FAFSA For Students Attending One Semester

Q: If a student starts college in the fall semester, but takes off the spring semester (so only attending college for half of a FAFSA year), will they still get the full year’s amount of financial aid from FAFSA?

A: No, students will not receive a full year’s worth of financial aid from FAFSA if they only attend for one semester of the academic year or register for less than 12 credit hours in any given semester. Financial aid awarded through FAFSA is calculated for the entire academic year, but it is typically disbursed either on a semester or quarterly basis, depending on your school’s academic calendar.

For example, let’s say a student is eligible for $5,000 in federal financial aid for the academic year. If the student’s school operates on a semester-based system, the $5,000 will typically be split into two equal payments: $2,500 for the fall semester and $2,500 for the spring semester. If the student decides not to attend the spring semester, they will not receive the $2,500 payment for that term. This is because the federal financial aid is allocated based on the number of semesters or terms the student is actually enrolled and attending.

Important: Federal financial aid is meant to cover educational expenses for the full academic year, so if a student is not enrolled in classes for a particular semester, they do not have educational expenses for that semester, and thus, they won’t receive financial aid for it.

It’s crucial to keep in mind that even though you may be eligible for a certain amount of federal aid, the school will disburse that aid only when you’re enrolled and attending classes. If you’re only attending for part of the academic year, your aid will be adjusted accordingly, which means you’ll receive less than the full amount awarded for the year. Additionally, some schools may also have specific rules for students who take a semester off or withdraw, so it’s important to confirm your school’s policy to avoid any surprises.

Key Points to Remember:

• Enrollment Status: If you’re enrolled for only one semester, you’ll only receive the financial aid for that semester. The second semester’s aid will not be disbursed unless you’re enrolled.
• Credit Hours Matter: If you take fewer than 12 credit hours in any given semester, your financial aid award may also be reduced, as financial aid is typically calculated based on full-time enrollment (12 credit hours or more). For part-time students, financial aid is adjusted accordingly.
• Adjustments Based on Circumstances: If you plan to take a semester off, it’s a good idea to contact your school’s financial aid office to understand how your aid will be affected. If you’re not attending in the spring, for instance, the financial aid office may adjust your disbursements or suggest alternatives to ensure you’re not left with a financial gap.
• Reapply if Needed: If your circumstances change after you take a semester off (like needing additional funding or returning full-time), you may need to reapply or update your FAFSA application. Always stay in contact with your school’s financial aid office.

If you’re planning to only attend for one semester or less than full-time in any given academic year, your financial aid package will be adjusted to reflect the fact that you are not attending full-time for the entire year. Be sure to stay in touch with your school’s financial aid office to fully understand how your decision to take a semester off might impact your financial aid and to explore other options if needed. Even if you’re only attending part-time or for part of the year, there might be opportunities for additional assistance depending on your situation, so it’s always worth checking.