LAKELAND, Fla. – Students at Florida Polytechnic University are now eligible to apply for Federal Student Aid after the University successfully completed a series of steps required by the US Department of Education. This new designation for Florida Poly means current and prospective students can submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the 2016-17 academic year to help cover their education costs.
“For many students, the ability to receive Federal Aid can mean the difference between attending college or not,” said Florida Poly President Dr. Randy K. Avent. “To be able to offer this option is another significant step forward for us as a university. It will certainly help Florida Poly attract and retain high-achieving students who can help meet our state’s growing demand for innovation.”
Florida Poly encourages all of its students to complete the FAFSA. Once the application is submitted, the school will coordinate with the Department of Education to determine what types of Federal Aid would be available for each student. Florida Poly can now be found in FAFSA’s list of schools for both the 2016-17 and 2017-18 applications.
Florida Poly’s Federal School Code is 042634.
The University received approval to participate in Federal Student Aid programs after completing all the steps required by the Federal Government. Those steps included:
- Establishing financial aid policies within the school;
- Demonstrating proof of working systems and structures that will help in the administration of Federal Aid;
- Participating in the audit of numerous financial statements showing no deficiencies; and
- Receiving a minimum of Candidacy Status with the regional accrediting body, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
“Our main focus at Florida Poly is to provide our students a great education and ultimately help them become leaders in their field,” said Scott Rhodes Vice Provost of Enrollment. “It’s important that students here have all the necessary resources to succeed, including access to Federal Aid.”
University officials plan to begin the Federal Aid program at Florida Poly during the Spring 2017 semester by offering Pell Grants, which are need-based grants for low-income students. Florida Poly will not start other programs such as Direct Loans, PLUS Loans, or any other federal aid programs until after the 2016-17 academic year has been completed.
During Florida Poly’s first two years as a university, all full-time students received Florida Poly Financial Aid Scholarships. Those scholarships, granted in collaboration with the University Foundation, will still be available to students based on both merit and need.
“Through our Florida Poly Financial Aid Scholarships, many of our students have been able to achieve their academic goals,” said Director of Financial Aid, Eric Callueng. “The addition of Federal Student Aid gives our students even more options to help them cover the cost of education.”