Financial Aid

Education is an investment in your future that requires a strong commitment, not only of time and effort, but of finances. When you are ready to make the transition, Life University will help you develop a financial plan to achieve your educational goals.

Life University participates in federally funded financial aid programs, including grants, loans, and work study. In addition, scholarships are available to Life students through the University, as well as through state chiropractic organizations, businesses, and other private sources.

In order to begin the financial aid process, you must first complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You do not have to be accepted for admission to complete the FAFSA. The amount of aid you receive will depend partly on your documented financial need and partly on your status as an undergraduate or a graduate student. You must make satisfactory academic progress as defined by your financial aid grade point average and the number of courses you have passed, and maximum time frame, to continue receiving financial aid; also you must be at least a half-time student to qualify for most financial aid programs, and registered for courses counting towards your degree. 

Financial Aid Counselors can advise you about all possible sources of financial aid funding through federal, state, private, and institutional programs. This department is available as a resource even after you leave Life. You may ask for counseling regarding student debt and repayment information at any time.

Applying for Financial Aid

Life University would like to assist in making your dream become a reality. The Financial Aid Department will guide you in budgeting and obtaining student financial aid to help make this happen. Please call our Financial Aid Department with any questions at (770) 426-2700 or toll free within the USA (800) 543-3345. You can find more information on the assistance programs you may be eligible for, instructions for applying, and other helpful information online at www.life.edu/financialaid. All federal financial aid applicants must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year and include Life’s school code 014170. The priority deadline for review of campus-based funding (Federal Work Study and SEOG) is January 15th.

You will be notified by email of any missing requirements or documents and can always check the status in EagleNet, your 24/7 self-service portal, at www.eaglenet.life.edu.

Financial Aid Awarding Policy

Financial Aid Awarding Policy SS.016  

A student who is admitted in an Undergraduate degree program who applies for financial will be awarded based on 15 credit hours per quarter. A student who is admitted in a Master’s degree program who applies for financial aid will be awarded based on 12 credit hours per quarter. Student who is admitted in the Doctor of Chiropractic program who applies for financial aid will be awarded based on 25 hours per quarter.

Students need to be registered in courses counting towards their active degree in at least half-time status to receive their financial aid funds. You cannot combine credits from more than one degree program to meet the half-time status. If your program/enrollment changes from when you were awarded, you must complete a financial aid adjustment form. Call, email or make an appointment with your Financial Aid Counselor if you are unsure of your financial aid status. Your assigned Counselor can be found in EagleNet by clicking on the Financial Aid tile.

Federal and State Grants & Scholarships

Grants, Loans and Work-Study

These funds are available to assist Life University students with their educational expenses. To apply for this assistance, a student must annually submit:

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

If selected for verification, then you will be required to submit additional documentation. You will be notified by email what information is required and can check your status in EagleNet.

Undergraduate Status: If a student has earned a four-year degree, there is no eligibility for the Federal Pell Grant or the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant. Any student who is in the undergraduate program, regardless of any previous degrees earned, may still qualify for other types of financial aid.

Graduate Status: Any student in the graduate program or any student in the Doctor of Chiropractic may qualify for loans, scholarships and/or Work-Study.

The following is a brief description of the various Financial Aid programs: (for further information, visit LIFE.edu/FinancialAid):

Grants Available Include (for first degree undergraduate students only):

Federal Pell Grant:Pell Grants are available to needy undergraduate students. Full-time students may receive Pell Grants for four quarters per award year.  Less than full-time students will receive pro-rated Pell amounts. Depending on Pell eligibility and enrollment status, students may receive up to $2,465, per quarter.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant: This is available, based on need,  to    undergraduates who are Pell eligible. You may qualify if enrolled less than full time, but must be at least half-time. Grants average $1,000 per quarter and are  awarded on first- come-first-served basis if otherwise eligible. If applications are received after the priority deadline, we cannot guarantee the availability of SEOG funds.

Georgia Tuition Equalization Grant: GTEG is available to full-time undergraduate students who have been legal Georgia residents at least 24 months prior to University matriculation. Proof of established residency must be submitted to the Financial Aid Office, along with a FAFSA. GTEG is not based on financial need. The award amount varies each year depending upon the State of Georgia’s budget. For a full description of the GTEG rules and regulations please visit GAFutures.

Loans

Loans are the most common source of financial aid. Most students find it necessary to borrow at least some money during their college careers. However, keep in mind that the money borrowed now will have to be repaid with interest upon graduation or withdrawal from the institution.

1. The Federal Direct Loan. These are Federal loans borrowed through the Department of Education. Subsidized Loans are those for which the government pays the interest while the student is in school at least half-time       (Undergraduate only). Students must demonstrate need for Subsidized Loans. Unsubsidized Loans are those for which interest does accrue during the in-school period. Students do not have to demonstrate need for   Unsubsidized Loans. Both the Subsidized and Unsubsidized Federal Direct Loans have an origination fee. Fees will be deducted proportionately from the loan proceeds. All federal loans also have fixed interest rates dependent   on the timing of disbursement. Repayment generally begins six months after graduation or enrollment of less than half-time. The minimum monthly payment is $50 per month, and the standard maximum loan term is 10 years.   Interest accrues on the Unsubsidized portion of the Direct Loan from the date of disbursement. These loans may be consolidated upon graduation.

The Federal Direct Loan limits are as follows:

• Annual Loan Limits for Dependent Students
  • $5,500  1st Year 0-45 quarter hours
  • $6,500  2nd Year 46-90 quarter hours
  • $7,500  3^rd/4^th Year & Pre-DC 91 – above quarter hours
• Annual Loan Limits for Independent Students
  • $9,500   1st Year 0-45 quarter hours
  • $10,500 2nd Year 46-90 quarter hours
  • $12,500 3rd/4th Year & Pre-DC 91 – above quarter hours
  • $20,500 Graduate (Master’s degree)
  • $33,000 Professional (DC) Students
• Aggregate Loan Limits
  • $31,000   No more than $23,000 Sub Dependent Undergraduates
  • $57,500   No more than $23,000 Sub Independent Undergraduates
  • $138,500 No more than $65,000 Sub Graduate Students
  • $224,000 No more than $65,000 Sub Professional (DC) Students

2. Federal Direct Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students (PLUS). These loans are credit based and approved through the Department of Education. Fee will be deducted proportionately from the loan proceeds. Repayment of the principal and interest begins within 60 days of the loan disbursement. Students maintaining 6 or more credit hours will qualify for an in-school deferment. This deferment may be requested through the lender. There is an origination fee at the time of disbursement and this loan has a fixed interest rate.

3. Federal Graduate PLUS loan (Grad PLUS). Graduate/Professional students will be allowed to borrow additional federal funds that do not affect their federal Direct Loan Subsidized/Unsubsidized Loan aggregate limit. Students will not be allowed to borrow over their cost of attendance (COA) or student budget. The maximum amount a student can borrow from this program is the cost of attendance minus estimated financial aid.

   Borrowers must meet established credit criteria. There is an origination fee at time of disbursement and this loan has a fixed interest rate. Repayment generally begins six months after graduation or enrollment of less than half-time.

4. Private Alternative Loans

   Private educational loans may be an important funding source for students who need more funds than the federal programs can provide. Terms of private loans vary significantly. They require a credit check and/or debt-to-income ratio on the borrower and/or co-borrower. A co-borrower may be required; lower interest rates may be available to students who choose to have a co-borrower. Each time a student wishes to borrow a private loan, a new loan application is required by the lender.

   Before a dependent, undergraduate student borrows a private loan, parents should consider applying for a PLUS loan. Payments on a PLUS loan, like some private loans, may be deferred until a student graduates. Some restrictions could apply. Please check with your lender for specific details.

   Private Educational Loan Application Process:

   1. You must initiate the loan application process by selecting a private student loan lender of your choice. You may choose to use any of the private loan lenders listed below. Apply online at the lender’s website or contact the lender by phone. It is a good idea to apply early as processing may take several weeks. However, keep in mind that credit approvals are only good for 90 to 150 days.

   2. Once the borrower and/or co-borrower’s credit is approved, Life University will receive a request from the lender to certify the loan. We will certify the loan for the lesser of the amount you request on your application, or the maximum amount allowed by your financial aid budget (total cost minus other financial aid).

   3. Funds received at Life University will be applied first to your student account, and in the event of a credit balance, refunded to you by Student Accounts.  

5. Life University Private Loan Lenders. In an effort to assist students and families in choosing a lender, the Financial Aid Department has compiled a list of institutions we consider offering competitive products, solid customer service, electronic payment of loan funds and a variety of savings programs during loan repayment. You can find information online at ElmSelect. Reasons for selecting a particular lender will vary from person to person, so this list should only be used as a guide or starting point for analysis. Some choose a lender based on name recognition, immediate benefit of lower origination fees, or the long-term advantage of repayment savings programs, like an interest rate reduction as a reward for making payments on time. Please note that you are not required to use any of these lenders – the choice of lender is yours. The Financial Aid Department will process your loan with any lender you choose. Further, the list of lenders is not in any order of preference.

6. Georgia Student Access Loan (SAL). The Georgia Student Access Loan (GSAL) is a limited resource loan program that is designed to assist Undergraduate students who have a gap in meeting their educational costs. The program is also designed to provide interest rate and repayment incentives to those who complete their program of study within the designed program length, work in select public service sectors or STEM fields.

   In order to receive GSAL, students must:

• Be considered Georgia residents and United States citizens or eligible non-citizens.
• Complete a valid Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) 
• Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) in accordance with the SAP policy at Life University.
• Have first applied for and exhausted all other student financial aid programs including federal and state student loans, scholarship, and grant programs.
• Be randomly selected to participate in the program (Selection does not guarantee approval and applicants may or may not be selected each application year).
• Meet all eligibility requirements determined by the state and institution.
• For a full description of the GSAL rules and regulations please visit GAFutures.

Employment & Work-Study

All students requiring financial assistance are encouraged to seek part-time employment to help reduce their dependence on loans. Your class schedule may limit the amount of time you can work during school terms; plan accordingly. There are federal options for jobs, as well as student opportunities through Life University. Visit the HR employment site for more details.

Federal Work-Study: This program allows eligible Graduate/Professional and Undergraduate students to work up to 20 hours per week at jobs on and off the Life campus to earn money for their education. Federal work study is awarded on a first-come, first serve basis if otherwise eligible. If applications are received after the priority deadline, we cannot guarantee the availability of federal work study funds. Life University offers a variety of jobs to qualified students including: laboratory assistants, clerical aides, groundskeepers, technical aides, and library aides. In addition to jobs on campus, many community service jobs are available off campus.

Scholarships

Life University merit scholarship opportunities can be applied for March1st through May1st  annually. To apply and review the different scholarships offered by Life University and external sources, visit LIFE.edu/FinancialAid. The scholarship portal opens annually on March 1st online at life.awardspring.com.

HOPE Scholarship.

HOPE Scholarship is available to Undergraduate students who have been legal Georgia residents at least 24 months prior to Life University matriculation. Students entering the Life University straight from high school must have graduated from an accredited Georgia high school or have documentation of official home schooling. Students entering Life University after attempting college level coursework elsewhere will have all previous transcripts reviewed to determine eligibility. Students must be able to document a high school or cumulative college average of at least 3.00 on a 4.00 scale. Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) and number of hours attempted refers to all coursework attempted (not just completed). Remedial and repeated classes are also included in attempted hours. This information is based on current state law. If the state revises its laws or regulations concerning this aid, then Life University will be required to comply. For a full description of the HOPE Scholarship rules and regulations please visit GAFutures.

Zell Miller

Zell Miller Scholarship is available to undergraduate students who have been legal Georgia residents at least 24 months prior to Life University matriculation. Students entering Life University straight from high school must have graduated from an accredited Georgia high school or have documentation of official home schooling. Students entering Life University after attempting college level coursework elsewhere will have all previous transcripts reviewed to determine eligibility. Students must be able to document a high school GPA of at least 3.7 on a 4.00 scale and a score of 26 on the ACT or a 1200 combined critical reading and math score on the SAT. To maintain the award students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.3.

Cumulative grade point average (GPA) and number of hours attempted refers to all coursework attempted (not just completed). Remedial and repeated classes are also included in attempted hours. This information is based on current state law. If the state revises its laws or regulations concerning this aid, then Life University will be required to comply. For a full description of the Zell Miller Scholarship rules and regulations please visit GAFutures.

Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy (SAP)

Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy AS.024 (https://www.life.edu/satisfactory-academic-progress-sap-policy/)

The United States Department of Education and most agencies providing financial assistance require students to maintain satisfactory academic progress (SAP) in their course of study to continue receiving funding. Failure to maintain SAP will result in the loss of Federal Title IV financial aid as well as State and Institutional aid. The student’s entire academic history is evaluated to determine whether or not he/she is maintaining SAP. This evaluation is not affected by whether or not aid was previously received or whether a student has changed programs. The Federal Student Aid program regulations make no provision for the concept of academic amnesty or grade forgiveness.

Doctor of Chiropractic and Undergraduate Program
Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) and Undergraduate (UG) students will be evaluated annually at the end of each spring quarter. Students in the DC and UG programs are expected to complete at least 67% of all attempted hours with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0. When students are evaluated and are not meeting SAP requirements they will become ineligible for Federal, State, and Institutional financial aid. Students may regain federal eligibility by enrolling using their own resources or alternative funding sources until they have met a cumulative 2.0 GPA and completed 67% of their courses.

Master’s Program
Master’s students (GR) will be evaluated at the end of each quarter. Students in the GR program are expected to complete at least 67% of all attempted hours with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0. GR students will be evaluated after their first (and each subsequent) quarter in the program because of the short duration of the program length. Students not meeting SAP will be placed on financial aid warning for one quarter. If at the end of their warning quarter the students are not meeting SAP they will become ineligible for Federal, State, and Institutional aid. Students may regain aid eligibility by enrolling using their own resources or alternative funding sources until they have met a cumulative 3.0 GPA and completed 67% of their courses.

Check Total Loan Indebtedness

You may check your total loan indebtedness by going to www.StudentAid.gov. You will need your FSA ID and password to confirm your identity.

Veterans Eligibility Information

Students who are eligible for educational benefits under the GI Bill^®, should contact the veteran’s representative, located in the Registrar’s Office once the decision to attend Life has been made. The following is a breakdown of course loads as defined by the Veterans Administration:

• Full Load 12 or more quarter-hours
• 3/4 Load 9-11 quarter hours
• 1/2 Load 6-8 quarter hours
• 1/4 Load 1-5 quarter hours

If an advanced payment is desired, arrangements must be made after registration for the upcoming quarter. Direct deposit (electronic funds transfer) is now available for veterans and service persons receiving chapter 30 education benefits. The benefits of direct deposit to the claimant are faster receipt of payment and elimination of lost or stolen checks. For additional information, contact the veteran’s representative at 770.426.2700.

GI Bill^® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

Financial Aid Budget Increase Policy

 In compliance with federal guidelines, the Office of Financial Aid has determined a cost of attendance that includes tuition, fees, books and supplies, living expenses, personal expenses, loan fees and transportation. While you may submit a budget adjustment request to increase your cost of attendance beyond standard allowances, the decision to approve or deny the request is guided by professional judgment and federal guidelines. Budget increases must be submitted within the current academic year and no requests for adjustments outside of the academic year will be accepted. The two exceptions to this are board examinations and the one-time computer purchase.

Budget adjustments are for special and unusual expenses that differentiate the student from other students. Submitting a request does not automatically ensure that your budget will be increased. Each submission is reviewed on a case-by-case basis. The Office of Financial Aid reserves the right to deny any and all budget increases. A denial of some or all future types of budget adjustment requests may be made on a blanket basis based upon a student’s individual circumstances.

This policy is for the purpose of documenting unusual, non-discretionary expenses that are directly related to your education. The institution will take into account whether these expenses are special circumstances that differentiate you from the other students enrolled in the program. If approved, a revision to your budget will not result in additional gift assistance but will increase your eligibility for loans. An increase to your established student budget means you will be borrowing additional funds to cover the approved expenses. The loans borrowed would be in the form of additional Grad PLUS or private educational loans above the standard cost of attendance taking into account the special circumstances minus other estimated financial assistance. These are credit-based loans and must be approved by the Department of Education or a private lender before Life University can process your request.

There are two types of budget adjustment requests:

Exceptional Circumstances:

•Emergency health care (medical, dental, psychological)

•Psychological testing and disability accommodations

Other costs not included in the standard cost of attendance:

•Dependent care

•Board examination

•One-time computer purchase

Required for all Budget Adjustment Requests:

•Budget Increase Request Form
•A narrative statement regarding the reason(s) for the request
•Detailed monthly budget
•Receipts and documentation showing a paid expense incurred with the student’s name (cash receipts must be notarized)
•Copies of last three months bank statements
•If you have private educational loans, statement(s) from your lender showing current balance(s)

Additional Documentation Required

Dependent Care Costs:

•Signed letter on dependent care center letterhead indicating dependent’s name(s), when the dependent(s) began receiving care, parent’s name and receipt showing the amount paid per month per child
•For a private provider, 3 months most recent copies of paid receipts from provider or 3 cancelled checks made out to provider by student. Letter from provider listing the name(s) of the dependent, when the dependent(s)   began receiving care, parent’s name and details regarding the amount received per month per child. Letter must be signed with the provider’s name and telephone number and it must be notarized.
•Copy of dependent(s) birth certificate.
•Receipts paid for in cash will not be accepted unless the receipt has been signed by the company/person who performed the service and is notarized.

Board costs: 

•Copy of National Board receipt letter found online at www.mynbce.org under “My Orders”.
•Amounts allowed are equal to the actual costs of each part.
•Retakes are not allowed.
•Must be receiving financial aid in the DC program when budget increase is submitted.

Health Care Costs:

•Emergency out-of-pocket expenses for medical, dental, vision and prescriptions costs not covered by insurance.
•This category is not meant to supplement a student who does not carry insurance or a health condition that is on-going.
•Cosmetic, diagnostic and elective procedures, normal pregnancy, birth control and related expenses are not covered under this policy.
•Contacts and glasses are not covered under this policy.
•Routine medical/dental visits are not covered under this policy.
•Medical/dental receipt(s) must detail emergency procedure with the amount the student paid and the date the service was received. Must include student’s name on receipt.
•Receipts paid for in cash will not be accepted unless the receipt has been signed by the doctor or hospital and is notarized.

Psychological Testing/Disability Accommodations:

• Cost of disability testing.
• Cost of special services, personal assistance, transportation, equipment and supplies whose need is documented by a disability professional that are not provided by other agencies.
• Written documentation of disability and/or need for equipment, assistance, testing or supplies provided by disability professional.
• Receipts paid for in cash will not be accepted unless the receipt has been signed by the company/person through which the computer was purchased and is notarized.

Computer purchase: 

•A one-time purchase in the student’s name of a computer is allowed while attending Life University.
•The University has developed a standard reasonable cost for such purchase.
•Related items such as IPODs, computer software and warranties are not covered. Tax not included.
•A receipt including the student’s name, items purchased, date of expense, amount paid and payment method.
•Receipts paid for in cash will not be accepted unless the receipt has been signed by the company/person through which the computer was purchased and is notarized.

Requests may only be submitted Monday of week 2 through Friday of week 10 each quarter. Requests submitted before or after this period will not be accepted.

The Budget Increase Policy and Application can be found online at www.LIFE.edu/FinancialAid under forms. Requests may only be submitted Monday of week 2 through Friday of week 10 each quarter. Requests submitted before or after this period will not be accepted.