until refund checks are ready.

·         If your aid covers all of your charges, you do not have to pay anything, even though your aid will not be disbursed until after payment deadline.

·         If you owe a balance, you must pay it by the end of the first week of classes, or you will be charged a late fee. (Academic Calendar).

·         The Office of Financial Aid reserves the right to request verification of any data submitted by parents or applicants. If the data is found to be incorrect, the data may be corrected and the award revised. If the applicant is determined ineligible for financial aid, the applicant's award can be withdrawn. The applicant will then be responsible for payment of all expenses incurred at Florida Gulf Coast University.

·         If you apply late, or miss the priority deadline of July 1 for completing required forms, your aid will not disburse in a timely manner. In this case, you will have to pay up front and receive your aid when your file is completed.

·         If you have received a Federal Work Study award, the amount of your award reflects the amount you may earn for the year. You must work in order to receive the award; however, your award does not guarantee you a job. A listing of available positions is posted in FGCU's Career Development Services Center.

·         Final disbursement amounts may be different from your award amount, depending on funding allocations and your enrollment status.

Responsibilities of Financial Aid Recipients

By accepting financial aid, you agree to:

·         Report any additional financial assistance from sources outside the University to the Office of Financial Aid. (Note: Financial aid awards are subject to change in the event that additional assistance is received, or if there is a change in EFC (expected family contribution) due to verification).

·         Notify the Registrar's Office and the Office of Financial Aid if you withdraw from the University.  Complete withdrawal may result in repayment of all or part of financial aid received.

·         Make Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) toward a degree as described on our Satisfactory Academic Progress website.

·         Repay to FGCU any financial aid funds disbursed to you in error. If a mistake was made, whether by yourself, the Office of Financial Aid, or another agency, federal regulations require that the mistake be corrected and funds be billed back as necessary.