Continued financial aid and leave of absence

Paying for College
1

My understanding is that need-based grants at most universities are given for 8 semesters (4 years), assuming satisfactory academic progress (SAP) and financial situation of family remains the same throughout. If a student needs to attend one or more semesters beyond that (because they dropped/failed courses, for a dual degree, etc), financial aid is not extended (a reasonable policy, in my opinion)

What happens if a student takes a leave of absence of one more semesters in the middle of their studies? If for example, let’s say a student enrolls in 5 semesters with continued financial aid, then takes a leave of absence for two semesters, and then returns for 3 semesters and completes the degree. Can the student be expected to receive the same financial aid package for those last 3 semesters? Is there any reason why that would not be the case? Ie, Is the student expected to finish her studies in 4 years without a break for financial aid purposes?

I would like responses from those of you who had or know of experiences with such (or similar) circumstances.

2

You need to ask at your own college/university. Each place sets its own policy about this.

Back in the stone age the policy at my undergrad college was that aid would not change provided the student’s financial situation didn’t change, and provided the college’s policy and financial ability to provide that aid did not change.

3

At DD#1’s school, the merit aid if for 8 consecutive semesters. She asked about taking a leave to do an internship that is not through the school for 1 semester, and was told it might be approved, but that if she were only taking time to hang out or backpack through Europe it would not be. No guarantees though. The aid is granted if the student it doing a semester abroad under some conditions.