Welcome to our Financial Aid Eligibility page! Understanding the qualifications for financial assistance is a crucial step in making your educational goals more accessible. Here, we outline some of the key eligibility criteria.

U.S. Citizens and eligible non-citizens are encouraged to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). To apply for FAFSA, please use the following link: https://studentaid.gov/

How Eligibility is Determined

To qualify for federal student aid and most forms of institutional aid, students must meet the following eligibility requirements:

  • Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
  • Demonstrate financial need (applicable for most aid programs)
  • Comply with LLU’s Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) policy and standards
  • Not be in default on a federal educational loan
  • Not owe a refund on a federal grant (Pell Grant or SEOG)
  • Be enrolled in an eligible degree or certificate program
  • Enroll at least half-time, in eligible courses, except for the Federal Pell Grant
  • Have a high school diploma, GED, or meet an approved ability-to-benefit exemption
  • Comply with any and all verification requests

Meeting these requirements ensures you are considered for most forms of financial assistance.

Deadlines for Financial Aid

To maximize your eligibility for all available aid, it’s crucial to complete your FAFSA early. Funding for certain programs may not be guaranteed for late applicants. The FAFSA can be submitted starting October 1 each year and remains available through June 30 of the following year. 

Cal Grant Application Deadline:

The deadline for the Cal Grant Application is March 2 each year (unless extended). For more information about the Cal Grant program, please visit the California Student Aid Commission Website.

Verification Deadline:

The verification deadline at LLU is 30 days from the date of your verification notice. While late verification documents may be accepted, submitting them late could result in not receiving an aid offer in time for financial clearance. The Office of Financial Aid will make every effort to verify and award students who submit documentation late, but awards cannot be guaranteed for those who provide documentation less than 45 days before the end of their term, award year, or last day of enrollment.

For verification with regards to a PELL Grant, the student must complete verification by the deadline published in the Federal Register or 120 days after the last day of enrollment, whichever is earlier.

Determining Financial Need

There is no official income cut-off for financial aid eligibility, and we encourage all eligible students to apply if they have concerns about their ability to finance their education. Eligibility for need-based financial aid is determined by various factors, including the family’s income, assets, and size. We evaluate your family’s ability to pay based on the information you provide. This information is used to calculate your Student Aid Index (SAI), which is part of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (HEA). The SAI helps institutions assess how much financial support you may need and what assistance you may qualify for.

Your SAI is not:

  • A dollar amount of aid you’ll receive,
  • What your family is expected to provide, or
  • Your final financial aid offer.

Non Need-Based Aid

Non need-based aid refers to financial assistance that is not determined by your Student Aid Index (SAI). Two common sources of non need-based aid are the Direct Unsubsidized Loan and the Federal Direct PLUS Loan. Your eligibility for need-based aid will be evaluated first, after which you can explore options for non need-based aid if you require additional funding.

Student loans can originate from the federal government or from private lenders (e.g., banks, institutions, etc.). Federal student loans typically offer lower interest rates and more flexible repayment options compared to private loans.

It’s important to borrow only what you need for school-related expenses. Careful planning can you manage your finances effectively while minimizing debt. Never borrow more than you need.

Continued Financial Aid Eligibility

To maintain your eligibility for financial aid throughout the academic year and beyond, please consider the following:

  • Meet the basic eligibility criteria listed above.
  • Satisfactory Academic Progress: You must continue to meet Satisfactory Academic Progress by maintaining a minimum GPA, successfully completing coursework, and graduating on time or within certain timeframe standards. (Refer to the University Catalog for detailed policy).
  • FAFSA requirement: Remember to complete the FAFSA each year. This is essential for maintaining federal student aid eligibility. The FAFSA is also used to determine eligibility for other aid programs.
  • Federal PLUS Loan Considerations:
    • If you have taken a Federal PLUS Loan, be aware that it requires a credit check before it is approved each year.
    • Should you have an adverse credit history, you can still receive a Direct PLUS Loan by either obtaining a qualified endorser or documenting extenuating circumstances to the satisfaction of the U.S. Department of Education.

For more information on the Federal Direct PLUS Loan and other loans, please visit the Types of Aid section.