Financial Aid at NSU: Uncovering the Funding Options for Your Higher Education Journey

At Nova Southeastern University (NSU), we understand that financial concerns should not be a barrier to pursuing your academic dreams. That’s why we offer a comprehensive array of financial aid options to help you afford and succeed in your higher education journey.

Types of Financial Aid at NSU

NSU provides various forms of financial aid to support our students’ educational expenses:

1. Grants:

• Federal Pell Grant: Up to $6,895 (2022-23 academic year) for students with exceptional financial need who meet federal eligibility criteria.
• Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG): Up to $4,000 per year for students with significant financial needs.
• Florida Student Assistance Grant: Up to $2,000 per year for Florida residents with low incomes who attend a Florida independent postsecondary institution.
• Bright Futures Scholarship: A state-funded merit-based scholarship program with awards varying in amount based on students’ high school GPAs and SAT/ACT scores.

2. Scholarships:

• NSU Merit-Based Scholarships: Academic, athletic, and talent-based scholarships ranging from partial tuition waivers to full coverage of expenses for exceptional students.
• External Scholarships: Scholarships awarded by private organizations, foundations, and companies to students who meet specific criteria.
• Employer-Sponsored Scholarships: Financial assistance provided by employers to employees or family members pursuing further education.

3. Loans:

• Federal Direct Subsidized Loan: Up to $23,000 (for dependent undergraduates) or $31,000 (for independent undergraduates) with interest paid by the government while students are enrolled at least half-time.
• Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan: Up to $46,000 (for dependent undergraduates) or $57,500 (for independent undergraduates) with interest accruing while students are enrolled, even part-time.
• Federal Graduate PLUS Loan: Available to graduate students to cover tuition, fees, and other costs not covered by other aid. Parents of dependent undergraduate students may also borrow under the Parent PLUS Loan program.

4. Work-Study:

• Federal Work-Study Program: Part-time employment opportunities on campus or at community organizations that allow students to earn money while attending school.

Eligibility for Financial Aid

To be eligible for financial aid at NSU, students must:

• Be enrolled as a degree-seeking undergraduate or graduate student.
• Maintain satisfactory academic progress.
• Demonstrate financial need (except for merit-based scholarships).
• Meet other eligibility criteria as required by the specific financial aid program.

Applying for Financial Aid

Applying for financial aid is a straightforward process:

1. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA): This application gathers information about students’ financial status to determine eligibility for federal and state aid.
2. Provide Additional Documentation: Some students may need to provide additional documentation, such as tax returns or proof of income, to verify their financial need.
3. Accept or Decline Awards: Once students are notified of their financial aid awards, they can accept or decline the assistance and indicate how they wish to receive the funds (e.g., direct deposit into their bank account).

Tips for Maximizing Financial Aid

• Apply early: Submit your FAFSA as soon as possible after October 1st of each year to secure maximum funding.
• Explore all available options: Consider all forms of financial aid, including grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study, to optimize your funding package.
• Maintain satisfactory academic progress: To continue receiving financial aid, students must maintain a minimum grade point average (GPA) and complete a certain number of credit hours each semester.
• Monitor your financial aid status: Regularly check your financial aid award letters and statements to ensure accuracy and avoid any delays or interruptions in funding.
• Seek professional guidance: NSU’s financial aid counselors are available to provide personalized assistance and answer any questions or concerns you may have.

Key Statistics

• In the 2022-23 academic year, NSU awarded over $185 million in financial aid to its students.
• Approximately 65% of NSU undergraduates receive some form of financial assistance.
• The average financial aid package at NSU is over $17,000 per year.

Conclusion

NSU is committed to helping students overcome financial barriers and achieve their academic goals. By providing a comprehensive array of financial aid options, we empower our students to pursue and succeed in their higher education journeys with confidence and financial stability. If you have any questions or need assistance with financial aid, please do not hesitate to contact our experienced counselors at NSU.

Additional Resources

• NSU Financial Aid Office
• Federal Student Aid Website
• Fastweb Scholarship Search
• College Board Scholarship Search

Tables

Table 1: NSU Financial Aid Award Types and Amounts

Table 2: Financial Aid Eligibility Criteria

Table 3: Tips for Maximizing Financial Aid

Table 4: Financial Aid Statistics at NSU