Financial need is the difference between the cost of education and a family's ability to pay for that cost. The cost of education, as developed by the Office of Financial Aid, is based on actual costs and estimated expenses. The family's ability to pay, called the Expected Family Contribution (EFC), is based on an evaluation of family resources and other factors and is the final result of the FAFSA. To be considered for need based aid you must submit the FAFSA annually.
If the EFC is less than the total estimated cost, then
need has been established.
If a student establishes need, the Office of Financial Aid will develop an award package and attempt to meet as much of the need as possible. It is important to note that, except for the Parent Loan (PLUS), the unsubsidized Stafford Loan, and private loans, any type of aid for which a student qualifies, even if need was not a factor, must be counted toward meeting a student's need. All students who complete the FAFSA, regardless of need, will be eligible for the Unsubsidized Stafford Loan.
The following types of need-based aid are available at Flagler College:
Pell Grant. A non-repayable grant awarded to the neediest students. The amount of the grant depends specifically on the student's EFC, and it ranges from $400 to $4,310.
Perkins Loan. A federal loan with a fixed interest rate of 5 percent, repayable after the student graduates or ceases enrollment on at least a half-time basis. The Office of Financial Aid determines recipients and amounts based on the level of need. Loans range from $200 to $4,000.
Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG). A non-repayable grant available only to Pell Grant recipients. The Office of Financial Aid determines the recipient and amounts based on the level of need. Awards range from $200 to $1,000.
Work-Study Program. Job opportunities are available both on campus and at the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind (FSDB). Jobs are assigned to students who have sufficient need and who express a desire to work. The normal work week is six hours, and the minimum wage is paid. The standard work award is $600 per semester for on-campus jobs and $700 per semester for FSDB jobs.
Subsidized Stafford Loan. Interest free while enrolled at least half-time and for 6 months after. Then a fixed interest rate loan at 6.8% repayable after the student graduates or ceases enrollment on at least a half-time basis. The loan is the student's option, and the amount he/she can borrow is based on the student's level of need and his/her year in school. The maximum amounts available for an academic year are as follows: Freshman, $3,500; Sophomore, $4,500; Junior/Senior, $5,500.
State of Florida
Florida Student Assistance Grant. A non-repayable grant for students who are one-year Florida residents. Each year, the State sets a qualifying EFC benchmark, with any student at or under the EFC being potentially eligible. A student who submits the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on a timely basis is automatically considered. The amount of the grant depends on funds provided by the state legislature, but it is usually in the $400 to $1,800 range.
Florida Work Experience Program. Job opportunities are available at the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind (FSDB). The Office of Financial Aid awards this work to Florida residents who express a desire to work at FSDB and who have sufficient need. The normal work week is six hours, and the minimum wage is paid. The standard work award is $700 per semester.
Other States
Several states (Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Vermont) provide grants to their residents who attend Flagler College. The amounts of the grants vary from state to state and depend on the student's level of need. A student should inquire at his/her high school guidance office as to whether such a grant is available.
Flagler College
Grants. A non-repayable grant, awarded to the neediest students. The Financial Aid Office determines recipients and amounts based on the level of need and other aid being received. Awards usually range between $200 and $2,000.
Scholarships. A number of scholarships are offered with preference given to students demonstrating financial need. To see the list of all scholarships, go to the Non-need-based aid page.