Overview
As a mission-based institution, FXUA provides generous scholarships for all those individuals who are truly driven to succeed and have proven it with their actions-to-date. FXUA prides itself as being a true resource for individuals that wish to make a difference – both for themselves and the global community.
CARES Act: Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act is a legislation passed by Congress to respond to COVID-19. Included in the legislation is the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF), which allocates funds to institutions based on the number of students with high financial need and the institution’s total student enrollment. Of each institution’s HEERF allocation, 50% must be distributed directly to the students in the form of emergency student financial aid grants to cover expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to COVID-19. The remaining portion of an institution’s CARES Act funding may be used for certain other expenses relating to the disruption of campus operations due to COVID-19. CARES Act established an approximately $14b Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF). FXUA was allocated $78,294.00.
Financial Aid Resources
Federal Student Aid
Financial Aid Toolkit
Apply for FAFSA
Contact Us
Federal Financial Aid
+1 (703) 865-8921 ext.416 |
Accounting Office
+1 (703) 865-8921 ext.416 |
Veterans Benefits
+1 (703) 591-7042 ext.321 |
About Federal Financial Aids
Fairfax University of America offers several creative solutions to assist students in planning for the challenges involved with paying for their education. Federal financial aid is one of the solutions which is granted from the U.S. Department of Education. It helps eligible students pay for higher education expenses and it can be used to cover expenses such as tuition, fees, room and board, books, school supplies, and transportation. The Office of Financial Aid is available to counsel prospective and current students on the types of aid available and to help them through the application and funding process.
In order to be eligible to receive federal financial aid at Fairfax University of America, both new and currently enrolled students must file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and comply with all federal, state, and FXUA regulations and policies regarding financial aid. Fairfax University of America Federal Title IV School code for the FAFSA is 041440. Priority consideration for all sources of financial aid is given to those students whose financial aid applications are on file with the Financial Aid Office by the deadline of that given semester/session. To meet this priority filing date, students should file the FAFSA as soon as possible after October 1st, of each year. The FAFSA is filed online at www.fafsa.gov.
Types of Financial AID
There are two basic types of Federal Financial Aid available at Fairfax University of America to assist students with their educational expenses: grants and loans. Eligibility for the different types of financial aid may be based on financial need, program of study, and enrollment status.
To apply for different types of Federal Financial Aid awarded by the Financial Aid Office, students must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible after October 1 for the upcoming academic year. When you apply for federal student financial aid at FXUA, you will be considered for the types of aid below.
Grants
The Federal Pell Grant is an award for undergraduates earning their first bachelor’s degree. Eligibility is determined by your expected family contribution (EFC) and your enrollment status.
The maximum Federal Pell Grant award is $6,495 for the 2021–2022 award year (July 1, 2021, to June 30, 2022). A minimum of 12 credits each semester is required to receive full eligibility, with pro-rated amounts for less than full-time enrollment. Students may receive a Pell grant for six years or the equivalent.
Undergraduate Full-Time Status: 12 credits (Fall, Spring, & Summer Semesters)
Graduate Full-Time Status: 9 credits (Fall & Spring Semester); 6 credits (Summer Semester)
For more explanation on full-time or less than full-time enrollment status, please see Federal Financial Aid Eligibility and Enrollment Requirements
The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) – This is an additional grant for students who demonstrate exceptional financial need, and it does not have to be repaid. Funds for this program are only limited to Federal Pell Grant recipients.
Loans
The William D. Ford Direct Student Loan Program is the most commonly awarded student loan program offered through the federal government. Direct loans are available to both undergraduate and graduate-level students. If you are not in default on a prior educational loan, are enrolled half-time or more, and meet federal student aid eligibility requirements, you will be approved to borrow in the direct loan program. Types of direct loans shown below:
Federal Direct Subsidized Loan : a low interest loan available to students who demonstrate financial need. Interest does not accrue and repayment does not begin until six months after the recipient leaves school or drops below halftime status.
Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan : – a low interest loan available to undergraduate and graduate students who are eligible with or without financial need. Note that interest begins accruing on this type of loan while recipients are still in school.
Direct PLUS Loans: You must be a graduate or professional student enrolled at least half-time at an eligible school in a program leading to a graduate or professional degree or certificate, or be the parent (biological, adoptive, or in some cases, stepparent) of a dependent undergraduate student enrolled at least half-time at an eligible school and do not have an adverse credit history.
Borrowing levels for the direct loan are based on the academic year and class level of the borrower. The following chart shows the annual and aggregate limits for subsidized and unsubsidized loans:
| Year | Dependent Students (except students whose parents are unable to obtain PLUS Loans) | Independent Students (and dependent undergraduate students whose parents are unable to obtain PLUS Loans) |
|---|---|---|
| First-Year Undergraduate Annual Loan Limit | $5,500—No more than $3,500 of this amount may be in subsidized loans. | $9,500—No more than $3,500 of this amount may be in subsidized loans. |
| Second-Year Undergraduate Annual Loan Limit | $6,500—No more than $4,500 of this amount may be in subsidized loans. | $10,500—No more than $4,500 of this amount may be in subsidized loans. |
| Third-Year and Beyond Undergraduate Annual Loan Limit | $7,500—No more than $5,500 of this amount may be in subsidized loans. | $12,500—No more than $5,500 of this amount may be in subsidized loans. |
| Graduate or Professional Students Annual Loan Limit | Not Applicable (all graduate and professional students are considered independent) | $20,500 (unsubsidized only) |
| Subsidized and Unsubsidized Aggregate Loan Limit | $31,000—No more than $23,000 of this amount may be in subsidized loans. | $57,500 for undergraduates—No more than $23,000 of this amount may be in subsidized loans. $138,500 for graduate or professional students—No more than $65,500 of this amount may be in subsidized loans. The graduate aggregate limit includes all federal loans received for undergraduate study. |
Repayment of direct loans begins six months after you graduate or drop below half-time enrollment status. The standard length of repayment is ten years, though you can defer payment by meeting certain criteria, such as: enrolling in school at least half-time, becoming unemployed, or experiencing economic hardship.
Entrance Counseling
The entrance counseling session is to help you understand your rights and responsibilities as a student loan borrower and to review strategies for effectively managing student loan debt. Entrance Counseling is a requirement for all first-time loan borrowers of federal loans (Stafford, Grad PLUS).
Please note that you must complete the entire session once you begin. If you exit the counseling before completing the session and return later, you will need to start over from the beginning.
All first time borrowers must complete Entrance counseling prior to receiving loan funds. Students that have previously received student loans are highly encouraged to complete additional counseling but it is not required.
Follow these instructions to complete the Entrance Counseling requirement:
- Visit studentaid.gov.
- Sign in using your FSA ID.
- Click on Complete Counseling.
- Click on Entrance Counseling.
- Work through the modules to complete the Entrance Counseling.
- At the end of the counseling, select FXUA (code: 041440) to notify the Financial Aid Office.
Exit Counseling
Any student borrower that withdraws will be asked to complete exit counseling or be provided with exit counseling materials. The exit counseling session is to help you understand your rights and responsibilities as a student loan borrower and to help you manage your loans.
Please note that you must complete the entire session once you begin. If you exit the counseling before completing the session and return later, you will need to start over from the beginning.
Follow these instructions to complete the Exit Counseling requirement:
- Visit studentaid.gov.
- Sign in using your FSA ID.
- Click on Complete Counseling.
- Click on Exit Counseling.
- Under Select Your Schools, select FXUA and then click Add School.
- Complete the Exit Counseling session.
NSLDS Loan Servicer
You may use the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) to review all of the federal student loans you have received. Your loan servicer is a company that manages the repayment services associated with federal student loans, assigned to you by the U.S. Department of Education. They will assist you with selecting a repayment plan, loan consolidation, and any other requests associated with your federal student loans. The contact information for each of your loans can be found by logging into NSLDS and clicking the link for the loan. It is important to contact your loan servicer if you are having difficulty making payments. For more information about loan servicers, you may visit StudentAid.ed.gov: Loan Servicers.
FAFSA Open Date and Deadline
In order for you to be considered for the federal student aid at FXUA, it is very important to complete the FAFSA, FXUA Admission Process, and FXUA Federal Financial Aid Application process by the deadlines. We encourage you to apply to FXUA as soon as possible to avoid any delay in the federal financial aid application process.
NOTE: You must be accepted through FXUA admissions before submitting the FXUA Federal Financial Aid Application. You are welcome to submit the FAFSA any time before the deadline, the earlier the better!
| Academic Year | FAFSA Open Date | Federal FAFSA Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 – 2022 | October 1, 2020 | June 30, 2022 at 11:59 pm CT (Any corrections or updates must be submitted by 11:59 pm CT on Sep 10, 2022.) |
There are some additional important dates and deadlines that you should be aware of. Click Academic Calendar to learn more.
Federal Financial Aid Resources
About the Tuition Payment Plan
FXUA offers tuition payment plans to eligible students who wish to finance their tuition in multiple installment payments.
Eligibility
Eligible students can apply for a tuition payment plan through FXUA Student Portal.
You are eligible for a payment plan if:
- You are enrolled in an academic on-campus program;
- There is no financial hold on your account;
- You have registered for courses in the current term;
- You are not on the waiting list for any courses; and
- The installment application deadline has not passed.
After you have received confirmation of approval of your Tuition Payment Plan Application, you can make your first installment payment online through your Student Portal or at the Student Accounts Office.
Application and Payment Deadlines
There is a non-refundable fee of $30.00 per installment.
| Summer II 2022 |
Due Date |
|---|---|
| Last Day to Apply for a Payment Plan | 7/8/2022 |
| Tuition Payment Deadline | 7/8/2022 |
| 1st Installment Due | 7/8/2022 |
| First Day of Classes | 6/27/2022 |
| Last Day to Add/Drop Courses(s) | 7/5/2022 |
| Eligible for 100% Refund | 7/5/2022 |
| Last Day for Eligible for 75% Refund | 7/9/2022 |
| 2nd Installment Due | 8/8/2022 |
| Last Day for Eligible for 50% Refund | 7/23/2022 |
| 3rd Installment Due | N/A |
| Last Day for Eligible for 25% Refund | 8/6/2022 |
| No Refund After This Date | 8/7/2022 |
| Last Day of Class | 8/21/2022 |
Terms and Conditions
Student will need to review and agree to following terms and conditions in order to enroll in the payment plan:
| 1. Parties. I acknowledge that this Short-Term Tuition Payment Plan Agreement is solely between Fairfax University of America (“FXUA” or the “University”) and the undersigned, as a student enrolled in FXUA. | ||||||||
| 2. I agree to pay my tuition balance under the terms of this tuition payment plan. | ||||||||
| 3. I have requested this payment plan as I am unable to pay the full tuition balance at the beginning of the semester. I understand that I must timely meet all due dates that are established by the university. | ||||||||
| 4. Cancellation. I agree that the plan can’t be changed or canceled after it gets approved. | ||||||||
| 5. Interest Rate. The payment plan interest rate is 0%. I understand that I will never have to pay more than the above calculated amount for tuition. | ||||||||
| 6. Fees. I acknowledge that I will incur non-refundable administrative fees of $30.00, per installment, and it will be included in the monthly tuition installment payment. I will not incurr other financing fees under this plan. | ||||||||
| 7. I understand that I will not incurr late fees under this payment plan; however, I agree to pay my tuition installments on or before the due date(s) established. | ||||||||
| 8. If I pay by check and it is returned for insufficient funds, I understand I will pay a $45.00 returned check fee. | ||||||||
| 9. If I pay by credit card, I acknowledge that I am the card holder or an authorized user and the payment posted to my account is legitimate. If the payment posts to an unrelated party’s credit card, I will take full responsibility of my actions and agree to pay the full amount due, plus the charge back fee determined by the credit card company. I acknowledge that Student Accounts will place financial hold on my account and paragraph 11 “Default” clause will apply. | ||||||||
| 10. Tuition payments received are first applied against the oldest outstanding amounts. | ||||||||
| 11. Default. I acknowledge that in the event of default, the following terms will apply: a) the Student Accounts department will put a financial hold on my account; b) I will not be able to obtain transcripts upon my request until the financial hold is lifted; c) I will not be eligible to change my program of study or enroll in classes until the financial hold is lifted thus affecting my student status at the University; and, d) I must pay the full outstanding amount due before the financial hold can be lifted. | ||||||||
| 12. Lose Eligibilty for Payment Plan. If I fail to pay my installments on time on more than one occasion, then I will not be eligible for a payment plan in future semesters. | ||||||||
| 13. Repayment Options: This payment plan does not qualify for deferment options. All payments must be made within 90 days or less from the date of the first payment due, as noted in the “Payment Plan Term” section above. | ||||||||
| 14. Prepayments: If you pay the balance due under payment plan early, you will not have to pay a penalty. You will not be entitled to a refund of the administrative finance fees. | ||||||||
| 15. Nondiscrimination Policy: It is the policy of FXUA to provide equal education opportunities to all people regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identiry and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, disability, source of income, place of residence or business, and veteran status. | ||||||||
Overview
Fairfax University of America is proud to assist United States Military, Veterans and their dependents, who are eligible for Post 9/11 GI Bill, Chapter 33 benefits offered through the Department of Veterans Affairs.
FXUA’s Certifying Officials will guide you throughout the veterans education benefits application and admission process and make the process of enrolling in university courses as simple as possible.
The Post 9/11 GI BI is available for those who have at least 90 days of aggregate active duty service and are still on active duty after Sept. 10, 2001. You may also be eligible to qualify if you are an honorably discharged Veteran or were discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 days.
Am I eligible for VA Education benefits?
Only the Department of Veterans Administration can answer this question. We recommend that you contact the VA Education Center at 1-888-442-4551 for assistance with determining if you qualify for these benefits. They will be best able to explain what benefits you are entitled to.
I want to take classes at FXUA. What do I have to do to enroll?
The first thing you should do is apply to FXUA online. Once you have applied online, you will need to submit the required admissions documents and fees associated with the program in which you plan to enroll. For information on application requirements, we suggest that you visit the Admissions section of the website. If you need assistance throughout the admissions process, please feel free to contact an Admissions Officer. Once you complete the admissions process and are accepted into the university, you will be registered for classes!
I have already been accepted by FXUA. What do I do now?
Congratulations! Now that you have your acceptance letter, you are ready to register for your classes. You should first contact your admissions advisor to check in at the university and then see your academic advisor to register for classes. Your academic advisor will assist you with picking the appropriate courses for your degree program. Once you have registered for your courses you will need to meet with the FXUA Certifying Official to discuss your education benefits. They will explain to you the process of certifying your enrollment and ensure that the veterans’ education benefits are paid for the classes in which you have registered.
I have not yet received my Certificate of Eligibility. Is this okay?
Yes. You are encouraged to apply to FXUA as early as possible, even if you have not received your Certificate of Eligibility from the VA. You can apply, be accepted, and register for classes without having this form in hand. This form is required for FXUA to certify your enrollment with the VA, and to ensure that you receive the benefits in which you are entitled. This form must be received by the first day of classes.
How do I change my mailing address?
Changing your address is very simple. Just log into your student portal to make any necessary updates.
What should I do if I need to make an adjustment to my enrollment at FXUA?
All students receiving veterans education benefits from the VA are required to meet with the Certifying Official at FXUA immediately if there is a change in their enrollment. Both FXUA and the student are required to contact the VA with these changes within 30 days of the enrollment change. Any change to enrollment many affect the benefits being provided to the student.
Eligibility and Enrollment Requirements
The Office of Financial Aid is available to counsel prospective and current students on the types of aid available and to help them through the application and funding process.
The following are eligibility requirements to participate in the Federal Student Aid Programs:
- Students with the following citizenship status are eligible to receive federal student aid:
- U.S. Citizen or U.S. National
- U.S. Permanent Resident
- Refugee, Asylum Granted, Cuban-Haitian Entrant, Conditional Entrant (only if issued before 1980), Parolee
- Battered Immigrant-qualified alien
- T-visa or a parent with a T-1 visa
* F1 student visa holders are not eligible for federal student aid
- Students must have a valid Social Security Number
- Students must have a high school diploma or a General Educational Development (GED) certificate or a state-recognized equivalent; or complete a high school education in a homeschool setting approved under state law; or enroll in an eligible career pathways program.
- Students must be registered with the Selective Service if required by law (male, 18-25 years of age). Those required to register who failed to do so before their 26th birthday may forfeit their eligibility for aid if they cannot demonstrate that their failure to register was not done knowingly and willfully.
- Be admitted and enrolled in an eligible program of study
- Students must currently not be in default of any federal educational loan or owe a repayment on a Federal Pell Grant, FSEOG, or State Grant.
- Demonstrate financial need.
- Students must maintain satisfactory academic progress in order to be eligible and remain eligible for federal student aid programs. Please view the Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Policy for more information.
Enrollment
A student must maintain at-least a half-time status to remain eligible for Federal Loans.
Below are enrollment definitions:
| Enrollment Status | Graduate Students | Undergraduate Students | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall & Spring | Summer | Fall, Spring, & Summer | |
| Full-Time | 9 credits | 6 credits | 12 credits |
| ¾ Time | 6 credits | n/a | 9 credits |
| Half-Time | n/a | 3 credits | 6 credits |
| Less Than Half Time | 3 credits | n/a | 3 credits |
Cost of Attendance
In accordance with federal regulations, the Office of Financial Aid calculates an estimated budget that is designed to account for average educational costs associated with attending the university. This estimated budget is called the cost of attendance (COA). Cost of attendance is a collection of direct cost (tuition, books, and fees) and indirect cost (housing, transportation, personal expenses). This results in a student budget and the financial aid of any student cannot exceed that budget or cost of attendance. COA is an estimated number, meaning that individual student costs may vary depending on a variety of factors including housing, the number of enrolled credits, and transportation solutions.
2021-2022 Estimated Cost of Attendance for Full-Time Student (9 Months)
| 2021-2022 Estimated Cost of Attendance for Full-Time Student (9 Months) |
||
| Cost of Attendance (Academic Year) | ||
| Undergraduate | Graduate | |
| TUITION & FEES | ||
| Full Time | $12,660 | $13,068 |
| BOOKS & SUPPLIES | ||
| Estimated Annual Cost | $1,920 | $1,920 |
| HOUSING | ||
| Not Living with Parents | $6,652 | $6,652 |
| Living with Parents | N/A | N/A |
| TRANSPORTATION | ||
| Not Living with Parents | $2,260 | $2,260 |
| Living with Parents | $2,260 | $2,260 |
| PERSONAL EXPENSES | ||
| Not Living with Parents | $3,768 | $3,768 |
| Living with Parents | $3,768 | $3,768 |
2020-2021 Estimated Cost of Attendance for Full-Time Student (9 Months)
| 2020-2021 Estimated Cost of Attendance for Full-Time Student (9 Months) |
||
| Cost of Attendance (Academic Year) | ||
| Undergraduate | Graduate | |
| TUITION & FEES | ||
| Full Time | $12,660 | $13,068 |
| BOOKS & SUPPLIES | ||
| Estimated Annual Cost | $1,800 | $1,600 |
| HOUSING | ||
| Not Living with Parents | $6,860 | $6,860 |
| Living with Parents | N/A | N/A |
| TRANSPORTATION | ||
| Not Living with Parents | $2,260 | $2,260 |
| Living with Parents | $2,260 | $2,260 |
| PERSONAL EXPENSES | ||
| Not Living with Parents | $3,740 | $3,740 |
| Living with Parents | $3,740 | $3,740 |
2019-2020 Estimated Cost of Attendance for Full-Time Student (9 Months)
| 2019-2020 Estimated Cost of Attendance for Full-Time Student (9 Months) |
||
| Cost of Attendance (Academic Year) | ||
| Undergraduate | Graduate | |
| TUITION & FEES | ||
| Full Time | $10,128 | $13,068 |
| BOOKS & SUPPLIES | ||
| Estimated Annual Cost | $800 | $600 |
| HOUSING | ||
| Not Living with Parents | $6,652 | $6,652 |
| Living with Parents | $1,730 | $1,730 |
| TRANSPORTATION | ||
| Not Living with Parents | $2,260 | $2,260 |
| Living with Parents | $2,260 | $2,260 |
| PERSONAL EXPENSES | ||
| Not Living with Parents | $3,640 | $3,640 |
| Living with Parents | $3,640 | $3,640 |
2018-2019 Estimated Cost of Attendance for Full-Time Student (9 Months)
| 2018-2019 Estimated Cost of Attendance for Full-Time Student (9 Months) | ||||
| Cost of Attendance (Academic Year) | Residential (VA, MD, DC) & Online | International & Non-Residential | ||
| Undergraduate | Graduate | Undergraduate | Graduate | |
| TUITION & FEES | ||||
| Full Time | $ 9,420 | $ 9,148 | $ 10,128 | $ 13,068 |
| BOOKS & SUPPLIES | ||||
| Estimated Annual Cost | $ 800 | $ 600 | $ 800 | $ 600 |
| HOUSING | ||||
| Not Living with Parents | $ 6,652 | $ 6,652 | $ 6,652 | $ 6,652 |
| Living with Parents | $ 1,730 | $ 1,730 | $ 1,730 | $ 1,730 |
| TRANSPORTATION | ||||
| Not Living with Parents | $ 2,260 | $ 2,260 | $ 2,260 | $ 2,260 |
| Living with Parents | $ 2,260 | $ 2,260 | $ 2,260 | $ 2,260 |
| PERSONAL EXPENSES | ||||
| Not Living with Parents | $ 3,640 | $ 3,640 | $ 3,640 | $ 3,640 |
| Living with Parents | $ 3,640 | $ 3,640 | $ 3,640 | $ 3,640 |
2017-2018 Estimated Cost of Attendance for Full-Time Student (9 Months)
| International & Non-Residential | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of Attendance | Undergraduate | Graduate | TESOL |
| TUITION & FEES | |||
| Full Time | $9,558 | 9,294 | $ 9,294 |
| BOOKS & SUPPLIES | |||
| Estimated Annual Cost | $800 | $600 | $600 |
| HOUSING | |||
| Not Living with Parents | $ 6,360 | $ 6,360 | $ 6,360 |
| Living with Parents | $ 1,654 | $ 1,654 | $ 1,654 |
| TRANSPORTATION | |||
| Not Living with Parents | $ 2,160 | $ 2,160 | $ 2,160 |
| Living with Parents | $ 2,160 | $ 2,160 | $ 2,160 |
| PERSONAL EXPENSES | |||
| Not Living with Parents | $ 3,480 | $ 3,480 | $ 3,480 |
| Living with Parents | $ 3,480 | $ 3,480 | $ 3,480 |
| Residential (VA, MD, DC) & Online | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of Attendance | Undergraduate | Graduate | TESOL |
| TUITION & FEES | |||
| Full Time | $10,278 | $13,218 | $12,660 |
| BOOKS & SUPPLIES | |||
| Estimated Annual Cost | $800 | $600 | $ 600 |
| HOUSING | |||
| Not Living with Parents | $ 6,360 | $ 6,360 | $ 6,360 |
| Living with Parents | $ 1,654 | $ 1,654 | $ 1,654 |
| TRANSPORTATION | |||
| Not Living with Parents | $ 2,160 | $ 2,160 | $ 2,160 |
| Living with Parents | $ 2,160 | $ 2,160 | $ 2,160 |
| PERSONAL EXPENSES | |||
| Not Living with Parents | $ 3,480 | $ 3,480 | $ 3,480 |
| Living with Parents | $ 3,480 | $ 3,480 | $ 3,480 |
Basis for Student Budgets
The Administrator collects information to prepare standard costs on an annual basis.
Tuition and Fees
Tuition and fees are approved by the Board. Tuition and fees for a full-time equivalent status are used in the standard budget.
Books and Supplies
An estimated cost of books and supplies for enrollment.
Housing
Housing expenses are divided into two categories: living off-campus, living with parents and/or relatives. These expenses include rent, utilities and any cost associated with housing.
Personal Expenses
Personal expenses include costs for clothing, toiletries, medical/dental, recreational, child care, and other miscellaneous expenses.
Transportation
An estimation of transportation costs for students.
Budgeting
We know that maintaining your personal finances can be hard when you are a student. Use the helpful tools on this page to develop lifelong money management skills that will assist you during your period of student and into the future.
If you need further assistance, the Office of Financial Aid at FXUA is also available to counsel prospective and current students on the types of budgeting tools and the techniques that will work specifically for you.
Why is budgeting important?
- It helps organize and pay off expenses at a quicker rate.
- You can develop and meet short-term and long-term financial goals.
- Budgeting is proven to reduce student anxiety levels regarding financial and academic matters.
- It can contribute and help build good credit for the future.
- It improves understanding of Cost of Attendance (COA)
- Budgeting identifies where funds should be going versus where they were actually spent.
- How to Manage a Budget
Set your goals
The best way to start the budgeting process is establishing academic, financial, and personal goals. Goals will provide a context that will allow you to better understand the benefits of saving and the long-term impacts of poor money management.
- Examples of Personal Goals:
- Establishing a career.
- Choosing a place of residence.
- Examples of Academic Goals:
- Obtaining a certificate or degree(s).
- Graduation on time (the length of time spent in school has significant financial impacts).
- Getting good grades in school that could lead to financial merit awards.
- Examples of Financial Goals:
- Short-term savings (ex. placing a percentage of every paycheck in a savings account or accumulating minimal debt prior to graduation).
- Long-term savings (ex. paying off a car within five years or saving for a down payment in the process of purchasing a home).
- Building credit.
Build Credit
Building and maintaining credit is one of the most significant financial goals for university students. On-time bill payments, as well as avoiding bounced checks and overdrafts, will assist in building a student’s credit. A good credit history will open up financial options after you graduate. For example, you will be able to obtain auto or home loans with favorable interest rates if you have good credit. Student loan payments will impact your credit history if left unpaid, making it even important to budget your education.
If you are unsure of what your current credit looks like, credit reports and credit scores can help. These tools have the capability to monitor your credit. Free credit reports (but not scores) are available at www.annualcreditreport.com.
Wants vs. Needs
When starting to budget, it is important for students to create a wants versus needs checklist. Needs are required for survival (ex. food, clothing, shelter, etc.) and wants are things that are not be as necessary (ex. buying a cup of coffee on a daily basis). Your goals should be used as a basic framework for deciding which expenses are necessary and which are optional.
Understanding Your Income
Students need to understand their income in order to create a functional budget. Some aspects of income, like personal income, savings, and family contributions, are easy to grasp. Other forms of income, like student loans or grants, require you to understand your responsibilities as an aid recipient or borrower.
Fairfax University of America can assist students with information about scholarships, grants and work-study programs, student loans, and federal work-study programs.
Banking
Many students don’t open their first bank account and being their credit history until after they begin school. There are many banks and credit unions in the Fairfax Area that offer a range of financial services and low-cost features for beginners. When selecting your bank, here are some points you may want to consider:
- Does this bank offer free checking accounts?
- Are there any incentives offered with opening a student checking account?
- Does this bank have a variety of ATM locations? Are there any extra fees associated with their ATM transactions?
- How does this bank handle international transfers?
Tracking Your Earnings and Spending
Tracking daily spending provides students with a true understanding of where their money is going, and if it is being used rationally. To fully appreciate the impact of routine payments, students can calculate the total amounts of such purchases over the course of a year. For example, a $2 coffee each morning would cost a student $730 annually. The ability to visualize the long-term costs and implications of daily expenditure choices can provide a powerful motivation to curb discretionary spending.
Students can set themselves up for success by maintaining records of all their financial transactions. Good record keeping can also assist in preventing financial discrepancies by providing a references for past interactions and agreements. Ultimately, you are protected in the event of mistakes made by your financial institutions or loan servicers that could adversely affect you if you are aware of your past transactions.
Borrowing & Loans
U.S. students will often use federal or private loans to finance their education. Taking out a loan is a decision that will affect you in the long-term. It is critical to understand that your loan options and associated responsibilities in order to make good borrowing decisions. Before taking out a loan, students should consider using all available grants and scholarships since these financial options do not need to be paid back.
Private loans should be used as a last-resort in financing your studies. Private student loans are non-federal loans made by a lender, such as a bank, a credit union, or a state agency. They do not typically offer the same benefits as a federal student loans. Students are encouraged to seek financial counseling before taking out private loans to ensure they will not be affected for years to come.
Whether using federal or private student loans, students should be aware of the details of the loan, as well as what their responsibilities are as a borrower. Before taking out a loan, ask yourself these questions:
- Is it necessary to accept the full loan amount that is offered?
- When does the repayment period begin?
- How long is the repayment period?
- Does interest accrue while I am still in school? If so, at what rate?
- When will a loan be considered delinquent (when is it considered overdue)?
- If a loan becomes delinquent, when will it enter default (when does the overdue payment fail to meet its legal obligations)?
- Can a defaulted loan be rehabilitated?
- What are the repayment options and when is it necessary for me to select one (e.g. at the time of origination or upon graduation)?
- What can be done to reduce debt burden? Can I pay interest or a small amount of loan principal while I am still in school?
Understanding Repayment
Students that are educated on their responsibilities and options as borrowers will help decrease default and delinquency rates. Fairfax University of America’s Office of Financial Aid can help students by reviewing their repayment processes prior to originating the loan and revisiting the loan information before graduation.
Students are encouraged to explore all repayment plan options, including income-based repayment plans. Even the most basic money management skills will aid in reducing your chances of making repayment mistakes that may adversely impact their overall credit scores. In addition, students should always be mindful of keeping the university and loan servicer updated on any changes in their contact information (ex. mailing address, phone number, etc.) that could lead to missing important notices.
Remember: Private loans have different repayment options and requirements than federal loans. Borrowers of private loans are encouraged to contact their loan holders in the event of any changes or for relevant repayment information.
Borrowers experiencing difficult meeting their repayment obligations could have options. This includes loan consolidation, changing repayment plans, deferment, or forbearance. Educated borrowers are more likely to appropriately use these options to avoid delinquency or defaulted loans. Fairfax University of America aims to educate students about these options and encourages students with complications to contact the Office of Financial Aid for counsel.
Federal Student Aid
Comprehensive, detailed information on federal student aid from preparing financially for college through loan repayment.
Net Price Calculator
Federal Student Aid Information Center
Resource for questions about federal student aid and completing the FAFSA.
FDIC Money Smart
Comprehensive financial education curriculum designed to help low- and moderate-income individuals enhance their financial skills and create positive banking relationships.
MyMoney.go
Provides help for making informed financial decisions about paying for college, such as how to compare financial aid offers, choosing a loan, managing money, and repaying debt.
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
U.S. Treasury Department provides financial capability information for youth, lesson plans for teachers, and research reports about money, saving, and planning for the future.
Federal Financial Aid FAQs
General Information About Financial Aid
Financial aid is any financial assistance a student receives to help pay for their educational expenses. There are different categories of financial aid including:
- Institutional Financial Aid – Aid funded by the institution. It can include institutional scholarships, tuition discounts, tuition waivers, etc.
- Federal Financial Aid – Federal Student Financial Aid comes from the U.S. Department of Education, which helps eligible students pay for higher education expenses. It covers tuition, fees, room and board, books and supplies, and transportation. It can include the Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), Federal Work Study Program, and Federal Direct Loans. Please visit www.studentaid.gov for more information
- Outside Financial Aid – All non-federal aid outside the institution. It can include veteran benefits, 529 college savings plan, agency funding, social services funding, employer / corporate tuition assistance.
The types of federal financial aid available at FXUA are:
- Federal Grants: Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), and Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grants
- Federal Direct Loans: Subsidized Direct Loan, Unsubsidized Direct Loan, Direct PLUS Loan, and Direct Parent PLUS Loan
Your Cost of Attendance (COA) is the amount it will cost you to go to college. Most undergraduate and graduate colleges will calculate your COA to show your total cost for the school year (for instance, for the fall semester plus the spring semester). If you are attending at least half-time, your COA is the estimate of that following:
- Tuition and fees;
- The cost of room and board (or living expenses for students who do not contract with the school for room and board);
- The cost of books, supplies, transportation, loan fees, and miscellaneous expenses (including a reasonable amount for the documented cost of a personal computer);
- An allowance for child care or other dependent care;
- Costs related to a disability; and/or reasonable costs for eligible study-abroad programs
The budget for Cost of Attendance (COA) at FXUA varies per program, enrollment status, student status per the FAFSA, and many other variables. You may visit the financial aid page on our main FXUA website for more information about the cost of attendance at FXUA. If you have specific information regarding the cost of attendance for you and you are a current student, please contact the Financial Aid Office at .
Your EFC is your expected family contribution; this is a number that college financial aid staff use to determine how much financial aid you can receive if you were to attend school. The information you report on your FAFSA is used to calculate your EFC by the Federal Government. For more information and explanation of the entire federal financial process as defined by federal law, please visit studentaid.ed.gov/sa/.
Please visit Federal Student Aid website for the different types of federal financial aid. This website should answer all your questions as it is a helpful resource with all basic federal financial aid information and tools.
The federal financial aid award year is defined by the Federal Government as starting on July 1st and ending June 30th the following year.
If you attend more than one college at the same time, you may receive federal financial aid at one college only. There are annual loan limits a student must not exceed. If you transfer from one college to another, it is important to be aware of any loan period overlap which may prevent you from taking out further loans until the end of your current loan period. If you transfer from one college to another during the year, you may be eligible for federal financial aid at both colleges. You have to apply for federal financial aid at each college separately.
FXUA does not contribute in the repayment of student loans. The financial aid office works diligently to counsel students regarding repaying federal student loans and you can contact the financial aid office if you have any specific questions regarding your student loans.
Federal Financial Aid Eligibility
Please visit our website for all eligibility and requirements to apply for federal financial aid. If you meet the basic eligibility criteria, you may fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to find out what types of aid and how much they qualify for. You may complete the FAFSA even if you think you may not qualify for federal student aid. The FAFSA can be found online at fafsa.ed.gov
You must have the following citizenship status:
- U.S. Citizen or U.S. National
- U.S. Permanent Resident
- Other eligible non-citizen, including Refugee, Asylum Granted, Cuban-Haitian Entrant, Conditional Entrant (only if issued before 1980), Parolee, Battered Immigrant-qualified alien, T-visa or a parent with a T-1 visa
You must also meet the following requirements:
- Registered with the Selective Service if required by law (male, 18-25 years of age).
- Admitted and enrolled in a qualifying program
- Maintain Satisfactory Academic Process
- Not be in default on a federal educational loan and not owe a refund on a federal grant
- Demonstrate financial need
- Have a valid Social Security Number
- Have a high school diploma or a General Educational Development (GED) certificate or a state-recognized equivalent; or complete a high school education in a homeschool setting approved under state law; or enroll in an eligible career pathways program.
Learn more about eligibility requirements at StudentAid.gov/eligibility
Eligibility for most federal financial aid is based upon demonstrated need of the students and their family. Need is determined using the information reported on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Federal financial aid is intended to make college available to students from many different financial situations. College financial aid officers consider family income, the number of family members in college, medical expenses and many other factors when reviewing your federal financial aid application. So, even if you think your family income is too high for you to qualify for federal aid, you should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible. This form determines your eligibility for federal and state student grants, work-study, and federal loans.
No. You do not have to be enrolled full-time to receive many forms for federal financial aid. However, the amount of aid you are eligible to receive will be determined by the Financial Aid Office based on the Cost of Attendance, Expected Family Contribution, year in school, and enrollment status.
Below are enrollment definitions:
| Enrollment Status | Graduate Students | Undergraduate Students | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall & Spring | Summer | Fall, Spring, & Summer | |
| Full-Time | 9 credits | 6 credits | 12 credits |
| ¾ Time | 6 credits | n/a | 9 credits |
| Half-Time | n/a | 3 credits | 6 credits |
| Less Than Half Time | 3 credits | n/a | 3 credits |
Yes. However, the Pell Grant may only be used up to the full-time entitlement in one award year. No one semester can exceed ½ of the full-time entitlement. All three terms combined cannot exceed the full-time entitlement (annual scheduled Pell award). Any Pell funds used in the Summer semester will reduce the amount of Pell funding available for the Spring and Fall semesters.
Yes. In order for you receive the federal financial aid, you must meet the school’s Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) policy, which can be found in the academic catalog or on the FXUA website at FXUA Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy
It is true that many scholarships reward student performance in high school, but most government aid is based on financial need. Remember, if you do receive need-based aid, you must remain in good academic standing to renew your aid annually. Please refer to the SAP section of the academic catalog or click Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Policy
You must meet satisfactory academic progress, fill out the FAFSA each year, and the basic criteria found at https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/eligibility/basic-criteria when you originally filled out the FAFSA. Generally, you must remain at least half-time enrollment status each semester to be eligible for federal loans. However, if you are below a half-time status, you may be still eligible for the Pell Grant.
Citizenship Status / International Students
No. International students (F-1 visa) are not eligible for federal and state financial aid programs. In order to apply for federal student aid, you must be a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen that usually holds a social security number. However, there are a number of privately funded scholarship programs for International students.
FXUA offers a wide range of scholarships that you are welcome to research and apply for if you meet the requirements. For more information about scholarships, please visit FXUA Scholarships.
You are considered an “eligible noncitizen” if you fall into certain categories, such as the ones listed below:
- You are a
- U.S. national (includes natives of American Samoa or Swains Island) or
- U.S. permanent resident with a Form I-551, I-151, or I-551C (Permanent Resident Card, Resident Alien Card, or Alien Registration Receipt Card), also known as a “green card.”
- You have an Arrival-Departure Record (I-94) from U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services (USCIS) showing*
- “Refugee,”
- “Asylum Granted,”
- “Cuban-Haitian Entrant,”
- “Conditional Entrant” (valid only if issued before April 1, 1980), or
- “Parolee” (you must be paroled for at least one year, and you must be able to provide evidence from the USCIS that you are in the United States for other than a temporary purpose with the intention of becoming a U.S. citizen or permanent resident).
- You hold a T nonimmigrant status (“T-visa”) (for victims of human trafficking) or your parent holds a T-1 nonimmigrant status. Your college or career school’s financial aid office will ask to see your visa and/or certification letter from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.*
- You are a “battered immigrant-qualified alien” who is a victim of abuse by your citizen or permanent resident spouse, or you are the child of a person designated as such under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).*
- You are a citizen of the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, or the Republic of Palau. If this is the case, you may be eligible for only certain types of federal student aid:
- Citizens of the Republic of Palau are eligible for Federal Pell Grants, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, and Federal Work-Study.
- Citizens of the Federal States of Micronesia and the Republic of the Marshall Islands are eligible for Federal Pell Grants only.
*To qualify for federal student aid, certain eligible noncitizens must be able to provide evidence from the USCIS that they are in the United States for other than a temporary purpose with the intention of becoming a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
– You have only a “Notice of Approval to Apply for Permanent Residence” (I-171 or I-464);
– You are in the U.S. on an F-1 or F-2 nonimmigrant student visa, or on a J-1 or J-2 immigrant Exchange Visitor Visa; or
– You hold a G series visa (pertaining to international organizations)
As a noncitizen, you are unable to complete the FAFSA unless you have a Social Security Number (SSN). Deferred Action allows students to remain in the country; however, it does not make such students eligible for federal financial aid even if student have a SSN.
FXUA Financial Aid Process
To apply for federal grants, loans, and work-study, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which can be found at fafsa.ed.gov. The FAFSA should be completed as early as possible prior to enrollment at Fairfax University of America each year. The school code for Fairfax University of America is 041440. The FAFSA for the upcoming financial aid award year will be available annually each October.
We also recommend searching and applying for FXUA scholarships. FXUA has several institutional scholarships we recommend researching.
- Complete the FAFSA and include FXUA federal school code: 041440 on the application.
- Create a FXUA admission application account and submit an online application (either for an on-campus or online program). Make sure to answer “Yes” to the question “Are you interested in Federal Financial Aid?”
- Make a payment of the application fee ($20 for domestic and online program).
- After the fee has been received and processed by the Accounting Department, the FXUA application status becomes “Application File Open.” You can now submit the required admission and federal student aid documents online through the Application Portal.
- When the federal student aid application is approved by the Financial Aid Office, an award letter notification will be sent to notify you via email. You must review the Award Letter carefully and contact the Financial Aid Office if you have any questions.
You can complete you FAFSA at any time regardless of whether you have applied through FXUA admissions. The earlier you complete the FAFSA, the better. If you complete your FAFSA early, this will give the Financial Aid Office more time to review your FAFSA and prepare your packaging.
Thank you for submitting your FAFSA! Please indicate on your FXUA admission application that you are interested in federal financial aid at FXUA. This will notify the Financial Aid Office that if eligible, you plan on using federal financial aid to cover your college cost. The Financial Aid Office will contact you regarding your financial aid eligibility once your application has been processed. If you have any questions regarding your federal student aid application at FXUA, please contact the Financial Aid Office by email at .
FXUA may be willing to review your federal financial aid package if your financial situation changes. Consider discussing these changes with the Financial Aid Office if your family has experienced an unexpected decrease in income or increase in expenses since you applied for federal student aid.
Documents for the Financial Aid Office are located on the FXUA website under the financial aid section.
Verification is a process where the university must confirm that information reported on the FAFSA is accurate. The Financial Aid Office will notify students via email and the FXUA Application Portal if they are selected for verification and required to submit any additional verification documentation. In this process, the Financial Aid Office is required by federal law (Higher Education Act as amended and Subpart E or 34 CFR, Part 668) to compare the information from the FAFSA application with the information provided via the Verification Worksheet, federal IRS tax transcripts, and other required documentation. If there are differences between the FAFSA application data and the documents the student/parent submit, your FAFSA may need to be corrected/updated.
The verification policy of FXUA is to verify all applications selected by the federal processors. FXUA has verification worksheets in which students must complete if federal processors have chosen the student for verification. At any time, FXUA holds the right to select any student for verification regardless if not chosen by a federal processor if the Financial Aid Office determines that more information is needed to confirm and/or very application data to prevent fraud and data conflicts. When FAFSA application is selected for verification, FXUA is required by federal las (34 CFR, Part 668) to compare the information from the FAFSA application with the information provided on the Verification Form, other forms, and with copies of the current year federal tax transcript for student/spouse/parent (as applicable).
The Financial Aid Office will determine how much federal student aid you are eligible to receive. Once we determine your eligibility and the amount of aid you can receive, we will send an Award Letter Notification to you, and you may either accept or deny it.
All credit undergraduate and graduate programs are eligible for federal financial aid except for the Graduate Certificate in Project Management. All non-credit programs are not eligible for federal financial aid, including the ESL program.
The academic year at FXUA is the Fall and Spring semesters. The summer semester is not mandatory, but an optional additional semester for students to continue taking courses.
FXUA considers the summer semester as a trailer semester to the previous academic year.
Completing The FAFSA
The FAFSA is a Free Application for Federal Student Aid provided by the Federal Government.The FAFSA determines your eligibility for Federal Financial Aid in which the Federal Government using special calculations to determine your financial need.
The FAFSA become available each year in October for the following federal student aid award year.
Please contact FAFSA Help FAQ at https://fafsa.ed.gov/help.htm. that will help you with any questions regarding logging in or completing your FAFSA.
Yes. You must submit a new FAFSA every year if you want to stay eligible for financial aid. The current 2021-2022 FAFSA is available at fafsa.ed.gov. Complete it early to receive priority on federal grants if you qualify.
The 2021-2022 FAFSA covers Fall 2021, Spring 2022, and Summer 2022 semesters.
The school code for FXUA is 041440.
Not necessarily. While completing the FAFSA application, you will be asked a series of questions that will determine your Dependency Status. If you are determined to be a Dependent Student, you will need to provide your parents information in order for your application to be considered complete. (Please note: Being determined a Dependent Student does not mean that you are necessarily financially dependent upon your parents. Dependency status is merely a classification for FAFSA purposes.)
If you have a special circumstance that prevents you from providing parental information, you may be able to submit your FAFSA. However, your FAFSA will be considered incomplete. You must contact the Financial Aid Office for guidance.
Yes. A student must include his/her spouse’s income information on the FAFSA form if he/she is married at the time the application is completed, even if they were not married during the applicable tax year. If separate federal income tax returns were filed, combine the adjusted gross incomes from the tax returns and include this on the appropriate lines of the FAFSA form. Do the same for the taxes paid and other requested amounts.
Divorced or students living separately from their spouse (due to estrangement) should not include his or her income on the FAFSA form. (Those who have remarried since divorce must include spousal information if remarried at time of application.)
Disbursement And Refunds
If you withdraw before the end of the term while receiving federal financial aid, the Financial Aid Office will perform a refund calculation per federal regulations to calculate how much of your federal financial aid must be returned back to the federal government. This may result in an institutional balance on your student account, please consider the financial consequences before withdrawing.
Federal financial aid is available to those who qualify to assist with educational expenses which include direct or indirect expenses. The amount of federal aid you are eligible to receive is determined by your financial aid eligibility; therefore, it may or may not pay for all of your expenses and come in the form of grants, loans, and work-study job. For more information, please visit www.studentaid.ed.gov
If your federal financial aid disbursements total more than all charges on your student account for the enrollment period, then that would result in a credit balance. Per Federal Regulations, FXUA has 14 calendar days to issue a credit balance back to the student. Please make sure you have notified the Financial Aid Office what method you would like your credit balance refunded back to you. Please see the credit balance authorization form for more details located on the FXUA website. For your specific federal financial aid and charges, please contact the Financial Aid Office at .
Eligibility for disbursement depends on many factors such as completion of financial aid documents, enrollment status, etc. For more information, please contact the financial aid office. Please visit FSA Awarding and Disbursement Processes for more information.
Student Consumer Information
As Fairfax University of America (FXUA) participates in federal financial aid (Title IV) programs, it is required to disclose consumer information to all current and prospective students and employees. The information is available electronically on our websites. Please visit the links below to access necessary information about FXUA relating to federal financial aid, campus safety, policies and procedures, etc.
Constitution Day Overview
September 17th of every year is Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, which is observed to commemorate the ratification and signing of the US Constitution on September 17, 1787. Written in 1787, ratified in 1788, and in operation since 1789, the United States Constitution is the world’s longest surviving written charter of government. Its first three words –– “We the People” –– affirm that the government of the United States exists to serve its citizens. For over two centuries the Constitution has remained in force because its framers wisely separated and balanced governmental powers to safeguard the interests of majority rule and minority rights, of liberty and equality, and of the federal and state governments. Since 1789, the Constitution has evolved through amendments to meet the changing needs of a nation now profoundly different from the eighteenth-century world in which its creators lived. The days is also meant to recognize all the people who are born in the US and have become US citizens by naturalization.
To encourage all Americans to learn more about the Constitution, Congress in 1956 established Constitution Week, to begin each year on September 17th, the date in 1787 when delegates to the convention signed the Constitution. In 2004, Senator Robert C. Byrd of West Virginia included key provisions in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of Fiscal Year 2005 designating September 17th of each year as Constitution Day and requiring public schools and governmental offices to provide educational programs to promote a better understanding of the Constitution.
When Constitution Day falls on a weekend or another holiday, schools and other institutions observe the holiday on an adjacent weekday. This was the case in 2005 and 2011 when Constitution Day was generally observed on Friday, September 16, and in 2006 when the holiday was observed on Monday, September 18.
