J Term Financial Aid FAQs
Is SU’s J term considered a stand-alone term for financial aid eligibility?
No. For financial aid purposes, the J term is not considered a stand-alone term. The Financial Aid Office can adjust your cost of attendance for spring to include J term registration. Any courses taken during this session will be combined with spring registration to determine federal financial aid eligibility. VTAG and Institutional aid will be based on Spring term enrollment only. Please note that to remain a full-time student in the spring term, you must be enrolled in at least 12 credit hours not including your J Term course enrollment.
Is financial aid available for the J term?
Only currently matriculated Shenandoah University students may be eligible for aid for the J term. Federal financial aid eligibility is based upon the combined J term and spring registration. There is no state or institutional financial aid available for the J term session.
How do I apply for federal aid for the J term?
You must have a current year FAFSA on file to be eligible for federal aid. There is no additional application required. The Financial Aid Office will automatically review your federal eligibility based on combined J term/spring registration.
Will my spring financial aid awards pay for my J term course?
Your spring financial aid may pay for both J term and spring charges. If your award is not enough to cover both terms, you will see a balance that remains on both the J term and spring terms. Keep in mind, additional charges will reduce any anticipated refunds.
How can I cover the cost of J term registration?
If you’ve already been awarded a full-time package based on your grade level and dependency status, adding J term registration will not increase your Pell or Direct Loan eligibility. Federal Direct Plus loans or private loans may be options to help you cover your expenses.
When are my loans going to disburse and refund if I take classes during the J term?
Financial aid funds will be disbursed to the student’s account on or after the spring disbursement date. If there is a credit on the account, refunds will be issued on or around February 6.
Can my PLUS loan be increased to cover my J term expenses?
We will not automatically increase your PLUS loan if you add a J term class. Your current spring aid including any PLUS loans you are receiving will apply toward both your J term and spring charges. If it’s not enough to cover all the charges, your parent can submit an additional PLUS loan application.
Will satisfactory academic progress status be reviewed at the completion of the J term?
There is no review after the J term. Therefore, your J term grades will not change your federal financial aid satisfactory academic progress (SAP) status for spring semester. SAP will be reviewed at the conclusion of the spring semester.
What happens to my financial aid if I withdraw from a J term course(s)?
Financial aid awards are based on combined J term and spring credit hours registered by the spring add/drop deadline. If your registration falls below full-time (12 credit hours—combined J term and spring registration), your financial aid award will be adjusted. Prior to withdrawing from any course, you should contact your academic advisor and the Financial Aid Office.
I want to participate in a GEL program during J term. May I use my financial aid to cover additional expenses?
A GEL program during this session will be combined with spring registration to determine financial aid eligibility. Make arrangements to use personal funds to pay for travel and other expenses that you may incur prior to the start of your program. The Financial Aid Office is unable to authorize Federal financial aid to disburse prior to the start of your program. We recommend you contact our office to discuss options for financing your GEL program in advance of your travel.
Will the Financial Aid Offices be open during the J term?
Yes, the Financial Aid Office will be open during regular business hours. Please reach out at finaid@su.edu or 540-665-4538 or come see us in Hornet Central Monday – Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.