Applying for Aid

Southeast recognizes that many families have changes in income or family situations that are not reflected by the federal tax information used on the FAFSA. Therefore, it is possible for students to request a review of their financial aid eligibility if the family has unique financial circumstances.

Circumstances may include:

• Loss or change of employment
• Loss or change in amount of child support or other benefits that have been reported on the FAFSA
• Divorce or separation of parents, or spouse for independent students
• Death of parent(s), or spouse for independent students
• Unusual medical expenses paid out of pocket (not covered by insurance, MRA, or HSA accounts)

Before a review can be processed, you must complete the FAFSA for the proper academic year, and if chosen for verification, complete the verification process. Please allow 2-3 weeks processing time for the review of special circumstance, after all documentation has been submitted.

If you believe that your situation warrants review, please contact our office to discuss the matter and request a copy of the Review of Special Circumstances form. 

For summer financial aid, students must have the appropriate FAFSA on file (referenced in step 3 "FAFSA") and be enrolled in Summer courses. Summer is a continuation of the current academic year. If the full award (grants & loans) for both fall and spring was accepted, summer eligibility may not exist. To be eligible for Summer loans, 6+ hours of enrollment is required.

Students enrolled in at least 6 summer hours will automatically be evaluated to determine remaining aid eligibility, beginning mid-April, and will receive an email informing them of their eligibility.

Students who have used their annual Pell grant award during fall & spring may be eligible for additional summer Pell.

Students enrolled in less than 6 summer hours are not eligible for loans, and would only be eligible for a Pell grant if they did not receive a full-time grant in both fall and spring. If grant eligibility exists, students will be notified by email, beginning in mid-April.

NOTE: Summer aid eligibility will be re-evaluated if any changes are made to a summer schedule. This re-evaluation may result in the reduction or elimination of aid eligibility and may take up to two weeks. You will receive email notification of any changes.