Reasons Why Your Award May Be Adjusted

Financial Aid Can Change

Understanding why your financial aid award might change is important to managing your college finances.

Financial aid isn’t always set in stone—adjustments can happen for a variety of reasons, like changes in funding, enrollment, or federal regulations.

By staying informed and keeping the Financial Aid office in the loop about any changes in your situation, you can ensure your aid is accurate and meets your needs.

Here’s why your financial aid award might change—and how to stay on top of it:

• Changes in Funding: Your financial aid is based on funding estimates from federal, state, and Hawkeye sources. If the actual funding ends up being less than expected, your aid award will be adjusted to reflect the new amount.
• Changes in Federal Regulations: Federal aid programs can change at any time due to new laws or policies. If this happens, your aid award may be updated.
• Scholarship and Grant Requirements: Some scholarships and grants require you to meet specific academic or performance standards, like maintaining a certain GPA. If you don’t meet those requirements, your funding may be reduced or canceled.
• Receiving Additional Financial Assistance: If you get funding from an outside source, like a private scholarship or loan, let the Financial Aid office know right away. These funds need to be included in your aid package to ensure you’re not receiving more than allowed under federal rules. If the amount from the outside source changes, notify us immediately to adjust your award.
• Anticipated vs. Actual Credit Hours: Your financial aid is based on full-time, full-year enrollment (at least 12 credit hours per semester). If you take fewer credits or don’t plan to attend both fall and spring semesters, your aid may be adjusted. Always contact the Financial Aid office before changing your credit hours to understand how it might affect your aid.

• Class Attendance: You must attend class to receive financial aid. Instructors report attendance, and if you’re marked as not attending on the financial aid lock date, those credits won’t count toward your aid, which could reduce your funding. You can check your attendance in Self-Service: Grades.

• Withdrawing from Class: Withdrawing from classes could affect your financial aid, possibly leaving you with a bill or requiring you to repay funds you didn’t earn. What happens if you withdraw?
• Changing Your Program/Major: Changing your program/major could affect your financial aid, possibly leaving you with a bill or requiring you to repay funds you didn't earn. Connect with Financial Aid to understand how it will affect your current and future aid.
• Developmental Courses: Federal aid covers up to 30 credit hours of developmental courses—courses with a catalog number that starts with a 0 in the numerical part (e.g., MAT-063). If you’re nearing this limit, you’ll get an email notification. Keep in mind these courses don’t transfer, count toward graduation, or apply after exceeding the 30-credit limit.
• Repeating Courses: Federal aid will only pay for one repeat of a course you’ve already passed (grade of D- or higher). If you retake it again, aid won’t cover it, even if you fail the second attempt. All attempts count toward your Satisfactory Academic Progress calculations.
• Special Circumstances: If something unexpected happens, like a job loss or high medical expenses, contact the Financial Aid office. You may qualify for a Special Circumstances Appeal to adjust your aid based on your new situation.

Also see Financial Aid Eligibility Requirements