Let’s get social.
Our mission is to assist students and parents in obtaining the funds needed to help them achieve their academic goals. The Financial Aid Office strives to:
The Financial Aid Office at Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico is committed to the following principles established by the National Association of Student Aid Professionals (NASFAA).
The Financial Aid Office personnel shall:
To determine a student’s eligibility for federal aid, the student must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Some financial aid programs, such as state grants, student loans, and federal work-study, require an additional application.
The student must reapply for financial aid every year. Since federal and state funding is limited, students are encouraged to apply as soon as possible after October 1 each year. New students should apply for financial aid at least two months before the first day of classes for the period in which they will enroll. Regular students must submit their application before the end of December.
Follow these steps to complete your FAFSA:
Transfer Students
Financial aid awards cannot be transferred automatically from one post-secondary institution to another. The student must correct the FAFSA application to include Polytechnic University’s Code: 014255. After the Financial Aid Office receives your FAFSA results, we can determine your eligibility for the available financial aid programs.
Transfer students with previous student loans can defer paying loan payments if enrolled at least half-time. The deferment will not be automatically granted with enrollment. To defer a student loan, the student must complete an In-School deferment form and submit it to the Registrar’s Office. The deferment forms are available at the loan servicer’s websites.
Awarding Process
The student’s eligibility for financial aid programs will be determined after the FAFSA application is received and the verification process is completed, if selected. The students’ Expected Family Contribution (EFC), and the cost of attendance (COA), will be considered when preparing the award package. The student will not be considered for a Student Loan or the Federal Work-Study program unless a proper program application has been completed. For supplemental aid programs, priority will be given to students with economic need, in order of application processing date.
The student will receive an Award Letter listing the student aid programs awarded for the academic year. Initial student aid awards are offered based on full-time enrollment. Awards may then be adjusted, if applicable, to actual enrollment after the add/drop period for each trimester. Other sources of assistance, such as merit awards and private and institutional scholarships, will be considered when preparing the student award package.
Polytechnic University offers the following financial aid programs to qualified students. The students’ eligibility for these programs will depend on their economic need and the availability of funds. The amount granted to the student could be adjusted based on the student’s academic load for a trimester.
Benacquisto Scholarship Program: This is a merit scholarship for Florida high school graduates recognized as National Merit Scholars. The incentive award will be the institutional cost of attendance minus the sum of the Bright Futures and National Merit awards.
Program Requirements: The student must meet the eligibility requirements to receive state aid, enroll during the fall academic term following high school graduation, and be enrolled in at least 12 credits per term.
Federal Pell Grant: This need-based program is available to undergraduate students who have not yet earned their first bachelor’s degree. For the 2021-2022 academic year, the maximum annual award is $6,495 for a student with an EFC = “0”. Amounts will be adjusted based on the student’s academic load.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG): Program available to Pell-eligible undergraduate students with exceptional financial need (students with EFC = 0). For the 2021-2022 academic year, the maximum annual FSEOG award is $600. Trimester amounts will be adjusted based on the student’s academic load and the availability of funds. Priority will be given to eligible students who have completed the FAFSA before the due date.
Program Requirements: Be enrolled in at least nine credits per trimester. Minimum GPA of 2.00.
Florida Bright Futures Scholarship: A program that establishes three lottery-funded scholarships to reward Florida high school graduates for high academic achievement.
Initial Eligibility Requirements: The student must be a Florida resident and meet specific coursework and minimum grade point average (GPA) and test score requirements. Submit an initial application during the last year of high school.
Florida Student Assistance Grant (FSAG): Need-based grant program available to degree-seeking, resident, undergraduate students who demonstrate substantial financial need and are enrolled in participating postsecondary institutions.
Initial Eligibility Requirements: The student must be a Florida resident, not have previously received a baccalaureate degree, be enrolled in 12 credits or more per term, and meet Florida’s general eligibility requirements for receipt of state aid.
Honorably Discharged Graduate Assistance Program: This is a supplemental, need-based educational benefit for veterans. Funds are to be used to assist in the payment of living expenses during holiday and semester breaks for active duty and honorably discharged members of the Armed Forces who served on or after September 11, 2001.
Program Requirements: The student must meet the eligibility requirements to receive state aid, be an active duty or honorably discharged member of the Armed Forces, be enrolled in a program of study, have completed an error-free FAFSA, and have sufficient unmet need.
Jose Marti Scholarship Challenge Grant Fund: This program is a need-based merit scholarship that provides financial assistance to eligible students of Hispanic origin who will attend Florida public or eligible private institutions. Applicants for undergraduate study must apply during their senior year of high school. Graduate students may apply, but scholarships are given priority to graduating high school seniors. The number of new awards made each year depends on contributions from private sources and on funds appropriated by the Florida Legislature.
Initial Eligibility Requirements: The student must meet residency requirements, have earned, by the end of the seventh semester, a minimum unweighted cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in high school for an undergraduate scholarship, or a 3.0 institutional cumulative GPA for undergraduate college work if applying for a graduate level scholarship, and enroll each academic term for a minimum of 12 credit hours for undergraduate study or 9 credit hours for graduate study per term.
Scholarships for Children and Spouses of Deceased or Disabled Veterans and Service members (CSDDV): This program provides scholarships for dependent children or unremarried spouses of Florida veterans or service members who died as a result of service-connected injuries, diseases, or disabilities sustained while on active duty or who have been certified by the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs as having service-connected 100% permanent and total disabilities. CSDDV also provides funds for dependent children whose parent is classified as a prisoner of war or missing in action by the Armed Forces of the United States or as civilian personnel captured while serving with the consent or authorization of the United States Government during wartime service.
Initial Eligibility Requirements: Contact the Financial Aid officer for requirements for the veteran or service member and for the child or spouse.
**Some Federal and State student aid programs have additional eligibility requirements. If you have been convicted for the sale or possession of illegal drugs while you were receiving federal student aid, your eligibility may be affected. (See notification included in this guide, page 21) To find out your status, call the Federal Student Aid Information Center 1-800-433-3243 or go to www.fafsa.gov.
Student Aid Application Guide (pdf file)
Create or retrieve your FSA ID
https://fsaid.ed.gov/npas/index.htm
How to create your FSA ID (video)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lLi0q7hkFns
Complete your FAFSA
https://fafsa.ed.gov/
Federal Student Aid Gateway
https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/redirects/federal-student-aid-ed-gov
Florida State Scholarship and Grant Programs
http://www.floridastudentfinancialaid.org/SSFAD/home/uamain.htm
How to fill out the FAFSA? (video)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LK0bbu0y5AM
After the FAFSA: What happens next? (video)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1c1gNefSw78
Career One Stop Scholarship Finder
https://www.careeronestop.org/
Hispanic Heritage Scholarship Fund of Metro Orlando
http://www.hhsfmo.org/#home
Hispanic Scholarship Fund
https://hsf.net/
Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities
http://www.hacu.net/hacu/default.asp
Information on scholarship scams
https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/types/scams
Scholarships Database
http://www.educationplanner.org/
Student Loans
A student loan is a low-interest loan available to students to help them cover their college tuition costs. This is a form of financial aid that students must repay after completing their program of study or when they cease their studies. Federal student loans are guaranteed by the United States Department of Education.
Federal Direct Student Loan Programs
Subsidized Direct Loan: Under this program, the U.S. Department of Education will pay the loan interests while you are in school at least half-time (6 credits undergraduate or 3 credits graduate), during the grace period, and during deferment periods. The loan amount is determined by considering the student’s economic need, expected family contribution, and academic level.
Unsubsidized Direct Loan: Under this program, the student is responsible for paying all loan interest that will accrue from the first disbursement. The loan amount is determined by considering the student’s economic need and academic level.
Direct PLUS Loan: This program is available to eligible graduate students and to the parents of eligible dependent undergraduate students. The borrower’s eligibility for a PLUS loan will be based on the borrower’s credit history. The Plus loan amount should not exceed the student’s economic need.
Read more…
Federal Student Loans Basics for Students (pdf booklet)
Federal PLUS Loan Basics for Parents (pdf booklet)
Student Loan Links
Create or retrieve your FSA ID
https://fsaid.ed.gov/npas/index.htm
Get information on your student loan outstanding balance
www.studentaid.gov
Tools to help you get additional funding for college
http://www.educationplanner.org/
Tools to help you with your student loan debt
http://www.youcandealwithit.com/
Complete your Student Loan Application
https://www.pupr.edu/orlando/services/financial-aid-services/loan-application-form/
Before completing your Student Loan Application, you must:
Every student should comply with all eligibility requirements in each trimester to be eligible to receive student loan funds. If you do not meet the eligibility requirements when the Institution receives your loan funds, those funds will be returned to the federal government.
Annual Loan Limits for Student’s Grade Level
| Credits | Grade Level | Loan Program | Loan Limits | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate Program | Dependent Student | Independent Student | ||
| 0 – 30 | 1 | Subsidized | $ 3,500 | $ 3,500 |
| Unsubsidized | $ 2,000 | $ 6,000 | ||
| 31 – 60 | 2 | Subsidized | $ 4,500 | $ 4,500 |
| Unsubsidized | $ 2,000 | $ 6,000 | ||
| 61 – 90 | 3 | Subsidized | $ 5,500 | $ 5,500 |
| Unsubsidized | $ 2,000 | $ 7,000 | ||
| 91 – 120 | 4 | Subsidized | $ 5,500 | $ 5,500 |
| Unsubsidized | $ 2,000 | $ 7,000 | ||
| 120 or more | 5 | Subsidized | $ 5,500 | $ 5,500 |
| Unsubsidized | $ 2,000 | $ 7,000 | ||
| Graduate Program | Subsidized | $ 0 | ||
| Unsubsidized | $ 20,500 | |||
Interest Rates for Stafford and PLUS Loans under Direct Loan Program
Rates effective July 1, 2018
| Loan Program | Grade Level | Interest rate for loans first disbursed between July 1, 2020 and June 30, 2021 | Interest rate for loans first disbursed between July 1, 2021 and June 30, 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subsidized Loan | Undergraduate | 2.75% | 3.73% |
| Unsubsidized Loan | Undergraduate | 2.75% | 3.73% |
| Unsubsidized Loan | Graduate | 4.30% | 5.28% |
| PLUS Loan | Parents and Graduate Students | 5.30% | 6.28% |
Origination Fees: An origination fee will be deducted proportionately from each loan disbursement to cover processing costs incurred by the Federal Government.
| Type of Loan | Origination Fee for Loans first disbursed between between October 1, 2020 and September 30, 2021 | Origination Fee for Loans first disbursed between October 1, 2021 and September 30, 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loan | 1.057% | 1.057% |
| PLUS Loan | 4.228% | 4.228% |
Important information for students applying for federal student loans:
Information you must gather before starting the application process:
Your Federal Student Aid ID. You can create or retrieve your FSAID Username and password at https://fsaid.ed.gov/npas/index.htm.
To apply, please go to the Financial Aid tab in MyPoly.
Important information for parents applying for a Parent PLUS loans:
Information you must gather before starting the application process:
To apply, please go to the Financial Aid tab in MyPoly.
Federal Work Study Program
The Federal Work-Study Program is a self-help program that allows students to earn money while working part-time in the Institution or Community Center. If assigned an In-Campus position, the student will work in a department offering services to students (Library, Tutoring Center or Student Services Offices). If assigned an Off-Campus position, the student will work in a non-profit Center providing services to the community in need (Tutoring in Reading, Mathematics, etc.)
The student’s work schedule should not interfere with his/her academic schedule. The maximum weekly work hours will depend on the annual fund allocation for this program. The hourly wage will be at least the federal minimum wage. The student will receive a paycheck monthly.
Priority for this program is given to students with greater financial need who have indicated in their FAFSA that they are interested in participating in the Work-Study Program and are working toward their first bachelor’s degree. Students applying for this program must also comply with our Standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP Policy).
Florida Work Experience Program (FWEP)
The Florida Department of Education created this program to assist students with financial need. The Florida Work Experience Program encourages community service work and work related to the student’s course of study. Awarding will be based on funds allotted to the Institution and will depend on the availability of open positions for FWEP.
Applicants must complete the Work-Study Application and meet the following eligibility requirements: Be eligible to receive State aid, keep a minimum GPA of 2.00, have satisfactory academic progress, and be enrolled in at least 6 credits.
Basic Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for student aid programs, you must meet the following basic eligibility requirements:
**Some Federal and State student aid programs have additional eligibility requirements. If you have been convicted for the sale or possession of illegal drugs while you were receiving federal student aid, your eligibility may be affected. (See notification included in this guide, page 21) To find out your status, call the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 1-800-433-3243 or go to www.fafsa.gov.
The Verification Process is required by the U.S. Department of Education to validate a student’s eligibility for Federal Student Aid Programs. Your application could be randomly selected for this process by the Department of Education or by the school where there is conflicting information.
Verification Procedures and Policy
The Financial Aid Office at Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico will verify all Institutional Student Information Reports (ISIRs) selected by the U.S. Department of Education for the Verification Process and those with conflicting information and Comment Flags. The Verification Process will be performed as established by the Federal Government in 34 CFR Part 668.16 (F). The Verification Process will cover all Federal and State Student Aid Programs.
If the student’s application is selected for the Verification Process, the Financial Aid Office will request the necessary documentation to satisfy the verification requirements. If the Verification Process uncovers errors, the Financial Aid Officer will correct the student’s application. Only students who complete the Verification Process will be considered and receive student aid disbursements.
If the student’s application is selected for the Verification Process after the student aid has been disbursed, no further disbursements will be processed until the Verification Process is completed. If the student cannot satisfy the Verification Process, any disbursed funds could be adjusted or canceled.
The following chart lists the required verification items and acceptable documentation for completing the Verification Process. Documentation will be requested based on the applicant’s verification group and household situation. The Financial Aid Office reserves the right to request further documentation if considered necessary to resolve any conflicting information.
| Required Verification Items | Acceptable Documentation |
|---|---|
| Adjusted gross income | Tax Return Transcript or Income Tax Return (PR) |
| U.S. taxes paid ** | Tax Return Transcript or Income Tax Return (PR) |
| Income earned from work | Tax Return Transcript, Income Tax Return (PR), W-2, Form 1099 MISC |
| Education Credits | Tax Return Transcript or Income Tax Return (PR) |
| Untaxed IRA distributions | Tax Return Transcript or Income Tax Return (PR) |
| Untaxed pensions | Tax Return Transcript or Income Tax Return (PR) |
| IRA deductions and payments | Tax Return Transcript or Income Tax Return (PR) |
| Payments to tax-deferred pension plans | W-2 |
| Tax-exempt interest | Tax Return Transcript or Income Tax Return (PR) |
| Other untaxed income such as Social Security Benefits, pensions, money received from relatives, Veterans non-educational benefits | Social Security Benefits – Form 1099 SSA Certification of Benefit, Written statement, Verification Worksheet |
| Household Size | Verification Worksheet |
| Number of family members in college | Verification Worksheet |
| Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP / Food Stamps) | Eligibility letter or Certification from the Family and Children Department |
| Child support paid/received | Divorce decree, separation agreement, Certification from Clerk of Court or ASUME, copies of cashed checks/electronic payments |
| High school completion status | High school diploma, recognized equivalent evidence or home school credential, and Verification Worksheet |
| Identity/statement of educational purposes | Government-issued photo identification and Verification Worksheet |
** Non-tax filers will be required to submit a Non-Filing Tax Transcript to confirm a Tax Return was not filed.
Student’s Responsibility in the Verification Process
It is the student’s responsibility to:
STANDARD OF SATISFACTORY ACADEMIC PROGRESS FOR STUDENTS WITH FINANCIAL AID
POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF PUERTO RICO
The Financial Aid Office’s Standard of Satisfactory Academic Progress establishes the evaluation criteria for determining a student’s academic progress, which is one of the eligibility requirements for participation in student financial aid from Federal, State, Institutional, and Private Programs.
The minimum federal components for measuring satisfactory academic progress require three specific measures: qualitative, quantitative, and the maximum timeframe for receiving Federal aid. These three components provide a measure of the reasonable progress the student should have to complete the academic career successfully.
Evaluation Criteria for Undergraduate Students
Bachelor’s Degrees Total Earned Credits* Minimum Required GPA
0 – 36 1.50
37 – 72 1.65
73 – 108 1.80
109 + 2.00
*Total Earned Credits includes transferred credits and completed credits at PUPR.
Credits transferred from other colleges or universities are not taken into consideration to calculate the GPA, but are considered to calculate the student’s level or year.
The maximum timeframe will be determined using credit hours.
▪The maximum time must be 150% of the credit hours required to complete the program degree.
▪All attempted credits, even those in which the student did not receive financial aid, count towards the established maximum.
▪This policy includes and measures students who are enrolled half-time or less than half-time.
▪All courses attempted in the institution, except for developmental courses, will be included. Transferred courses will also be included to measure the maximum timeframe.
▪Changes of Major or School (e.g., from Engineering to Architecture) will be measured under the new concentration requirements (total required credits). All courses taken at PUPR, including credits from the previous Major/School and the new Major/School, will be included.
Example:
Maximum timeframe (120 credits x 150% = 180 attempted credits)
PROBATION OR SUSPENSION
The student’s Satisfactory Academic Progress process is evaluated once a year, at the end of the academic year (June).
If the student does not meet one of the evaluation criteria under the Satisfactory Academic Progress policy, the student will be placed on probation or suspension. The Financial Aid Office will notify the students about the status.
Probation Status
A student who does not comply with the Standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress for the first time is put on probation status. While on probation, the student does not qualify for any Federal, State, or Institutional aid programs. Students on probation may appeal their probation status and, if approved, may be eligible to receive Federal, State, and Institutional aid.
Procedure for Appealing a Probation Status
1.The student must complete the Appeal Form and carefully follow the instructions.
2.The Academic Progress Appeal Form and supporting documentation must be received in the Financial Aid Office before the stated deadline.
3.Once submitted, the appeal will be evaluated by the Satisfactory Academic Progress Committee.
a.If approved continue to step #4.
b.If denied, the student will not be eligible for Federal, State, or Institutional aid until the student complies with the Standard of Satisfactory Academic Progress.
4.Plan to improve your academic progress:
a.Once the appeal is approved, the student will be referred to meet with the Academic Dean to establish an academic plan for the following term. The academic plan will be established at the beginning of each trimester.
b.Sign the academic plan agreement with the Academic Dean.
Submit the established academic plan to the Financial Aid Office to reactivate your financial aid.
Suspension Status
A student who does not overcome probation status is placed on suspension. A student in suspension status does not qualify for Federal, State, or Institutional aid. Students in suspension status cannot appeal to the Satisfactory Academic Progress Committee.
A student in a suspension status may be eligible to receive Federal, State, and Institutional aid funds when the student complies with the Standard of Satisfactory Academic Progress.
Student Aid Cancellation and Refusals
Students may refuse to accept any financial aid award. For this purpose, the student may notify the Financial Aid Office in writing to refuse aid that has been awarded prior to disbursement. If the student aid has already been disbursed, the student is required to notify in writing within fourteen days of the credit.
Students who do not officially withdraw (unofficial total withdrawal) and receive a WU grade in all enrolled courses will only earn 50% of the federal funds received. The student would be responsible for any outstanding balances resulting from the return of Title IV funds.
Return of Financial Aid
Students who drop or withdraw may have to repay a portion or all of the financial aid they received. Students who enroll but do not attend class may also be required to repay any received financial aid.
If an over-reward occurs, the student’s award package will be reduced, which may result in a repayment. To avoid over-awards, students must notify the Financial Aid Office of any potential awards, such as private scholarships or vocational rehabilitation benefits, that were not included in the Award Letter.
**Refer to the Federal Financial Aid Return Policy for more information on the calculation procedure and for an example of the calculation.
Satisfactory Academic Progress – Undergraduate Students (pdf)
Satisfactory Academic Progress – Graduate Students (pdf)
Do you need more information regarding the Financial Aid Programs and Procedures at Polytechnic University, Orlando Campus? Feel free to contact Ms. Ileana Díaz, Financial Aid Officer, at 407-677-7000 ext. 806 or idiaz@pupr.edu.
