Need-based Aid

Understanding Need-based Aid

Need-based aid requires an annual determination of eligibility. To apply for all aid programs students must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA uses a federal formula to derive the Student Aid Index (SAI) – the amount the student and family are expected to contribute annually toward the student’s education.

Federal Aid Programs

  • Federal Pell Grant
  • Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG)
  • Federal Work-Study Program
  • Federal Stafford Loan (subsidized)

State Aid Programs

  • NC Need Based Scholarship Fund
  • Maryland, Rhode Island & Vermont State Grants

Elon Aid Programs

Financial Need is determined by subtracting the Student Aid Index (SAI) from the university’s Cost of Attendance.

Cost of Attendance – Student Aid Index = Financial Need (Financial Aid Eligibility)

The cost of attendance is determined by combining the direct costs (tuition, fees,housing and food) with the indirect costs not billed or paid directly to the university. Indirect costs include $900 for books, $1,100 for transportation and $1,500 for miscellaneous personal expenses.

Students with need will be offered a financial aid “offer” consisting of one or more of the following types of aid: scholarships, grants, loans and campus employment. Scholarships and grants are “gift” assistance, which do not have to be repaid, while loans and work are referred to as “self-help.”

Accepted students who apply and qualify for need-based financial aid will receive our best financial aid offer possible. Given the size of our endowment and student body, we are unable to meet full demonstrated need with the exception of students in the Odyssey program. However, our admissions policy remains need-blind and we are committed to providing every student the highest quality education at a competitive cost. Elon is ranked as a “Best Value College” by Princeton Review.