Frequently Asked Questions

What is financial aid?

Financial aid is any source of money that helps you to pay for your education. Common forms of financial aid include scholarships, grants and loans.

What is E-SAS?

E-SAS stands for Electronic Student Aid System. It is your window into your personal finances here at Lynn. It is accessed through the myLynn portal (available to all admitted students).

How do I receive my financial aid package?

If you are a new student, your financial aid package will be both mailed and emailed to you. For returning students, your package will be emailed to you.

Do I have to fill out the FAFSA?

I don't think I qualify for any aid.

Yes. And we also suggest you give our list of other aid programs a second look. You may be eligible for more than you think. For example, if you're a Florida resident you most likely qualify for a $2,837 yearly grant (that you don't have to repay), no matter what you or your parents make.

Do I have to be admitted before completing the FAFSA?

No. You can apply for financial aid any time after January 1. To actually receive funds, however, you must be admitted and enrolled at the university.

Should I apply for financial aid before I'm admitted?

Yes. The sooner you are able to complete the FAFSA, the better.

What does verification mean, and what do I do?

I've been notified that my FAFSA application requires "verification".

This is a routine request that only means you may need to provide us with some additional materials - verification worksheets, tax returns, W-2 forms, Social Security cards, and/or citizenship documents (or some combination of these). Most often those requiring verification will have to fill out and submit to us:

A Dependent or Independent Verification Worksheet
Your signed tax return and parent tax return(s) if you are a dependent student (Misplaced the requested tax info? Contact the IRS).
You should have received a letter from the Department of Education about what you needed to submit. Make sure you complete all required steps. If you still have questions, call us!

More information on completing the FAFSA is available on the U.S. Department of Education Web site.

What does COA mean?

COA stands for Cost of Attendance. Your COA is the total cost of direct university charges plus an estimation of what it might cost you for books, transportation and miscellaneous living expenses.

What does EFC mean?

EFC stands for Expected Family Contribution. Your EFC is generated upon completion of the FAFSA and represents the amount of money the U.S. Department of Education expects your family to contribute towards your education.

What is the difference between need-based and merit-based aid?

Need-based aid is aid that is based on financial need as determined by the FAFSA. To determine your need, we subtract your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) from the Cost Of Attendance (COA). Merit-based aid is aid that is based on academic performance.

What's the difference between "subsidized" and "unsubsidized" loans?

The student is not required to make any payments of principle or interest on a Subsidized Loan while the student is in school. However the interest on an Unsubsidized Loan is the student's responsibility and begins to accrue once the loan funds are awarded. The student can opt to allow the interest to accumulate, however it will be added to the principal amount of the loan and increase the amount to be repaid. It is recommended that the student contact the lender to make quarterly payments on the interest.

Do I have to fill out the FAFSA every year?

Will I receive the same amount of financial aid every year?

Most financial aid offices require that you do apply for financial aid every year. After your first year you will receive a "Renewal Application" which contains preprinted information from the previous year's FAFSA. Note that your eligibility for financial aid may change significantly, especially if you have a different number of family members in college. Renewal of your financial aid package also depends on your making satisfactory academic progress toward a degree, such as earning a minimum number of credits and achieving a minimum GPA.

Why is the EFC listed on the FAFSA different from my bill?

Your EFC is the amount of money the U.S. Department of Education expects your family to contribute towards your education. It does not represent what you will be charged on your bill to attend Lynn.

Do I need to be a full-time student to receive financial aid?

You do not have to be a full-time student. You are still eligible for federal aid as long as you are half-time or more, however, some aid sources may be pro-rated based on the number of credits you are taking.

Can I file as an "Independent"?

My parents will not help me pay for school.

Unless you are able to document special circumstances or answer "yes" to any of questions in Step Three of the FAFSA (#s 48-60), then no, you may not file as independent.

All other students are considered to be Dependent, and the parents' information and signature will be required on the FAFSA. If you believe you have a situation that should be considered individually, ask to speak with a counselor in the Financial Aid Office.

I have a sibling at Lynn, will I receive a discount?

Yes, we do offer a Sibling Discount. (See the Costs page for specifics.)

If I attend Lynn and maintain a certain GPA can I qualify for some academic money?

I did not qualify for academic money as a freshman because of my GPA.

Yes. Since we re-determine financial aid eligibility for every student each year, it is possible to become eligible for merit-based awards through increasing your academic performance, even if you did not qualify for such awards your freshman year.

What do I do if one of my parents lost their job, and I will need more financial aid?

First, submit the FAFSA. Then, speak with your respective financial aid counselor.

I am an international student, is there financial aid for me?

Can I get a job on campus?

Yes. Our merit-based awards are offered to any and all students- regardless of citizenship status- who excel academically. International students may also work on campus provided Lynn's Human Resources office has a student position on file that you are qualified to fill.

What financial aid opportunities are offered to Florida residents?

Florida residents may utilize both the Florida Pre-Paid and Florida Bright Futures programs at Lynn. Additionally, all Florida residents are eligible for the FRAG and some may even be eligible for FWEP- a work study program- and/or FSAG- a grant program.

If my parents are separated or divorced, do they both need to submit financial information for my aid application?

No. The parent you have been residing with for the past year and has provided you with your financial support is the parent responsible for completing the FAFSA.

What happens if I am awarded an outside scholarship?

Do I have to notify Lynn? Will it affect my financial aid eligibility at the school?

Yes, you must notify Lynn's Office of Student Administrative Services, and yes, it could affect your financial aid eligibility.

Is there financial aid offered to transfer, graduate and/or evening students?

Yes - all three groups have access to financial aid.

What is a federal PIN and how do I get one?

A Personal Identification Number is your electronic signature. It is a four digit number used to sign the FAFSA online. You - and one of your parents if you are dependent - may apply for a PIN while completing the FAFSA itself, or beforehand at www.pin.ed.gov.

Will my financial aid change if I move off campus?