Human Resource Services

Higher Education Opportunity FAQs

 

What is covered by the Higher Education Opportunity?

For each child who receives the HEO benefit, beginning with the fall 2004 semester, the university will pay the in-state matriculation fees, less any Bright Futures scholarship award, for a maximum of 132 credit hours toward an undergraduate degree at the University of Florida or a public community college in the state (in the event the child is not admitted to the University of Florida) over a six-year period. The program is limited to covering 12 credit hours per regular semester and 6 credit hours per 12-week summer semester.  

What is not covered by the Higher Education Opportunity?

The HEO does not cover any costs outside of the in-state matriculation fees including costs associated with housing, books, late registration, late payment, materials, lab fees, or supplies. Additionally, the HEO does not cover state required or local fees associated with tuition. These can include Activity and Service, Athletic, Health, and Transportation Access fees. For a breakdown of current tuition fees at the University of Florida, please visit the University Financial Services web site.

What is meant by “matriculation?”

Matriculations fees are the actual instructional (academic) fees charged by an institution to take college courses.

How can I figure out exactly how much the HEO is going to cover?

You can find out how much of the tuition the HEO will cover by subtracting the in-state matriculation fees from the total fees per credit hour and then multiplying that number by the amount of credits the student is taking.

 

My child just transferred from Santa Fe Community College to the University of Florida and it seems like we owe much more for tuition. Has there been some kind of mistake?

Each institution implements additional student fees above and beyond the in-state matriculation (instructional) fees assessed for taking the course , including fees for transportation, buildings, capital improvement, health, and so forth. UF, as a growing institution that offers its students many amenities, has additional fees per credit hour. You can see the breakdown of fees on the Financial Services web site.

When is the deadline to pay the student’s portion of the financial fees?

Each educational institution had its own deadline by which fees are due each semester. By looking at the calendar of critical dates maintained on most of academic institutions’ web sites, you can note when your fees are due.

Does the HEO “ freeze ” the cost of tuition?

Future changes to in-state matriculation fees will continue to be covered by the HEO as described above. Any adjustments to fees outside the in-state matriculation will be the responsibility of the student.

How long does my child have to complete his or her 132 hours?

The HEO program continues for up to 132 credit hours over a six-year period. The six-year period begins with the date of the child’s enrollment in his or her first post-secondary courses. This six-year window is a fixed time period that is not adjusted as a result of academic ineligibility or non-enrollment.

Can my child elect to put off college for a year (or more)?

To remain eligible for the HEO the student must enroll in his or her respective HEO-approved institution, as indicated on the HEO Acceptance Form, for the fall semester following acceptance into the program. In future semesters, the child may elect not to enroll; however, the six-year window of opportunity is not extended for lack of enrollment.

Will the HEO cover the summer semesters?

The HEO covers up to 6 credits total during the summer. Note, however, that new HEO participants who have applied and been awarded the HEO for the coming year will not start receiving the HEO benefit until the fall.

Is there any HEO benefit for my child who is on a 100% (Academic) Bright Futures scholarship?

Since the 100% Bright Futures scholarship covers the in-state matriculation fees during the spring and fall semesters, there would be no benefit during those semesters. However, the Bright Futures scholarships do not cover the summer semesters. The HEO program will cover the in-state matriculation fees for up to 6 credit hours per 12-week summer semester.

What about a 75% (Medallion) Bright Futures s cholarship?

For 75% Bright Futures scholars, the HEO will cover 25% of the in-state matriculation fees for up to 12 hours per semester in the spring and fall semesters. As with the 100% Bright Futures scholars, the HEO can be used to cover the in-state matriculation fees for up to 6 credit hours per 12-week summer semester.

What happens if my child’s cumulative GPA drops below a 2.75?

Should an HEO participant’s cumulative GPA drop below a 2.75, the student will be classified as “GPA ineligible” and will remain ineligible for continued participation in the HEO until his or her cumulative GPA is 2.75 or higher. The student may still take classes while in a “GPA-ineligible” status. Any hours attempted while GPA ineligible will count toward the max of 132 credit hours.  

What if I leave TEAMS employment at UF?

Each semester, the Office of Human Resource Services will verify the full-time TEAMS employment of the qualifying parent. If the qualifying parent is not a full-time TEAMS employee on the first day of each new semester, the HEO student will no longer be eligible for the HEO. Admission status at UF or the community college will not be affected; however, the student will be responsible for any future costs formerly covered by the HEO .

Is the HEO Scholarship considered financial aid?

Yes. When filling out a financial aid document, you should note the funds that you receive from the Higher Education Opportunity program.