Dillard University One-Stop Shop

 In order to be considered for Federal Student Aid (FSA) and Louisiana State Aid Programs, students must complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at studentaid.gov.  The student and contributing parents must create an account with FSA to obtain their own username and password to complete the FAFSA.

Dr. Ford has met with Louisiana's congressional leaders to address issues with the new FAFSA application. Dillard promptly ensures students receive their financial aid packages once the federal government releases the necessary data and access.

Yes.  You are required to apply for financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year if you are interested in being considered for federal or state aid; which includes grants, loans, work-study and state grant/scholarship programs.

 The Federal Government allows the Financial Aid Office to re-evaluate the household income for students and their families who demonstrate extenuating circumstance on a case-by-case basis.  If there is a substantial reduction of income then it is possible for your FAFSA to be reprocessed. 

 Students who are veterans can use their Montgomery GI Bill as resources to attend college.  It is also recommended that you complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for Federal Student Aid Programs.

The Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships will post “Preliminary Aid”, which is the anticipated aid that is expected to be received, to the account in advance so that the B/F Office can determine whether you can be fiscally cleared.  Preliminary Aid is removed by the census date in order for actual funds to start posting to student accounts.  Not all aid is posted at the same time.  You can check MYDU to review your awards and student account.

Once all tuition and fees are deducted from a student’s financial aid award, and there is an excess credit on the student’s account then the student is eligible for a refund.  The refund is processed by the Bursar’s Office and is disbursed to students 14 days after the credit appears on the student’s account.

 Federal law requires institution of higher education to monitor Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) of students who receive financial aid.  In order to remain eligible for federal, state and some institutional financial aid; students must meet the SAP requirements that has been established.  In the SAP monitoring process, the financial aid office evaluates the student’s qualitative (GPA), quantitative (PACE ratio-hours attempted vs. completed hours) and Maximum Time Frame (student’s ability to complete degree program in the maximum timeframe).  

 Student can be considered for Scholarship awards; however, due to limited funding, scholarships awards may not close the gap to clear your entire balance.  Some student and families seek additional assistance through a Private Loan, which is also referred to as External Loans.  You can also speak with the Bursar’s Office to determine if you are eligible to make payment arrangements to clear your balance.

The University will perform a Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) review at the end of each semester – Not passing all of your classes could impact you receiving financial aid for the subsequent semester. 

Yes.  Financial Aid is awarded based on full-time enrollment.  If you enroll or drop hours less than full-time your awards may decrease.  Please keep in mind that specific award programs require you to retain full-time status or complete 24 credit hours within the award year, and student loan programs require you to be enrolled at least half-time to retain eligibility.   Also, SAP is reviewed at the end of each semester – dropping classes could impact your continuous eligibility to receive financial aid.  You should contact your financial aid counselor to discuss how it may affect your eligibility for financial aid. 

The Federal Government requires the University to perform a process called “Return to Title IV”; therefore, if you withdraw (resign) from the University during a specific timeframe (up to 60% of the semester), a portion of your financial aid must be returned to the Federal Student Aid Program.  You should contact your financial aid counselor to discuss how it may affect your eligibility for financial aid. 

We offer the University, Presidential, Dean and Merit Scholarships.  We also provide Dillard University Grant awards as follows:

University Scholarship

• Criteria:                GPA 3.8, ACT 27+ or SAT 1220+
• Value:                   Tuition,  room & board and the University’s mandatory fee
• Renewal:              3.0,  4yrs, 8 semesters

Presidential Scholarship

• Criteria:                GPA 3.6, ACT 25+ or SAT 1130+
• Value:                   Tuition 
• Renewal:              3.0, 4yrs, 8 semesters

Dean, Merit and DU Grant (scholarships) are determined based upon a student’s grade point average and ACT/SAT composite test scores.  The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships also offer these Scholarships based on Test Optional. 

Value Ranges from $6,000 - $10,000. 

 The Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships establishes a standard estimated cost of attendance (also known as the budget) which is used to determine a student’s financial need.  The estimated cost of attendance reflects modest but adequate expenses.  There are Billable expenses (i.e. tuition, mandatory fees and on-campus housing) which are paid direct to the University and Non-Billable expense (i.e. off campus room and board, books/supplies, transportation, personal and miscellaneous expenses) which may be incurred by the student.  While actual expenses of individual students will vary based on personal lifestyle choices and other variable costs encountered, the estimated cost should assist you in planning your budget.

These budget components are utilized to determine how much financial aid will be offered. Total financial aid offered from all sources, including private sources, cannot exceed the total cost of attendance. Students who have unusual circumstances are encouraged to contact the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships, and with appropriate documentation, we may be able to adjust these budgets to allow for personal circumstances.