Louisiana State University announced on Mar. 10 that students interested in taking summer classes may be eligible for federal financial aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The university encourages students to complete the FAFSA by June 1 to maximize their chances of receiving aid for the upcoming academic year, which begins with the summer term.
Understanding how to pay for summer courses is important for students planning their schedules. LSU advises that early completion of the FAFSA can help secure the maximum amount of available aid. Students can check if they have funds available starting in March by logging into myLSU and reviewing their financial aid status under Financial Services.
Federal student loans are also available once a student’s FAFSA has been processed. Undergraduate students must enroll in at least six credit hours, while graduate students need three credit hours to qualify for these loans. Private loans are an option for those who do not qualify for federal aid or require additional funding, but LSU cautions that private loans often come with higher interest rates and fewer benefits than federal options.
The Federal College Work Study Program allows undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need to earn money during the summer if they are enrolled in at least six credit hours. Additionally, payment of a Taylor Opportunity Program Scholarship (TOPS) award for summer classes depends on appropriations from the Louisiana Legislature. To use TOPS during the summer, students must enroll full-time and meet specific requirements; using TOPS in this way will count as one semester toward their eight-semester eligibility limit.
LSU recommends that students research all available options and plan ahead when considering how to fund their summer education experience. More information about financial aid, scholarships, and payment plans is available on LSU’s Strategize Your Summer website.
