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Can students lose scholarships after a DUI?

On Behalf of | Jan 19, 2019 | Firm News |

It is no surprise to hear many college students experiment with alcohol while in school. Unfortunately, many decide to act dangerously after a night of drinking and get behind the wheel of a car. One University of Florida student did precisely this by ramming his car into a light pole. Police later arrested him for driving under the influence of alcohol.

Students need to be especially careful about staying on the right side of the law. Numerous students in Florida are dependent on scholarships to afford paying for school. Many students get a scholarship, but they then have to retain it, which can include maintaining a certain GPA. Many scholarships require the student to maintain a perfect legal record, and a DUI charge can certainly jeopardize this financing.

Scholarships

Ultimately, the risk of losing your scholarship for a DUI depends on what entity gives out the funding. Most of the time, if you get a scholarship from the federal government, then you will lose it after a DUI charge. In the event your scholarship comes from a private business, then every company will have different standards for what constitutes revoking the funding. It also depends on what the school decides to do. Some colleges automatically suspend students after police arrest them for DUI. A suspension is typically automatic grounds to revoke a scholarship.

Federal student aid

Many students in Florida rely on federal student aid to go through college. According to the United States Department of Education, the government can revoke such aid due to incarceration, but it ultimately depends on the type of conviction a student has. Individuals on parole or probation can still receive federal student aid. Ultimately, you do not want to risk losing your chance to go to school by drinking and driving. Avoid getting behind the wheel while intoxicated.

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