Financial Aid Home > Frequently Asked Questions > FAQ: How does a Leave of Absence or Half-time enrollment affect my financial aid?

Q: What should I do if I am enrolled half time and have loans?
A: If you drop from full-time to half-time status, you need to contact the Financial Aid Office at Fielding Graduate University immediately. Fielding will recalculate your financial aid based on the lower tuition costs and determine if you are still eligible for the full amount of your financial aid award. Fielding Graduate University will contact you if funds need to be returned to your lender.

Q: What happens to my financial aid when I go on leave?
A: Your tuition is adjusted as a result of your leave. Any unused financial aid may be returned to your lender. This is a federal regulation. If you are expecting future disbursements once you return from leave, please contact your financial aid advisor to reschedule your future disbursements. Otherwise, your lender will automatically cancel your future disbursements.

Q: I'm currently making payments on a student loan; however, I will be attending Fielding at least half time in the future. Can I stop making payments?
A: Once you've started with Fielding Graduate University, you can place your loans on "in-school deferment" status. You can obtain an in school deferment form from your loan servicer and forward this to our Registrar. When your loans are in school deferment, you do not need to make payments on interest or principle.