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✓ LIONEL UNIVERSITY • FINANCIAL AID FAQS

Financial Aid Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers about FAFSA, types of financial aid, eligibility, student loans, grants, and other resources that may help you plan for the cost of your education.

💰 Learn the basics of financial aid before you apply, including FAFSA, grants, loans, and eligibility requirements.

FAFSA® Overview

Learn How the FAFSA® Can Help Fund Your Education

Learn how the FAFSA® can help you access federal grants, loans, work-study opportunities, and certain scholarships.

This video explains who may be eligible, what information you’ll need to apply, important deadlines, and why you should complete the FAFSA each year you plan to attend school.

Federal Student Aid

Types of Financial Aid

Learn about the different types of federal student aid that may help make college more affordable, including grants, student loans, and work-study opportunities. This video also explains how federal loans work, the benefits they may offer, and what to consider when reviewing your financial aid options.

Federal Student Aid

Types of Financial Aid

Explore federal grants and student loan options that may help eligible students pay for their education at Lionel University.

 
Federal Grants ⌄

Federal grants, including the Pell Grant, are awarded based on financial need as determined by the FAFSA. Unlike loans, grants do not need to be repaid, making them a valuable source of funding for eligible students.

These funds are designed to help reduce out-of-pocket tuition costs and make higher education more accessible for undergraduate students pursuing their degree.

Federal Pell Grant ⌄

The Federal Pell Grant is awarded to eligible undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need and have not previously earned a bachelor’s or advanced degree. Determined through the FAFSA, Pell Grants provide funding that does not need to be repaid, helping reduce overall tuition costs while you pursue your degree.

Learn More About Pell Grants
Federal Student Loans ⌄

Federal student loans are available to eligible students and can help cover education expenses not paid by grants or other aid. Both need-based and non-need-based options are offered through the U.S. Department of Education. Loans must be repaid with interest, and annual borrowing limits apply.

Direct Subsidized Loan ⌄

Available to eligible undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need. With subsidized loans, the government pays the interest while you are enrolled at least half time and during approved deferment periods.

Direct Unsubsidized Loan ⌄

Available to undergraduate and graduate students regardless of financial need. Interest begins accruing immediately, and the borrower is responsible for repayment of both principal and interest.

Financial Aid Process

3 Steps to Receive Your Financial Aid

Follow these three simple steps to apply for financial aid, complete the required documents, and prepare to receive eligible funding for your education at Lionel University.

Step 1: Complete the FAFSA

Enter Lionel University’s school code 042434 and submit your application.

Once submitted, we receive your information in just a few days.

Step 2: We Review and Send Your Aid Estimate

Our financial aid team reviews your eligibility and sends you a personalized financial aid estimate.

Step 3: Accept Your Financial Aid

Once you receive your financial aid estimate, log into your student portal to review and accept your award package.

You may accept the full amount offered or adjust your loans based on your needs.

FAFSA® Resources

What to Know Before You Complete the FAFSA®

Learn what the FAFSA® form is, how long it typically takes to complete, and what information you may need before you begin.

 
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What is the FAFSA® form?

Colleges and career schools use the FAFSA form to determine how much financial aid you're eligible to receive, which could include grants, scholarships, and loans. You must apply for aid every year, but with the right information in hand, it's easy.

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How long will it take?

It takes most people 30 minutes to fill out the FAFSA form, including gathering any personal documents and financial information needed to complete it.

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What do I need?

Verified account username and password (FSA ID), parent or spouse contributor’s email address, parent or spouse contributor’s name, date of birth, and Social Security number (for the 2026–27 FAFSA form only), and income and asset information if required.

FAFSA

Federal Student Aid

Am I Eligible for Federal Financial Aid?

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Be a U.S. citizen or an eligible noncitizen

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Have a valid Social Security number

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Have a high school diploma or a recognized equivalent such as a General Educational Development (GED) certificate

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Be enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a regular student in an eligible degree or certificate program

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Maintain satisfactory academic progress in school

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Not be in default on a federal student loan and not owe a federal grant overpayment

Federal Student Aid

Types of Financial Aid

Responsible borrowing begins with understanding your options.

Explore the different types of federal student aid that may help you pay for college, including grants, student loans, and work-study opportunities. This video explains how each option works, what may need to be repaid, and how federal aid can help cover education-related expenses.

Federal Student Aid

Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

Apply for federal student aid online and use Lionel University’s Federal School Code: 042434.

FAFSA Form

Financial Aid Guide

Download Our Financial Aid Guide

Learn more about financial aid options, eligibility, the FAFSA process, available funding resources, and ways to help make your education at Lionel University more affordable.

Career Services

Career Support From Day One and for Life

From enrollment through graduation and beyond, Lionel University students receive lifetime access to career coaching, professional development tools, and resources designed to help them achieve their goals.

✓ Personalized career coaching

✓ Resume and LinkedIn support

✓ Job search tools and resources

✓ Professional development guidance

✓ Lifetime access at no additional cost

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Financial Aid Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about Federal Student Aid, FAFSA, eligible programs, grants, loans, textbooks, transfer credits, military benefits, and more.

 
What is financial aid? ⌄

Federal Student Aid (FSA) consists of grant and loan programs provided through the U.S. Department of Education that are designed to assist students and their families with the costs of higher education.

What types of military benefits do you accept? ⌄

Please visit our military benefits page to see a detailed breakdown by military branch.

Am I eligible for financial aid? ⌄

In order to use Federal Student Aid (FSA) funds to attend Lionel University, you will need to meet the following criteria:

  • Have a high school diploma, GED, or state-recognized equivalent
  • Be a U.S. citizen or eligible resident noncitizen
  • Have a valid Social Security Number*
  • Maintain satisfactory academic progress
  • Be enrolled in an eligible program

*If you are an eligible resident noncitizen and do not meet these criteria, please contact the Financial Aid Office.

Which Lionel programs are eligible for financial aid? ⌄

The following are eligible programs:

  • Master Trainer Certificate program
  • Associate of Science in Exercise Science
  • Bachelor’s of Science in Exercise Science
  • Master’s of Science in Exercise Science

Self-paced coursework does not meet the eligibility criteria for FSA funds.

Be sure to check the requirements for all funding sources you intend to use. Eligibility will vary for active-duty military, veterans, and other beneficiaries.

What is your Federal School Code? ⌄

Our Federal School Code is 042434, and we are listed as Lionel University.

How do I apply for financial aid? ⌄

Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) .

The FAFSA takes about 30 minutes to complete. To determine which funds you are eligible for, you will be asked to enter information about your income and taxes paid, so please have your most recent tax returns on hand to help you complete it.

Enter our Federal School Code to send the results of the FAFSA to Lionel University: 042434.

You will also need to complete the FAFSA for the correct Award Year in order to receive funds for the terms you are attending.

What financial awards can I expect? ⌄

Lionel University participates in two Federal Student Aid (FSA) programs:

  • Pell Grants
  • Direct Loans

Students are encouraged to borrow only the amount necessary to complete their educational program.

Do I need to pay for textbooks? ⌄

No. A digital version of the textbook is embedded in each course at no additional cost.

Unrestricted access is available seven days prior to the start of class and throughout the quarter.

How do I transfer my prior college credits? ⌄

Lionel University completes a complimentary transfer credit evaluation.

Once you complete your application, request that your past schools send your official transcripts to registrar@lionel.edu .

The application will provide information on what to request and where to send it, and an assigned Admissions Advisor can help with any questions.

What is Lionel University’s most recent three-year cohort default rate? ⌄

Lionel University’s cohort default rates listed in the FAQ are:

  • FY 2018: 0%
  • FY 2017: 14.2%
  • FY 2016: 18.1%

A cohort default rate is the percentage of a school’s borrowers who enter repayment on certain federal student loans during a particular federal fiscal year and default or meet other specified conditions within the applicable monitoring period.

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Lionel Students Are:

Fitness Sales Advisor (1)

Working While Learning

  • 86% of students are employed while enrolled, with a majority working 30+ hours per week

  • Most students are balancing full-time work, family, and school — a powerful testament to Lionel’s flexible, stackable program design

  • Despite demanding schedules, student satisfaction remains high

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Consistently Engaged, Fully Invested

  • 80%+ of students log in 3–6 days per week, showing strong commitment and consistent engagement

  • 90%+ plan to continue to the next term, demonstrating exceptional retention and satisfaction

  • New graduate and certificate programs are earn high marks building confidence and sustained growth
Student 2 (1)

Satisfied — and Ready for What’s Next

  • 98% of students said they are satisfied with their studies at Lionel

  • 94–95% would recommend their course to a friend

  • 90%+ achieved the learning goals they set at the beginning of the course

Student 3

Mentored by Industry Leaders

  • Instructors scored 4.6–4.8 out of 5 on average across all categories

  • Top-rated traits: respect for students, prompt grading, and helpful feedback

  • Nearly every student felt valued and supported by their instructors

Transform Your Skills.
Expand Your Opportunities.
Shape Your Career.

Stackable education built for real-world success. Discover the certifications and stackable pathways that help fitness professionals grow their skills, expand their impact, and advance toward long-term education and career goals. 

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Certified Personal Trainer

Begin with CPT to build foundational coaching and exercise science skills. This pathway serves as the launch point into strength training, performance, and entry-level degree credit.

Explore CPT
Science of Nutrition

Foundations of Nutrition Science

Start with core nutrition education that prepares you for advanced nutrition specialist programs and degree-level coursework in health promotion and wellness.

Explore FNS
Corrective Exercise Specialist

Corrective Exercise Specialist

Build the ability to assess movement patterns and design programs that improve function and reduce risk. This pathway supports roles in recovery-focused coaching and connects to clinical exercise science study.

Explore
Thumbmail FITNESS SALES SPECIALIST - BILLBOARD (279 x 173 px) (2-906 x 1-802 in) (1-802 x 2-906 in)

Fitness Sales
Specialist

Develop communication, leadership, and business skills essential for guiding gym operations and client engagement. This pathway prepares you for supervisory roles and aligns with fitness management degree tracks.

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Facility Management

Facility Management Specialist

Learn core operations, safety, and service principles needed to manage modern fitness environments. This pathway supports leadership advancement and aligns with managerial degree pathways.

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Behavior Based Coaching

Behavior-Based Coaching Specialist

Build communication and behavior-change techniques that help clients create sustainable, long-term progress. This pathway complements coaching roles and connects to leadership or psychology coursework.

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Blood & Bio Spec-1

Blood & Biomarker Specialist

Learn to interpret key biomarkers that influence training, recovery, and long-term wellness goals. This pathway supports advanced work in performance optimization and future study in human physiology.

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Linkedin (1.802 x 2.375 in)

LinkedIn Networking
Specialist

Enhance your professional presence and networking strategy to attract clients and career opportunities. This pathway supports job placement readiness and aligns with degree-level professional development tracks.

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Launch Yourself (1.802 x 2.375 in)

Influencer Marketing: Launch You

Learn to create content, grow audiences, and build authentic partnerships in the wellness space. This pathway expands digital career opportunities and pairs well with coaching and nutrition programs.

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Entrepreneur Tool Kit

Entrepreneurship
Toolkit

Develop essential business skills to launch, market, and operate a fitness or wellness brand. This pathway supports independent professionals and integrates with business or leadership-focused coursework.

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