Types of Undergraduate Financial Aid

Federal Pell Grant:

This is a need-based, Title IV federal grant program designed to provide financial assistance to undergraduate students. Pell Grants are intended to be the base of a financial aid package and may be combined with other forms of aid in order to meet the cost of attendance. The amount of the grant is based on financial need, cost of attendance and enrollment status. Students may apply by submitting an error-free Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant Program (FSEOG): This federal grant program is designed to assist undergraduate students who demonstrate exceptional financial need and who qualify for a Federal Pell Grant. Award amounts are based on the amount of need and availability of funds. Students may apply by submitting an error-free Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Florida Student Assistance Grant (FSAG): This State grant program was established to provide awards to qualified undergraduate students who are Florida residents attending accredited colleges, universities and community/state colleges in Florida. UNF selects eligible recipients based on need, FAFSA filing date, enrollment and availability of funding. Students may apply by submitting an error-free Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

UNF Institutional Grants: The University of North Florida offers a variety of grants for undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need. Awards range in value and have various enrollment requirements. Awards are made on a first-come, first-served basis as determined by a student's FAFSA filing date and financial need.

Federal Iraq & Afghanistan Service Grant: This federal grant program provides assistance to students whose parent or guardian died as a result of military service in Iraq or Afghanistan. This grant is equal to the amount of a maximum federal Pell Grant for the award year, but cannot exceed your cost of attendance for that award year.

Children of Fallen Heroes Scholarship: This federal grant program provides assistance to students whose parent or guardian died in the line of duty while performing as a public safety officer. This grant is equal to the amount of a maximum federal Pell Grant for the award year, but cannot exceed your cost of attendance for that award year.

TEACH Grant: The Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant program is a non-need based program that provides up to $4,000 per year in grants to students who are enrolled in an eligible program. Students must agree to teach full-time for at least four years in a high-need field at a low-income elementary school, secondary school or educational service agency.

William D. Ford Direct Loan Program: Unlike grants, Federal Direct Loans are financial aid awards that must be repaid. UNF encourages students to make informed decisions when opting to borrow under ANY student loan program. Federal Direct Loans are administered by the U.S. Department of Education. To apply for Direct Loan funding, students must file the FAFSA and be enrolled at least half-time (six credit hours) in degree-applicable coursework.

• Federal Direct Subsidized Loan Program: Direct Subsidized loans are awarded to undergraduate students on the basis of financial need, as determined by the FAFSA. Direct Subsidized loans do not accrue interest while students are enrolled at least half-time in degree-applicable coursework or during authorized periods of deferment. Loan repayment begins six months after the student graduates, leaves school or drops below half-time enrollment.The U.S. Department of Education has implemented regulations that limit a first-time borrower's eligibility for Direct Subsidized Loans to a period not to exceed 150% of the length of the borrower's educational program. Please visit Federal Student Aid for more information.
• Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan Program: Direct Unsubsidized loans allow undergraduate students to borrow loan funds beyond their subsidized loan amount, within the loan limits, but not to exceed cost of attendance minus other financial aid. Interest begins accruing as soon as the loan disburses. Students have the option to defer interest payments until the loan enters repayment. Loan repayment begins six months after the student graduates, leaves school or drops below half-time enrollment.
• Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan Program : Federal Direct Parent PLUS loans are available to parents of dependent undergraduate students enrolled at least half-time in an eligible program. Parent PLUS loans are low-interest, credit-based loans available to supplement the student's financial aid package, up to the cost of attendance. Loan repayment begins upon disbursement to the school.

Federal Work Study: The Federal Work Study Program is a need-based federally-funded part-time employment program which allows eligible students to earn money to help pay for education expenses. Students are paid an hourly rate on a bi-weekly basis. Students must demonstrate financial need through completion of the FAFSA and be enrolled in a minimum of six credit hours of degree-applicable coursework. Federal Work Study awards are offered for the fall and spring terms and cannot be used to defer tuition, room or board.

Scholarship Programs

Scholarship Programs:
The University of North Florida offers a comprehensive scholarship program to attract and reward students who have superior talent in academics, athletics, fine arts and extracurricular activities. Since some of our scholarships are need-based, we encourage students to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) prior to the January 15 UNF priority consideration date.

Institutional Scholarships: All incoming freshman who apply to UNF are automatically considered for scholarships based on their admissions application information. Scholarships are awarded based on a variety of factors, including recalculated high school grade point average, SAT or ACT test scores and talent. Transfer students may also be considered for institutional scholarships based on their admissions application information, transfer grade point average and intended major.

Foundation Scholarships: Foundation scholarships are funded through contributions made to UNF from private donors. These awards have specific eligibility requirements regarding the awarding and renewal of the scholarships which have been established by the donor and the University.

State Scholarships: State scholarships are funded by the State of Florida. The State determines the recipients as well as when and how these awards are allocated. The University must confirm student eligibility. The most prominent example of a state funded scholarship is the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program. Students work with their high school guidance counselors to apply for the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship no later than August 31 after high school graduation. To learn more about the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program, please visit Florida's Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA).

Appeals Procedure: If a student believes that some aspect of his or her financial situation, which would affect the evaluation of financial need, was overlooked during the award process, the student is entitled to an appeal. Appeals of financial aid offers are subject to Federal, State and University regulations, as well as availability of funds.