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Life University participates in federally funded financial aid programs, including grants, loans, and Federal Work-Study. In addition, students may be eligible for scholarships offered by the University, as well as external opportunities through state chiropractic organizations, businesses, and private sources.
To begin the financial aid process, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You do not need to be admitted to the University to submit your FAFSA.
Your eligibility for aid is determined by several factors, including demonstrated financial need and your enrollment status (undergraduate or graduate). To remain eligible for financial aid, students must:
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Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP), including required grade point average, course completion rate, and maximum timeframe
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Be enrolled at least half-time for most aid programs
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Register for courses that apply toward their degree program
Financial Aid Counselors are available to guide you through all potential funding options, including federal, state, institutional, and private resources. This support continues beyond your time at Life University, you may request counseling at any time regarding student loan borrowing and repayment.
Applying for Financial Aid
Life University is committed to helping you achieve your educational goals. The Financial Aid Department is available to guide you through budgeting and the financial aid process to support your success. If you have questions, please contact Financial Aid at (770) 426-2700 or toll-free within the United States at (800) 543-3345. Additional information about available assistance programs, application instructions, and helpful resources can be found online at www.life.edu/financialaid.
All students applying for federal financial aid must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year and include Life University’s school code (014170). The priority deadline for consideration of campus-based funding, including Federal Work-Study and Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG), is January 15.
You will be notified by email if additional information or documentation is required. You may also monitor your financial aid status at any time through EagleNet, your 24/7 self-service portal, available at www.eaglenet.life.edu.
Financial Aid Awarding Policy
Financial Aid Awarding Policy SS.016
Financial aid awards are based on standard enrollment levels for each program:
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Undergraduate programs: 15 credit hours per quarter
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Master’s programs: 12 credit hours per quarter
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Doctor of Chiropractic program: 25 credit hours per quarter
To receive financial aid funds, students must be enrolled at least half-time in courses that apply toward their active degree program. Credits from multiple degree programs cannot be combined to meet half-time enrollment requirements. If your enrollment or program changes after your financial aid has been awarded, you are required to submit a Financial Aid Adjustment Form to ensure your aid is accurately updated.
If you have questions about your enrollment status or financial aid eligibility, please contact your Financial Aid Counselor by phone, email, or by scheduling an appointment. You can find your assigned counselor in EagleNet by selecting the Financial Aid tile.
Federal and State Grants & Scholarships
Grants, Loans, and Work-Study
Financial aid funds are available to assist Life University students with educational expenses. To apply for federal financial aid, students must annually submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Verification Process
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Some students may be selected for federal verification, which requires submitting additional documentation.
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If selected, you will be notified by email, and you can also check the status of your financial aid in EagleNet, the 24/7 self-service portal.
Undergraduate Status
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Students who have already earned a bachelor’s (four-year) degree are not eligible for the Federal Pell Grant or Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG).
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Undergraduate students, regardless of prior degrees, may still qualify for other types of financial aid, including:
Graduate and Doctor of Chiropractic Status
Students enrolled in a graduate program or the Doctor of Chiropractic program may be eligible for:
The following section provides a brief overview of the financial aid programs available. For more detailed information, please visit LIFE.edu/FinancialAid.
GRANTS (for first-degree undergraduate students only):
Federal Pell Grant
The Federal Pell Grant is awarded to eligible undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need.
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Full-time students may receive Pell Grant funds for up to four quarters per award year
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Students enrolled less than full-time will receive prorated award amounts
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Depending on eligibility and enrollment status, students may receive up to $2,465 per quarter
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG)
The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG) is a need-based grant available to undergraduate students who are eligible for the Federal Pell Grant.
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Students must be enrolled at least half-time
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Awards are made on a first-come, first-served basis to eligible students
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Average awards are approximately $1,000 per quarter
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Funding is limited; applications received after the priority deadline may not be considered
Georgia Tuition Equalization Grant (GTEG)
The Georgia Tuition Equalization Grant (GTEG) is available to eligible full-time undergraduate students who are legal residents of Georgia.
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Students must have established Georgia residency for at least 24 months prior to enrollment
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Documentation of residency must be submitted to the Financial Aid Office
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A FAFSA is required, although the grant is not based on financial need
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Award amounts vary annually based on the State of Georgia budget
For complete details regarding eligibility and regulations, please visit GAFutures.
LOANS
Federal Direct Loans
Loans are one of the most common forms of financial aid. While borrowing can help you finance your education, it is important to remember that all loans must be repaid with interest after you graduate or drop below half-time enrollment. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OB3) included several significant changes to federal student loan availability, amounts, and repayment options. Most of these changes will be effective July 1, 2026.
Federal Loan Proration Effective July 1, 2026
Who it affects: All students borrowing federal student loans (Direct Loans, Graduate/Professional loans, Parent PLUS, etc.)
The Federal Direct Loan Program, offered through the U.S. Department of Education, includes two types of loans:
Subsidized Loans (Undergraduate Students Only)
Unsubsidized Loans
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Not based on financial need
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Interest begins accruing at the time of disbursement, including while you are in school
Additional Loan Information
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Both loan types have a federal origination fee, which is deducted from the loan before disbursement
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Interest rates are fixed and determined by federal law based on the date of disbursement
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Repayment typically begins six months after you graduate or drop below half-time enrollment
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The minimum monthly payment is generally $50, with a standard repayment term of up to 10 years
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Loans may be consolidated after 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 3rd/4th 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
A grandfathered borrower can continue borrowing under the current loan limits (which includes Unsub and Grad PLUS), even after new federal regulations take effect on July 1, 2026.
- You may qualify for Limited Exception *Grandfathered* status if:
- You borrowed any federal student loan before July 1, 2026, AND
- You were continuously enrolled in the same program effective Spring 2026 quarter
- Eligible students can continue borrowing under the current loan limits for:
- Warning: Withdrawing, taking a break, or changing programs ends your Limited Exception *Grandfathered* status.
What New Graduate & DC Students CAN Borrow, as of July 1, 2026
- Annual limit of $50,000 for professional (DC) students
- Aggregrate limit is capped at $100,000 lifetime maximum for graduate loans
- Aggregrate limit is capped at $200,000 lifetime maximum for professional loans
- Borrowers who attend both graduate and professional programs are capped at $200,000 combined.
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$257,500 total lifetime federal borrowing loan limit (This includes undergraduate + graduate/professional borrowing, including any amounts repaid, cancelled, forgiven or discharged)
Federal Direct Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students (PLUS). The Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan is a credit-based federal loan available to parents of dependent undergraduate students. It is borrowed by the parent through the U.S. Department of Education.
New Students, Parent Plus Limits (Effective July 1, 2026)
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Annual loan limit: $20,000 per year per dependent
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Aggregate loan limit: $65,000 per dependent
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Applies regardless of amounts previously forgiven, repaid, canceled, or discharged
Limited Exception *Grandfathered* Provision:
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Parents with PLUS loans made prior to July 1, 2026, may continue to borrow under the current loan limits for 3 academic years or the remainder of their dependent’s credentialed program, whichever is less.
Loan Features and Requirements:
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Approval is based on the parent borrower’s credit history
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An origination fee is applied and deducted proportionally from each disbursement
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Interest rates are fixed and determined by federal law
Repayment and Deferment
Federal Graduate PLUS loan (Grad PLUS). Graduate and professional students can borrow additional federal funds beyond Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans.
Eliminated effective July 1, 2026
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Limited Exception *Grandfathered*: Borrowers with Graduate PLUS loans made prior to July 1, 2026 may continue borrowing for:
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Up to 3 additional academic years or
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The remainder of their credential program, whichever is less.
Key Features:
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Borrowing Limit: Cannot exceed Cost of Attendance (COA) minus other financial aid received.
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Maximum Amount: Determined by COA and estimated financial aid.
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Interest & Fees: Fixed interest rate & Origination fee deducted from each disbursement.
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Repayment: Terms are set by the federal loan program. Repayment usually begins six months after graduation, leaving school, or dropping below half-time enrollment.
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Eligibility: Must meet established credit criteria.
Private educational loans can help students cover educational expenses beyond what federal programs provide. Terms vary by lender and may include credit checks and/or evaluation of debt-to-income ratio for the borrower or co-borrower. Some loans may require a co-borrower, which can result in lower interest rates. Each loan requires a new application.
Important Considerations:
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Like some private loans, PLUS loan payments may be deferred until the student graduates, though restrictions may apply
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Always check with your lender for specific requirements
Private Loan Application Process
- Select a lender: You may choose any private student loan lender, including those recommended by Life University. Apply online or by phone. Apply early, as processing can take several weeks. Credit approvals are typically valid for 90–150 days.
- Credit approval: Once the borrower and/or co-borrower is approved, the lender will request Life University to certify the loan.
- Loan certification: Life University certifies the lesser of the amount requested on your application or the maximum allowed by your financial aid budget (total cost minus other aid).
- Disbursement: Funds are applied to your student account. Any credit balance will be refunded by Student Accounts.
Choosing a Private Loan Lender: Life University provides a list of recommended lenders through ElmSelect, chosen for competitive products, solid customer service, electronic disbursement options, and repayment benefits. Check out ELMselect.
Key points:
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You are not required to use any lender on the list; the choice is yours
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Lenders may vary by interest rates, fees, repayment programs, and incentives for on-time payments
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The Financial Aid Department will process loans with any lender you select
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The recommended lender list is not ranked in order of preference
Employment & Work-Study
Student Employment for Supervisors and Student Employees Policy SA.043
Students seeking financial assistance are encouraged to explore part-time employment to help reduce reliance on loans. Keep in mind that your class schedule may limit the hours you can work during school terms, so plan accordingly. Life University offers both on-campus and off-campus opportunities, and federal programs may also be available. Visit the HR employment site for more details.
Federal Work-Study:
The Federal Work-Study (FWS) program provides eligible undergraduate and graduate/professional students with part-time employment to help cover educational expenses.
Key Features:
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Students may work up to 20 hours per week
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Awards are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis; late applications may not receive funding
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Jobs are available on-campus and off-campus (community service opportunities)
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Typical on-campus positions include:
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Laboratory assistants
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Clerical aides
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Groundskeepers
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Technical aides
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Library aides
Eligibility & Application:
Scholarships
Life University merit scholarship opportunities can be applied for March 1st 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.
The HOPE Scholarship is available to eligible undergraduate students who are legal residents of Georgia.
Eligibility Requirements:
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Must have been a legal Georgia resident for at least 24 months prior to matriculation at Life University
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New high school graduates: Must have graduated from an accredited Georgia high school or provide official homeschooling documentation
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Transfer students: All previous college-level transcripts will be reviewed to determine eligibility
Academic Requirements:
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Must document a high school or cumulative college GPA of at least 3.00 on a 4.00 scale
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GPA calculation includes all attempted coursework, including remedial, repeated classes and dual enrollment program if coruses were taken prior to fall 2011.
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“Hours attempted” refers to all courses taken, not just those completed
Important Notes:
For a complete description of HOPE Scholarship rules and regulations, please visit GAFutures.
Zell Miller
The Zell Miller Scholarship is available to eligible undergraduate students who are legal residents of Georgia.
Eligibility Requirements:
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Must have been a legal Georgia resident for at least 24 months prior to matriculation at Life University
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New high school graduates: Must have graduated from an accredited Georgia high school or provide official homeschooling documentation
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Transfer students: All previous college-level transcripts will be reviewed to determine eligibility
Academic Requirements:
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High school GPA: At least 3.7 on a 4.00 scale
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Standardized test scores:
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Maintenance of award: Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.3
GPA and Credit Calculation:
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Cumulative GPA and hours attempted include all coursework, not just completed courses
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GPA calculation includes all attempted coursework, including remedial, repeated classes and dual enrollment program if coruses were taken prior to fall 2011.
Important Notes:
For a complete description of Zell Miller Scholarship rules and regulations,
please visit GAFutures.
Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy (SAP)
Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy AS.024
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 can monitor your federal student loans and explore repayment options online:
Regularly reviewing your loan balance and repayment options can help you manage debt responsibly and plan for your financial future.
Veterans Eligibility Information
The Center for Veteran Services and Engagement (CVSE) is dedicated to supporting the unique needs of military and veteran students at Life University. CVSE provides comprehensive resources, guidance, and a supportive environment for those who have served our country.
Education Benefits Supported:
CVSE assists students using a variety of VA education programs, including:
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Chapter 33 – Post-9/11 GI Bill®
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Chapter 31 – Veteran Readiness and Employment
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Chapter 30 – Montgomery GI Bill®
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Chapter 1606 – Montgomery GI Bill® – Selected Reserve
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Chapter 35 – Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA)
For more information about eligibility, benefits, and how to apply, please contact CVSE at CVSE@life.edu.
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
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 Process
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 process 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:
There are two types of budget adjustment requests:
- 1. Exceptional Circumstances: $600 minimum cost for each of the following:
- Emergency Health Care - (signed medical, dental, or psychological letter required from doctor detailing emergency)
- Psychological Testing and/or Disability Accommodations
- 2. Other costs not included in the standard cost of attendance:
- Dependent Care -$4,000 maximum per quarter, cannot be retroactively approved
- Chiropractic Board Examinations - paid for prior to July 01, 2023
- Chiropractic Board Examination Travel Expenses - First time only board applicant travel expenses for board examinations effective after July 01,2023. (limited)
- Retake Chiropractic Board Examinations -one time only for each board part, effective test registration after July 01, 2023. No travel expenses allowed.
- One-Time Computer Purchase - $2,500 maximum reimbursement
All budget increase requests can 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 review will be completed in 5-7 business days, and approved increases will be reflected in EagleNet. The Budget Increase Form can be found online at www.LIFE.edu/FinancialAid under forms.
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