University Programs & Scholarships

About Applying for Financial Aid

Federal, state and institutional grants, scholarships, loan and work are available to those who chose to apply for such assistance. This is an annual application process and the amount of aid available can vary based on fluctuations in federal, state and institutional funding as well as personal financial situations. However, generally you can count on receiving a stable financial aid package annually within reason of the stability of those external factors.

What you must do:

• Complete your FAFSA annually. The application process opens each October. Need based money is awarded on a first come/first serve basis, so early application is critical.
• Remain enrolled full time and meet the required cumulative grade point average of 2.0 and completion rate of attempted classes of 67%.
• Submit any additional required documentation in a timely manner as requested.

If any of the following occur, your aid package might change:

• Switch to less than full time (minimum 12 credit hours) enrollment.
• Move from on-campus to off-campus or vice versa.
• Parent or student income significantly increases or decreases.
• A sibling that was in college graduates or a new sibling begins college.

Other Resources & Tips

• Family savings for college allows you more flexibility with payment options and assists with overburdening with student or parent loans.
• Work during summer and holiday breaks to contribute to paying your college costs.
• Tax benefits are available for families with college expenses. Refer to IRS.gov.
• Stay on track. You are paying block tuition. Take as many credit hours as possible each semester in order to graduate on time. We suggest at least 15!
• Cut costs by renting textbooks rather than purchasing.
• Participate in JU’s financial literacy courses; Cashcourse.org and financial fitness offered through Career Resources. Set up a budget and stick to it!
• Students that borrow unsubsidized federal loans or private alternative loans should make every effort to pay the interest on these loans during the year. Paying interest rather than letting it accrue (add on every year) will reduce the total debt upon graduation and repayment.
• Apply for as many scholarships as possible. See our listing of scholarships.

Early College Planning

Florida Pre-Paid Plan

This plan is designed to be used at Florida colleges and can be applied at JU at the same rate as state public institutions toward JU costs. You will want to contact FL Prepaid directly for rate information, as these may fluctuate from year-to-year.  Most plans are based on a total of 120 credit hours.  The total value of the benefit is based on the product(s) you have purchased.  For example, the total value for the 4-Year University plan (for this year, 2016-17) is $14,000.40, this is based on a per credit hour rate of $116.67 x 120 credit hours.  You have 2 options as to how you can request these funds to be delivered:

• Restricted – based on the number of credit hours your student is registered for each semester (not to exceed 15).  So the student can get up to $1,750.05 per semester until the benefit exhausts.  Again this is based on the current year rate of $116.67/credit hour, but will vary from year to year based on FL Prepaid rate changes.
• Unrestricted – we can use up to the full value of the benefit ($14,000.40) to pay on the student account in lump sum(s) until the benefit has been exhausted. Again, the value will vary from year to year based on FL Prepaid rate changes.

Planning Tools

• Net Price Calculator
• Cashcourse.org

Payment Options

• Federal Student Loans: Federal loans available to students while enrolled to pay college costs.
• Federal Parent PLUS Loan: A federal loan program available to parents of undergraduate student can be used to help pay educational expenses.
• Private Loan/Alternative Non-Federal Educational Loan – Private lenders are an alternative or additional educational funding option to federal student loans. Please review the option of lenders that other JU students have used in the past. You are free to choose any alternative loan lender, whether listed on this site or not. If you have specific questions please contact a financial aid counselor.
• JU Monthly Payment Plan: up to 12 equal monthly payments made directly to the college for a small enrollment fee of $50 each semester. Payment deadline is August 1st. You can set up the payment plan on the JU portal, student finance option.

Institutional Scholarship and Grant Programs

Students receiving Jacksonville University scholarships, grants, and athletic grants-in-aid must be enrolled as full-time students in the traditional undergrad program.* The awards are available to students in good academic standing during regular fall and spring semesters only, and are not available for study abroad. Any awarded institutional aid is terminated if the student recipient interrupts full-time enrollment other than for summer break. Jacksonville University scholarships and grants may be reduced if the total gift aid available to a student is more than the student's direct costs, defined as tuition and on-campus room and board. Unless specifically stated, scholarships and grants do not cover books.

Institutional scholarships and grants are awarded for up to four years or normal degree completion (120 earned credits). For students who are enrolled in their final semester and who require fewer than 12 credit hours to complete their degree requirements, the University may permit a student to receive a prorated portion of his or her institutional funding for the final semester. Students who receive institutional scholarships and grants and who wish to enroll for fewer than 12 credit hours in their final semester must petition the Director of Financial Aid to determine if they qualify for a prorated award. Petitions must be filed prior to the beginning of early registration (mid-November and early April) in order to be considered. Restrictions apply.

Family Discount

Given to youngest of multiple siblings (biological or legally adopted) attending JU at the same time. Award is 10% of tuition and need-based aid will be counted as part of the 10% discount if student demonstrates need. If twins are enrolling, each twin receives 5% of tuition. If 3 or more students are attending, every sibling but the oldest gets 10% of tuition.

 

*Institutional scholarships and grants do not apply to undergraduate accelerated degree, graduate, or online programs.

Honors Scholarships

Honors Scholarships may be awarded to incoming freshmen of exceptional academic potential who have been fully accepted for admission and qualify for the Honors threshold based on GPA and test scores.  In addition, the student must complete a separate application process for the Honors program to officially accept their offer into the program.  Learn more about the JU Honors program here.

All Honors Scholarships are renewable for four consecutive academic years, eight semesters, provided the student remains in good academic standing and enrolled in the Honors program. Should a student not continue enrollment in the Honors Program, the Honors Scholarship may be replaced with an alternative award of lesser value. Students receiving these scholarships must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by March 15th each year. These scholarships do not cover course overloads or books.

William J. Porter Honors Scholarship

Ceased awarding Fall '19

Legacy Scholarship

The Legacy Scholarship is for incoming students that have a relationship with an alumni of Jacksonville University. To qualify for this scholarship the alumni relationship can be their father, mother, sibling, or grandparent. The scholarship is $1,000 per year for 4 years. Students must designate this relationship on the admissions application.

Jacksonville University Honors Scholarship

The Jacksonville University Honors Scholarship replaces any academic or talent scholarships awarded prior to participation in the Honors Competition. All other gift and financial aid awarded the student may be applied toward Direct Costs.

Jacksonville University President's Scholarship

Ceased awarding Fall '19

Other Scholarships

Jacksonville Commitment Scholarship

Jacksonville University partners with the City of Jacksonville and the Duval County Public Schools to fund up to two (2) full JU scholarships per year. To be eligible, students must be attending a Duval County public high school, qualify for the federal Pell grant program, and be accepted to the University. Students must apply to Jacksonville Commitment directly as well as submit an additional essay to Jacksonville University. This competitive award will cover tuition, double room, a full meal plan, and books. It is awarded in the spring prior to the start of freshman year.

Jacksonville University Scholars Scholarship

The Jacksonville University Scholars Scholarship may be offered to talented participants who are not enrolled in the Honors program (award levels will vary).

Jacksonville University Academic Scholarship

The Jacksonville University Academic Scholarship is awarded to qualifying high school seniors and transfer students upon acceptance for admission and is based on previous academic performance as demonstrated by high school and college academic transcripts, (award levels will vary).

Jacksonville University ROTC Room and Board Scholarship

A Jacksonville University award for on-campus resident students who receive full-tuition ROTC scholarships funded by a branch of the military. The award is capped at the value of a double room and a full meal plan and will be reduced by any state, federal, endowed or outside gift aid the student receives. These awards replace any other Jacksonville University scholarship or grant awarded prior to confirmation of the ROTC scholarship.  A FAFSA is required for this award.

Service Awards

Service Awards are awarded to qualified students who participate in activities such as art, band, chorus, theater arts, orchestra, intercollegiate athletics, student government and student media. Award amounts vary and are based on the recommendation of the supervisor of the activity. Applicants should contact the appropriate college or division.

Athletic Grants-in-Aid

Jacksonville University offers full and partial grants based upon participation in intercollegiate athletics. The decision to offer athletically related institutional financial aid is made by the athletic director and appropriate head coach. All athletically related financial aid is administered in strict accordance with applicable federal, state, NCAA, conference and institutional requirements. Total aid awarded to athletes may not exceed institutional direct cost limits and/or NCAA limits as defined by NCAA By-law 15.1.

JU offers Division I grants-in-aid in select sports. Please contact the representatives from your particular sport for information about what may be provided.

Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship

Phi Theta Kappa Scholarships may be awarded to talented transfer students with a Cumulative Transfer GPA of 3.5 or better.

Wilma's Little People School Alumni Scholarship

All new to JU traditional undergraduate students who graduated from Wilma’s Little People School will be eligible to receive a $1000 annually renewable scholarship for attendance at JU for up to 8 semesters, beginning Fall 2020.

This scholarship cannot exceed the total annual cost of attendance when combined with other federal, state, and institutional gift aid. Based on other aid awarded to the student, this scholarship may be adjusted. 

Commuter-to-Campus Scholarship Program

The Commuter-to-Campus Scholarship Program is designed to alleviate the financial burden of
housing expenses for deserving commuter students who have demonstrated academic excellence,
leadership potential, and a commitment to campus involvement. By offering on-campus housing
scholarships, we aim to enhance their overall college experience, foster a sense of belonging, and
promote student retention and success. To learn more about this scholarship and for information on how to apply, click here.

 

Federal Programs

Completion of the FAFSA is required each year in order to determine eligibility for federal student aid.

Federal Pell Grants

Eligibility and award amount are determined on the basis of the FAFSA.  Awards are available to eligible students who enroll for at least three credit hours per semester.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants

This is a federal grant for students with an estimated financial need. Award amounts vary depending on available funds.

Federal College Work Study

Campus jobs may be awarded to full-time students as part of their financial aid packages to help meet need. Students are restricted in the number of hours they may work per semester and the maximum amount they may earn. Students can search and apply for jobs on the Student Employment page.

Subsidized Direct Loan Program

This is a need-based federal student loan with variable interest depending on the date of disbursement. Funds are available from participating banks and credit unions. Interest is paid by the federal government on behalf of the student as long as the student maintains at least half-time enrollment (6 or more credit hours). Students make no payments until six months after ceasing at least half-time enrollment. Normal repayment is over ten years. The loan limit for freshmen is $3,500, for sophomores $4,500, for juniors and seniors $5,500. Students must complete entrance counseling and sign their master promissory note at studentloans.gov in order to receive the funds.

Unsubsidized Direct Loan Program

Similar to the Subsidized Direct Loan, this loan is available to students regardless of need. Undergraduate students may receive up to $2,000 in unsubsidized funds in addition to the subsidized loan limit for their grade level. Interest begins to accrue and payments may be required while the student is enrolled. Students must complete entrance counseling and sign their master promissory note at studentloans.gov in order to receive the funds.. Repayment begins six months after the student ceases at least half-time enrollment.

Direct PLUS Loans for Graduate and Professional Students

This is a credit-based federal loan available to graduate students. Graduate students may apply to borrow an amount up to the cost of education minus financial aid. Borrowers may request deferment during any period when they are enrolled at least half-time and during the six-month period that begins the day after the date when the student ceases at least half-time enrollment. The loan will be deferred while the borrower is enrolled in school at least half-time and the borrower may request forbearance to align repayment with Federal Stafford Loans. Students must complete the FAFSA and first apply for annual loan amount maximum eligibility under the Federal Stafford Loan program. Students must complete entrance counseling and sign their master promissory note at studentloans.gov in order to receive the funds.

Direct Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students (PLUS)

This is a credit-based federal loan available to parents. Parents may apply to borrow an amount up to the student’s cost of education minus financial aid. Parent borrowers may request deferment during any period when they themselves are enrolled at least half-time or when the student on whose behalf the loan was borrowed is enrolled at least half-time and during the six-month period that begins the day after the date the student ceases at least half-time enrollment . Parents must complete the application process at studentloans.gov. The FAFSA is not required for PLUS Loan approval.

All first-time borrowers must participate in pre-loan counseling before they receive their first disbursement. The requirement can be satisfied on-line at www.studentloans.gov. At the time of graduation or termination of student status, students must complete exit counseling if they received federal loans.  Exit counseling can be completed at studentloans.gov.

Responsible Borrowing

When you take out a federal student loan, you may not be required to make payments on that loan while you are in school, but you are required to repay the loan—including fees and interest—when you graduate or stop attending school at least half-time. Federal student loans are an excellent resource to help pay your education expenses and a great way to establish a solid financial future. It’s important that you borrow responsibly so you’ll be able to repay your loan. Borrowing responsibly includes borrowing only what you need to pay your education expenses and what you can realistically afford to repay when you leave school. Things to do: 

• Create an in-school budget
• Understand the type of loan and the terms and conditions of the loan you are borrowing
• Estimate how much you need to borrow each school year
• Track your borrowing

Children of Fallen Heroes Scholarship

A Pell-eligible student whose parent or guardian died in the line of duty while performing as a public safety officer is eligible to receive a maximum Pell Grant for the award year for which the determination of eligibility is made. 

More Information on Children of Fallen Heroes Scholarship

Private Loans / Alternative Loans

Private lenders are an alternative or additional educational funding option to federal student loans. Please review the option of lenders that other JU students have used in the past. You are free to choose any alternative loan lender, whether listed on this site or not. If you have specific questions, please contact a financial aid counselor.

Alternative Loans

Compare federal and private student loans.

Private Student Loans 101

Understanding the Rates, Fees, and Terms of your Private Student Loans

State Programs

Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program

This state program provides lottery-funded scholarships to Florida high school graduates in recognition of high academic achievement. The Florida Department of Education’s Office of Student Financial Assistance selects students, and notification of eligibility is sent to high school graduates in the months following their graduation from high school. Students who receive the Florida Bright Futures Scholarships are financially liable for withdrawals that occur after the end of drop/add in any semester. Recipients will be ineligible for future awards until repayment has been reported to the state by the reporting school.

There are three (3) levels of Bright Futures Scholarships: Florida Academic Scholars, Florida Medallion Scholars, and Florida Gold Seal Vocational Scholars*. Each of the three (3) levels has specific criteria for both initial eligibility and renewal. However, to be eligible for an initial award from any of these three programs, a student must:

• Be a Florida resident and a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen, as determined by the student's postsecondary institution.
• Complete the Florida Financial Aid Application (FFAA) no later than August 31 after high school graduation.
• Earn a standard Florida high school diploma or its equivalent from a Florida public high school or a registered Florida Department of Education (FDOE) private high school; or complete a home education program.
•  Not have been found guilty of, or pled nolo contendere to, a felony charge, unless the student has been granted clemency by the Governor and Cabinet sitting as the Executive Office of Clemency.
•  Be accepted by and enroll in a degree or certificate program at an eligible Florida public or independent postsecondary institution.
•  Be enrolled for at least 6 non-remedial semester credit hours (or the equivalent in quarter or clock hours) per term.
•  If not funded in the academic year immediately following high school graduation, apply within two years of high school graduation to have your award reinstated.

 

*Florida Gold Seal Vocational Scholarships can only be used to fund a career education or certificate program and is not applicable at Jacksonville University.

Florida Academic Scholarship

The value of the award is $212 per enrolled credit (2023-24 school year)​​. Please refer to the link below for eligibility requirements for the Florida Academic Scholars award.  

Bright Futures Handbook Chapter 1

A 3.0 cumulative GPA is required for renewal, but 2.75 or above would allow the student to renew at the level of the Florida Medallion Scholars. Recipients must successfully complete a minimum of 24 credits annually for renewal.

Florida Medallion Scholars

The value of the award is $159 per enrolled credit (2023-24 school year). Please refer to the link below for eligibility requirements for the Florida Medallion Scholars award.

Bright Futures Handbook Chapter 1

A 2.75 cumulative GPA is required for renewal. Recipients must also successfully complete a minimum of 24 credits annually for renewal.

Effective Access to Student Education (EASE)

The annual value of the award is $3,500 (2023-24 School Year)​​. This grant provides tuition assistance not based on need to Florida residents for attendance at eligible independent nonprofit Florida colleges and universities. Requirements for EASE are:

• Must be a permanent state resident for one year prior to the start of classes and be resident for other than educational purposes
• Must enroll full-time (12 or more credits per semester). Students must successfully complete a minimum of 12 credits for each semester of award receipt and maintain a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA for renewal.
• Must submit identification showing that you have been a Florida resident for over a year.  Here are the acceptable forms of accepted identification.

Florida Student Assistance Grant (FSAG)

The annual value of the award varies from year to year based on legislative appropriations. The maximum value of the award is $2,612, but individual awards may vary based on availability of funds. This is a need-based grant for Florida residents with the highest need who meet the state’s eligibility requirements.

Florida Minority Teacher Scholarship

 The Minority Teacher Education Scholarship (MTES) program is a collaborative performance-based scholarship program for African-American, Hispanic-American, Asian-American, and Native American students administered by the Florida Fund for Minority Teachers, Inc. (FFMT). The participating institutions include Florida College System institutions and public and private universities that have teacher education programs. A listing of eligible institutions and contact information is available at Florida Fund for Minority Teachers. Applications are available on the FFMT website. The application deadline for the fall semester is July 1 and for the spring semester is November 1. A 100-300 word essay is required with the application.

 

Requirements to receive the award are as follows:

• Be a resident of the State of Florida.

• Have earned 60 credit hours or an Associate of Arts degree.

• Be a junior and have not earned a baccalaureate degree in education.

• Have not exceeded 18 hours of upper division education courses at the time of application.

• Belong to one of the following racial groups: African American/Black, Hispanic/Latino, Asian American/Pacific Islander, or American Indian/Alaskan native.

• Be newly admitted into a teacher education program at any of the program’s eligible participating postsecondary institutions.

 Award Procedures

• The FFMT will determine applicant eligibility.
• The annual award is set per Florida Statute 1009.60(3).

You can go to the Florida Minority Teacher Scholarship website for more information.

State Prepaid Program

Funds paid into State Prepaid College Programs can generally be withdrawn and used for private institutions without penalty. You can get more information regarding Florida Prepaid on their website  If you have any questions regarding how Florida Prepaid works with Jacksonville University you can contact our Student Accounts office at 904-256-7080.

Naval Programs

NROTC Scholarships

Students who participate in the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps program at JU may be eligible for NROTC scholarships awarded by the U. S. Navy (see “Division of Naval Science” in the College of Arts and Sciences section of the Catalog). Information about these scholarships programs may be requested from the Professor of Naval Science/Commanding Officer, JU NROTC Detachment.

Jacksonville University offers JU Room and Board Scholarships and College Program Room and Board Scholarships to eligible NROTC cadets. However, restrictions apply:

• Room and board scholarships offered to full tuition ROTC scholarship recipients may not exceed the cost of a standard double room and a meal plan.
• The room and board scholarship will be reduced or eliminated if otherwise eligible recipients also qualify for additional federal, state, or outside scholarships or grants that would cause an individual’s total financial aid to exceed the cost of attendance determined by the Financial Aid Office.

 

Jump In Grant

Jacksonville University will provide up to $10,000 per year for up to three years in matching grant assistance to qualified participants in the U.S. Navy’s Seaman to Admiral 21 program (STA-21). Some restrictions apply and applicants must file the FAFSA each year.

Government Programs

Other government programs providing grants include Vocational Rehabilitation, Social Security, and Veterans Administration. In addition, the various armed services have special tuition aid programs. Applicants for such aid should contact the agency concerned. Students eligible for aid under the G.I. Bill should contact Mike Mitchell in the Registrar’s Office for processing of Certificates of Eligibility.

For Post 9/11 GI Bill® (Ch 33) students and VA Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Ch 31) students, our tuition policy complies with 38 USC 3679(e) which means Post 9/11 and Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment students will not be charged or otherwise penalized due to a delay in VA tuition and fee payments.  For eligibility consideration, a Post 9/11 GI Bill student must submit a VA Certificate of Eligibility (COE) and a Vocational Rehabilitation Student must provide a VAF 28-1905 form. [Please list all additional requirements your school will ask a student to satisfy which are permitted under 38 USC 3679(e)] Please see 38 USC 3679(e) for complete details.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).  More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at www.benefits.va.gov/gibill