Lakeland University is committed to providing students that have limited resources 100% tuition and segregated fees through support from Federal, state, and Lakeland funded grant and scholarship programs for four years. Please refer to the eligibility area for all criteria.

Wisconsin resident students starting in Lakeland's Traditional Undergraduate Program and charged the full-time traditional tuition rate beginning with the fall of 2020-21, who meet the following eligibility criteria:

1. Meet the Federal Student Eligibility criteria as define by the FAFSA.
   1. (There are various checks with homeland security, social security, selective service, etc.)
2. Financial and Academic Eligibility Requirements:
   1. Have an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) of less than $1,700 or
   2. If a student is determined as dependent by FAFSA definition, a household Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) that is less than $40,000, or
   3. If a student is determined as independent by FAFSA definition, a student with an AGI of less than $15,000.
   4. Be in good standing with WI state agencies for Wisconsin State Grant eligibility.
   5. Prospective freshman GPA requirement: a minimum unweighted high school grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.75 on a straight 4.0 scale.
   6. Prospective transfer GPA requirement: a minimum transfer grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.75 on a straight 4.0 scale.
   7. Student will be eligible for the tuition free promise for 8 consecutive terms.
      1. Fall and Spring term eligible only, Summer does not qualify as an eligible term (this is because we cannot obtain state grant support for the summer term)
      2. Transfer students eligibility will be determined by expected time to degree after a transfer credit evaluation is completed and remaining federal and state grant eligibility
   8. FAFSA Priority Completion each year by April 1. It is rolling as space allows after this date.
   9. In subsequent years, if a student's EFC or Parent or Student income do not meet the criteria, the student can appeal to the committee to remain in the program.

Apply for admission to Lakeland's traditional undergraduate program (lakeland.edu/apply), and submit transcript(s) from your previous institution(s). In addition to applying for admission, submit the Federal Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) and list Lakeland University (school code: 003854) as a receiving institution. You may optionally submit ACT or SAT scores.

Full-time traditional undergraduate students entering the institution in fall 2020 and subsequent entry terms.

Students will receive official notification of their qualification to receive Lakeland Promise benefits within financial aid offer.

1. Can new students be admitted for the spring term and still be eligible?
   The first spring term Lakeland Promise eligibility will begin is spring 2021.
2. Is funding available to current students?
   This program is beginning with the fall 2020 Term. If you have any questions, please visit the financial aid office to discuss all the financial aid options available.
3. Does a student working on a second bachelor's degree qualify?
   No
4. Does Lakeland's Promise apply to students in the Kellett School of Graduate & Professional Studies?
   If you have any questions, please visit the financial aid office to discuss all the financial aid options available.
5. What if a student's household income is greater than $40,000?
   An EFC less than $1,700 may also make a student eligible.
6. Is the FAFSA required?
   Yes, with a priority filing date of April 1.
7. When is the deadline to submit the FAFSA?
   For the fall entry term, April 1^st is the priority filing date and July 15^th is the final date. For the spring entry term, November 15^th is the priority filing date and December 15^th is the final date.
8. What happens if a student's FAFSA is not submitted by the priority deadline?
   The student can be considered as long as there is still room in the program.
9. What does it mean if I'm selected for verification?
   The federal department of education's central processor has logic built into the FAFSA calculation process to determine who is selected for verification. This process requires students and/or parents to provide tax documentation and completed an additional form.
10. When do I need to complete my verification to be included in the Lakeland Promise program?
    Verification documentation should be completed immediately. Financial aid staff can support the understanding of the process and the documents required.
11. How is the household Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) defined?
    Household adjusted income includes the tax income for the parent and/or the student combined.
12. What is an EFC?
    It is the Expected Family Contributions. This number is calculated from the FAFSA data by the Central Processor.
13. What if a household AGI was initially $40,000 or less, but in a future year is expected to be higher?
    The student's data will be reviewed and additional information may be requested or the student may have to appeal to the committee to stay in the program.
14. What if a household AGI was not initially $40,000 or less, but is expected to drop in a future tax year?
    The student must have started in the program. The student should consider talking with the financial aid office to learn if special circumstances can be applied that would potentially provide addition funding for the student.
15. What if I live in a state other than Wisconsin?
    Students must meet the Wisconsin residency requirements for the State Grant program to be a part of the Lakeland Promise.
16. What if a student's residency status changes?
    Students must meet the Wisconsin residency requirements for the State Grant program to be a part of the Lakeland Promise.
17. What grants/scholarships will a student receive?
    Student's typical financial aid awarding will apply (merit scholarships, fine arts scholarships, etc.). The gap between the tuition and fees and the grants/scholarships will be covered through the Lakeland Promise.
18. How can private sources of funding be used to cover additional educational expenses?
    Private sources can be used to support other educational expenses (room, board, books, transportation, etc.), unless otherwise designated by the funding source.
19. Does the program cover the cost of books?
    No.
20. What segregated fees are covered?
    General Fee and Campus Center Fee
21. What will the Lakeland Promise do to address student expenses beyond tuition and segregated fees?
    Students have access to work with a financial aid and educational funding professional for financial wellness for a college student throughout their time enrolled. Students can also work with the Cooperative Education and Career Readiness team for on- and off-campus employment opportunities. Employment earnings and, if needed, federal loans can be accessed to support room and board costs.
22. What if a student can't or doesn't attend full-time?
    This program is designed for full-time students.
23. Can a student receive funding from the Lakeland Promise for the summer term?
    No
24. Can a student receive funding from the Lakeland Promise to study abroad?
    No
25. Can a student receive funding from the Lakeland Promise for coursework taken at another school?
    No
26. What are the academic requirements to be eligible for the Lakeland Promise?
    For prospective freshmen, a 2.75 or higher high school unweighted GPA. For prospective transfer students, a transfer 2.75 GPA. To continue meeting academic eligibility while at Lakeland, students must meet appropriate Satisfactory Academic Progress standards.
27. What if a student needs more time to finish their degree?
    Students can discuss their individual situations with a financial aid and educational funding professional and a determination can be made. The option to extend the Lakeland Promise will depend heavily on the availability of the federal and state funds for the student.
28. What are the renewal requirements?
    Same eligibility requirements apply for financial eligibility and the student must be in good academic standing with the university. Additionally, students must submit their FAFSA within the timeline published annually by the financial aid and educational funding office.
29. What makes the Lakeland Promise stand out from other schools similar promises?
    The Lakeland Promise not only covers the tuition and fees but also has options for students to work while in school to reduce their debt for room and board and/or lower their borrowing. It provides the student with financial tools to support them through their educational program.