Undergraduate
Financial Aid Review
Understanding your Financial Aid Award
You worked hard to get here. Now let’s make sure you understand exactly what Florida Southern is offeringand what to do next.
AVP and Director of Admissions Arden Mitchell walks you through your award letter line by line what each section means, what’s optional, and how to make sense of your remaining balance.
Two Most Important Steps
Before anything else, these two steps will secure your place and lock in your aid:
Submit your Enrollment Deposit
Haven't visited yet?
Questions? Your Admissions Counselor is Here.
Understanding Your Award Letter
When comparing different financial aid award offers, it is important to compare out of pocket expenses rather than total financial aid offered. Many schools’ award packages include work study, PLUS loans, and other forms of non-gift aid, which can mistakenly make the total financial award offer appear larger.
1
Review Your Award Letter
Review your financial aid award letter and complete the estimated expense calculator.
2
Review Terms and Conditions.
Review the Terms & Conditions for maintaining your financial aid.
3
Optional: Accept your loans.
Loans listed in your award are optional. If you choose to use them, review loan processing instructions, complete your Master Promissory Note, and any required verification.
Not using loans? Notify the Financial Aid Office so your award can be adjusted.
4
Complete the Florida EASE grant application (if applicable).
Florida residents: Complete the Florida EASE Grant Application to secure state grant.
5
Set up payment.
Review and finalize your payment options.
FAQs
Are the scholarships and grants in my award letter renewable every year?
Yes! All Florida Southern institutional scholarships and grants are renewable each year, as long as you meet enrollment and academic requirements. You can review the specific Terms & Conditions to understand what's needed to maintain your aid.
Do I have to accept the loans listed in my award letter?
No. Federal student loans are listed as an optional resource to show what's available to you — not what you're required to use. You and your family can decide whether to use them. If you choose not to, simply notify the Financial Aid Office so your award can be adjusted. Your admissions counselor can also help you think through your options.
What are the most important things I need to do right now?
Two steps will secure your place and lock in your aid:
- Submit your Enrollment Deposit which saves your spot in the incoming class and locks in all your scholarships and grants.
- Schedule your Campus Visit (if you haven't already) to secure your Southern Experience Scholarship.
After those, work through the checklist on this page to complete your financial aid process.
What is the Southern Experience Scholarship, and how do I secure it?
The Southern Experience Scholarship is a Florida Southern institutional award connected to visiting campus. If you've already visited, great -- but scheduling or completing your visit is what fully locks in this scholarship for future years. Don't leave that money on the table! See requirements
What's the difference between my Total Financial Aid and my Remaining Balance?
Your Total Financial Aid reflects all scholarships, grants, and any loans combined. Your Estimated Remaining Balance is the amount not covered by that aid; it is what families typically plan for through savings, a payment plan, or outside resources. Your admissions counselor can walk you through your options for covering that balance.