Financial Aid Handbook

Financial Aid Basics

Financial aid is money provided to assist you in meeting college costs. Federal, state, and institutional funding are three sources of financial aid. The following are the different types of aid that you may receive:

  • Grants are free awards that are based on financial need and do not have to be repaid unless you are awarded funds incorrectly or you withdraw from school and you owe a refund.
  • Scholarships are non-repayable awards based either on merit or special talent alone or on merit and financial need.
  • Federal Work-Study allows students to earn money through part-time employment on-campus while attending school.
  • Loans are available to students or their parents at low interest rates with repayment usually deferred until after graduation.

Most financial aid programs require financial need and are based on family income. However, in addition to need, you must meet the certain eligibility criteria.

Learn more about Eligibility for Federal Student Aid here.


The financial aid information you and your family provide on the FAFSA is analyzed to determine the expected family contribution (EFC). The EFC is the amount you and your family should be able to pay toward your cost of education. The primary responsibility for paying for your education belongs to you and your family. The following formula is used:

College Budget (Cost of Attendance) - Expected Family Contribution = Financial Need

More information can be found at Eligibility here.

Review the financial aid dates and deadlines page for critical information regarding the timing of the financial aid process. Other key dates and deadlines can be found on the Registrar's calendar an critical dates page.


What is Cost of Attendance?

When comparing financial aid packages from other schools, make sure you are comparing the total cost of attending that school, not just the total financial aid awarded. It is important for you to budget and make wise decisions regarding how to utilize the financial aid funds you receive. Students are not allowed to receive aid that exceeds their cost of attendance. Learn more about Cost of Attendance here.

Understanding Cost of Attendance

Tuition and Fees: The average cost of tuition and fees for a typical student based on enrolling for a certain number of hours per year. The actual costs that a student incurs will vary depending on the student’s degree and residency.

Room and Board: A reasonable estimate of what it would cost to live while attending school. Actual costs may vary by individual choices related to location and circumstances. Typically includes rent, food, snacks, household supplies and utilities.

Books and Supplies: The average cost of books and supplies for a typical student for an entire academic year. Typically includes books, educational supplies, course materials, and computer-related expenses excluding the purchase of a personal computer.

Transportation: Represents travel costs for the average number of trips the typical student might take. What you spend on travel may be higher or lower depending on your number of trips, distance, and mode of travel.

Personal Expenses and Miscellaneous: Estimate of costs for clothing, haircuts, entertainment and other miscellaneous expenses. What you spend on these types of items may be higher or lower depending on your own lifestyle.

SF Cost of Attendance

SF offers a high quality education at an affordable price. The cost figures listed in the cost of attendance represent average, estimated, full-time costs for the academic year (fall and spring semesters). To view current undergraduate budgets please visit the Cost of Attendance webpage.



To keep your classes from dropping off your schedule, and to (later) be able to use financial aid at the bookstore, you'll need to have financial aid awards already in place long before classes start. Here's how to have the best experience getting your financial aid in place:

  • Complete the FAFSA if you haven't already.
    • You have to do this each year, and it is available on October 1st of the year before you start school.
  • Log into My FA Status on your eSantaFe student portal.
    • My FA Status has your next steps and requirements for successfully enrolling and getting your financial aid in place, like turning in financial aid documents.
  • Read your notifications, the website and any communication from SF.
    • Notifications will tell you critical information, let you know that important authorizations need your decision, etc. You should read and respond promptly to all notifications, especially financial aid ones!
  • Take action promptly.
    • Turn in all requested transcripts and documents promptly through your My FA status page in eSantaFe. The longer you wait, the longer it takes for financial aid to be awarded.
  • Continue to monitor eSantaFe and read notifications.
    • Once your financial aid is awarded to hold classes and (later) provide a bookstore line of credit, you'll want to know how to do these things. eSantaFe, the website and notifications are important to staying on top of your financial aid account to make sure you're taking actions at the right times.

See the website for more information about the Get Your Aid.

Your FSA ID allows you to:

If you are a dependent student and one of your parents has a FSA ID, he or she can sign the application electronically using their FSA ID.

Visit the student aid new account page to create your FSA ID.


To apply for federal student aid, such as federal grants, work-study, and loans, you need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Completing and submitting the FAFSA is free and easier than ever, and it gives you access to the largest source of financial aid to pay for college.

In addition, many states and colleges use your FAFSA information to determine your eligibility for state and school aid, and some private financial aid providers may use your FAFSA information to determine whether you qualify for their aid.

After completion of the FAFSA your school will typically receive your application in about 3 to 5 business days.

Learn more about Apply here.

Santa Fe College uses eSantaFe to send official notifications to students. These notifications include, but are not limited to:

  • Alerts regarding financial aid.
  • Financial Aid award(s).
  • Student records and admissions.
  • Registration and academic status.

To view your financial aid status in eSantaFe please:

  1. Login to eSantaFe
  2. Click “Finances” in the left-hand menu
  3. Click “My FA Status”

You are responsible for accessing your student records and student notifications via eSantaFe. It is strongly advised that you frequently check your eSantaFe account and update your email address in SF's student records system. Failure to do so may cause you to miss critical information that may affect your status (including financial aid) at the college.

Verification is the process established by the U.S. Department of Education to check the accuracy of the information submitted on the FAFSA. Verification may occur any time during the application or awarding process. In most cases, applicants are selected by the U.S. Department of Education; however, the college may also select a student. If selected, you will be notified by the federal processor and/or SF. If you selected to use your IRS tax information during the FAFSA application process, you may reduce the documents that are required during verification. You may be asked to provide the following additional documents:

Dependent Student

  • Verification Worksheet, if not exempt
  • Parent's Tax Return Transcript, if the IRS Data Retrieval Tool was not used
  • Student's Tax Return Transcript, if the IRS Data Retrieval Tool was not used
  • Any other documents necessary to verify data

Independent Student

  • Verification Worksheet, if not exempt
  • Student's Tax Return Transcript, if the IRS Data Retrieval Tool was not used
  • Any other documents necessary to verify data

This review may lengthen the processing time by four to eight weeks. No money will be awarded until the verification process has been completed. Each student must complete the verification process before the end of his or her academic year; files are inactivated in 90 days if no response is received. If the student refuses to provide the required verification documents, the case may be referred to the Office of Inspector General for resolution.

Misrepresentation of Circumstances

To maintain the integrity of the programs administered by the Financial Aid Office, all information and documentation submitted must be accurate and authentic. Students must provide complete information on all application forms and supplemental documents. Misrepresentation or the falsification of information and/or statements on application forms for federal financial aid is a violation of law and can be considered a criminal offense subject to penalties under the U.S. Criminal Code.


Under the law (section 479A of the Higher Education Act) financial aid administrators have the authority to make adjustments, on the basis of adequate documentation, and on a case-by-case basis, to address circumstances not reflected in a student’s original Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). If you feel you have special circumstances, please come into our office to speak with a financial aid specialist about your situation.

Award notifications (Financial Aid Offers) are sent through eSantaFe. To see your awards, amounts of aid offered, specific program information, your responsibilities, and the conditions of each award:

  1. Login to eSantaFe
  2. In the left-hand navigation menu click "Finances"
  3. Click "My FA Status"

A deferment uses a funding source to hold your classes so your schedule doesn't drop/purge. Similar to the book charge, a deferment works like a line of credit against your funding source that enables you to "buy" your classes upfront until the funding pays out. This means at least a portion of your tuition and fees balance is temporarily deferred, or postponed, until your financial aid is disbursed, or until the deferment expires.

Learn more about Deferment here.

Important: You must complete the financial aid process and be awarded financial aid to receive a financial aid deferment. For financial aid, students who have a rejected FAFSA, or who have not completed the verification process (including turning in all documents) will not receive a deferment. If you are receiving a scholarship from another organization, we must receive the check or an official agreement mailed from the organization to provide a deferment. They should do this as soon as possible. Non-SF transient students must provide proof of award from their home institution.

A deferment only delays payment using your estimated financial aid award; it does not automatically pay your fees. You are responsible for tuition and fees until a funding source (like financial aid) has applied payment to your account.  Even if your schedule shows a $0.00 balance due, the fee deferment provides only a temporary credit until financial aid is disbursed and does not relieve you of the obligation to pay. Students acknowledge this as part of the registration agreement before registering for classes.

Santa Fe College has partnered with BankMobile, a company that specializes in student refund payment services. For more information about BankMobile please visit their website.

Financial aid disbursements are sent to BankMobile for processing approximately five business days after the Drop With Refund date and as soon as aid is available. Federal Pell Grant, and William D. Ford Federal Direct Loans disbursements must be accepted by the federal government prior to disbursement. Florida Student Assistance Grant, Bright Futures and other state scholarship disbursements will be processed as funds become available and internal reporting is completed. SF Foundation Scholarship disbursements will be processed mid-semester.

Financial aid disbursements will not be processed for students owing an obligation to the college. You are responsible for any debt or overpayment occurring as a result of errors or estimating. The Cashier's Office is located in the Alan J. Robertson Administration Building, Room 52, and is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) for Financial Aid Eligibility Federal regulations (34 CFR 668.34) require a student to move toward the completion of a degree or certificate within an eligible program when receiving financial aid. The full and complete Satisfactory Academic Progress policy is outlined on the Financial Aid website.

Eligibility Students must meet the following criteria:

  • Complete 67% of all credits attempted;
  • Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0;
  • Complete their program of study within the 150% time frame of their degree or eligible certificate program.

Students who have zero credits hours completed for any funded term will be suspended if their overall GPA is below a 2.0 and/or their completion ratio is below 67 percent;

The initial evaluation at SF will be based on all previous institutions attended once the official transcripts are received, evaluated, and posted to the student's record.

Transfer students must have a 2.0 all college cumulative GPA and complete 67% of attempted credits accepted towards their program of study.

Note: Grades of F, I, W, and courses not yet graded are considered attempted but not meeting progress standards for the purposes of financial aid.

Evaluation of Financial Aid Eligibility

  • Standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) are applied at the end of every semester to determine eligibility for the following academic semester. Students must maintain an overall GPA of 2.0 or higher and a completion rate of 67% or more.
  • Students will be placed on financial aid warning if they have not met the standards of satisfactory academic progress for the first time, except in certain specific situations.
  • Students who have zero credits hours completed for any funded term will be suspended if their overall GPA is below a 2.0 and/or their completion ratio is below 67 percent.
  • The evaluation period will be based on attendance in all prior semester(s) and will include all classes attempted whether federal aid was received or not.
  • Credits evaluated will include credits attempted at SF, transfer credits accepted by SF, and courses funded through consortium agreement.
  • Students on probation and following a Financial Aid Academic Progress Plan will be evaluated according to the terms of the progress plan.
  • Students who do not meet the Standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress will be notified via eSantaFe and their status will be available on eSantaFe under My Financial Aid Info.
  • Students may follow the appeal process or the reinstatement procedures as outlined in V, VI, and VII. Students will not have eligibility for any further federal aid until they have met Standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress or have been granted an appeal approval.

Clock Hour Programs

  • Students in C.T.C. programs must successfully complete the clock hour course work with a 2.0 GPA for each course funded before additional payment can be made.
  • Students who have zero credits/hours completed for any funded term will lose all subsequent financial aid, regardless of overall GPA and completion ratio.
  • Duration of eligibility will be limited to the published length of the program.
  • Students must complete their program of study within the 150% time frame of their eligible certificate program.

Maximum Time Frame Eligibility

  • Students who have attempted more than 150% of the credits required for their program of study are not considered to be making Satisfactory Academic Progress and therefore, are ineligible for financial aid funds. Remedial hours will be excluded from the maximum time frame determination.
  • Students seeking second degrees and students with double majors are monitored like any other student under this policy. If the student exceeds the maximum time frame allowed for their respective programs, the student may appeal if they have mitigating circumstances.
  • Students will not have financial aid eligibility if they exceed the maximum time frame unless an appeal is approved. A student may appeal as outlined in V.
  • Students given a maximum time frame appeal will be placed on a Financial Aid Academic Progress Plan (FAAPP) and are required to successfully complete 100% of all future coursework while on the FAAPP.

Repeated, Audited, Consortium, Remedial Courses, Enrollment

  • Students will be eligible for financial aid if they repeat courses they previously did not pass, provided other SAP criteria are met.
  • All classes taken must be counted as attempted classes regardless of grade forgiveness or academic petitions for withdrawals.
  • Audited courses, continuing education, credit by examination, and any credit for prior learning option (as outlined in the catalog) are excluded when determining eligibility for financial aid.
  • Courses funded through a consortium agreement are included in determining academic progress.
  • Eligible English as a Second Language (ESL) course work is treated the same as other courses. Grades received in these courses will be used in calculating the GPA and credit hours attempted will be used in determining the percentage of completion, as well as, maximum time frame.
  • Remedial credits will be included in the evaluation of GPA and 67% completion. Remedial hours will be excluded from the maximum time frame determination.
  • Funding for remedial course work will be limited to 30 credit hours regardless of whether the student received any financial aid for these college preparatory courses, including remedial hours transferred from another institution. Once the student has attempted 30 credit hours in remedial courses, the student is no longer eligible to receive financial aid for additional remedial hours.
  • Enrollment in any part of the term will be considered in the respective fall, spring, or summer terms to be evaluated for SAP. Evaluations will occur at the end of the full term; mini-terms are evaluated as part of the full term and not individually.

Appeal Process

  • A student who has lost financial aid eligibility due to extenuating circumstances may appeal.
  • Extenuating circumstances that may be considered include: personal illness or accident, serious illness or death within immediate family, or other circumstances beyond the reasonable control of the student.
  • All appeals must be in writing to the Financial Aid Office and include appropriate documentation.
  • Examples of documentation could include a death certificate, obituary notice, divorce decree, or a letter from a physician, attorney, social services agency, parole officer, employer, etc.
  • The condition or situation must be resolved which will allow the student the ability to complete course work successfully or an appeal will not be granted.

The appeal will result in one of the following:

  • Denial
  • Approval - Students will be placed on Probation for one semester. At the end of the semester the student is expected to meet Standards of Academic Progress.

Student will be placed on a Financial Aid Academic Progress Plan (FAAPP) (See requirements in VI.)
Students will be notified on eSantaFe of the results of the appeal, and of any restrictions or conditions pertaining to their appeal.
In order to regain eligibility for financial aid, the student would need to meet Satisfactory Academic Progress Standards. Students who do not meet the terms of financial aid probation may permanently lose eligibility for federal student aid at Santa Fe College.

Financial Aid Academic Progress Plan (FAAPP)

  • Students that are granted an appeal and are not expected to meet Standards of Academic Progress within the probationary term may be placed on a Financial Aid Academic Progress Plan (FAAPP)
  • Students who are granted an appeal and placed on FAAPP because they do not meet the 2.0 minimum GPA requirements will be expected to earn a "C" or better on all coursework attempted until they meet the minimum Standards of Academic Progress. Once the student meets the minimum requirements, the student is no longer on the FAAPP.
  • Students who are granted an appeal and placed on FAAPP because they do not meet the 67% completion ratio requirement will be expected to earn a "C" or better on all coursework attempted, and must complete 100% of the courses they attempt, until they meet the minimum Standards of Academic Progress. Once the student meets the minimum requirements, the student is no longer on the FAAPP.
  • Students who are granted an appeal and placed on FAAPP because they have exceeded 150% of the maximum time frame will be required to complete 100% of their attempted coursework.
  • Students who are granted an appeal and are on a FAAPP may not change their program of study without an additional appeal.

Reinstatement of Financial Aid Eligibility

  • A student who has lost financial aid eligibility may be reinstated after the student meets the minimum GPA requirement of a 2.0 and a completion rate of 67%.
  • All classes towards the program of study, including those taken at other institutions, will be taken into consideration for reinstatement purposes.
  • A student must be able to complete their degree or certificate within the 150% time frame.
  • It is the student's responsibility to notify the Financial Aid Office when these conditions have been met.
What Happens 1st Term 2nd and Subsequent Terms If you are suspended
If your GPA drops below a 2.0 Warning - Raise your GPA to a 2.0 or higher by the end of the next semester. Suspended - You are not eligible for financial aid You can appeal if you have documented mitigating circumstances that were beyond your control.
If you do not have an overall completion rate of 67% or more Warning - Raise your completion ratio to 67% or higher by the end of the next semester. Suspended - You are not eligible for financial aid You can appeal if you have documented mitigating circumstances that were beyond your control.
If your GPA drops below a 2.0 and your overall completion rate is less than 67% Warning - Raise your completion ratio to 67% or higher AND your GPA to a 2.0 or higher by the end of the next semester. Suspended - You are not eligible for financial aid You can appeal if you have documented mitigating circumstances that were beyond your control.
If you attempt over 150% of your program of study Suspended - You are not eligible for financial aid Suspended - You are not eligible for financial aid You can appeal if you have mitigating circumstances. If your appeal is approved you will need to successfully complete 100% of all classes are required to maintain an overall GPA of 2.0 or higher.

How to Keep Your Financial Aid

  • Complete 67% of all classes attempted
  • Maintain an overall Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.0 or higher
  • Complete your degree within the 150% time frame (i.e. an associate degree of 60 credit hours must be completed within 90 credit hours)
  • Become familiar with SF's Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy

Title IX Disclosure

The Office of Financial Aid is required to report incidents of sexual violence or sexual harassment disclosed through this form to the Title IX Coordinator for follow-up and possible investigation. If you have experienced any form of sexual violence and would like to speak confidentially to a counselor for support, please contact the Counseling and Wellness Center by phone at 352-395-5508 or by visiting Building R, Room 227.


If you plan to transfer to SF during the year, you should:

  • Add the SF Federal School code 001519 to the FAFSA.
  • Tell your current school about your transfer plans and have them cancel your aid at that school.
  • Have all transcripts sent to the Records Office at Santa Fe College. You must submit transcripts for all schools you have attended in your lifetime.
  • Meet Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements after all official transfer course work has been evaluated. All transfer credits as well as attempted course work at SF will be included as attempted credit hours.
  • Review your degree audit and schedule to ensure that your intended coursework will be counting towards your degree(s) / program(s).

What happens with financial aid when I stop attending class or earn all failing grades? Federal regulations require a student to complete the term for which they were funded. If you have withdrawn from all of your classes, stopped attending all your classes, or did not successfully complete any of your classes (received all F's) for non-attendance, the College is required to calculate how much of the semester you did attend to determine how much of the aid you have "earned." You will be required to pay back the portion of financial aid you did not earn.

How is this calculation done? When the Financial Aid Office calculates the Return to Title IV calculation, we must use the last date of enrollment and/ or your last date of academic activity, as reported by your instructors, to determine how much aid you have earned. This date determines how much, if anything, you must repay if you do not successfully complete any of your courses.

Please note, you may not be required to repay your financial aid under these rules if you only drop one or two courses and remain enrolled in at least one financial aid funded course. It is only required when a student is no longer enrolled in or does not pass all courses for a term (A and B terms included).

Dropping and withdrawing also affects Satisfactory Academic Progress and has other long-term affects. Please consider exhausting all academic support and resources before taking those options.


If you withdraw from any or all of your classes, you may have to repay some federal aid, even if you have petitioned to have the classes removed from your transcript. Please review the Federal Repayment Policy. Always check with the Financial Aid Office in R-122 before withdrawing a class.


As a result of the Higher Education Act of 1998, a student who completely withdraws from classes may be required to repay a percentage of financial aid funds received.

The Registrar's Office, located in R-101, is the designated office to contact about withdrawing from the college. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. For official withdrawal procedures, please see the college catalog.

College refund policy dictates that fees will be refunded in full for course work dropped during the drop with a refund date or canceled by the college. However, the federal repayment policy supersedes the college refund policy for students receiving federal financial aid and completely withdrawing from the college.

For more specific information regarding this policy review the college Return of Title IV Funds webpage or contact the Financial Aid Office at financial.aid@sfcollege.edu.


If you have questions or need help with the financial aid process, you can get questions answered via the Ask SF chatbot 24/7 or email us at financial.aid@sfcollege.edu from your official SF email address ending in @go.sfcollege.edu. You can also call 352-395-5480 or visit the Financial Aid Office in R-122. We are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.


Financial Aid Programs

More information about different programs from different sources can be found on the college's Ways to Pay webpage

Federal Pell Grant

The Federal Pell Grant is a need-based grant and is awarded to low-income undergraduates. Eligibility is determined by the federal processor. Award amounts are prorated according to whether a student enrolls full-time, three quarter time, half-time or quarter time. Fees may be deferred and books may be charged to accepted awards.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

FSEOG is a need-based grant program awarded to undergraduates with exceptional need and is given to Pell Grant recipients who applied early as funds are available. Fees may be deferred and books may be charged to accepted awards. A minimum of half-time enrollment status (6-8 hours) per standard term is required for consideration.

Florida Student Assistance Grant (FSAG)

FSAG is a need-based state grant program awarded to undergraduates during the fall and spring semesters only. To be considered, students must have a prior Florida residency classification in Admissions and be enrolled in an eligible degree program. Priority is given to students who applied early as funds are available. New students to SF should complete their residency status in Admissions prior to April 1. All students seeking FSAG should have their financial aid file complete prior to April 1. Awards are distributed to all students until funds are expended in early April. After the fall semester begins, students not enrolled will be identified and their award will be cancelled and then additional students are awarded from a waiting list based on their date of application. Students that received FSAG previous must meet basic renewal criteria. For renewal eligibility, based on enrollment:

  • Full-time students must earn 24 credit hours in previous summer, fall and spring semesters.
  • Half- time (6-8 hours) students must earn 12 credit hours
  • Three-quarter time (9-11 hours) students must complete 18 credit hours

If the award is a combination full-time and part-time FSAG, the student must successfully complete the applicable credit hours for each term. Fees may be deferred and books may be charged to accepted awards.

Florida Student Assistance Grant for Students in Certificate Programs (FSAG-CE)

This is a need-based state grant created to assist Florida students enrolled in certificate programs during the fall and spring semesters only. To be considered, students must have one year prior Florida residency and be enrolled in an eligible degree program. Priority is given to students who applied early as funds are available. Eligibility requirements are similar to those of the Florida Student Assistance Grant (see above). If the award is a combination full-time and part-time FSAG-CE, the student must successfully complete the applicable credit hours for each term. Fees may be deferred and books may be charged to accepted awards. The student does not have to receive the Pell Grant to receive an FSAG-CE program grant.

Florida Work Experience Program (FWEP)

This is a need-based state funded program providing eligible students work experience to complement and reinforce their educational career goals. To be eligible, the student must be a Florida resident and be enrolled at least half-time. Awards range from 10-15 hours per week. Students are paid minimum wage bi-monthly. Students who are awarded should contact the Financial Aid Work Study office in R-122 for job placement. A minimum of half-time enrollment status (6-8 hours) per standard term is required for consideration.

Federal Work Study (FWS)

This is a need-based student work program awarded to students based on an early application. In addition, students already placed in a position from the previous award year will be reconsidered for the following year for the same position based on the supervisor's request. Awarded to students based on an early application. In addition, students already placed in a position from the previous award year will be reconsidered for the following year for the same position based on the supervisor's request. Awards are estimated based on 20 hours per week. Students are paid minimum wage bi-monthly. Students who are awarded should view the job postings on eSantaFe.

New awardees should contact with the supervisor to set up an interview. If the supervisor requests the student to be placed, additional paperwork must be completed. Please refer to the College Work Study information on the Financial Aid Web site. As a need- based award, the amount the student earns must fit in a student's budget/ cost of attendance. A minimum of half-time enrollment status (6-8 hours) per term is required for eligibility.


Scholarships are gift aid based on scholastic achievement or special talent; some consider financial need. Several scholarships designated for Santa Fe College students are described below. Many outside organizations offer awards based on place of residence, background, professional affiliations and/or field of study. Free computerized scholarship search assistance is available in the Career Exploration Center. Outside aid is considered in your aid package and must be reported to the Financial Aid Office.

Please note that many upper division schools offer transfer scholarships to outstanding students graduating from Santa Fe College. For information on such scholarships, contact the university or college you plan to attend. Transfer scholarship deadlines are usually early spring for the following fall term.

An electronic version of the following scholarship list is available here.

SF Foundation, Inc

Eligibility requirements for SF Endowment Scholarships vary. Some awards are offered to graduating high school seniors in Alachua and Bradford Counties; others are available to students entering SF automotive, welding, business programs and health related fields. For information on specific scholarships, please visit www.sfcollege.edu/scholarships.

SF Scholarships

By Florida statute, scholarships are funded in part by a portion of every tuition dollar. In-state tuition and fees are charged to these awards, unless otherwise stated in the student's scholarship. In order to be eligible, students must meet minimum Satisfactory Academic Progress standards as set forth here.

This institutional scholarship is a need-based scholarship awarded to out-of-district students with early application as funds are available. Students must be taking course work required for their major; however, any enrollment status will be considered when determining awards.

Board of Trustees Scholarships

This one-year need-based award is offered on a first-come, first serve basis to in-district students who have completed all SF admission requirements and the Federal Application for Student Financial Aid. In order to be eligible, students must meet minimum Satisfactory Academic Progress standards as set forth here.

Athletics Scholarship

This one-year renewable award is offered through the SF Athletics Department to students who excel in baseball, basketball or softball. Students selected by the SF Athletics Department must meet state athletic scholarship guidelines for eligibility and renewal. Full-time enrollment is required. Contact the Athletics Department at 352-395-5535 for more information.

Fine Arts Scholarship

This one-year renewable award is offered through SF's Fine Arts Department to students who excel in art, dance, music or theater. Consideration of candidates is based on auditions, portfolio, interview and recommendation. Students must enroll in courses relating to award, and full-time enrollment is required. Contact the Fine Arts Chairperson at 352-395-5296 for more information.

College Achievement Program

This award is offered each year to outstanding participants in the College Achievement Program. Full-time enrollment is required and students must maintain a 2.5 cumulative GPA for renewal. Contact the Office of Diversity at 352-395-5486 for more information.

James Gregg Honors Program

The Honors Program Scholarship Committee will award up to twenty scholarships per academic year to selected students from the Honors Program. Each scholarship will be granted for one year, renewable up to two consecutive years if academic standards are met. For additional information contact the Honors Program at 352-381-3825 or visit Building B, Room 213, for more information.

Public Service

This scholarship is offered to selected students who are participating in the Gainesville Police Department's Cadet Program. Students are expected to attend full time and must maintain a 2.0 cumulative GPA for renewal. Contact GPD Crime Prevention at 352-334-2444 for more information.

Student Ambassador

This one-year award is offered through SF's Office of Admissions to 16 students selected to represent the college for the fall and spring terms. Students must have earned at least 18 credit hours at SF with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 to apply for consideration. Contact the program coordinator at 352-395-5453 for more information.

Student Government

This scholarship is awarded to the current academic year Student Government leadership team. Students must maintain a 2.5 cumulative GPA and must comply with the Student Government constitution to remain eligible. Students should contact the Student Government Office in the Center for Student Leadership and Activities at 352-395-5913 for more information.

Career and Technical Education

This scholarship is available to students enrolled in SF's Career and Technical Education Programs. Students must maintain a 3.0 SF cumulative GPA for renewal. For additional information contact the Office of Career and Technical Education Program at 352-381-3646 or in Building I, Room 034.

Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society

Over $35 million in local, regional, and international scholarships is available to Phi Theta Kappa. For more details, please contact the Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship Committee in Building S, Room 154 or email ptkscholarship@sfcollege.edu. To find out when the scholarship committee meets, call 352-395-4105.

Barry Goldwater Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to college students who intend to pursue careers in math, natural sciences and engineering fields. Email honors@sfcollege.edu for more information.

Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship

This scholarship awards approximately 50 scholarships to undergraduate students attending community colleges or two-year institutions in the U.S. who are planning to transfer to four-year institutions. Email honors@sfcollege.edu for more information.

Hispanic Scholarship Fund

Offered to community college students who plan to transfer and enroll in a degree-seeking program at a four-year U.S. accredited institution in the U.S. Visit hsf.net or call 877-HSF-INFO for more information.

Native American/Morris K. Udall Scholarship

This scholarship is offered to Native Americans and Alaska native students who have demonstrated commitment to careers related to the environment, tribal public policy or native health. Visit udall.gov or call 520-901-8500 for more information.

The Foundation of the National Student Nurses' Association Undergraduate Scholarship Program

This program is offered to students currently enrolled in one of the nursing programs. Visit nsna.org or call 718-210-0705 for more information.

State of Florida Programs

The Florida Department of Education offers various student financial assistance programs which are administered by the Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA) in Tallahassee. These programs include Florida Bright Futures, Florida Student Assistant Grant, Jose Marti Scholarship Challenge Grant, Scholarships for Children and Spouses of Deceased or Disabled Veterans and Service members and more. Visit floridastudentfinancialaid.org for more information.

Florida Bright Futures Scholarship

This is a state scholarship awarded to Florida high school graduates who demonstrate high academic achievement. Awards are issued by the State of Florida directly to the eligible student. Initial eligibility is generally determined in your senior year of high school. The program has three levels: Florida Academic Scholars Award, Florida Medallion Scholars Award, and Florida Gold Seal Vocational Scholars Award. The top-ranked scholar from each county will receive an additional award.

Applications and eligibility criteria are available from your high school's guidance office or from the Florida Department of Education Website. SF receives electronic information about eligible scholars from the Florida Department of Education and will receive a notification in eSantaFe when you are awarded. Enrollment in at least 6 hours of college-level course work each term is required and the award amounts are estimated for purposes of SF's financial aid award planning. Actual payment depends upon the program regulations and the amount of tuition and fees assessed for the term and will cover up to 45 credit hours of coursework each year. Bright Futures awards are available for fall and spring terms only.

Veteran assistance programs at Santa Fe College are coordinated by the Veterans and Military Success Services Office located in Building R, Room 110 and may be contacted at 352-395-5505. Veterans applying for financial aid must report all educational benefits and provide written verification to the Financial Aid Office. Veterans may also be requested to submit a valid DD214 discharge form to the Financial Aid Office for consideration of Independent status, or if records could not confirm service / discharge status.


William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan (Direct Loan Program)

Santa Fe College participates in the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan and the lender is the U.S. Department of Education. Fees may be deferred and books may be charged to accepted loans. The amount of the deferment will be limited to the net loan disbursed. A minimum half-time enrollment status (6-8 hours) per standard term is required for consideration. The loan will be disbursed in two equal installments.

A subsidized loan is awarded on the basis of financial need. If you are eligible for a subsidized loan, the government will pay (subsidize) the interest on your loan while you are enrolled at least half time, for the first six months after you cease to be enrolled at least half time, and if you qualify to have your payments deferred. Depending on your financial need, you may borrow subsidized money for an amount up to the annual loan borrowing limit for your level of study (see below).

You might be able to borrow loan funds beyond your subsidized loan amount even if you do not have financial need. In that case, you would receive an unsubsidized loan. We will subtract the total amount of your other financial aid from your cost of attendance to determine the amount of your unsubsidized loan. Unlike a subsidized loan, you are responsible for the interest from the time the unsubsidized loan is disbursed until it's paid in full. You can choose to pay the interest while in school or allow it to accumulate and be added to the principal amount of your loan. If you do not pay the interest while in school, the accumulated interest will increase the loan amount you have to repay.

You can receive a subsidized loan and an unsubsidized loan for the same enrollment period as long as you do not exceed the annual loan limits. For loans first disbursed on or after July 1, 2008 the following limits apply:

Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loan Limits:

Dependent undergraduate student (excluding students whose parents cannot borrow Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS Loan).

$5500 if you are a first-year student enrolled in an eligible program of study. No more than $3500 of this amount can be in subsidized loans.

$6500 if you've completed your first year of study in an associate degree program. No more than $4500 of this amount can be in subsidized loans.

$7500 if enrolled in a bachelor degree program of study. No more than $5500 of this amount can be in subsidized loans.

Independent undergraduate student

$9500 if you are a first-year student enrolled in an eligible program of study. No more than $3500 of this amount may be in subsidized loans.

$10500 if you've completed your first year of study in an associate degree program. No more than $4500 of this amount may be in subsidized loans.

$12500 if enrolled in a bachelor degree program of study. No more than $5500 of this amount may be in subsidized loans.

Interest Rates

The interest rate varies depending on the loan type and (for most types of federal student loans) the first disbursement date of the loan. For current interest rates for Direct Subsidized Loans, Direct Unsubsidized Loans, and Direct PLUS Loans please see the interest rates tables located on studentaid.gov.

Loan Fees for Direct Subsidized Loans and Direct Unsubsidized Loans

Most federal student loans have loan fees that are a percentage of the total loan amount. The loan fee is deducted proportionately from each loan disbursement you receive while enrolled in school. This means the money you receive will be less than the amount you borrow. You’re responsible for repaying the entire amount you borrowed and not just the amount you received.

To view current loan fees for Direct Subsidized Loans, Direct Unsubsidized Loans, and Direct PLUS please visit studentaid.gov.

Loan Proration

Loan proration is a reduction of the standard annual loan limit for an undergraduate student. Proration of the loan amount is required if the student's program, or the remainder of the student's program, is less than a full academic year (24 credits) in length.

Borrower Responsibilities

Inform Santa Fe College or the Federal government if any changes that take place in your name, permanent address, name and address of expected employer, address of next of kin, and/or your enrollment status to less than half-time.

30-Day Hold

If you are a first-year undergraduate student and a first-time borrower, SF will hold your first payment until 30 days after the first day of your enrollment period. This ensures you will not have a loan to repay if you withdraw during the first 30 days of classes.

Entrance Counseling

If this is your first Federal Direct Loan or you are transferring from another institution, you must complete Loan Entrance Counseling at studentaid.gov.

Master Promissory Note

If this is your first Federal Direct Loan, you must sign a Master Promissory Note (MPN), a binding legal document that lists the conditions under which you are borrowing and under which you agree to repay your loan. Go to studentaid.gov to complete an MPN. If you are unable to complete the MPN online, contact the Financial Aid Office for assistance.

Exit Counseling

Exit counseling helps students gain the fundamentals they need to understand and manage their student loan debt. The institution is required to conduct exit counseling for every student at the school who borrowed a Stafford loan if the student ceases to be enrolled at least half time. You will receive exit counseling information through your eSantaFe account and/or via mail. It is important that you complete exit counseling to understand repayment options and your rights and responsibilities as a borrower. It is very important that you make your full loan payments on time either monthly or according to your repayment schedule. If you fail to make your payments on a timely basis, you will be in default, and face serious consequences that will impact your future finances.

To complete your exit counseling electronically please go to studentaid.gov.

Repaying Your Loans

After you graduate, leave school, or drop below half-time enrollment, you will have a six month grace period before you have to begin repayment. If you are a parent reading this and you have a Direct PLUS Loan, you do not have a grace period and must begin repayment within 60 days after the loan is fully disbursed. You have a choice of repayment plans. Your monthly payment will depend on the size of your debt and the length of your repayment period. To calculate the repayment of your loans please use the Loan Repayment Calculator located on studentaid.gov.

How will I get the loan money?

For the Direct Loan program, you will be paid through your school in at least two installments. No installment may exceed one-half of your loan amounts. Your loan money is first applied to pay for tuition and fees, room and board, and other school charges. If loan money remains, you will receive the funds by check or in cash, unless you give the school written authorization to hold the funds until later in the enrollment period.

Get Your Loan Information

The U.S. Department of Education's National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) allows you to access information on loan and/or federal grant amounts, your loan status (including outstanding balances), and disbursements. Go to studentaid.gov to access this information.

Parent Plus Loans (PPLs) are unsubsidized loans that a parent may apply for on behalf of their dependent undergraduate student. These loans are to help pay student's education expenses by borrowing up to the Cost of Attendance, less the total financial aid awarded to student.

Who is eligible for a Direct Plus Loan?

  • Must be a parent (biological, adoptive, or in some cases stepparent) of a dependent undergraduate student.
  • Borrower and dependent must be US citizens or eligible noncitizens
  • Borrower and dependent must not be in default on any other federal loans or owe overpayment to the any previous federal aid program.
  • Student must be enrolled at least half-time (6 credit hours) and enrolled in course work in the degree they are seeking
  • Student must meet the general requirements for federal student aid, including requirements for Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP).

How to apply for a Direct Plus Loan?

Other Important Information

  • Interest Rate & Loan Origination Fees: studentaid.ed.gov/types/loans/plus
  • Disbursements: Parent Plus Loans (PPLs) are disbursed with the same parameters as other Direct Loans. All deferments will be paid prior to the remaining balances being disbursed based on borrower's preference.
  • Repayments: PPL repayments begin once the loan has been fully disbursed.
  • Parent Plus Loans (PPLs) are non-transferable to the student. The borrower is responsible for repaying the loan(s).
  • If a Parent Plus Loans (PPLs) is denied a dependent student may request to be awarded additional unsubsidized loans by completing Revision of Award request form.

For further information regarding Direct Plus Loans information visit StudentAid.gov or watch a short Financial Aid TV video

First Time Loan Borrowers Have a 30-Day Hold:

If you are a first-year undergraduate student and a first-time borrower, SF will hold your first payment until 30 days after the first day of your enrollment period. This ensures you will not have a loan to repay if you withdraw during the first 30 days of classes.

First Time Loan Borrowers Must Complete Entrance Counseling:

If this is your first Federal Direct Loan or you are transferring from another institution, you must complete Loan Entrance Counseling at studentaid.gov.

First Time Loan Borrowers Must Complete a Master Promissory Note:

If this is your first Federal Direct Loan, you must sign a Master Promissory Note (MPN), a binding legal document that lists the conditions under which you are borrowing and under which you agree to repay your loan. Go to studentaid.gov to complete an MPN. If you are unable to complete the MPN online, contact the Financial Aid Office for assistance.

Enrollment Status and Financial Aid

Maximum eligibility for funding is based on a full-time enrollment status; however, part-time students may be eligible for financial aid. Financial aid must be calculated by determining a student's enrollment status based only on course work applicable to the student's degree or certificate at Santa Fe College.

Enrollment status categories for funding are as follows:

  • Full-time status is 12 credit hours or more;
  • Three-quarter time status is 9 to 11 credit hours;
  • Half-time status is 6 to 8 credit hours;
  • Less than half-time status is 1-5 credit hours. Students who plan to register for less than full-time enrollment status should pay close attention to the eligibility requirements listed.

Examples of enrollment status and financial aid eligibility:

Melissa's program of study is an Associate in Arts (A.A.) 1133 and she has completed all of her SF degree requirements (60 credits). During the fall of 2016, she is registered for 13 credit hours of prerequisites required for admittance to the upper division of a state university that she wants to transfer to in the spring of 2017. Because her fall 2016 courses do not apply to her degree at SF, her financial aid enrollment status is zero hours and she is not eligible for financial aid.

Course Credit Hours
INR 2002 International Relations 3
SPN 1121 Spanish 2 4
STA 2023 3
Introduction to Statistics 3
CPO 2001 Comparative Politics 3

John's program is an Associate in Science (A.S.) 3315 Nuclear Medicine Technology and his fall 2013 registration of 9 credits includes a 3 credit hour class ENC 1102 that is not applicable to his degree at SF. His enrollment status for financial aid is 6 hours (half time).

Course Credit Hours
NMT1111 Patient Care 3
NMT1430 Radiation Biology 3
ENC 1102 Writing/Lit 3

What is a standard term? What is a flexterm? What is a module?

A standard term runs the full length of a semester while a flexterm occurs within the standard term at an accelerated pace. For example, the Fall Standard Term runs from August to December, the fall A flexterm runs from August to the middle of October and the fall B flexterm runs from the middle of October to December. Your financial aid awards will be based on your enrollment in ALL sessions at the end of the standard term's Drop With Refund date. This date normally occurs within the first week of a standard term and is referred to as your "lock-in" date.

As previously mentioned, the lock-in date is a snapshot of your enrollment for ALL sessions (the standard term and/or any flexterms) within the semester and it will be used to determine all your financial aid. However, if your application is processed by the federal government after the lock-in date for the standard fall term then your registration will be locked-in at the processed date or the date that your financial aid is initially calculated by SF, whichever is later. As a result, it is extremely important to register for any flexterms you plan on attending before the standard term's Drop With Refund date.

Should you choose to only enroll in a B flexterm, than your enrollment for the B flexterm will be locked-in at the end of the B flexterm's Drop With Refund date. If you have any questions about flexterm enrollment and its impact of your financial aid, please contact the Financial Aid Office at financial.aid@sfcollege.edu.

Adjustment of Financial Aid Awards

Federal Pell Grant

Adjustment at Pell Recalculation Date: After the Pell Recalculation Date there are no increases to the Pell Grant and the awards based on Pell Grant (such as FSEOG & FSAG). Your award will be based on your recorded enrollment status and it will not increase after the Pell Recalculation Date.

You will receive a tentative financial aid award based on full-time enrollment. At the Pell Recalculation Date (which is the end of the regular drop with a refund date), your enrollment status and degree is recorded and your award may be adjusted. The examples below illustrate the adjustment of a 4-month full-time award (standard term). Note that the amount of your actual financial aid award depends upon your calculated need.

Federal Pell Grant is based on your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) and the number of credits you are taking each semester. If you are enrolled for less than 12 hours, your Pell award will be adjusted and, depending on your EFC, your Pell grant may adjust to zero.

See below for details about how your classes (enrollment) can affect the amount of Pell Grant you receive:

  • All incoming Pell Grant students will be shown estimated awards based on full time enrollment before registering for classes.
  • You don't usually have to be enrolled in 12 credit hours to receive the Pell Grant!
    • However, if you enroll in less than 12 credit hours, your Pell Grant will decrease from what is initially estimated/previewed for you, but you may still be eligible for aid if less than full time.
    • Some students may have their award completely cancel if they are less than full time, because of their Expected Family Contribution (EFC)
  • Awards adjust up and down based on your enrollment up until the Last Day to Drop w/ a Refund for the parent term (the major semester).
    • No grant increases can be made after this date, though if you drop classes after this date, the financial aid office may have to decrease your award, per federal rules.
    • See the Enrollment Status and Financial Aid Section of the Financial Aid Handbook for details about how this works.
    • In addition to the note above: If you add classes in mini-terms/flex-terms (i.e. B terms) and you are enrolled in the parent term, you will not get additional Pell Grant for that mini-term!
  • Classes have to count toward your program of study or your Pell Grant will be reduced.
    • If you have red messages on your schedule, then the Pell Grant can't cover those classes.
    • Those classes are outside of your program, or you have 0 hours remaining in that subject area of your degree audit
  • You may also only receive the Pell Grant for a limited time. Learn more about the Lifetime Eligibility Usage (LEU) at Financial Aid TV

Federal Direct Loans

Your Direct Loan will change based on your attendance. Prorating is required if the student's program or the remainder of the student's program is less than a full academic year (24 credits) in length. To be eligible for a loan, you need to register for at least six credit hours each semester. The following is an example based on 6 hours enrollment:

The maximum loan amount will be the annual loan limit multiplied by the number of hours enrolled divided by 24 (the number of hours a full-time student is expected to earn within the academic year).

(5500 X 6) / 24= $1375


Funding for remedial course work will be limited to 30 credit hours regardless of whether or not the student received any financial aid for these remedial (college preparatory courses) credit hours. Aid will be reduced for students whose remedial enrollment exceeds the 30 credit hour limit.

For students receiving financial aid, federal regulations place no limit on the number of ESL (English as a Second Language) credit hours a student may take. Remedial and ESL course work will be included in the determination of satisfactory academic progress.

Students participating in a Santa Fe College Study Abroad program may be eligible to receive financial assistance for their academic credits approved by SF if the coursework is required for the student's program of study at SF. More information can be found on the Study Abroad page.

Important Information

For general inquiries or help with the financial aid process (such as retrieving a username/password or completing the FAFSA) you may contact the federal government's Federal Student Information Center at 800-433-3243 or 800-730-8913. Visit StudentAid.gov in order to complete your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Visit StudentAid.gov to:

  • create a Federal Student Aid ID which you may use to sign your FAFSA.
  • obtain current information regarding student loans.
  • complete a Master Promissory Note and Loan Entrance Counseling.
  • obtain information on grants and loans you previously received.

Visit www.floridastudentfinancialaid.org to obtain information on Florida's student financial aid programs.

Santa Fe College's Office for Advancement Scholarships.

Santa Fe College's Career Exploration Center's scholarship information.

An ombudsman resolves disputes from a neutral, independent viewpoint. The U.S. Department of Education provides the services of the Student Financial Aid Ombudsman who works with student loan borrowers to resolve loan disputes and problems informally. The office can be contacted any of the methods below:

Via telephone: 877-557-2575

Via fax: 606-396-4821

Via online assistance: studentaid.gov/repay-loans/disputes/prepare

Via mail:

FSA Ombudsman Group
P.O. Box 1843
Monticello, KY 4263

Students must notify the Financial Aid Office of all financial aid assistance not listed on your award notification as your award may have to be adjusted. You will be responsible for any overpayment occurring as a result of receipt of outside resources.

Anti Drug Abuse Act

Students should be aware that, if convicted of a drug felony, they may lose eligibility for federal financial aid programs.

Default and Financial Obligations

Students are not eligible for federal or state student aid if they are in default on a federal loan or owe a repayment on a student grant. A student who has a financial obligation or is in default on a student loan shall not be permitted to graduate, register, receive an academic transcript or benefit from other regular college services.

Cohort Default Rate (CDR)

The CDR is calculated by the U.S. Department of Education. A cohort default rate is the percentage of a school's borrowers who enter repayment on certain Federal student loans – specifically Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program or William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan (Direct Loan) Program loans – during a particular federal fiscal year, October 1 to September 30, and default, or stop making required payments prior to the end of the second following fiscal year.

SF Official CDR

SF Draft CDR

National CDR

13.3%

10.5%

15.2%

Availability and regulations governing the financial aid programs as well as institutional policies and procedures are subject to change without notice. Updated information may be available on our website at sfcollege.edu/fa/.

SF ensures confidentiality of student records in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Your information is kept private, and can only be released when a signed authorization is presented to the College.

The Office of Financial Aid is required to report incidents of sexual violence or sexual harassment disclosed through this form to the Title IX Coordinator for follow-up and possible investigation. If you have experienced any form of sexual violence and would like to speak confidentially to a counselor for support, please contact the Counseling and Wellness Center by phone at 352-395-5508 or by visiting Building R, Room 227.

Section 119.071(5), Florida Statutes Federal law requires that we protect social security numbers from disclosure to unauthorized parties. Students and employees are assigned SF identification numbers to assist in protecting their identities.

The Financial Aid Office and the Disabilities Resource Center (DRC) work together to assist students with disabilities. For any special needs assistance, please contact the DRC at 352-395-4400 or visit the DRC located in Building S, Room 229. Upon request, the DRC will arrange a meeting with a financial aid specialist.