Navigating LSU Tuition Waivers: A Comprehensive Guide

Louisiana State University (LSU) system offers several avenues for students to mitigate or eliminate out-of-state tuition costs. Understanding these options is crucial for prospective students and their families. This article synthesizes information from various LSU sources to provide a comprehensive guide to LSU tuition waivers, fee exemptions, and scholarship opportunities.

LSU Alexandria's Four-Star Promise

Louisiana State University of Alexandria (LSUA) aims to make education accessible through its Four-Star Promise. This initiative seeks to alleviate the financial burden of out-of-state tuition for eligible students.

Eligibility for the Four-Star Promise

LSUA automatically awards the Out-of-State Fee Waiver based on the information submitted on the student's LSUA application for admission. There is no separate application to qualify for the Four Star Promise. However, applications submitted and paid after April 1st will not qualify for the Four-Star Promise. Non-resident first-time students who have a 2.25 high school GPA and either a 21 ACT or 1030 SAT score will qualify for an Out-of-State Fee Waiver, which brings the tuition cost down to that of our Louisiana residents.

Additional Scholarship Opportunities at LSUA

LSUA allows students to qualify for a wide range of scholarships. Any first-time freshman or transfer student with at least a 2.5 Cumulative GPA may be eligible for an automatic academic scholarship.

General Fee Information

Understanding the general fee structure is crucial before delving into specific waivers. All fees and other University charges are due prior to the beginning of the semester or summer semester. Payment can be made via myLSU using an online check/bank draft or a credit card, or in person at the Office of Bursar Operations, 125 Thomas Boyd Hall, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, using cash, check, or money order. Students in good financial standing with the University may elect to defer payment of one-half of the fees using myLSU. Students who have not completed their registration by the payment due date are subject to having their courses purged.

Refund Policies

Refund of tuition, nonresident fee, and/or mandatory fees for students will be made on the following basis upon official withdrawal of the student. Refund schedules are established each semester by the Office of Admissions and Student Records and may be obtained from that office. No refunds will be made to anyone who owes the University. Students in good standing at the University, registered in any semester or summer semester, who volunteer for military service or who are called to active duty in the armed forces before the day mid-semester examinations begin will have the University fee, nonresident fee, and Student Health Center fee refunded. Students in good standing at the University who volunteer for military service, or who are called to active duty in the armed services after mid-semester examinations begin will be refunded 50 percent of the University fee, nonresident fee, and Student Health Center fee.

Consequences of Non-Payment

A student will be subject to being dropped from the Law Center as a result of failure to pay fees and/or other charges when due or when a check offered by the student in satisfaction of an obligation to the University is not honored by the bank on which it was drawn. Due notice of the delinquency shall be given to the student by the Office of Bursar Operations; there will be an insufficient funds charge of $25 per check.

Federal Financial Aid Programs

The Office of Enrollment Management administers a number of federally funded financial aid programs to help students finance their education. To apply for federal loans, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year after October 1. In order to receive any assistance under these programs, you must be making satisfactory academic progress. It is most important for you to complete the financial aid application process early enough each year so that the amount of aid you have been awarded will appear on your fee bill as an anticipated financial credit. Otherwise, you will be responsible for the payment of your fees when you receive your bill. If payment is not received by the deadline indicated on your bill, your courses will be purged, and you will be required to pay the $75 late registration service charge.

Loan Programs

All Stafford and Graduate PLUS loans will be processed through the William D. Ford Direct Loan Program. For all financial aid programs, however, you must have accepted the award(s), enroll for at least half time status, complete entrance counseling, and sign Master Promissory Note(s).

Disbursement of Funds

LSU Board of Supervisors Scholarships, Tuition Waivers, and Fee Exemptions will be applied directly to your student account provided you meet the specific program requirements. These programs will appear on your fee bill each semester as a credit provided you have scheduled the number of hours required by the scholarship. Students receiving total financial aid funds greater than the amount owed to the University will receive the balance either through direct deposit to their checking account (you may sign up for this option through myLSU) or by check.

Read also: Affordable USC Education

Return of Funds

Students resigning from the University without completing 60 percent of the enrollment period will be required to return part or all of the federal financial aid they received. This provision also applies to students who “unofficially withdraw” or stop attending classes. Students for whom proof of attendance cannot be established for at least 60 percent of the enrollment period will have charges placed on their student accounts for the appropriate amounts. The 60 percent completion point is calculated by applying the percentage to the number of days in the enrollment period (excluding scheduled breaks of five or more days).

LSU Law Center Fees and Waivers

The Law Center does offer a limited number of application fee waivers on a yearly basis. A seat deposit fee of $500 must accompany each applicant’s notice of intent to enroll in the Law Center. All full-time students are required to pay a Student Health Center fee each semester. This fee entitles the student to use the Student Health Center. No charge is made to visit a primary care physician, but minimum charges are assessed for specialty clinics and treatments, pharmaceuticals, X-rays, and laboratory work. Part-time students and non-student spouses have the option of paying this fee, either at registration or later, which entitles them to the same services as full-time students for the entire semester, or paying a per-visit charge, which includes a follow-up visit for the same condition. If you do not inform the University by the deadline that you are not graduating, you will have the difference between the diploma fee and duplicate diploma fee ($20) credited to your account. A number of scholarships and awards are available for incoming law students. For students who have completed at least one year of law school work, announcements of available endowed and private scholarships are posted during the summer with the deadline for applications.

LSU Eunice Tuition and Fee Exemptions

LSU Eunice (LSUE) also provides several avenues for students to reduce tuition costs, including waivers and exemptions based on specific criteria.

General Tuition Information for LSU Eunice

Fees for Louisiana residents are $197.10 for each semester hour of enrollment up to a maximum of $2,432.20 for 21 semester hours. During the fall and spring semesters, students are not permitted to schedule more than 19 semester hours without the approval of the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs. Fees for auditing courses are in accordance with the above schedules.

Tuition Waiver Application at LSU Eunice

LSU Eunice, along with other state colleges and universities, was authorized by the Louisiana Legislature to raise tuition to offset the rising costs of post-secondary education. Students may apply for the waiver if they meet all of the above criteria and have special circumstances. Special Circumstances are defined as extreme condition(s) which exist that may warrant re-evaluation of a student’s financial aid file that may allow for the awarding of more aid. Applications for waiver of tuition increase are available in the LSU Eunice Financial Aid Office. Students are expected to make arrangements to pay fees until the appeal can be considered.

LSU Eunice Fee Exemptions

In addition to the fee exemptions listed under “Fee Exemption Awards and Other Scholarship Programs,” LSU Eunice offers the fee exemptions listed below. To receive an exemption, students must provide appropriate documentation of their qualifying status. All exemptions are governed by criteria specified in state law and by the standards of the LSU Board of Supervisors.

LSU Eunice Exemptions for Dependents of Certain Professionals

Children of firefighters, policemen, deputy sheriffs, correctional officers, or sanitation workers killed or permanently disabled in the performance of their duties are admitted tuition free so long as they meet academic requirements as full-time students and maintain a “C” average each semester. They are also entitled to cash grants of $125 per semester as an allowance for books. The exemption is limited to eight semesters. Children of school teachers or school employees killed or disabled may also qualify.

LSU Eunice Exemptions for Veterans and Dependents

Children and wives, widows, and widowers of war veterans who served in the Armed Forces and who were killed or suffered a one-hundred percent service-connected disability during World War I, World War II, the Korean Conflict, or the Vietnam Era, as defined by law, may enroll tuition free.

LSU Eunice Exemptions Based on Employment and Age

Full-time classified and unclassified LSU Eunice employees.
Louisiana residents who are members in good standing of the active Louisiana National Guard are exempt from paying tuition for five separate academic years or until they receive a bachelor’s degree.
Non-resident fee exemption for full-time employees and immediate families.
Persons age 55 years of age and older may enroll in regular LSU Eunice courses without paying tuition.
Sons and daughters of deceased faculty members.
Teachers enrolled in approved continuing education programs.

LSU Eunice Exemptions for Veterans Using Educational Assistance

A VETERAN USING EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE under either chapter 30 (Montgomery G.I. Bill - Active Duty Program) or chapter 33 (Post-9/11 G.I. Bill), of title 38, United States Code, and ANYONE DESCRIBED ABOVE WHILE HE OR SHE REMAINS CONTINUOUSLY ENROLLED (other than during regularly scheduled breaks between courses, semesters, or terms) THE SAME SCHOOL.

LSU Eunice Financial Aid Programs

LSU Eunice administers a broad program of financial aid and employment to help students who need assistance in financing their education. The Office of Financial Aid administers and coordinates loans, grants, and student employment. LSU Eunice uses the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FASFA) to determine a student’s eligibility for all federal aid programs. Once the Office of Financial Aid receives the electronic financial aid file from FASFA, the student will be notified which supporting documents must be submitted before eligibility for aid can be determined. To be eligible for financial aid, a student must be in good standing and making satisfactory progress.

LSU Eunice Grant Programs

FEDERAL PELL GRANTS: These grants are available to qualified students enrolled in an approved post-secondary educational program.
FEDERAL SUPPLEMENTAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY GRANTS: This grant is intended for the needy student.
VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION GRANTS: These grants are available to students who qualify because of physical disabilities that would ordinarily preclude the student from working. These grants are based on the individual needs of the student.

LSU Eunice Loan Programs

LSU Eunice participates in several loan programs. Loans must be repaid according to terms of the note signed by the applicant. During the period that they are eligible to have their loan payments deferred, recipients of subsidized loans do not have to make payments on the loan principal and the interest is paid by the federal government. Unsubsidized loan recipients will have to make all interest payments themselves or have the interest capitalized. The Federal Direct Stafford Loan is available in both subsidized and unsubsidized forms.

Federal Direct Stafford Loans at LSU Eunice

These low interest loans are made to students attending school at least half-time. Freshmen-level students may be eligible for a maximum of $3,500 per academic year. Sophomores may be eligible for a maximum of $4,500 per academic year. Repayment begins six months after leaving school or dropping below half-time enrollment. Students must complete an entrance interview when first receiving the Direct Stafford Loan and an exit interview when graduating, leaving LSU Eunice, or dropping below half-time.

Unsubsidized Federal Direct Stafford Loans at LSU Eunice

This loan carries the same low interest rate as the Federal Direct Stafford Loan. Repayment of the principal begins six months after leaving school or dropping below half-time. The interest must be paid while enrolled, or the student may request that the interest be capitalized. Capitalization of interest is the addition of unpaid interest to the principal of the loan, thereby increasing the total debt and monthly interest payments. Students are eligible to borrow a maximum of $3,500 as a freshman and $4,500 as a sophomore. The Unsubsidized Federal Direct Stafford Loan is offered if the student is not eligible or have partial eligibility for the Federal Direct Stafford Loan. The amount of the Federal Direct Stafford Loan and Unsubsidized Federal Direct Stafford Loan cannot exceed your maximum eligibility.

Federal Direct PLUS Loans at LSU Eunice

Parents with good credit histories may borrow funds for a dependent child who is enrolled at least half-time. The yearly loan limit is the cost of education minus any estimated financial aid. Repayment begins 60 days after the final disbursement. There is no grace period for this loan.

Repayment of Funds at LSU Eunice

If, at a later date, a student is determined to be ineligible for funds awarded, then the student must repay the funds. In no case may students receive funds in excess of their cost of education. Aid recipients should keep in mind that changes in the number of credit hours they schedule may affect their eligibility for additional aid. Accepting funds through any aid program may affect eligibility for other aid programs. All loan applicants are required to participate in an entrance and exit meeting.

LSU Eunice Work-Study Program

Students meeting necessary academic requirements may be appointed to various campus jobs. Although student need is considered, skill and previous work experience are also important considerations. LSU Eunice participates in the Federal Work-Study Program. Employment under the Federal Work-Study Program is based primarily upon need. Students are also assigned as reading/mathematics tutors in local schools under the America Reads/Math Challenge Program.

Scholarship Opportunities at LSU Eunice

LSU Eunice offers a variety of scholarships funded by private donors, businesses, and organizations. Some donors have established endowments to provide a permanent source of funding. Other scholarships are contributed by donors on an annual basis. Persons interested in LSU Eunice scholarships should apply by February 1 for scholarships that will begin the following fall semester. Applicants who apply after that date will be considered for any vacancies in scholarships that occur after scholarships have been awarded. Scholarships do not require service and are given only to full-time students (with the exception of students in the nursing and other allied health programs). When an appointment is made for one year, it is usually for two consecutive semesters, beginning with the academic session in the fall. In most cases, recipients must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.00 to continue receiving the scholarship. Typically, high school students applying for scholarships should have a minimum 3.00 GPA in “core” academic subjects and an ACT composite score of 20 or above. A student automatically forfeits the scholarship award award under the following conditions: failure to maintain the required scholastic average for any given scholarship or award; failure to claim the award for any semester; resignation during a semester; or being dropped from the rolls of LSUE. LSU Eunice students who are not currently recipients of scholarships and have accumulated a 3.0 or better GPA are encouraged to apply for any vacancies that may exist among the several scholarships. LSU Eunice students applying for scholarships must complete the online scholarship application.

Specific LSU Eunice Scholarships

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS SCHOLARSHIPS: Members of the LSU Board of Supervisors are entitled to award a limited number of scholarships annually.
CENTENNIAL HONOR AWARDS: Forty cash scholarship awards are made to Louisiana residents. In order to be considered for this award, applicants must have an overall “B” average on high school work and a composite score of 25 on the ACT. Applicants must take the ACT by December in order to be eligible for this award the following fall. The award is for two academic years provided that specific academic requirements are met each semester. This award may be renewed for subsequent years based on scholarship availability and academic performance.
MERIT HONOR AWARDS: Ten cash awards are made to high school seniors with an ACT composite of 23 or above and a high school GPA of “B” on core academic subjects. Recipients are selected by the LSU Eunice Committee on Scholarships. The award is for two academic years provided that specific academic requirements are met each semester.
LOUISIANA TUITION OPPORTUNITY PROGRAM FOR STUDENTS (TOPS):
- Opportunity Award: To qualify for this award, students need a minimum 2.5 high school grade average in core courses and an ACT composite score equal to the prior year state average (the current average is 20).
- Performance Award: To qualify for this award, students need a minimum 3.25 high school average in core courses and an ACT composite score of at least 23.
- Honors Award: To qualify for this award, students need a minimum 3.50 high school grade average in core courses and a 27 or higher ACT composite score.
- Tech Award: To qualify for this award, students need a minimum 2.5 high school grade average in core courses and a 17 or higher ACT composite score. LSU Eunice students must be enrolled in an associate of applied sciences program or certificate program to qualify for this award.

The TOPS program requires that students be enrolled full-time in at least 12 semester hours during regular semesters and complete at least 24 credit hours each academic year. TOPS also sets minimum grade averages that students must maintain in college. A student who transfers to another Louisiana university can continue to receive the scholarship. For assistance with TOPS awards, eligibility, or regulations, contact the LSU Eunice Office of Financial Aid.

Additional LSU Eunice Scholarships and Awards

PELICAN STATE HONOR AWARDS
4-H CLUB HONOR AWARD
FUTURE FARMERS OF AMERICA HONOR AWARDS
LOUISIANA ACADEMY OF SCIENCE HONOR AWARD
LSU EUNICE DISTRICT LITERARY RALLY SCHOLARSHIPS
BARTON FREELAND, SR. CHANCELLOR’S SCHOLARSHIP
CLECO ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP

Information for International Students

Students who request an LSU I-20 or DS-2019 for the F-1 or J-1 visa/status must have sufficient funds to cover all estimated expenses for at least one academic year and are required to show funding for the total estimated expenses below to qualify for the I-20 or DS-2019. Below is a list of estimated costs including tuition and fees for one academic year and 12 months of living expenses. The estimate is based on a moderate budget; individual expenses will vary. Estimates include credit-hour, mandatory, and program fees only. Tuition and fees are based on the minimum number of credit hours to be a full-time student, can vary among programs, and are subject to change without notice. International Student Status Compliance (ISSC) charge: $50 per semester of enrollment. Global Community Center (GCC) fee: $10 per semester of enrollment. regulations require that international students have medical health insurance. F-1/J-1 students are automatically charged and billed for the LSU Student Health Insurance Plan upon registration each semester.

Graduate Assistantships and Fellowships

Several assistantships and fellowships are available to graduate students, which may include tuition waivers.

Resident and nonresident tuition are waived.

LSU Tuition Exemption for Employees

Full tuition exemption for online undergraduate and graduate coursework. program (six (6) credit hours in fall/spring, three (3) credit hours in summer). of A&M modules within the Fall, Spring and Summer semesters. (6) credit hours over that entire fall semester. Employee receives two consecutive modules with below C grades. each semester/module. be included in employee wages. If you are taking classes at LSUA, LSUS, or LSUHSC campuses you can not use this process for tuition exemption request. Tuition Exemption Approvals can be viewed in your Workday notifications. the status of your tuition exemption request by running the “My Tuition Exemption Request” report in Workday. marriage and/or birth certificate of dependent.

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