Hardship exemptions are available to undergraduate and graduate students who can demonstrate financial need verified through a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).  Detailed below are the criteria and application process for receiving these exemptions.

Undergraduate Students

A. Academic Excellence Fee Exemption

1. 1. Complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
   2. Submit all necessary documents requested by the Office of Financial Aid to complete the FAFSA
   3. Meet all eligibility requirements and receive a Federal Pell Grant

B. Operational Fee Exemption

1. 1. Complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
   2. Submit all necessary documents requested by the Office of Financial Aid to complete the FAFSA
   3. Have a zero Expected Family Contribution (EFC) as determined by the FAFSA
   4. Meet all eligibility requirements and receive a Federal Pell Grant

C. Tuition Increase Exemption

1. 1. Complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
   2. Submit all necessary documents requested by the Office of Financial Aid to complete the FAFSA
   3. Have a zero Expected Family Contribution (EFC) as determined by the FAFSA
   4. Meet all eligibility requirements and receive a Federal Pell Grant

Graduate Students**

A. Graduate School Tuition Increase Exemption

1. 1. Enroll as a full time graduate/professional student from Louisiana
   2. Complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
   3. Submit all necessary documents requested by the Office of Financial Aid to complete the FAFSA
   4. Have a zero Expected Family Contribution (EFC) as determined by the FAFSA

B. MBA Tuition Increase Exemption

1. 1. Enroll as a full time graduate/professional student from Louisiana
   2. Complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
   3. Submit all necessary documents requested by the Office of Financial Aid to complete the FAFSA
   4. Have a zero Expected Family Contribution (EFC) as determined by the FAFSA

C. Veterinary Medicine Tuition Increase Exemption

1. 1. Enroll as a full time graduate/professional student from Louisiana
   2. Complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
   3. Submit all necessary documents requested by the Office of Financial Aid to complete the FAFSA
   4. Have a zero Expected Family Contribution (EFC) as determined by the FAFSA

**If students are receiving financial assistance through a scholarship, fellowship, assistantship, or federal/state grant aid, they are not eligible for Graduate hardship exemptions.  The total value of these exemptions will not exceed 5% of the Gross Revenues generated by the relevant tuition increase.   Apply early as these funds are limited.