Financial Overview

Financial Aid

The Office of Financial Aid at Florida Tech is dedicated to supporting student success by guiding students and their families through the financial aid application process. 

Types of Aid

University Scholarships and Grants

Florida Tech provides financial aid in the form of merit-based scholarships and need-based grants to qualified students. These are commonly referred to as “gift aid,” in that the student is not responsible for paying any of the awarded funds back.

Scholarships are awarded at the time of admission. A student must be admitted and enrolled as a full-time, degree-seeking undergraduate student at the Melbourne Campus in order to claim an awarded scholarship. The scholarships below are available to domestic (U.S.) freshman unless otherwise indicated. Scholarships are listed separately, and academic merit scholarships may not be stacked. Florida Tech scholarships and grants can be combined with state and federal scholarship and grant programs.

Academic Scholarships

Panther Fund Merit Scholarship

All applicants will be considered for a Panther Fund Merit Scholarship. Academic, or merit scholarships, are based on an applicant’s academic performance in high school (weighted GPA plus standardized test scores) and are determined at the time of admission. These scholarships are available to all domestic (U.S.) students, whether in-state or out-of-state. Panther Fund Merit Scholarship awards range in value but may cover up to 50% of tuition, regardless of financial need.

Panther Fund NCSSS Scholarship

NCSSS high school graduates are eligible for a minimum Panther Fund Scholarship for 50% of tuition if they are admitted and enroll full-time. Students must meet the minimum merit scholarship requirements and submit a complete admission application indicating attendance at an NCSSS high school.

Florida Resident Merit Scholarship

The following scholarships are available to students who are residents of Florida. Florida Resident Scholarships and Panther Academic Scholarships (see above) are mutually exclusive; they do not “stack” and cannot be combined. If a student qualifies for more than one of the scholarships below, the student will be offered the higher scholarship, but not the sum of two or more. Scholarships in an amount less than full tuition may, however, be combined with Incentive Scholarships, Florida Tech Family Grants, and Need-Based Grants.

Panther Distinguished Scholar Award

High school students who qualify for the Bright Futures Florida Academic Scholars (FAS) award are eligible to be considered for a Florida Tech Distinguished Scholar Award, a combination of scholarships and grants that covers full tuition plus the facilities and activities fees to attend Florida Tech.

The Florida Tech Distinguished Scholar Award is only available to first-time freshmen. To be considered, applicants must:

• Complete the Florida Financial Aid Application while still in high school
• Qualify for the Bright Futures Florida Academic Scholars award
• Apply and be admitted to Florida Tech as a full-time, on-campus, degree-seeking student by February 1 of the year immediately preceding your first semester.
• Complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) listing Florida Tech as a receiving institution (financial aid code: 001469) by February 1 of the year immediately preceding your first semester.
• Complete the Florida Tech Panther Distinguished Scholar application online by February 1st.

Farmer Scholars Programs

Annually, Florida Institute of Technology selects one exceptionally qualified student to receive a Farmer Scholarship, which includes full tuition, room and board, and fees.

Need-Based Grants

Panther Fund Grant

Florida Tech makes every effort to help make attending the university as affordable as possible for all students.  The Panther Fund Grant is available to students who have a demonstrated financial need, as determined by the FAFSA application.  All applicants with a completed FAFSA will be considered for a Panther Fund Grant.  Grant amounts are based on a student’s EFC and other gift aid.  As such, grant amounts are not fixed and may vary from year to year depending on variable data.

Florida Tech Family Grants

Family grants are available to both domestic (U.S.) and international students.

Legacy Grant

Sons and daughters of Florida Tech alumni, enrolling in a full-time undergraduate program at Florida Tech, are eligible for a $2,500 grant. This award is renewable for up to four years. This award is given in addition to any merit scholarship earned by the student.

Family Grant

Sisters and brothers of students who are currently enrolled simultaneously as full-time undergraduates at Florida Tech are eligible for a $2,500 grant. This grant is renewable for up to four years. This grant is given in addition to any merit scholarship earned by the student.

Incentive Scholarships

Participation in certain extracurricular programs makes you eligible for the following add-on scholarships.

FIRST Robotics & Vex Robotics Award

Current members of an official high school FIRST Robotics or Vex Robotics team will be awarded an additional $2,500 Panther Fund Scholarship per year if they are admitted and enroll full-time. Students must submit a letter from their FIRST team adviser verifying participation during the year of application prior to their admission to the university and complete the admission and financial aid process by May 1^st of their senior year in high school.

Scouting - Eagle Scout And Girl Scout Gold Award

Any new first-year student who has either earned the rank of Eagle Scout or achieved the Girl Scout Gold Award and is accepted as a full-time undergraduate at Florida Tech’s Melbourne campus is guaranteed an additional scholarship of $2,500 Panther Fund Scholarship per year. Students must submit a copy of the certificate verifying their achievement prior to their admission to the university and complete the admissions process by February 1 of the year immediately preceding their first semester.

Athletic Scholarships

Florida Tech competes in 20 NCAA Division II sports. The following sports offer athletic scholarships: baseball, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, men’s cross country and track, women’s cross country and track, men’s golf, men’s lacrosse, women’s lacrosse, men’s rowing and women’s rowing, men’s soccer, women’s soccer, softball, men’s swimming, women’s swimming and volleyball. For more information on athletic scholarships, please contact the athletic department.

Transfer Scholarships

Florida Tech is proud to be able to make substantial scholarship opportunities available to well-qualified transfer students.  

Florida Tech Transfer Scholarship

Up to $14,000 per year if the student’s cumulative GPA is 2.8 or higher at the university level. This scholarship may be combined with the Florida Tech Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship.

Florida Tech Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship

An additional $2,500 per year if the student applies and is admitted to Florida Tech and was a member of Phi Theta Kappa. Proof of Phi Theta Kappa membership must be submitted at time of application.

Florida State Scholarships and Grants

Florida Tech works with the state to provide eligible students with Florida Bright Futures Scholarships and Florida State grants. 

What You Need To Do

• Apply for admission to Florida Tech.
• Complete and file the FAFSA. Make sure to list Florida Tech’s school code: 001469.
• Consult your high school guidance counselor anytime after November of your senior year to fill out the Florida Financial Aid Form.

Residency Requirements

The Florida Bright Futures Scholarship program is only available to Florida residents who have graduated from a Florida high school and are citizens or permanent residents of the United States. Florida residency and eligibility for the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship and the Effective Access to Student Education (EASE) grant are based on state law and administrative rules. Generally, students whose families have been living in Florida twelve (12) months prior to the start of the school year are considered residents. A full and complete description of rules and regulations regarding Bright Futures and other state aid can be found through the state’s Office of Student Financial Assistance.

Florida State Scholarships

Florida Tech works with the state to provide eligible students with Florida Bright Futures Scholarships and Florida State grants.

Bright Futures Academic Scholars

Eligible students receive approximately $6,330 (30 credits x $211/credit hour) per year. Eligible applicants must have a 3.5 high school GPA, a 1330 SAT or 29 ACT composite and 100 hours of community service.

Bright Futures Medallion Scholars

Eligible students receive approximately $4,800 (30 credits x $158/credit hour) per year. Eligible applicants must have a 3.0 high school GPA and a 1210 SAT or 25 ACT composite and 75 hours of community service.

Bright Futures Renewal Requirements (continued Eligibility)

Grade Point Average (GPA) Requirement

Students must have a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA to renew their Florida Academic Scholars (FAS) award and a minimum 2.75 cumulative GPA to renew their Florida Medallion Scholars Award (FMS). FAS awardees who earn less than a 3.0 cumulative, but higher than 2.75 cumulative GPA will be renewed at the FMS award level, so long as they meet the credit hour requirement (see below).

Florida State Grants

All full-time undergraduate students who meet the Florida residency requirements are eligible to receive this financial assistance from the state. The award amount varies from year to year and is based on available state funds; however, the amount awarded for 2020-2021 is $2,841. The state legislature will determine the amount for each academic year.

Florida Student Assistance Grant (FSAG) 

Grants approximately $1,000 per year and are based on demonstrated financial need, as determined by the FAFSA application. 

Florida State Grant Renewal Requirements (Continued Eligibility)

To be eligible for renewal, students must have a 2.0 or higher cumulative GPA and must have completed at least 24 credit hours in the past academic year (or 12 credit hours in each term during the aid year in which the eligible student received aid). If a student does not meet the eligibility requirements at the start of the new academic year, the student must sit out a full year before being considered for renewal. Students who sit out a year must meet the minimum GPA requirements to be reinstated. Note that Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) appeals through the university will not apply to these awards and a separate appeal must be made, if the student is eligible to do so. Appeal eligibility requirements are limited and outlined by the state. For more information on requirements, reinstatements and other rules, please visit Florida Department of Education’s Website.

Florida Prepaid College Plan

Florida Tech is an eligible institution for the Florida Prepaid College Plan (FPCP) program. Accumulated funds may be applied toward expenses at Florida Tech. Visit the FPCP office for further details. Visit MyFloridaPrepaid.com for complete details. To find out more about using FPCP at Florida Tech, visit Student Financial Services.

Other State Grant Programs

If your home state is not Florida, you may still be eligible for state grant assistance. Visit State Financial Aid Programs to find out more information about state grant opportunities from your home state.

Federal Grants

Federal Grants include Federal Pell Grants and the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG).  These grants are referred to as ‘need-based grants,’ because they are based on Financial Need, as determined by the FAFSA applications. Grants do not need to be repaid, except under certain circumstances.

Federal Pell Grants

Federal Pell Grants are available to eligible undergraduate students in a degree-seeking program who have not yet earned a baccalaureate degree.  The Maximum annual Pell grant is appropriated by Congress and may change from one academic year to the next.  A student’s EFC (expected family contribution), enrollment, Cost of Attendance and Lifetime Pell usage are all used to determine the amount of their Pell grant they are eligible for.

Students whose parent or guardian was a member of the U.S. armed forces and died as a result of military service performed in Iraq or Afghanistan after the events of 9/11 may be eligible for additional Federal Pell Grant funds if, at the time of your parent’s or guardian’s death, the student was less than 24 years of age OR enrolled in college or career school at least part-time.

Students who are incarcerated, in a federal or state penal institution, or are subject to an involuntary civil commitment upon completion of a period of incarceration for a forcible or nonforcible sexual offense, are not eligible to receive the federal Pell Grant.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG)

FSEOG funds are awarded to students who are considered to have exceptional financial need, as determined by the FAFSA and fund availability.  Unlike the Pell grant, each participating school receives a certain amount of FSEOG funds each year.  Once the funds have been awarded to students, no more awards can be made for that year.

Federal Loans

A loan is money that you borrow and must pay back with interest.  The Department of Education’s federal student loan program offers two types of loans to undergraduate students: Subsidized Stafford Loans, Unsubsidized Stafford Loans.  The Parent PLUS Loan is also available for parents of dependent, undergraduate students.  The interest rate and origination fee for these loans are set annually by federal law.  

To Be Considered For A Federal Student Loan A Student Must:

• be admitted to Florida Tech
• file a FAFSA application 
• be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
• be enrolled in a degree-seeking program
• register for at least half-time status (at least six credit hours per semester)

If you qualify, your loan options will be presented to you in your financial aid offer letter. If you wish to take advantage of the loan(s) presented to you, you must then accept your loan(s). 

Before you receive your loan funds, you will be required to

• complete entrance counseling, a tool to ensure you understand your obligation to repay the loan; and
• sign a Master Promissory Note, agreeing to the terms of the loan.

Federal Subsidized And Unsubsidized Stafford Loans

Subsidized Stafford Loans

These loans are available to students with financial need, as determined by the FAFSA.  The interest on these loans is subsidized, which means the borrower does not pay interest on the loan while the loan is in deferment.  Loans are in deferment while a student is enrolled at least half-time in an eligible degree-seeking program.  Once the student graduates or ceases to attend school, the student will have a grace period of six months before the loan enters repayment.  Students will pay interest on the principal balance of the loan during repayment.

Unsubsidized Stafford Loans

These loans are available to undergraduate students and are not based on financial need.  Unlike the subsidized loans, the unsubsidized loan will begin to accrue interest the day the funds are disbursed (paid) to a student’s account and continue to accrue interest through the life of the loan (until the principal and interest are repaid).  

Federal Stafford Loan Counseling

Students who wish to utilize their Federal Stafford Subsidized and/or Unsubsidized loan eligibility must complete both entrance and exit counseling. 

Entrance counseling must be completed prior to loan disbursement. The counseling provides students with information regarding student loans and the borrowing and repayment process to ensure that students understand the responsibilities and obligations they are assuming.

Exit counseling is required once the student has graduated, ceased enrollment or has dropped below half-time enrollment.  Students are required to provide the name, address, email address, and telephone number for your closest living relative, two references who live in the U.S., and your current or expected employer, if known.

Federal Parent PLUS Loans

Federal PLUS loans are not based on financial need.  They are available to parents of dependent undergraduate students.  Credit checks are required for Federal PLUS Loans.  The decision to approve or deny the loan is based on the results of a credit check that is conducted by the US Department of Education.  This loan can help the student cover any educational expenses not covered by other financial assistance up to the cost of education.  Eligible borrowers can apply at studentaid.gov.  When applying for a PLUS loan, it is important to note that it is a loan and must be paid back.  PLUS loans are unsubsidized, meaning they begin to accrue interest starting from the date the funds are disbursed to the student’s account.  These loans also have an origination fee deducted by the lender before funds are disbursed to Florida Institute of Technology.  The interest rate and origination fees are a set rate each academic year and set by the federal government.  Rates are typically announced during the summer before the academic year begins. 

Who Is Eligible?

Parents, adoptive parents, and stepparents of dependent undergraduate students attending college at least half time (6 credit hours) in a degree-seeking program are eligible for Parent PLUS loans. Borrowers must be U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens. Loan approval is subject to credit criteria established by the U.S. Department of Education. A credit report will be obtained by your lender from a national credit bureau once you apply.

Application Process

• Step 1: You must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).  Our Federal School Code is 001469.
• Step 2: The parent applicant should log into studentloans.gov web site using his/her FSA ID. (This is the same FSA ID the parent would have used to complete and sign the FAFSA electronically.) From there, select Request a Direct PLUS Loan from the menu, and then select Parent PLUS on the following page. Be sure to request Florida Institute of Technology as the school of choice to ensure we receive the PLUS information.
• Step 3: Promissory note and entrance counseling While on the studentloans.gov website, the borrower should also complete and sign the Plus Master Promissory Note (MPN) and loan entrance counseling.
• Step 4: Loan Certification The Florida Institute of Technology Financial Aid Office will certify your PLUS loan request and submit it for final approval, guarantee and disbursement.
• Step 5: Loan Disbursement PLUS loans are disbursed directly to the school via electronic funds transfer (EFT). Funds are deposited into the student’s school account upon verification of the student’s enrollment. There is an origination fee deducted from each disbursement by the lender prior to the transfer of funds. For the current rate, please visit the Student Federal Aid web site
• Step 6: Refund  Refunds from proceeds of PLUS loans will be issued to the student.

Parent PLUS Loan Denials & Counseling

Loan Denials

A dependent student whose parent has been denied a Parent PLUS loan during the current aid year may be eligible to receive Federal Stafford loans at the independent level with proof of Parent PLUS loan denial from the lender. A Parent PLUS loan denial is only valid for one aid year.

If your credit has been denied for the Parent PLUS Loan, you will be given four options on the application to choose from:

• I do not wish to pursue a PLUS loan at this time. You must contact the Florida Institute of Technology financial aid office to let us know you would like the additional Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford loan
•  I will obtain an endorser. Choose this option if you would like to add a co-signer. Borrowers whose Direct PLUS Loan credit checks are denied and then approved with an endorser, must complete PLUS Counseling before the Direct PLUS Loan can be disbursed.
•  I want to appeal the credit decision. Choose this option if you believe the credit check is inaccurate or you can provide updated information about extenuating circumstances.

PLUS Counseling

PLUS Counseling is required if the U.S. Department of Education has informed you that you have an adverse credit history and you have obtained an endorser or documented to the satisfaction of the U.S. Department of Education that there are extenuating circumstances related to your adverse credit history.

PLUS Counseling can be completed voluntarily at any time. If PLUS Counseling is completed voluntarily and you are determined to have an adverse credit history by the U.S. Department of Education within 30 days of PLUS Counseling completion, your PLUS Counseling requirement will be considered to be fulfilled.

Borrowers can access the PLUS Counseling after they login by selecting PLUS Counseling from the menu, then selecting Parent PLUS to complete the counseling.

Federal Work Study

Federal Work-Study (FWS) is an employment program which allows students to earn a paycheck through a financial aid award paid by federal funds. The program provides part-time employment opportunities in two areas, On-Campus & Community Service. Since it is federal money, students must receive the aid in their Financial Aid offer each academic year (Fall through Spring) to work.  Eligibility is based on need, as determined by the FAFSA.

Students in the work study program are paid hourly for actual hours worked and receive their paycheck biweekly. Funds are not applied to balances on a student’s account; however, if a student wishes to use them to help pay their balance, they may do so when they receive their paycheck.

For more information on Federal Work study, see the Federal Work Study Guide.

Private Loans

Private Loan Providers are loans contracted with private lending companies directly by the borrower.

Florida Tech works with FASTChoice to make finding a private loan provider as simple as possible. The lenders listed on FASTChoice are lenders that have previously made private education loans to our students and have met our university’s strict criteria.

Florida Tech’s Loan Options page is reviewed annually. Note that at least two lenders will always be presented to you. You are free to choose any lender, including those not presented. Please note that private education loans do not carry a federal guarantee, and are considered financial aid because Florida Tech must certify three things to the lender:

• Student is accepted at Florida Tech
• Student is enrolled in courses
• Borrowed amount is within the student’s Cost of Attendance less any other financial aid

Our officials are prohibited from accepting any financial or other benefits in exchange for displaying lenders and loan options in FASTChoice.

Private Loan Code Of Conduct

Florida Tech explicitly prohibits any conflict of interest between our counselors and Federal or private education loans.  All counselors responsible for loans are informed annually of the provisions of this code of conduct.  The code of conduct prohibits the following:

• Revenue-sharing arrangements with any lender
• Receiving gifts from a lender, a guarantor, or a loan services
• Contracting arrangement providing financial benefit from any lender or affiliate of a lender
• Directing borrowers to particular lenders, or refusing or delaying loan certifications
• Offers of funds for private loans
• Call center or financial aid office staffing assistance
• Advisory board compensation

Graduate Student Assistantship

Graduate Assistantships are awarded to well-qualified students (GPA, grades etc.), however, not all qualified graduate students will receive assistantships. Normally, Graduate Assistantships are awarded on an academic year basis (Fall-Spring); some are available in the summer terms.

There are two types of Assistantships: Teaching and Research Assistantships.

• First-time TA’s must attend and successfully complete the Teaching Assistant Seminar prior to beginning their assignments.
• There are specific, additional language proficiency requirements for TAs for whom English is not their home language.
• TAs must be formally evaluated in writing by their faculty supervisor as a condition for renewal of their award normally once per academic year.
• These evaluations become a part of the TA’s record.

Research Assistants (RAs) work with faculty members on research projects supported by governmental and private sponsors.

• In many cases, these projects are directly related to the student’s thesis or dissertation research.
• Formal evaluations are not required for RAs.

Both TAs and RAs must maintain appropriate grade point averages (GPAs) and must continue to pursue their full-time graduate studies in their disciplines in order to retain their assistantships.

Contact your offering academic department for more information concerning Teaching and Research Assistantships:

• College of Aeronautics
• Nathan M. Bisk College of Business
• College of Engineering and Science
• College of Psychology and Liberal Arts

Return Of Title IV Funds Policy

Policy Purpose

This policy was developed in accordance to the Higher Education act of 1965, as amended.

Policy Scope

This policy applies to any student who withdraws from all courses after the last day to withdraw with a full tuition refund (view the Florida Tech Online calendar) OR any student who is considered to have unofficially withdrawn from all courses.

Policy Statement

If a student completely withdraws or unofficially withdraws during the term, the amount of Title IV program assistance the students has earned up to that point is determined by a specific formula. If the student received (or the school or parent received on the student’s behalf) less assistance than the amount that you earned, you may be eligible to receive those additional funds. If you received more assistance than you earned, the excess funds must be returned by the school and/or the student. The latter of the two scenarios is most common.

Procedures/Guidelines

How Is The Return Of Title IV Funds Calculated?

The university is required to return the amount of Title IV aid that is considered unearned, and to calculate this, they will first determine the amount of aid you earned.  The amount of assistance that you have earned is determined on a pro-rata basis. For example, if you completed 30% of your payment period or period of enrollment, you earn 30% of the assistance you were originally scheduled to receive. Once you have completed more than 60% of the payment period or period of enrollment, you earn all the assistance that you were scheduled to receive for that period; therefore no aid is returned.

If you receive (or your school or parent receive on your behalf) excess Title IV program funds that must be returned, your school must return a portion of the excess equal to the lesser of:

1. your institutional charges multiplied by the unearned percentage of your funds, or
2. the entire amount of excess funds (i.e. Title IV funds times earned aid percentage).

The school must return this amount even if it didn’t keep this amount of your Title IV program funds.

Unofficial withdrawals are determined within 30 days of the end of term, and the return to Title IV calculation within 45 days of the end of the term.

Please note that the requirements for Title IV program funds when you withdraw are separate from the university’s tuition refund policy; therefore, you may still owe funds to the school to cover unpaid institutional charges. Your school may also charge you for any Title IV program funds that the school was required to return. If you don’t already know your school’s refund policy, you should ask your school for a copy. Your school can also provide you with the requirements and procedures for officially withdrawing from school.

How Are The Funds Returned?

The school will return the Title IV aid to the Department of Education electronically.  Funds will be returned in the following order until the full amount of unearned aid has been returned:  Unsubsidized Stafford Loan, Subsidized Stafford Loan, Direct Graduate Plus Loan, Direct Parent Plus Loan, Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant.

Once the funds are returned, the student will be responsible for any balance on their account that is created by the return of Title IV funds.  In the event that a credit is created by a combination of a tuition refund and Title IV return, the funds will be refunded to the student via check or direct deposit.  Once the return is completed, the student will receive an email notifying them of the action and returned amounts.

If your school is not required to return all of the excess funds, you must return the remaining amount.

For any loan funds that you must return, you (or your parent for a Direct PLUS Loan) repay in accordance with the terms of the promissory note. That is, you make scheduled payments to the holder of the loan over a period of time. Any amount of unearned grant funds that you must return is called an overpayment. The maximum amount of a grant overpayment that you must repay is half of the grant funds you received or were scheduled to receive. You do not have to repay a grant overpayment if the original amount of the overpayment is $50 or less. You must make arrangements with your school or the Department of Education to return the unearned grant funds.

Post-Withdrawal Disbursements

In the unlikely event that you did not receive all of the funds that you earned, you may be due a post-withdrawal disbursement. If your post-withdrawal disbursement includes loan funds, your school must get your permission before it can disburse them. You may choose to decline some or all of the loan funds so that you don’t incur additional debt. Your school may automatically use all or a portion of your post-withdrawal disbursement of grant funds for tuition, fees, and room and board charges (as contracted with the school). The school needs your permission to use the post-withdrawal grant disbursement for all other institutional charges. If you do not give your permission (some schools ask for this when you enroll), you will be offered the funds. However, it may be in your best interest to allow the school to keep the funds to reduce your debt at the school.

There are some Title IV funds that you were scheduled to receive that cannot be disbursed to you once you withdraw because of other eligibility requirements. For example, if you are a first-time, first-year undergraduate student and you have not completed the first 30 days of your program before you withdraw, you will not receive any Direct Loan funds that you would have received had you remained enrolled past the 30th day.

COVID-19 Considerations

Melbourne Campus

Financial Aid received withdrawal forms that indicated the reason for the withdraw. While some forms have been received that indicated the withdraw was related to COVID-19, all fell after 60% of the term, so no return of funds would be calculated. No special action is necessary.

All other withdraws will be processed under normal policy.

Online Learning

For students who dropped courses prior to COVID-19 guidance being issued by the Department of Education, and funds are already returned, no further action will be taken. If the student contacts us and indicates that the withdrawal was related to COVID-19, we will evaluate our ability to reverse the return of funds to be in line with the Department of Education’s COVID-19 guidance.

For students who have withdrawn, and funds are not yet returned, financial Aid staff will contact the student to inquire about the reason for the withdrawal. If the student indicates the withdrawal was related to COVID-19, we will request signed statements from the student and other documentation if appropriate for the circumstance. The documents will be indexed to Xtender, and a return calculation will be completed. No money will be returned.

If the student responds and the withdrawal is not related to COVID-19, the calculation and return will be processed under normal policy.

If the student fails to respond before the 30-day return deadline, funds will be returned.

For supplemental withdrawals, the withdrawal forms will indicate the reason the withdraw was approved. Supporting documentation for these requests is collected by Online Learning. If the form indicates the withdraw is COVID-19related, Financial Aid staff will request the supporting documentation from Online Learning. The documents will be uploaded to the student’s file, and a return calculation will be completed; however, no money will be returned. The student will be added to the R2T4_COVID spreadsheet for tracking and reporting purposes.

If the form indicates the withdrawal is not related to COVID-19, the calculation and return will be processed under normal policy.

Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy For Financial Aid Recipients

The academic records of all students admitted to Florida Tech for the first time will be considered sufficient to allow them to apply for financial aid. To remain eligible to receive financial aid, continuing students must meet the following satisfactory academic progress standards instituted by the university in accordance with federal law. Florida Tech applies standards equally between undergraduate and graduate students, in all academic programs.

Students are usually enrolled in a semester-based program, or an 8-week term based program. All students who enroll in a semester-based program are evaluated for SAP at the end of each semester. Students enrolled on a semester-basis who concurrently enroll in an 8-week, Florida Tech Online course will be evaluated on a semester-basis. Eight-week-term students are evaluated at least once per year.

Students declared ineligible may appeal the decision under certain circumstances. If the appeal is approved, the student may continue to receive financial aid during probationary standing.

Minimum Academic Progress Measures

Grade Point Average (GPA)

Undergraduate students are expected to achieve and maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher. Graduate students are expected to achieve and maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. PhD students are expected to achieve and maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher. This GPA is calculated in accordance with the guidelines contained in the University Catalog. Courses taken under a pass/no credit grading option are not included in the GPA calculation and are therefore not included as part of the GPA measure of satisfactory academic progress.

Hours completed 

All students are expected to satisfactorily complete 75 percent of their cumulative attempted coursework. Courses with grades of F, I, AU or W, or were taken for no credit under a pass/no credit option, are attempted courses but are not satisfactorily completed for the semester or term.

Maximum time limits 

All students are expected to complete their degree program within 150 percent of the required credit hours. Courses taken for no credit under a pass/no credit option are still attempted credit hours and will count towards maximum time limit standards.

• Undergraduate programs generally require 120 credit hours, and students are expected to complete their degree within 180 credit hours attempted, including transfer credits earned at other institutions. 
• Graduate program requirements vary from 36-54 credit hours and may require prerequisite coursework. Students are generally expected to complete their graduate program within 80 credit hours, including prerequisite requirements.
• PhD programs generally require 80 credit hours and students are required to complete their program within 120 attempted credit hours, including transfer hours.  An exception is made for doctoral students enrolled in the clinical psychology program, where 160 credit hours are allowed to complete the program minimum of 123 credit hours.

Appeals

Appeals to financial aid decisions may be made under certain circumstances. These circumstances may include sudden, severe, illness; serious automobile or other accident; family tragedy or loss of a loved one; or another circumstance not listed here. It is the student’s responsibility to provide details with dates, forms or other paperwork, or any other information requested by the Office of Financial Aid in order to review the appeal.

A successful appeal is dependent on a number of factors:  mitigating circumstances that caused academic performance to fall below the standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress; the successful resolution of those mitigating circumstances so that they will no longer affect academic performance; the potential to meet the minimum academic progress measures within one academic year; and proper appeal documentation.  Proper documentation includes the Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeal form and any third-party documentation corroborating the mitigating circumstance described in the appeal.

Once the appeal is reviewed, the student is informed of the decision through their Florida Tech email account. Any approved appeal will necessitate the student adhering to a prescribed program plan during the probationary period. A student who declines to accept the prescribed academic plan and is in good academic standing may continue without financial aid.

Students are assessed at the end of each term while in probationary standing and are removed from probationary standing when the minimum academic progress standards for financial aid recipients listed above are met.

Fees and Expenses

Tuition for full-time Melbourne campus undergraduate students (12–19 credit hours) is charged on a flat rate by semester basis. Flat rate by semester tuition rates applies to the fall and spring semesters only. Melbourne campus undergraduate students registering for more than 19 semester credit hours pay per credit hour for the excess credit hours in addition to the semester flat rate. Summer tuition and tuition for part-time undergraduate students and all graduate students, except those seeking the Psy.D. degree, is charged on a per credit hour basis. Online and Education Center, and ABA Online students pay tuition on a per-credit-hour basis.

For Melbourne campus undergraduate summer classes, the first six (6) credit hours will be charged at the published per credit hour rate. After the first six (6) credit hours, tuition will be 50 percent of the published rate.

This discount does not apply to study-abroad programs. See the individual departments for study-abroad pricing. Other exclusions may apply. Contact the Registrar’s Office for additional information.

Students enrolled and pursuing degrees on the Melbourne campus are assessed the Melbourne campus tuition and fees. Students enrolled and pursuing degrees through ABA Online, Education Centers and Florida Tech Online are assessed tuition and fees for those programs. 

Undergraduate Tuition Information

Tuition for undergraduate students may vary according to the chosen major program of study, location or modality. Undergraduate students enrolled in both undergraduate- and graduate-level courses pay the stated undergraduate tuition. Tuition for on-campus full-time undergraduate students (12–19 credit hours) is charged on a semester basis.

Graduate Tuition Information

Tuition for graduate students is charged per credit hour based on the student’s program of study. Melbourne campus graduate students are permitted to register for a maximum of 14 credit hours.

Other Programs/Fees

Other fees include those costs outside of tuition, such as seperate fees, parking or examinations, etc., and are nonrefundable.

Flight Costs

Flight fees are guidelines and are subject to change. Variations in fuel price, student aptitude and performance, and other factors beyond the university’s control may impact total flight course costs.

Payment Policies

Students are assessed tuition and fees based on their degree and academic program and the location and/or modality they choose.

In determining the amount due each semester, students may subtract any scholarships, loans or grants that are paid through financial aid to the university. Students may also calculate other payment arrangements such as third party billing, corporate deferment, or Panther Payment Plan under which payments are either made directly to the university by a sponsor or organization; or according to installment or delayed payments as authorized by Florida Tech’s Student Financial Services. The student is responsible for submitting all necessary paperwork or applications required by their payment option and meeting all conditions on time.

All expenses including tuition, fees, room and board, must be paid on or before the date shown in the academic calendar each semester. Payments should be made through PAWS using the TRACKS account username and password established for each student after receipt of deposit and confirmation of intent to attend. Payments sent by mail should be mailed at least 10 days in advance of the payment due date to assure receipt by the payment deadline. Additional information regarding the university’s payment policy for Melbourne campus students can be found online or in the Schedule of Classes each semester. Payments should be addressed to Florida Institute of Technology, Office of the Controller, Attention: Student Accounting, 150 W. University Blvd., Melbourne, FL 32901-6975.

In determining the amount due each semester, students may subtract any scholarships, loans or grants that are paid through financial aid to the university. Students may also calculate other payment arrangements such as third party billing, corporate deferment, or Panther Payment Plan under which payments are either made directly to the university by a sponsor or organization; or according to installment or delayed payments as authorized by Florida Tech’s Student Financial Services. The student is responsible for submitting all necessary paperwork or applications required by their payment option and meeting all conditions on time.

All expenses including tuition, fees, room and board, must be paid on or before the date shown in the academic calendar appropriate to the student’s admission status online at www.fit.edu or in the payment and fees policy at https://www.fit.edu/student-financial-services/making-payments/ each semester. Payments should be made online using the TRACKS account username and password established for each student after receipt of deposit and confirmation of intent to attend. Payments sent by mail should be mailed at least 10 days in advance of the payment due date to assure receipt by the payment deadline. Additional information regarding the university’s payment policy for Melbourne campus students can be found online. Payments should be addressed to Florida Institute of Technology, Office of the Controller, Attention: Student Accounting, 150 W. University Blvd., Melbourne, FL 32901-6975.

Student Accident and Health Insurance

Student health insurance is mandatory for full-time undergraduate and graduate students, including those enrolled in English as a Second Language (ESL) courses on Melbourne Campus. 

Domestic students may apply to waive university-sponsored insurance by providing proof of health insurance.

It is mandatory for all international students to purchase coverage under the university’s health insurance plan.

Exceptions may be granted only if the student has qualifying insurance from a US based insurance company that meets very strict requirements in order for you to qualify for the waiver. A link to waive insurance will be emailed to all students 8 weeks prior to the start of the semester. All students must waive or activate the insurance. Rates are subject to change when the policy is renewed.

Military and Veteran Benefits

Satisfactory Progress Standards

Students receiving VA benefits are required to make satisfactory progress in their degree programs. All Florida Tech students are required to meet the academic standards and requirements as noted here. Florida Tech has an academic progress policy that allows for a period of academic probation before termination for unsatisfactory progress (academic suspension).

The law requires educational assistance benefits to veterans and other eligible persons to be discontinued when a student ceases to make satisfactory progress toward completion of their degree. Benefits can be resumed if the academically dismissed student veteran re-enrolls at Florida Tech in the same or other approved program at the university. In other cases, benefits cannot be resumed unless VA finds the cause of the unsatisfactory attendance, conduct or progress has been removed and the program of education or training to be pursued by the student is suitable to their aptitudes, interests, and abilities. To initiate action by VA to determine whether further payments of VA educational assistance allowance should be authorized, the student must submit a specific request for resumption of VA benefits following an interruption due to unsatisfactory progress or conduct.

After VA termination, an appeal may be made to the VA for the resumption of benefits. Based in part on the university’s recommendation, the VA will determine whether or not to resume the payment of education benefits to the student.

Teaching Locations

Florida Tech offers programs and classes at various off-campus locations. The following table provides information about those locations.

Benefit Eligibility

Veterans benefits are administered by the office of Military and Veteran Services. Veterans and their dependents eligible to receive VA education benefits should contact the office of Military and Veteran Services after completing admission requirements.

Any student using Chapter 31 or 33 benefits will not be penalized while waiting for the VA to make tuition and fee payments for the first 90 days of the semester.

In accordance with Title 38 U.S. Code 3679 subsection (e), Florida Tech adopts the following additional provisions for any students using the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Post 9/11 G.I. Bill® (Ch. 33) or Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Ch. 31), while payment to the institution is pending from the VA. Florida Tech will not:

• Prevent or delay the student’s enrollment;
• Assess a late penalty fee to the student; 
• Require the student to secure alternative or additional funding; 
• Deny the student access to any resources available to other students who have satisfied their tuition and fee bills to the institution, including but not limited to access to classes, libraries, or other institutional facilities.

However, to qualify for this provision, such students may be required to:

• Produce the Certificate of Eligibility by the first day of class; 
• Provide written request to be certified; 
• Provide additional information needed to properly certify the enrollment as described in other institutional policies.  

Florida Tech reserves the right to follow normal collection procedures for any difference between the amount of a covered individual’s financial obligation and the amount of the VA education benefit disbursement.

For the purpose of certifying veterans benefits by the office of Military and Veteran Services, the following credit hour standards are used:

Complaint Policy for Students Receiving VA Education Benefits

Any complaint against the school should be routed through the VA GI Bill® Feedback System by going to www.benefits.va.gov/GIBILL/Feedback.asp. The VA will then follow up through the appropriate channels to investigate the complaint and resolve it satisfactorily.

Active Military Refund Policy

Active duty (Armed Forces, Reserves, or National Guard) who are deployed, mobilized, or whose duty assignment changes after classes begin may withdraw from courses without financial penalty.

Military Activation Policy

In accordance with the “Virginia Tuition Relief, Refund, and Reinstatement Guidelines,” Florida Tech students in the uniformed services under call or order to active duty, after the beginning of a semester or summer session have two options they may consider with their academic department and Registrar’s Office in determining their enrollment status with the university:

1. Students may withdraw from courses in which they are enrolled as of the effective date of the call or order to report to active duty. A copy of the military orders must be provided to the Office of the Registrar as documentation. When this option is selected, a credit of tuition and fees, and any pre-paid tuition, room, or board deposits, will be made to the student’s account. Students will receive a pro-rated credit of dining service and housing contract charges. Financial aid awards that were credited to the student’s account will be recovered by the University in the amount of tuition and fees, dining, or housing credit. Loans used to cover the remaining charges will be subject to normal repayment procedures. For students receiving Title IV funds, financial aid recovery will be subject to requirements for return of Title IV funds to the federal government.
2. Students may take a grade of incomplete in all courses. Students may request an incomplete grade for military deployment, mobilization, or duty changes occurring in the final four (4) weeks of the course if a reasonable expectancy that completion of the remaining work would result in a passing grade. The conditions for completing course work and receiving a regular grade should be agreed to between the student, course instructors, and head of the academic unit. A copy of the military orders must be provided to the Office of the Registrar as documentation. The deadline for removing an incomplete given based on military service is before the beginning of the seventh week of the following semester (fourth week for Florida Tech Online). This option requires joint agreement of the student and faculty member. If a joint agreement can’t be reached, students may withdraw from the course and are eligible to receive a 100% reduction of tuition charges after withdrawal is approved for classes that have been discontinued.

Please coordinate requests under the Military Activation Policy with the Office of Military and Veteran Services and Registrar’s Office. Students will need to discuss their situation with the appropriate representative from their academic department in consultation with Account Management and the Office of the Registrar. 

Regardless of the option selected above, the following provisions govern reinstatement to the University upon release or return from service in the uniformed services.  Students that have a leave of absence under the military activation policy are entitled to reinstatement, to their program of study (if available), without having to reapply for admission if they return to the University after a cumulative absence of not more than five years. Students will have access to advising to determine the impact of absence from the program, to evaluate the ability to resume study, and to assess options when a program is no longer available or suitable.

Applicants to the University who have accepted an offer of admission but who have not yet registered in a degree program may defer admission for up to two years by making a request to the admissions department. 

Housing and Board

All full-time undergraduate students enrolled in classes on the Melbourne campus are required to live on-campus their first two years in campus housing.  For additional details on this policy including exemptions, please reference the Student Handbook.   

A housing deposit must be on file in the student’s account before the student receives a housing assignment and remain on file for as long as the student lives in university housing. The deposit is not covered by any scholarship or financial aid and cannot be waived. It is refundable, minus any outstanding university charges, provided the terms and conditions of the housing agreement are fulfilled.

Students who sign Florida Tech Housing and Meal Plan Contracts are obligated for the entire academic year. Neither buyouts nor substitutions are allowed. Students cannot cancel their housing and meal plan contracts after the deadline dates as outlined in the Housing and Meal Plan Contract.

The deadline to submit a meal plan change request is 5 PM on Friday during the first week of classes. Changing meal plans after the cutoff date is not permitted.

Residence Halls

Students may submit their housing preference in the Florida Tech Housing and Meal Plan Contract. Requests for room assignments are honored on a first-come, first-served, space-available basis. Campus services makes every attempt to grant requests for assignment to certain rooms and roommates. However, the university does not guarantee assignment to a specific type of accommodation, building, room or roommate. Students are billed based on the number of occupants registered for the room (double, single, etc.). Information about housing options at Florida Tech may be found at www.fit.edu/housing/.

Because of the high demand for on-campus housing, the university reserves the right to place three students in any residence hall room. If the university exercises this option, the room occupants receive a prorated adjustment for the semester based on the number of days that triple occupancy occurred.

Brownlie Hall: Houses Let’s Fly Living Learning Community (first-year students only) and upper-level students. Each room has a semi-private bathroom. All rooms feature built-in closets, desks, drawers and extra-long twin beds. Each room features two connections to the campus fiber-optic network, free TV service, microwave, and minifridge.

Columbia Village: First-year student community that features four-bedroom, fully furnished suites with efficiency kitchens. Four students are assigned to each suite. Each room features two connections to the campus fiber-optic network and free TV service. Women in Stem Living Learning Community is housed in the Chawla building.

Evans Hall: Houses the Honors College Living Learning Community and upper level students on the third and fourth floors. All rooms either have a private bathroom or a connected bathroom. All rooms feature desks, closets, drawers, wall-to-wall carpeting and extra-long twin beds. Each room features two connections to the campus fiber-optic network, free TV service, microwave, and minifridge.

Harris Village Suites: Houses upper-level and graduate students. Features one-, two- and four-bedroom, fully furnished suites with full kitchens (refrigerator, range and dishwasher). Occupancy ranges from one to four students per suite, depending on the unit size. Each room features two connections to the campus fiber-optic network and free TV service.

Mary Star of the Sea - Newman Hall: An all faith-based residence hall with apartment-style living for 146 students. Houses upper-level and first-year students. The furnished one-, two- or four-bedroom apartments create an environment to encourage students to grow in their faith while pursuing academic excellence. They feature fully appointed kitchens, individual bedrooms, bathrooms with shower or bathtub, full-size beds, and internet and TV service.

Panther Bay Apartments: Houses upper-level students and the Greek Village. Each apartment features five-bedroom apartments, each with a private bathroom, fully appointed kitchen, living room, dinette and laundry room. Each room has access to campus fiber-optic network and free TV service. The apartment complex features a clubhouse with a large meeting room, computer lab, swimming pool, and basketball and volleyball courts.

The Quad: Includes Campbell, Grissom and Wood halls, traditional-style residence halls with community baths and a shared common building layout. Houses both upper-level and first-year students. All rooms are spacious with desks, closets or wardrobes, drawers and extra-long twin beds. All rooms feature two connections to the campus fiber-optic network, free TV service, a microwave, and a minifridge.

Roberts Hall: Houses only first-year students and is the largest residence facility on campus. A traditional-style residence hall, it features community bathrooms. All rooms are bright and spacious with desks, closets or wardrobes, drawers and extra-long twin beds. Each room features two connections to the campus fiber-optic network, free cable TV service, microwave, and a minifridge.

Southgate Village Apartments: Feature studios and, one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, and are reserved for upper-level students. Occupancy ranges from one to three students per apartment, depending on the unit size. Each room features two connections to the campus fiber-optic network and free TV service. 

Additional details on each of the housing options available, including 3D tours, can be viewed at fit.edu/housing/housing-options/. 

Meal Plans

Campus Dining offers several meal plans allowing you to choose a plan to fit your lifestyle. Meal plan account information is encoded on your Campus ID Card giving you the freedom to access your plan whenever you choose.

• Meal Plans are contracted for the entire academic year (Fall and Spring Semesters). Benefits are awarded and billed by semester.
• “Unlimited” and “Anytime” Meals may only be used in Panther Dining Hall.  No transfer of meals or equivalency is offered for these meals.  FlexCredit is included in your plan to access all other campus dining outlets
• FlexCredit is a declining balance account that is included in every meal plan.  For convenience, FlexCredit is stated in dollars but has no redeemable cash value when your meal plan expires.  FlexCredit may be used for dine-in service or delivery where available at ALL Campus Dining locations:
  • Panther Dining Hall
  • Panther Grocery Store
  • Center Court featuring:
    • Starbucks
    • Twisted Bliss Smoothies
  • Panther Food Court featuring:
    • Einstein Bros. Bagels
    • Firehouse Subs
    • Cosmic Creamery
  • Rathskeller Pizza and Grill (eat-in or late-night delivery)
  • Black Kats Kafe
  • Bisk College of Business and Emil Buehler Center Mini Markets
  • All Campus Food, Snack and Beverage Vending Machines

Descriptions

First Time in College Students and Transfer Students with less than 29 credit hours must choose the A1 or A2 Plan

• A1 Unlimited 7 Day – Great for resident students who will spend most weekends and holidays on campus.  You’ll enjoy unlimited entry into Panther Dining during all open hours (come in for full meals and snacks).  This plan includes $300.00 in FlexCredit.
• A2 Unlimited 5 Day – Great for resident students who leave town for weekends regularly.  You’ll enjoy entry into Panther Dining Hall Monday through Friday during all open hours. This plan includes $500.00 in FlexCredit.
• U1 Anytime 100 – Includes 100 meals per semester in the Panther Dining Hall and $925.00 in FlexCredit.
• U2 All FlexCredit – $1,825.00 in FlexCredit.
• Commuter Plans are available for students residing in off campus housing.
• C1 Commuter All FlexCredit – $750.00 in FlexCredit.
• C2 Commuter All FlexCredit – $500.00 in FlexCredit.
• C3 Commuter All FlexCredit – $250.00 in FlexCredit.
• C4 Commuter Anytime 50 – Includes 50 meals per semester in Panther Dining Hall and $75.00 in FlexCredit.

Unused FlexCredit will carry over between Fall Semester and Spring Semester provided the student has a Spring meal plan.  Anytime Meals in U1 or C4 plans have no residual value and will not carry over from Fall to Spring.  Plan to use all Anytime Meals in the semester they are awarded.

Campus Dining is committed to providing the campus community with quality food and services in a clean, comfortable and friendly atmosphere. All locations accept meal plan FlexCredit, checks and major credit cards. For more information, visit www.fit.edu/dining.