How Financial Aid Works for Graduate Students

 

Financial assistance from the University should be viewed as a supplement to the financial efforts of the family/student.

The Financial Aid office places primary emphasis on financial need and enrollment status.

Once financial need is determined –

Financial aid awards such as loans and employment are offered based upon program eligibility and need.

An “Award Notification Letter” will be emailed to your Faulkner email account.

Things to know about Financial Aid

Our main means of communication will be through your Faulkner e-mail address.

The Financial Aid Office may cancel or reduce any award/funds because of changes  in your enrollment status.

Students have Rights and Responsibilities  in the financial aid process. Financial Need is defined as the difference between the cost of attendance and the expected family contribution as determined by your FAFSA results.

Enrollment Status

  • Most University students financial aid is awarded based on the assumption that students will be enroll at least half time. Awards may be adjusted for any other enrollment status.
  • Federal programs allow you to be enrolled at least half-time. Audit hours are not acceptable.
  • Aid is limited to course work required for a degree program.
  • Complete withdrawal from classes or dropping a class without attending may result in the required repayment of the financial assistance or the forfeiture of any entitled refund.
  • Transient students attending Faulkner are not eligible for student financial aid and should check with their home institution on availability of aid.
  • Study Abroad Consortium Agreement – Under a consortium agreement, Faulkner University, the home school, students may take courses at a school other than the home school and have those courses count toward the degree at Faulkner University. The student can only receive Federal Student Aid assistance for courses that are applicable to the student’s degree at Faulkner and is approved by their academic advisor.

Basic Eligibility for Federal Programs

To be considered for federal financial aid, you must meet all of the following requirements:

  • Maintain satisfactory academic progress as defined in the policy in the University catalog;
  • Not owe a refund on any federal/state grant previously received at any institution;
  • Not be in DEFAULT on any federal educational loan received from any institution;
  • Be a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident;
  • Be registered with the Selective Service, if applicable.

Federal Student Financial Aid Penalties for Drug Violations

Federal law provides that a student who has been convicted of an offense under any federal or state law (not local or municipal) involving the possession or sale of a illegal drugs during a period of enrollment for which the student was receiving federal financial aid, shall not be eligible to receive any federal student aid assistance during the period beginning and ending date specified in the table below.

Possession of illegal drugs:

  • First Offense – ineligibility period is 1 year from date of conviction
  • Second Offense – ineligibility period is 2 years from date of conviction
  • Third Plus Offense –  Indefinite Period

Sale of illegal drugs:

  • First Offense – 2 years from date of conviction
  • Second Offense – Indefinite Period

A student whose eligibility has been suspended based on a conviction for possession or sale of illegal drugs may regain their eligibility before the end of the period if:

  1. the student satisfactorily completes a qualified drug rehabilitation program that includes at least two unannounced drug test and can satisfy at least one of the following requirements;
    • Be qualified to receive funds directly or indirectly from a federal, state, or local government program;
    • Be qualified to receive payment directly or indirectly from a federally or state licensed insurance company;
    • Be administered or recognized by a federal, state, or local government agency or court or,
    • Be administered or recognized by a federally or state licensed hospital, health clinic or medical doctor
  2. the student successfully passes two unannounced drug tests conducted by a drug rehabilitation program that complies with the criteria prescribed in the federal regulations or;
  3. the conviction is reversed, set aside or removed from the student’s record.

It is the student’s responsibility to certify to us that he/she has successfully completed the rehabilitation program.

Helpful Hints when applying for Financial Aid

  • Apply early. An early start will leave time to collect information, ask questions and solve problems.
  • Read instructions and follow directions carefully making sure all documents submitted are complete, accurate and contain required signatures.
  • Print your name and Social Security number on all documents submitted.
  • Make copies of all documents including all correspondence with your lender or school and keep them in a financial aid file.
  • Fax or scan financial aid documents to the Financial Aid Office.
  • Carefully read all correspondence from Financial Aid.
  • Respond promptly to all requests for additional information.

Navigation