Navigating Scholarships at Life University: A Comprehensive Guide

Investing in education is a significant step towards a brighter future, and Life University offers various scholarships, grants, and tuition discounts to make this investment more accessible and affordable. These opportunities recognize academic achievement, leadership, service, and financial need. This guide will provide a detailed overview of the scholarships available at Life University, along with eligibility requirements and application processes.

Understanding Financial Aid at Life University

Life University connects students with opportunities that recognize academic achievement, leadership, service, and financial need. The university offers several types of financial aid, including:

Loans: These must be repaid and accrue interest.
Grants: Based on need or merit and do not need to be repaid (available only to undergraduate students seeking a degree).
Scholarships: Merit-based and do not need to be repaid.
Student Employment: Part-time, on-campus and off-campus (community service) employment opportunities are available. Students can work up to 20 hours per week, but funding is limited.

Priority Deadlines and Important Requirements

Submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the priority deadline is crucial. For example, submitting the FAFSA by January 15th is required to be reviewed for eligibility. Many need-based awards require FAFSA completion, so it is strongly recommended.

Life University Scholarship Portal

All internal scholarships are managed through the online Scholarship Portal. Once you complete your profile in the Scholarship Portal, you’ll be automatically matched with all scholarships you’re eligible for. Be sure to check life.awardspring.com regularly for new opportunities. However, Life University scholarships close on May 1st each year. Many scholarships are available to incoming undergraduate, graduate, and chiropractic students.

Specific Scholarship Programs at Life University

Life University offers a variety of scholarships tailored to different student profiles and academic pursuits. Here are some notable examples:

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RISE Scholarships

The Research, Innovation, Service and Education (“RISE”) scholarships provide opportunities for students to compete for scholarship funding while working under the mentorship of a Life U faculty or staff advisor on a research or evidence-based education, service, entrepreneurial or creative project that explores a specific question or social challenge that is aligned with the mission of Life University.

Eligibility: Full-time equivalent students pursuing an undergraduate, graduate or professional degree in the College of Chiropractic (COC) or the College of Graduate and Undergraduate Studies (CGUS).
Amount: $2,250 applied toward tuition for the quarter following application submission and approval.
Requirements: All recipients are required to submit a scholarship consent form and a thank you letter to receive their disbursement. To express your appreciation please upload your thank you letter to your dashboard in the scholarship portal.

Dr. Kerry White “I Can I Will” Memorial Scholarship Fund

The Dr. Kerry White “I Can I Will” Memorial Scholarship Fund was established by her colleagues in 2016 in memory of Dr. Kerry White, who lost her battle with melanoma in May of 2016. Kerry was diagnosed with Stage 4 melanoma midway through the chiropractic program in 2012. Despite enduring extensive treatment, Kerry did not miss a single class and graduated on time with her class in December 2014. Kerry’s “I Can I Will” motto fully embodies a student deserving of this award; a positive, hardworking, passionate, dedicated and devoted student ambitious about bringing chiropractic to his/her community. Unfortunately, Kerry was not able to recover enough to go into practice like she had always dreamed.

Dr. Max L. Harris Scholarship

The Dr. Max L. Harris Scholarship was established in 1982 by Mrs. Harris in memory of her husband.

Richard S. Lord Scholarship

The Richard S. Lord Scholarship was established upon his departure from the university in 1989. He had been impressed with the high quality of many students in his classes, and he wanted the proceeds from sales of the Biochemistry Laboratory Manual that he had self-published to accrue in a fund that would benefit worthy students. The book was written to guide students in their execution of specific experiments that were set up when the course was first created. As those experiments were modified under succeeding professors, the manual became outdated, so the fund was built from book sales over the few years after he had left the program.

Drs. Red Hat Scholarship

The Drs. Red Hat Scholarship (Commemorating Dr. Sharon K. in honor of Samantha J.

External Scholarship Opportunities

In addition to Life University’s internal scholarships, numerous external scholarships are available to students. These scholarships often have specific eligibility criteria and may require essays or other application materials. Here are some examples:

General Eligibility Scholarships: Scholarships open to students enrolled full-time at an accredited college or university, often requiring a minimum GPA and an essay.
Major-Specific Scholarships: Scholarships for students pursuing careers in fields like business, logistics, hospitality, HR, or marketing, often requiring a high GPA and a substantial essay.
Demographic-Specific Scholarships: Scholarships targeted towards specific demographics, such as female students or student-athletes, often requiring essays or other submissions.

Examples of External Scholarship Eligibility

Essay-Based Scholarships: Many scholarships require the submission of an essay, ranging from 500 to 2,000 words, on various topics.
GPA Requirements: Some scholarships require a minimum GPA, such as 2.50 or 3.0.
Residency Requirements: Some scholarships are open only to legal residents of the United States.
Specific Student Groups: Some scholarships are designed for student-athletes, members of specific organizations (e.g., American Chiropractic Association’s Council on Chiropractic Orthopedics), or students pursuing specific fields of study.

State and Federal Aid Programs

Life University students may also be eligible for state and federal aid programs, which can significantly reduce the cost of education.

Federal Aid Programs

Pell Grants: Available to need-based Undergraduate Students. Awards vary depending on need and enrollment status. Effective on July 1, 2012, you can receive the Federal Pell Grant for no more than 12 semesters or the equivalent (roughly six years).
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG): Available to Undergraduate Students. Priority is given to early applicants showing the greatest financial need. Awards for eligible Life University students range from $250 to $1,000 per quarter. Early application is defined as having all Financial Aid application materials in the Financial Aid Office by March 15th of each year.
William D. Ford Federal Subsidized Loan: Students have to demonstrate financial need, as determined by federal regulations to be eligible. No interest is charged while a student is in school at least half-time, during grace period, and during deferment periods. The loans may be consolidated upon graduation.
William D. Ford Federal Unsubsidized Loan: Students do not have to demonstrate need for unsubsidized loans. These loans accrue interest during the in-school enrollment period. Repayment generally begins six months after graduation or a student falls below half-time enrollment status. These loans may be consolidated upon graduation.
Federal PLUS Loans: These funds are available to the parents of dependent students. The maximum amount a student can borrow from this program is the cost of attendance minus estimated financial aid. Borrowers must meet established credit criteria. Borrowers may choose to have repayment deferred while the student for whom the parent borrowed is enrolled at least half-time. Interest that accrues during these periods will be capitalized if not paid by the parent during the deferment. Graduate/Professional students will be allowed to borrow additional federal funds that do not affect their Federal Direct Loan aggregate limit. Students must have applied for their annual loan maximum eligibility under the Federal Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loan Program before applying for a Graduate/Professional PLUS loan.
Federal Work-Study: Students may be eligible for part-time, on-campus and off-campus (community service) employment. Students can work up to 20 hours per week. Limited funding is available.

State Aid Programs (Georgia)

Georgia Tuition Equalization Grant (GTEG): Available to full-time Undergraduate students who have been legal residents of the State of Georgia for at least 24 months prior to University matriculation. Proof of established residency must be submitted to the Financial Aid Office and a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). GTEG is not based on financial need. The amount varies each year depending upon the State of Georgia budget.
Georgia College Completion Grant (GCCG): The grant assists eligible students experiencing a financial aid gap. The students must have completed at least eighty (80) percent of their credit requirements for an undergraduate major or program of study. Students must have an outstanding balance of direct cost with the institution for the term in which funds are sought. Students must complete a current year FASFA and meet the institutional eligibility requirements.
Zell Miller Scholarship: Available to Undergraduate students who have been legal Georgia residents for at least 24 months prior to University matriculation. Students must have entered an eligible post-secondary institution in 2007 or later with a high school grade point average of 3.70 or higher as calculated by GSFC, and received a minimum score of 1200 combined critical reading and math on a single administration of the SAT on a test administration at the time of high school graduation; or received a composite scale score of 26 on a single administration of the ACT on a test administration at the time of high school graduation; or having graduated high school being named the Valedictorian or the Salutatorian. Current HOPE Scholars must have met the terms listed above for Zell Miller at the time of high school graduation and also have had a 3.3 HOPE cumulative GPA at the last check point. They must maintain a 3.3 on a 4.0 scale.
Georgia Student Access Loan (SAL): A limited resource loan program that is designed to assist undergraduate students who have a gap in meeting their educational costs. The program is also designed to provide interest rate and repayment incentives to those who complete their program of study within the designed program length, work in select public service sectors or STEM fields.
Legislative Incentives for Future Excellence (LIFE) Scholarships: Valued at $5,000 per year. To receive the LIFE Scholarship, students must meet specific academic requirements. There is no application process for the LIFE Scholarship. You may receive the LIFE Scholarship through the eighth consecutive semester following initial college enrollment. The eight-semester limit is a time limit only. Once a student begins college (assuming they have met the initial criteria to be awarded the scholarship), they have up to eight semesters of potential eligibility. If a student graduates before using all eight semesters, the student forfeits any remaining LIFE Scholarship semesters (stipends). The LIFE Scholarship is credited to your student account to satisfy any charges. Eligibility for the first year at Clemson is based on your initial college enrollment and the cumulative GPA and hours earned (nonremedial) at your previous institution(s).

Additional State Aid Programs

Behavioral Health Professions Service Cancelable Loan Program (BHP SCL): It intends to attract and retain Georgia residents to enroll in an eligible behavioral health advanced degree program. Recipients that meet the requirements can qualify for service cancellation of their BHP SCL. The intent of the program is that each recipient provides behavioral health services to residents of Georgia as patients or clients. All recipients are required to submit a scholarship consent form and a thank you letter to receive their disbursement.

Financial Aid for Veterans

For the academic year 2025-2026, Life University has been approved to participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program agreement with the Veterans’ Administration (VA). This approval will provide maximum financial support to eligible veterans. For veterans eligible for the maximum benefit under this chapter, the VA will fund the cost of tuition and fees at Life University up to an annual maximum of $29,920.95 per academic year (which encompasses Fall through Summer quarters). The Center for Veteran Services and Engagement can assist veteran students in getting started and will officially certify enrollment for the VA. Please note that eligibility to receive Chapter 33 benefits is not determined by Life University. Advice on how to choose which VA benefit will be best for any given person’s individual situation is best sought from the VA.

Loan Options

Loans can be a crucial part of financing education. Life University students have access to both federal and private loan options.

Federal Loan Programs

Federal Direct Loans: These include subsidized and unsubsidized loans. Subsidized loans are need-based, and the government pays the interest while the student is in school at least half-time, during grace periods, and deferment. Unsubsidized loans are not need-based, and interest accrues during the in-school enrollment period.
Federal PLUS Loans: Available to parents of dependent undergraduate students and to graduate/professional students. These loans require a credit check, and repayment terms vary.

Private Loan Options

Private educational loans can supplement federal loans. Terms vary significantly, and these loans can be more expensive as they are not government-guaranteed. They require a credit check and may necessitate a co-borrower. Life University’s Office of Financial Aid provides a list of lenders as a starting point for analysis, but students are free to choose any lender.

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)

To maintain eligibility for financial aid, students must maintain satisfactory academic progress (SAP). This includes completing at least 67% of all attempted hours and maintaining a minimum cumulative grade point average. Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) and Undergraduate (UG) students will be evaluated annually at the end of each spring quarter. Students in the DC and UG programs are expected to complete at least 67 percent of all attempted hours with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0. Master’s students (GR) will be evaluated at the end of each quarter. Students in the GR program are expected to complete at least 67 percent of all attempted hours with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0.

SAP Requirements and Consequences

Minimum GPA: DC and UG students must maintain a 2.0 GPA, while GR students must maintain a 3.0 GPA.
Completion Rate: Students must complete at least 67% of all attempted credit hours.
Financial Aid Warning: Students not meeting SAP requirements may be placed on financial aid warning for one quarter.
Loss of Eligibility: Failure to meet SAP requirements after the warning quarter will result in the loss of federal financial aid.

SAP Appeals

Students who fail to meet SAP requirements due to extenuating circumstances may appeal the determination. Appeals must be submitted in writing with supporting documentation. Submitting an appeal does not guarantee approval, and if the appeal is denied, students will be responsible for paying the Institution any balance owed without Federal funds.

Additional Financial Aid Information

Tuition Remission: Married students or qualified family members may receive a tuition remission.
International Student Discounts: Life University offers tuition assistance to eligible international students. The international student discount may vary depending on term and student’s geographic region of citizenship.
Cobb County Resident Scholarship: This scholarship provides 20% off the price of tuition and fees for Cobb County residents who are accepted to Life U as full-time undergraduate students with a 3.0 GPA (or greater) upon entrance while maintaining a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 while a student at Life U. Undergraduate transfer students must have a 2.75 GPA upon entrance and maintain a 2.75 GPA while at Life U. Requires L.A.U.D.

Cost of Attendance (COA) and Budget Adjustments

In compliance with federal guidelines, the Office of Financial Aid has determined a cost of attendance that includes tuition, fees, books and supplies, living expenses, personal expenses, loan fees and transportation. Budget adjustments are for special and unusual expenses that differentiate the student from other students. Submitting a request does not automatically ensure that your budget will be increased. Each submission is reviewed on a case-by-case basis. The Office of Financial Aid reserves the right to deny any and all budget increases. This policy is for the purpose of documenting unusual, non-discretionary expenses that are directly related to your education. The institution will take into account whether these expenses are special circumstances that differentiate you from the other students enrolled in the program. If approved, a revision to your budget will not result in additional gift assistance but will increase your eligibility for loans. An increase to your established student budget means you will be borrowing additional funds to cover the approved expenses.

Exceptional Circumstances

Exceptional Circumstances are reviewed by a committee made up of the FA Director and two counselors (not the requestor’s counselor). Other costs not included in the standard cost of attendance are reviewed by the FA Director. Completion of TG debt counseling modules and quizzes.

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