Important Update: Changes to the Programs of Strategic Emphasis Waiver

Changes in How the Waiver is Applied

Due to recent changes in state law, the Programs of Strategic Emphasis Tuition Waiver will no longer result in financial aid refunds to students. The waiver is now applied as a “last-dollar” award, which means:

• It will only apply after all other gift aid (such as grants and scholarships) has been applied to your tuition charges.
• If your gift aid fully covers the cost of your eligible tuition, you will not receive the waiver.
• If your gift aid does not cover all of your eligible tuition, the waiver will cover 50% of your remaining out-of-pocket tuition charges, but no more than that.

What This Means for You

• If you previously received refunds from this waiver (because aid exceeded your charges), you will no longer receive those refunds.
• The waiver will now only help reduce what you owe, it will not create a surplus of aid.

When Will the Waiver Be Applied?

To ensure that your gift aid is finalized (and avoid unnecessary adjustments), this waiver will now be applied after the 60% point of the term. This timing helps ensure the waiver amount is correct and avoids later revocations due to enrollment or aid changes. If you are academically eligible for the waiver and have out-of-pocket expenses after gift-aid has been applied, we will defer your tuition due date to the end of the term while we wait to process your waiver.

Tips for Students

• Monitor your financial aid and billing statements in myFSU Student Central to see how your charges and aid are applied.
• If you’re unsure whether you’ll benefit from the waiver, reach out to the Office of Student Finance for guidance.
• Remember: You may still benefit from the waiver, but only if you have out-of-pocket tuition expenses after all other gift aid is applied.

Example Calculations:

Example 1: In this example, a student studying Mechanical Engineering is enrolled in five classes, and all the classes count toward the POSE program requirements. This student’s gift-aid exceeds their tuition and fees.

Example 2: In this example, a student studying Mechanical Engineering is enrolled in five classes, and all the classes count toward the POSE program requirements. The student does not receive any gift-aid. In this case, the student receives a waiver of up to 50% of the cost of eligible classes. 

Example 3: In this final example, a student studying Mechanical Engineering is enrolled in five classes, and all the classes count toward the POSE program requirements. The student receives less gift-aid than is charged in tuition and fees. In this case, the student receives a waiver of 50% of their out-of-pocket expenses.