Eligibility, Terms and Conditions

To be considered for financial aid, students must meet the following requirements: 

• Submit an error-free FAFSA and complete verification, if selected 
• Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen with a valid Social Security Number 
• Hold a high school diploma or equivalent, as reported on the FAFSA 
• Be admitted and enrolled as a degree-seeking student 
• Meet award enrollment requirements  
• For federal aid, enroll in degree-applicable coursework and demonstrate academic activity 
• Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) 
• Demonstrate financial need, when applicable 
• Not be in default on a federal student loan or owe a repayment on a federal grant 

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) 

Under the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended, students must meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards to receive and retain Title IV federal student aid. The University’s official SAP policy is available on the UNF website. 

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) is evaluated at the end of each term based on the following components:

Pass Rate (Pace) 

Students must successfully complete at least 67% of their attempted cumulative credit hours. Pace is calculated using the following formula and standard rounding rules: 

$$Pace =\frac{Overall cumulative hours earned}{Overall cumulative hours attempted}$$

Grade Point Average (GPA) 

UNF calculates GPAs as unrounded. Certain programs of study may require a higher GPA than listed below. 

Maximum Time Frame 

• Students must complete their degree within 150% of the program’s required length. 
• Exceeding this limit results in suspended financial aid eligibility. 
• For most undergraduate students, this limit is 180 attempted credit hours. 

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Appeals 

Students determined ineligible for federal financial aid due to Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) may submit an appeal. The appeal must include: 

• A completed Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Appeal Form 
• A personal statement describing circumstances beyond the student’s control that affected academic performance 
• Official documentation supporting those circumstances  
• A description of the steps taken to meet SAP standards moving forward 
• Maximum Time Frame appeals must include a signed Graduation Contract approved by the academic or program advisor 

Special Circumstances Appeals 

Financial Aid eligibility is based on FAFSA information and may not reflect recent income or family changes. Under the Higher Education Act, UNF may adjust eligibility for special circumstances. Students may request a case-by-case review through One-Stop Student Services or faoutreach@unf.edu.  

Withdrawals and Return of Title IV Aid 

• Students who withdraw after receiving federal student aid may be required to repay unearned aid, based on the percentage of the term completed at the time of withdrawal.  
• Any outstanding balance will be placed on accounts receivable, which may prevent registration and the release of academic records until the balance is repaid.  
• Unpaid balances may be referred to a collection agency, which may contact the student for repayment and could negatively affect credit history.