For many American college students, summer classes offer a chance to get ahead on their coursework, graduate early, or explore new academic interests.
But the question often arises: can you use your FAFSA to help pay for these summer sessions?
Fortunately, the answer is yes, with some important details to consider.
Does FAFSA Cover Summer Classes?
Yes. FAFSA can be used to help pay for summer classes, as long as you meet specific eligibility requirements.
The financial aid you qualify for through FAFSA, that is: grants, scholarships, and federal student loans, can be applied towards summer tuition fees, just like they are for fall and spring semesters.
This is how FAFSA aids summer enrollment:
- Grants and Scholarships: Federal Pell Grants and other need-based grants awarded through FAFSA can be applied to summer terms if you are enrolled at least half-time (usually defined as 6 credit hours).
- Federal Student Loans: You can also use federal student loans to finance summer classes. Remember, there’s an annual borrowing limit for federal loans, so funds used for summer will count towards that limit.
When Does FAFSA Cover Summer Classes?
It is important for you to know the academic year designation for FAFSA purposes when considering summer aid.
The federal government defines the academic year as July 1st to June 30th of the following year. This means:
- Summer classes starting before July 1st: If your summer session begins before July 1st, the FAFSA application you submit for the upcoming fall/spring academic year (e.g., 2024-2025) will likely be used to determine your summer aid eligibility.
- Summer classes starting after July 1st: Conversely, summer classes starting after July 1st will be considered part of the following academic year’s FAFSA application cycle. (e.g., summer 2024 classes might be determined by your 2025-2026 FAFSA).
Check with your school’s financial aid office to confirm which FAFSA application cycle applies to your specific summer term.
They can also advise on deadlines and any additional requirements for summer financial aid.
Considerations for FAFSA and Summer Classes
While FAFSA can be a valuable resource for summer enrollment, keep these in mind:
- Enrollment Status: You must be enrolled at least half-time (usually defined as 6 credit hours) to qualify for most federal financial aid for summer classes.
- Eligibility Requirements: Meeting general FAFSA eligibility criteria, such as maintaining satisfactory academic progress, is still necessary for receiving summer aid.
- Annual Limits: Remember, federal student loan limits and some grant funding are annual. Using them for summer classes reduces the amount available for the following fall and spring semesters.
- Alternative Funding: Explore alternative funding options for summer classes, such as private scholarships, work-study programs, or summer jobs.