Financial Aid
Student Financial Services
The financial aid section of our site is designed to provide all the information that you will need to apply for aid and build a financial aid package that will allow you to become part of the FHU family. We know that this process can be overwhelming and we are here to help you make it financially through your four years here at FHU.
Financial aid comes from institutional, federal, state and outside sources. These sources include grants, scholarships, student employment, student loans, and/or parent loans.
The Office of Student Financial Services will consider you for the most beneficial aid. Some programs have limited funding, applications (FAFSA) received by the priority date will be given first priority. The aid you are awarded will not be credited to your account until all required documents are submitted to Student Financial Services. Outside checks will need to be sent/mailed to the Office of Student Financial Services, Freed-Hardeman University, 158 E. Main Street, Henderson TN 38340.
Types of Aid
Grants, Scholarships and Discounts
Educational
Loans
Federal
Work Study
Graduate
Financial Aid
Grants, scholarships, and discounts at FHU empower your educational journey. Whether based on need, excellence, or affiliation, we’re committed to your success. Explore your opportunities today.
Educational loans provide an excellent source of financial assistance needed to meet the expenses of your Freed-Hardeman University education. FHU provides several different loan options for you.
Each year approximately 500 students participate in the FHU work-study program which not only provides financial support for students, but promotes essential academic and career development as well.
As you begin your graduate studies at Freed-Hardeman University, we know that good financial aid options are important to you. We want to make the process as simple as possible and offer great benefits.
Steps to Apply
- Fill out the FAFSA – Complete and submit the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).
- Complete Forms – Important financial aid documents and tools designed to support you throughout your academic journey.
- Complete Verification if Necessary – Approximately 30% of all applicants of financial aid are chosen for a process called verification.
Meet Our Staff
Timeline
Timeline
We have developed a timeline to map out the financial aid process. We want to make sure that you do not miss anything. Even if you do not think you will be eligible for assistance, we encourage all FHU students to apply.
June – November
Turn in application for admission, three-year transcripts, and ACT/SAT scores. Begin researching private/outside scholarships. Check with your high school guidance counselor, with local agencies, and online.
September
Merit scholarships begin to be awarded..
November
Review Student Aid Report (SAR) and award package. Return all additional documentation if requested by the Office of Financial Aid. Receive the award package. The award package will detail everything that you are eligible for.
December
Start to get all tax and income information together that will be needed to complete the FASFA.
January
Complete FASFA online. The FASFA needs to be completed as soon after December 31 as possible.
February – March
Review award package. Accept or decline awards online through the Financial Aid portal at css.fhu.edu
April – June
Complete all loan applications online and finalize loans. Send four-year high school transcript. Complete all loan documents electronically.
July
Discount applications and acceptance of FHU discounts/FHU Promise are due by July 15 for first-time freshman and transfers. Make sure that all of financial aid is final. Confirm private scholarships are designated to FHU. Send letters of scholarship notification to the Office of Financial Aid.
August
Have financial aid secure or pay bill by using the payment plan or a cash payment. If awarded Work Study, apply for a job with the Student Employment Coordinator.
FAQs
Tuition and Financial Aid
What is a FAFSA?
It is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. It is FREE and easy to do. Read through it completely. You can complete it online at studentaid.gov.
When should I file a FAFSA?
During your senior year in high school, we recommend you file the FAFSA as soon after December 31st as possible to be eligible for the most financial aid. You will need your 2022 taxes to complete the 2024-2025 FAFSA.
What is Freed-Hardeman’s Title IV School Code?
003492
Do I have to do a FAFSA each year?
Yes. A FAFSA must be completed each year to be eligible for financial aid from year to year.
What documents do I need to complete the FAFSA?
You will need: your Social Security Number, Driver’s License, Income Tax Return, bank statements, and investment records.
What is an “SAI”?
It is the Student Aid Index. It is the results from the FAFSA, that is determined by the Department of Education. It is used as a qualifier for need-based aid, such as Pell Grants and Institutional aid.
Who is eligible to receive federal financial aid?
You must: be a U.S. Citizen; have a valid social security number; comply with Selective Service registration; have a high school diploma, a GED, or pass a ATB test; be enrolled or accepted for enrollment in a degree or certificate eligible program.
Can I use FAFSA on the Web to estimate my SAI?
Yes. You can use FAFSA on the Web to calculate your EFC. The estimated EFC will print on the confirmation page when you have completed the application.
Do I have to file the federal income tax returns before completing the FAFSA?
It will be easier to answer the questions on the FAFSA if the tax returns are completed. If you have not completed your tax return, you may use estimates on your tax information to complete the FAFSA.
How do I know if it will be worthwhile for me to complete the FAFSA?
If your SAI is less than the cost of attendance (COA), you may benefit from completing the FAFSA. We suggest that you at least complete it for the first year to see what the results will be. For TN residents, the FAFSA must be completed to get the HOPE Scholarship or any aid from the state. Students will also need to file the FAFSA to be able to participate in the work study program.
If I am considering transferring to Freed-Hardeman, what should I do?
You should complete the Admissions process and have all official transcripts from all schools sent to FHU. You should also add FHU (003492) to your list of colleges on your FAFSA. We will then send you an award letter/package once you are accepted by Admissions.
What does it mean if I am selected for “verification”?
The Department of Education selects 30% of FAFSA applications for a process called verification. The school you are attending has to verify the income information listed on your FAFSA. You will need to complete the verification worksheet and send copies of parent and student tax return transcripts with W2s. This process could change your EFC.
Can I fax my verification documents?
Yes. These documents can be faxed to 731-989-6775.
What is the income criteria for getting need-based aid?
It varies depending on the family size, income, assets, and other factors.
How do I apply for Institutional scholarships?
Apply by completing the FAFSA as soon after December 31 as possible and be admitted to FHU.
When will I receive my financial aid award letter?
You will receive an award package once you are admitted to FHU, the FAFSA is completed and all required documents have been submitted to the Office of Financial Aid. We will contact you by letter and let you know if other documents are needed to complete your FAFSA. We try to get award letters out by the end of February.
What happens if I withdraw from the University during the semester?
Withdrawing completely from the University after the drop/add date of each semester will affect your financial aid. For more information and details, visit the Title IV and Institutional Aid Refund Policy page.
Refunds
What is a refund?
A refund is the disbursement of a credit on your student account.
How do I know if there is a credit on my account?
Follow this link to access your financial account on myFHU: http://css.fhu.edu Click on ‘Account Statement’ and select the current semester to view your statement. If you require assistance with your myFHU account, contact the IT department by calling 1-800-FHU-FHU1 ext. 6111. If you have questions about your balance, contact the Student Financial Services Office at 1-800-FHU-FHU1 ext. 6662.
How do I request a refund?
You may request your refund once classes begin. You can do this by completing the Request for Direct Deposit of Credit Balance form and submitting that via email at [email protected], fax (731-989-6775), by mail (Student Financial Services Office, 158 East Main St., Henderson, TN 38340), by campus mail, or in person at the Student Financial Services Office located in the Gardner Center.
When will I receive my refund?
Refunds are direct deposited into student bank accounts if bank information is provided, otherwise excess money will remain on the student’s FHU account. Refunds are processed approximately 2 weeks after the start of classes, if all refund paperwork is in order.
Meal Plans
What are my meal plan options?
Meal plan options can be found on this page.
Can I change my meal plan once the semester begins?
Yes, you can change your meal plan prior to the drop/add date which is approximately two weeks into the semester.
How do I change my meal plan?
You can do this by email, by fax (731-989-6775), by mail (Student Financial Services Office, 158 East Main St., Henderson, TN 38340), by campus mail or in person at the Student Financial Services Office located in the Gardner Center.
Dining Dollars and Lion Bucks
What is a Dining Dollar?
Dining Dollars are campus currency included on your meal plan and can be used in the Wallace-Gano Dining Hall, Lion’s Pride and KC’s Coffeehouse. Most meal plans include Dining Dollars.
What is a Lion Buck?
The Lion Bucks program was created for FHU students to be the ultimate complement to the university dining experience.
What other forms of payment do you accept?
We accept most major credit/debit cards, checks and cash.