Paying for college is often one of a family's greatest financial investments. Many parents and students are intimidated by the process of finding and applying for financial aid. While we can't change the requirements, we can help you navigate the process more smoothly.

Saint Leo University’s Office of Student Financial Services looks forward to assisting you in developing a sound financial plan to achieve your educational goals. Ninety-two percent of Saint Leo's traditional-age students receive financial aid of some sort, and over 91% receive grant and scholarship aid they don't have to pay back.

If you have any questions, please contact us:

Phone: (352) 588-7403
Toll Free: (800) 240-7658
Fax: (866) 708-7770
Email: finaid@saintleo.edu

How to Apply for Financial Aid

To begin the financial aid process at Saint Leo, you will want to be sure to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible after January 1. This form is filed electronically and can be done right from your home; the web address is www.fafsa.ed.gov. Be sure you complete the form for the correct academic year. The Saint Leo federal school code is 001526. The FAFSA filing deadline for prospective Saint Leo undergraduates is March 15.

FAFSA Tips

• The FAFSA can be filed before official admission notification. Filing for financial aid does not affect admission to the University.
• Estimated tax information is acceptable, and can be replaced with actual income figures after the student’s federal tax returns are completed.
• Questions on the FAFSA will determine whether you are considered to be a dependent or independent student. In general, if you are under 24 years of age, you are a dependent student. Independent students are 24 years of age or older, active duty military or veterans, married, or graduate students.
• To complete the signature section of the FAFSA application, the student and a parent/guardian provide their Federal PIN Number. Federal PIN numbers can be obtained at www.pin.ed.gov.

Financial Aid Deadlines

You should complete the FAFSA as soon as possible after January 1. Many aid programs are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. The FAFSA filing deadline for prospective Saint Leo undergraduates is March 15.

All required documentation must be submitted prior to the last two weeks of your first term/semester. If you fail to submit the required documentation prior to the deadline, your financial aid package will be canceled and no aid awarded.

Accepting Financial Aid

The Office of Student Financial Services begins sending award letters after March 15. Students who pay their admission deposit will be able to accept their financial aid award through mySaintleo.edu.

At Saint Leo, students accept, reduce and decline their financial aid awards online through mySaintLeo.edu. The Office of Student Financial Services will send notifications via student email until all required documents are complete. Completed items will be updated from your "My Documents" list within two to five days after you actively respond with the required action or documentation.

You will need to re-apply each year for financial aid. The application is available online each year on January 1. Apply as early as possible—some grant funds are limited and are exhausted early in the year.

Financial Aid Eligibility

Any changes in eligibility may result in a reduction or elimination of award. To receive financial aid, a student must meet fundamental eligibility requirements:

• Be a citizen of the United States or permanent resident for federal and state funds
• Be enrolled as a degree-seeking student
• Be making satisfactory progress toward a degree
• Be registered with the Selective Service, if required
• Be a high school graduate or possess a high school equivalency
• Not be in default on a federal student loan*
• Not owe a repayment on a federal grant*
• Not have exceeded the annual or aggregate federal loan limits

*The National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) must indicate that a student is not in default or owe a repayment of a federal grant before Saint Leo will award and/or disburse any federal or state funds to the student.