Summer Term Financial Aid

Summer marks the start of the financial aid year, and students enrolled in summer courses may qualify for aid just as they do in fall and spring.

FAFSA Requirements

FAFSA eligible students must complete the 2026-27 FAFSA to be considered for financial aid beyond their standard scholarship funding for summer 2026. The FAFSA is not required for scholarship renewal.

Key Considerations for Summer Enrollment

  • Minimum Enrollment for Loans: Students must take at least 6 credits (or be on Co op) to qualify for federal student loans.
  • Federal Loan Limits: Annual federal loan limits apply. Students enrolled in summer, fall, and spring will have their loan eligibility divided across all enrolled terms (distribution varies based on credit load).
  • RIT Grants & Scholarships (Undergraduate): Students must be full time (12–18 credits) to receive RIT grants and scholarships. Example: A student taking 6 credits in summer but full time in fall and spring will receive RIT aid only in fall and spring.
  • Pell Grant Eligibility (Undergraduate): Pell Grants are awarded based on enrollment level each term:
    • Full time (12–18 credits or full time Co op): full Pell amount
    • Less than full time: prorated Pell amount based on the number of enrolled credits per semester and the number of enrolled semesters in the aid year
  • RIT Summer Grant Exception: The RIT Summer Grant is available to matriculated undergraduates taking 6–11 required credits at the standard on campus RIT or NTID tuition rate. It is not available to students who:
    • Receive a 100% tuition waiver
    • Are charged an online tuition rate
    • Receive prorated RIT/NTID aid in their final term
    • Are enrolled in affiliated (non RIT) study abroad FAFSA is not required for this grant.
  • Students Completing Degrees in Summer: Undergraduate students finishing their degree in summer who do not need full time enrollment should contact the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships to maximize final term eligibility. (Not applicable to students in official part time programs.)
  • Graduate Students: Graduate students should consult their academic department regarding scholarship renewal for summer.
  • Check for Outstanding Requirements: Students should review the Financial Aid & Scholarships section of eServices for any pending documents or action items.
  • Aid Disbursement Timing: RIT begins disbursing summer financial aid in May. Changes to enrollment after disbursement may result in adjustments to aid and billing.

Need Help? 

For questions about summer financial aid, contact the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships.