Eligibility

Suffolk University offers its students financial aid funding from the federal and state government, institutional programs and other agencies. Each entity establishes eligibility criteria and specific renewal requirements.

Please note: Suffolk University policy does not allow for grant and scholarship funding from any and all sources to exceed the cost of tuition. Suffolk University reserves the right to revoke or revise a financial aid award at any time. We also reserve the right to revise or terminate any university-funded program, discount, etc. at any time.

Aid Requirements

It is important to be familiar with the requirements for all types of aid to know what you qualify for.

While information submitted on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is used to determine need-based funding, the applicant's academic credentials determine their eligibility for merit-based aid.

Applicants (including international students) are automatically considered for merit-based aid at the time of admission to Suffolk.

Merit scholarships are competitive and limited. To received maximum consideration for merit-based funding, students should meet all published Admission deadlines.

To be eligible for need-based aid at Suffolk University, you must meet a clearly defined set of requirements. You must:

  • Submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
  • Be admitted and enrolled in an eligible degree or certificate program
  • Be enrolled for a minimum of 6 credits per semester with the exception of select Federal Pell Grant recipients
  • Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
  • Be a US citizen or eligible non-citizen
  • Not be in default on prior educational loans
  • Not owe a Title IV refund

Some students may be selected for a process called verification. All students who are chosen for verification will be notified by the Student Financial Services Office and must submit requested documentation in order to receive need-based aid.

To receive maximum consideration for need-based funding, students should meet all published Financial Aid deadlines.

Renewing Merit-Based Aid

Renewal of merit based aid does not require an application. A student must maintain the required GPA in order to continue to receive funding.

Renewing Need-Based Aid

Need based financial aid recipients must reapply for funding each year and can generally expect to receive the same level of funding (although the composition may change).

In order to renew your aid you must:

  • Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the academic year in which you will be enrolled
  • Complete Verification process if required to do so
  • Family financial situation remains similar
  • University funding levels remain the same
  • Application deadlines are met
  • Satisfactory academic progress is maintained
  • Enrollment status remains the same

Note: Additional funding received through the appeal process may not be renewed every year.


Enrollment Status

Changes in your enrollment status may affect your financial aid. This includes adjustments to your course load as well as changes to your residence hall status.

If your plans change after your financial aid award has been determined, please advise the Student Financial Services Office as soon as possible.

The Student Financial Services Office will review both your enrollment and residence status prior to disbursement of funds. A student will be notified of any adjustments required due to change in status.

Other Factors

In addition to basic eligibility requirements, several other factors may affect your financial aid award and continued eligibility. These may include federal calculations, institutional review processes, and academic progress standards established by both federal regulations and the university.

Three Suffolk students walk confidently down Winter Street in Downtown Boston.

Student Aid Index (SAI)

The Student Aid Index (SAI) is an eligibility index number used by a college’s financial aid office to determine federal aid eligibility. This number results from the information provided on your FAFSA form. Many factors, including a family’s Federal Tax Information (FTI), assets and household size are used to determine your SAI for financial aid.

Learn more about the SAI

Verification

Each year, the US Department of Education (ED) selects certain records for a review process called Federal Verification to ensure the information submitted on your FAFSA is accurate. If you’ve been selected for FAFSA verification, don’t worry—it doesn’t mean you’ve made a mistake. This is a routine part of the financial aid process every year.

Learn more about Verification

Satisfactory Academic Progress

Federal regulations require students to demonstrate satisfactory academic progress (SAP) in their educational program in order to maintain eligibility for financial aid. SAP is established and reviewed by the Office of Student Financial Services and is evaluated independently from the Academic Standing Committee.

Learn more about SAP standards