To receive financial aid, you must be enrolled at least half-time (six credits during the spring and fall semesters) to receive Stafford Loans and any state grants (if you qualify).  You can be registered for as few as three credits during a semester to receive a Pell Grant (if you qualify).

IMPORTANT -- IF YOU DO NOT APPLY FOR AID BY APRIL 15, YOU MAY NOT HAVE YOUR FINANCIAL AID PACKAGED BY THE START OF FALL CLASSES. LATE SUBMISSION MAY ALSO CAUSE YOU TO LOSE OUT ON SOME TYPES OF AID WHERE FUNDING IS LIMITED.

All students desiring financial aid must apply each year, after Jan. 1 for the following fall and spring semesters.

Applying for Financial Aid is FREE.  You'll need a copy of your most recent federal income tax return including W2s.  If you are considered a dependent, you must submit your parents' tax information also.

 

Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and submit it to the federal processor electronically via the internet by accessing FAFSA on the Web at  www.fafsa.ed.gov.  It takes about two to four weeks to process and to receive an electronic Student Aid Report (SAR) via your email account.

 

The Financial Aid Office will receive an electronic copy of your Student Aid Report which is used in processing your aid.

 

The SAR report explains what the Department of Education has determined your portion of your education expenses to be, based on the information you entered on the FASFA.  This is called your EFC (Expected Family Contribution).  Once UW Colleges Financial Aid Office has received your SAR, they begin to process an award package.

If you have unusual circumstances due to the loss of a job, change in marital status, etc., you may obtain a Request For Adjustment Form from the Financial Aid Office.  Additional information on child-care expenses and commuting are also available in Student Services.

Your SAR may be selected for verification.  One-third of all FASFA applications are randomly selected for verification.  You will receive a letter from the Financial Aid Office requesting copies of your most recent federal tax forms, W-2s, your parents' most recent federal tax forms and  W-2s (if you are determined to be a dependent student) and either an Independent or Dependent Verification Form.

Other miscellaneous information may be requested throughout the "packaging" process of your financial aid file.  Submit the requested financial information to the Financial Aid Office as quickly as possible to avoid delays in your package.

Once the information in your file is complete, it is reviewed and an award letter will be sent to you.  After you receive the award offer, you must designate the type(s) of aid offered that you will accept and return the award offer to the Student Services Office.   If you have accepted Stafford Loans, you have to complete the Entrance Loan Counseling and the Master Promissory Note.

Any financial aid awarded will be credited toward your tuition account.  Any remaining balance will be sent as a refund check directly to the student at their home address.