To be Eligible for Financial Aid
Degree Seeking at FSU
- Must be in good academic standing
- Must have a completed financial aid file (including all required documentation - see your "to-do" list on my.fsu.edu)
- Must have an approved transient application on file with Florida State University, Office of Financial Aid.
- Must be approved to receive financial aid for courses at host institution.
Non-Degree Seeking Transient at FSU
- Contact your Home Institution to determine your eligibility for financial aid while attending Florida State University
Who is a Transient Student?
A transient student, as defined by Section 1006.73, Florida Statutes, is an undergraduate student who is currently enrolled in and pursuing a degree at one public postsecondary institution while taking a course at another public postsecondary institution that is not their degree-granting institution.
Florida State University Degree-Seeking Students
Florida State University will process and disburse financial aid for approved courses listed on the transient application. Aid is limited to courses that will transfer and apply toward the student’s undergraduate degree at Florida State University.
Transient Students Attending Florida State University
Florida State University does not process or disburse financial aid for non-degree seeking transient students. Students should contact their degree-granting institution regarding financial aid eligibility and disbursement.
How Financial Aid Works When Attending a Host Institution
Financial aid, including Bright Futures and other awards, does not automatically transfer between institutions. To be eligible for disbursement, students must be enrolled in at least 6 credit hours at Florida State University, the host institution, or a combination of both.
Due to host institution payment deadlines, students are typically responsible for paying tuition and fees upfront. After the host institution’s drop/add period, Florida State University will request official enrollment and cost of attendance information. Financial aid processing cannot take place until this information is received and verified.
Once enrollment is confirmed, financial aid will be processed and disbursed to the student’s Florida State University account. Students should set up direct deposit for any refunds, if they have not already done so.
Students should make sure to have an official transcript sent to FSU at the end of the term, so that grades can be posted to their FSU transcript and applied to their degree. Failure to do so may require recalculation and repayment of aid. If a student withdraws from a transient course after enrollment begins, they should notify FSU prior to the end of the term, as aid may need to be recalculated.
Additional Information:
- Bright Futures: Payment is based on the applicable rate from Florida State University, the host institution, or a combination of both, depending on course enrollment.
- Pell Grant: Award amounts are based on enrollment. Students enrolled in 12 or more credit hours receive the same full-time amount; enrollment below 12 hours is prorated.
- Federal Student Loans: Students who borrowed during fall and spring may have remaining eligibility for summer, depending on prior borrowing.
- Florida Prepaid: The host institution must submit a billing statement to Florida Prepaid to cover transient enrollment.