Receiving financial aid is an important first step — but keeping it requires ongoing attention. To continue receiving assistance each year, students must meet several key requirements.
Review each section below to understand your responsibilities and stay on track.
Financial aid is not automatically renewed from year to year. To remain eligible for federal and state aid, including grants, loans, and work-study, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each academic year. The FAFSA becomes available on October 1st for the following academic year, and submitting it as early as possible ensures you are considered for the maximum amount of available aid.
Your financial situation may change from year to year, and your aid package will be recalculated based on the most current information you provide. Students who miss the renewal deadline may experience a gap in funding, so we strongly encourage you to set a reminder and complete the form early. Contact the Office of Financial Aid if you need assistance navigating the renewal process.
In addition to renewing your FAFSA, many forms of financial aid have specific renewal criteria that students must meet each year. These requirements may include maintaining a minimum GPA, completing a certain percentage of attempted coursework, enrolling continuously, or remaining in an eligible academic program. It is your responsibility to understand the renewal conditions tied to each award you receive. Failure to meet these conditions may result in the reduction or loss of aid.
Students receiving state or external scholarships should carefully review the renewal requirements associated with those programs. For example, recipients of Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program should regularly review eligibility standards through the Florida Student Financial Aid website. You are also encouraged to stay informed about renewal expectations for programs such as the Federal Pell Grant and Federal Direct Loans. If you are unsure of the requirements for a specific award, please contact the Office of Financial Aid for guidance.
Most financial aid programs require students to be enrolled at a minimum level of coursework each term in order to receive or retain their award. Some aid programs require students to enroll full-time, while others may permit reduced enrollment levels. Dropping below the required enrollment threshold may reduce or eliminate your aid for that term.
It is important to be aware that changes to your schedule — including adding, dropping, or withdrawing from courses — can directly impact your financial aid eligibility. If you are considering making any changes to your enrollment, we strongly encourage you to speak with a Financial Aid advisor before doing so to determine potential impacts. Students are encouraged to plan each semester carefully to avoid delays in graduation and unintended impacts on financial aid eligibility.
Federal regulations require all financial aid recipients to maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) toward the completion of their degree program. SAP is evaluated using three standards: cumulative grade point average (GPA), pace of completion, and maximum timeframe for degree completion. Students who fail to meet SAP standards may be placed on financial aid warning, probation, or suspension.
Full details on Doral College's SAP policy, including appeal procedures and reinstatement requirements, can be found in the Satisfactory Academic Progress policy in the College Catalog & Student Handbook.
We encourage all students to monitor their academic standing throughout each term and to reach out proactively if they are struggling. Additional academic policies and program requirements can be reviewed in the Doral College Course Catalog. Our team is here to help you stay on track — contact the Office of Financial Aid or your academic advisor if you have any concerns about your progress.
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