JU Financial Aid Programs

Institutional Loans
Federal Programs
State Programs
Naval Programs

Students receiving Jacksonville University scholarships, grants, and athletic grants-in-aid must be enrolled as fulltime students. The awards are available during regular fall and spring semesters only, unless specified otherwise at the time of awarding. Any awarded institutional aid is terminated if the student recipient interrupts full-time enrollment other than for summer break. Many of Jacksonville University’s scholarships and grants are made possible through the generosity of friends and alumni of the university.

Institutional grants and scholarships are awarded for up to four years or normal degree completion (120 earned credits). Normally, students must enroll full-time (12 or more credit hours per semester) to qualify. An exception may be permitted for students who are enrolled in their final semester and who require fewer than 12 credit hours to complete their degree requirements. In certain specific instances, the University may permit a student to receive a prorated portion of his or her institutional funding for the final semester. Students who receive institutional grants and scholarships and who wish to enroll for fewer than 12 credit hours in their final semester must petition the Director of Financial Aid to determine if they qualify for a prorated award. Petitions must be filed prior to the beginning of early registration (mid-November and early April) in order to be considered. Restrictions apply.

JACKSONVILLE UNIVERSITY ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIP – $4,000 TO $18,000
Awarded to high school seniors and transfers with high school or college GPA above 3.0 and SAT/ACT greater than 1000/22.

JACKSONVILLE UNIVERSITY OPPORTUNITY GRANT – $1,000 TO $10,000
Awarded to high school seniors and transfers with high school or college GPA above 2.0 but less than 3.0.

JACKSONVILLE UNIVERSITY ACADEMIC/TALENT SCHOLARSHIPS
Amounts vary and are determined with consideration to both demonstrated academic ability and special talent.  Audition or portfolio review is required along with a recommendation from the department chair. These awards may replace any Academic Scholarship or Opportunity Grants awarded prior to talent consideration.

JU PRESIDENT’S LEADERSHIP SCHOLARSHIP – $1,000 TO $20,000
Awarded to new students in the top half of the applicant pool and to continuing students with 3.0 CUM GPA or higher.  Consideration may be based on any combination of academic, extracurricular, economic or personal characteristics.  The admissions application serves as the application form for new students. Continuing students may receive consideration by submitting two recommendations and completing a valid FAFSA before March 1 each year. Funds are limited and will be awarded on a first come basis. Renewal is contingent on satisfactory academic progress, minimum 12.5 hours community service, and campus engagement.

JU CAMPUS LEADERSHIP SCHOLARSHIP – $500 TO $15,000
Awarded to new and continuing undergraduates to promote access and diversity in the student body. Consideration may be based on any combination of academic, extracurricular, economic or personal characteristics. The admissions application serves as the initial application for new students. New and continuing students are required to file a valid FAFSA by March 1 each year. Funds are limited and will be awarded on a first come basis. Renewal is contingent on satisfactory academic progress and 12.5 hours community service.

ZIMMERMAN SCHOLARSHIP – $2,500
Awarded to upper division Florida residents majoring in International Business. To be considered for this scholarship, students must achieve and maintain a 3.5 semester and cumulative GPA. The scholarship is awarded for the academic year and is renewable for a second year as long as the recipient successfully progresses to senior status in International Business. One half of the annual award amount consists of a JU Matching Scholarship.

STEIN SCHOLARSHIP – $2,500
Awarded to rising sophomore students who are Florida resident students with demonstrated financial need. To be considered for the scholarship, students must achieve and maintain a 3.0 semester and cumulative GPA. The scholarship is awarded for the academic year and is renewable. One half of the annual award amount consists of a JU Matching Scholarship. No candidate may receive the Stein Scholarship for more than four years.

SHERMAN SCHOLARSHIPS
Awarded to needy and worthy Florida resident students majoring in an area of business. To be considered for this award, students must file the FAFSA annually and be eligible to receive the Florida Resident Access Grant. The value of the award is $3,000. Available to both new and transfer students. A minimum 2.8 semester and cumulative GPA is required for renewal.

GERTRUDE KNABB SCHOLARSHIPS
Awarded to students from Baker and Duval counties in Florida. Selection priority is given to “exemplary high school and community college students with academic performance and other desirable characteristics of the total student as major factors.” Scholarships are renewable for four years for freshman and up to 120 earned credits or normal degree completion for transfers.

GEORGE A. BERRY SCHOLARSHIPS
Awarded to well-rounded students with financial need. Students must file the FAFSA and maintain satisfactory progress for renewal.

SERVICE AWARDS
Awarded to qualified students who participate in activities such as art, band, chorus, theater arts, orchestra, intercollegiate athletics, student government, and student media. Award amounts vary and are based on the recommendation of the supervisor of the activity. Applicants should contact the appropriate college or division.

JACKSONVILLE UNIVERSITY GRANTS
Award amounts vary according to financial need. By completing the FAFSA, students are also applying for a JU Grant.

ATHLETIC GRANTS-IN-AID
Jacksonville University offers full and partial grants based upon participation in intercollegiate athletics. The decision to offer athletically related institutional financial aid is made by the athletic director and appropriate head coach. All athletically related financial aid is administered in strict accordance with applicable Federal, state, NCAA, conference and institutional requirements. Total aid awarded to athletes may not exceed institutional direct cost limits and/or NCAA limits as defined by NCAA By-law 15.1.

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Institutional Loans

THE DAVIN LOAN
This loan is a long-term loan with an interest rate of 6.5 percent and a fee of 5 percent of the total loan amount is charged. Students and their co-signors must sign a promissory note prior to disbursement of funds.

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Federal Programs

Completion of the FAFSA is required each year in order to determine eligibility for federal student aid.

FEDERAL PELL GRANTS
Eligibility and award amount are determined on the basis of the FAFSA. For 2007-08, the value of the award is from $400 to $4,310. Awards are available to eligible students who enroll for at least three credit hours per semester.

ACADEMIC COMPETITIVENESS GRANT (ACG) & NATIONAL SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS ACCESS TO
RETAIN TALENT (SMART) GRANT PROGRAMS
A Higher Education Reconciliation Act of 2006 (HERA) created two new grant programs for full-time undergraduate students who are eligible for Federal Pell Grants and are U.S. citizens.

Academic Competitiveness Grant Program (ACG)
To be eligible each academic year, a student must have completed a rigorous Secondary School Program (as defined in the U.S. Department of Education) and maintain a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA for college coursework. Eligible students may receive $750 for the first academic year of study and $1,300 for the second academic year of study.

National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent (SMART) Grant Programs
To be eligible each academic year, a student must major in a physical, life or computer science, engineering, mathematics, technology, or critical foreign language (as defines in the U.S. Department of Education) and maintain a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA in the coursework required for the student’s major. Eligible students may receive $4,000 for each of the third and fourth academic years of study.

FEDERAL SUPPLEMENTAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY GRANTS
A federal grant for students with high financial need. Award amounts vary depending on available funds.

FEDERAL COLLEGE WORK STUDY
Campus jobs may be awarded to full-time students as part of their financial aid packages to help meet need. Students are restricted in the number of hours they may work per semester and the maximum amount they may earn.

FEDERAL PERKINS LOAN
A federal student loan administered by Jacksonville University. The interest rate is 5 percent and is paid by the federal government on behalf of the student as long as the student maintains half-time enrollment. Students make no payments until nine (9) months after ceasing at least half-time enrollment. Normal repayment is over ten years. Awards vary depending on available funds. Students must endorse a master promissory note prior to disbursement of funds.

SUBSIDIZED FEDERAL STAFFORD LOANS
A need-based federal student loan with a 6.8 percent fixed interest rate. Funds are available from participating banks and credit unions. Interest is paid by the federal government on behalf of the student as long as the student maintains half-time enrollment. Students make no payments until six months after ceasing at least half-time enrollment. Normal repayment is over ten years. The loan limit for freshmen is $3,500; for sophomores $4,500; for juniors and seniors $5,500. Students must submit a signed and completed application/promissory note to their lender in order to receive the funds.

UNSUBSIDIZED FEDERAL STAFFORD LOANS
Similar to the Subsidized Stafford Loan, this loan is available to students regardless of need. Interest begins to accrue and payments may be required while the student is enrolled. Students must submit a signed and completed application/promissory note to their lender in order to receive the funds.

FEDERAL PLUS LOANS FOR GRADUATE AND PROFESSIONAL STUDENTS
A credit-based federal loan available to graduate students. Graduate students may apply to borrow an amount up to the cost of education minus financial aid. The interest rate is 8.5 percent and repayment begins immediately after the final disbursement. The loan will be deferred while the borrower is enrolled in school at least half-time and the borrower may request forbearance to align repayment with Federal Stafford Loans. Students must complete the FAFSA and first apply for annual loan amount maximum eligibility under the Federal Stafford Loan program. Students must submit a signed and completed application/promissory note to receive funds.

FEDERAL PARENT LOANS FOR UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS (PLUS)
A credit-based federal loan available to parents. Parents may apply to borrow an amount up to the student’s cost of education minus financial aid. The interest rate is 8.5 percent and repayment starts 60 days after disbursement. Parents must submit a signed and completed application/promissory note to the Financial Aid Office in order to receive the funds. The FAFSA is not required for PLUS Loan approval. All first-time borrowers must participate in pre-loan counseling before they receive their first disbursement. The requirement can be satisfied on-line at www.ju.edu/FAloan. At the time of graduation or termination of student status, students must report to the Financial Aid Office for an interview. An explanation of loan repayment terms and repayment schedule will be given to students at this interview.

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State Programs

FLORIDA BRIGHT FUTURES SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
This state program provides lottery-funded scholarships to Florida high school graduates in recognition of high academic achievement. The Florida Department of Education’s Office of Student Financial Assistance selects students, and notification of eligibility is sent to high school graduates in the months following their graduation from high school. Once awarded, students must elect to begin using this award within three years of high school graduation.

There are three levels of Bright Futures Scholarships: Florida Academic Scholars, Florida Medallion Scholars, and Florida Gold Seal Vocational Scholars. Each of the three levels has specific criteria for both initial eligibility and renewal. However, to be eligible for an initial award from any of these three programs, a student must:

  1. earn a high school diploma or equivalent;
  2. be enrolled for at least six semester credit hours;
  3. not have been found guilty of a felony charge; and
  4. apply for a scholarship during the final semester of high school. High school guidance offices or the Florida Department of Education have applications.

FLORIDA ACADEMIC SCHOLARS
To be eligible for Florida Academic Scholars, a student must:

  1. have achieved a minimum 3.50 weighted GPA (based on the Statewide Scholarship Weighting System) in the 15 high school credits required for admission to state universities, and
  2. have test scores of at least 1270 SAT Reasoning Test (based on the combined Critical Reading and Math
    sections only) or 28 ACT (excluding the writing section),
    1. or earn the International Baccalaureate Diploma
    2. or be named a scholar or finalist in either the National Merit or National Achievement Programs sponsored by the National Merit Corporation.

In 2006-2007, the value of the award was $3,986. A 3.0 cumulative GPA is required for renewal, but 2.75 or above would allow the student to renew at the level of the Florida Medallion Scholars. Recipients must successfully complete a minimum of 12 credits annually for renewal.

FLORIDA MEDALLION SCHOLARS
To be eligible for the Florida Medallion Scholars, a student must:

  1. have achieved a minimum 3.0 weighted GPA (based on the Statewide Scholarship Weighting System) in the 15 high school credits required for admission to state universities, and
  2. have test scores of at least a 970 SAT or 20 ACT.

In 2006-2007, the value of the award was $2,540. A 2.75 cumulative GPA is required for renewal. Recipients must successfully complete a minimum of 12 credits annually for renewal.

FLORIDA GOLD SEAL VOCATIONAL SCHOLARS
This award is designed to recognize Florida’s top vocational students. High school guidance counselors can advise students about the very specific criteria and application procedures. In 2006-2007, the value of the award was $2,540. A 2.75 cumulative GPA is required for renewal. Recipients must successfully complete a minimum of 12 credits annually for renewal.

ROBERT C. BYRD HONORS SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
A scholarship offered through the Florida Department of Education and funded by the U.S. Department of Education. In 2006-2007, the annual value of the award was $1,500. Awards are distributed in a geographically equitable manner throughout the state. Public and private Florida high school seniors and home education students with outstanding academic achievement who enroll for a minimum of six (6) credit hours are eligible. Award determination is made based on high school performance. Contact your high school counselor for additional information.

FLORIDA RESIDENT ACCESS GRANT (FRAG)
Provides tuition assistance not based on need to Florida residents for attendance at eligible independent nonprofit Florida colleges and universities. In 2006-2007 the annual value of the award was $3,000. Requirements for FRAG are:

  1. Must be a state resident for one year prior to the start of classes and be resident for other than educational purposes.
  2. Must enroll full time; i.e., 12 or more credits per semester. Students must successfully complete a minimum of 12 credits for each semester of award receipt and maintain a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA for renewal.

FLORIDA STUDENT ASSISTANCE GRANT (FSAG)
A need-based grant for Florida residents who meet the state’s eligibility requirements. The annual value of the award varies from year to year based on legislative appropriations. In 2006-2007, the maximum value of the award was $1,722.

FLORIDA MINORITY TEACHER SCHOLARSHIP
This collaborative performance-based scholarship program between community colleges and private universities and colleges provides a $4,000 scholarship for minority students who are enrolled as juniors or above in a state-approved teacher education program in one of Florida’s public or private universities or colleges. Awards are available to eligible African-American, Hispanic, Asian-American and Native American students, as well as dislocated military personnel and dislocated defense contractor employees. Initial applicants must complete Form MTES-1, which is available from the Florida Office of Student Financial Assistance or the JU Financial Aid Office. Students are eligible to receive the award for a maximum of three consecutive years. The Florida Fund for Minority Teachers will notify all applicants nominated for a scholarship of the status of their applications.

STATE PREPAID PROGRAM
Funds paid into State Prepaid College Programs can generally be withdrawn and used for private institutions without penalty.

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Naval Programs

NROTC SCHOLARSHIPS
Students who participate in the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps program at JU may be eligible for NROTCscholarships awarded by the U. S. Navy (see “Division of Naval Science” in the College of Arts and Sciences section of the Catalog). Information about these scholarships programs may be requested from the Professor of Naval Science/Commanding Officer, JU NROTC detachment. Jacksonville University offers JU Room and Board Scholarships and College Program Room and Board Scholarships to eligible NROTC cadets. However, restrictions apply:

  1. Room and board scholarships may not exceed the cost of a standard double room (no private bath) and a full board plan (19 meals per week);
  2. The room and board scholarship will be reduced or eliminated if otherwise eligible recipients also qualify for additional federal, state, or outside scholarships or grants that would cause an individual’s total financial aid to exceed the cost of attendance determined by the Financial Aid Office;
  3. College Program Room and Board Scholarships may not exceed the value of a standard double room and 12 meals per week and may not be used in combination with other JU scholarships and grants. In cases where an individual qualifies for two JU awards, only the award with the higher dollar value will granted.

JU offers a $2,000 cash stipend to married NROTC Scholarship recipients who elect to live off-campus with their spouses. As with the on-campus housing awards, restrictions apply:

  • The off-campus stipend will be reduced or eliminated if otherwise eligible recipients also qualify for additional federal, state, or outside scholarships or grants that would cause the individual’s total financial aid to exceed the cost of attendance as determined by the Financial Aid Office.

JUMP IN GRANT
Jacksonville University will provide up to $10,000 per year for up to three years in matching grant assistance to qualified participants in the U.S. Navy’s Seaman to Admiral 21 program (STA-21). Some restrictions apply and applicants must file the FAFSA each year.

GOVERNMENT PROGRAMS
Other government programs providing grants include Vocational Rehabilitation, Social Security, and Veterans Administration. In addition, the various armed services have special tuition aid programs. Applicants for such aid should contact the agency concerned. Students eligible for aid under the G.I. Bill should contact the Registrar’s Office for processing of Certificates of Eligibility.

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