Summer Aid Application

Limited aid is available for summer school.  Institutional Grants and Scholarships received during the standard academic year are not available to be used during the Maymester and Summer Terms.  Students enrolled at least half time (6 hours or more over combined summer) may have remaining Direct Loan or Pell Grant eligibility for the summer.

Federal Direct Student Loans:

Students who have not used the full amount of annual loan allocation during the standard academic year (fall and spring Terms), may use a portion of the remaining eligibility for the summer provided they are enrolled at least halftime.  The annual amounts are determined by year in school as of the beginning of the summer term. 

• Students who have successfully completed less than 28 hours have an annual limit of $5500
• Students who have successfully completed 28 hours or more have annual limit of $6500.
• Students who have successfully completed 60 hours or more have annual limit of $7500

Federal Direct PLUS Loans:

Parents of student enrolled at least half time may apply for a PLUS loan through Department of Education.  This loan may be applied for any parent, even non-custodial not listed on the FAFSA up to remaining summer COA.   Parents must pass an adverse credit check as part of the application process.  Parents must request the loan at www.studentloans.gov for the summer period of May 15th through July 26th.

Pell Grant

Students who received Pell Grant must be enrolled for 6 hours to receive a portion of the PELL grant award.  A student enrolled 6 hours is eligible for roughly half the Pell Grant received during the regular semester.  A student is limited to no more than the equivalent of 12 full-time semesters of Pell Grant.

HOPE, ASPIRE, GAMS

Students who are residents of Tennessee with required GPA may have additional state scholarship eligibility if enrolled at least half time.

Hope recipients should also be aware, classes taken during the summer may affect future eligibility.   If you exceed a benchmark of attempted hours after taking summer classes your GPA will be reviewed.  Students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA to remain eligible for HOPE funds.  These grades must be immediately reviewed once a student attempts the minimum hours listed below.

• 24 hours; students must have a minimum 2.75 cumulative GPA
• 48 hours; student must have a minimum 2.75 cumulative GPA
• 72 hours; student must have a minimum 3.00 cumulative GPA
• 96 hours: student must have a minimum 3.00 cumulative GPA
• 136 hours; students are no longer eligible

Application Process

Students are encouraged to apply for aid prior to February 20. After that date, there may be fewer financial aid options available to students. Students will be notified of financial aid eligibility by March 1.