Ask UF » Eligibility for Financial Aid

Can the University estimate my eligibility for financial aid?

askuf — Wed, 28 Sep 2005 21:59:07 +0000

The University cannot determine or estimate the amount of financial aid for which you might qualify until the results of your paper or online FAFSAs/Renewal FAFSAs have been received from the federal processor.

Your eligibility is determined by the federal processor from information you and your family supply on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the Renewal FAFSA.

For more information:
Student Financial Affairs page on how your need is determined.
Finaid.org’s page on Expected Family Contribution Calculator

If I am not eligible for need-based financial aid, is anything else available?

askuf — Wed, 28 Sep 2005 21:55:54 +0000

Many scholarships, loans, and employment programs that are not based on need are available to UF students.

Numerous scholarships are available based on academic or other achievement, rather than financial need. Some are based on both financial need and academics. For more information, go to the Office for Student Financial Affairs website and review “Scholarship HQ”.

Students interested in loans (like Federal Direct PLUS Loans; Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Student Loans, and others) should view the Student Financial Affairs page on Loan Information.

Several student employment programs are also available that are not based on need.

The Office for Student Financial Affairs (SFA) in S-107 Criser Hall, is UF’s financial aid office.

How is my “financial need” determined when I apply for financial aid?

askuf — Wed, 28 Sep 2005 21:46:24 +0000

The federal processor determines your individual family’s ability to contribute to the cost of education (”Expected Family Contribution”) using the information you provide on the paper or electronic Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and a standard formula established by the U.S. Congress.

After receiving your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) amount from the processor, the Office for Student Financial Affairs then subtracts your EFC from the standard student budget (average cost of attendance).

In formula form: Cost of Attendance - Expected Family Contribution = Financial Need. For complete information on how your need is determined go to Student Financial Affairs.

Will I be considered “Dependent” or” Independent” for financial aid purposes?

askuf — Wed, 28 Sep 2005 21:25:36 +0000

See Student Financial Affairs “Dependent or Independent” criteria.

The Office for Student Financial Affairs (SFA) in S-107 Criser Hall, is UF’s financial aid office.

Are there unusual circumstances that can affect my financial aid award?

askuf — Wed, 28 Sep 2005 21:11:34 +0000

If any of the following circumstances apply to you/your family, check with your financial aid adviser immediately to see if this might affect your financial aid application.

- Divorce of parents, or you from your spouse.
- Death of a major wage earner
- Loss of employment of a major wage earner
- Loss of other income or benefits (such as Social Security or child support) by you, your parents, or your spouse.

For more information see SFA’s Aid Policies That Effect You.

The Office for Student Financial Affairs (SFA) in S-107 Criser Hall, is UF’s financial aid office.

Will our savings and other assets be considered when our financial need is being determined for purposes of receiving financial aid at UF?

askuf — Wed, 28 Sep 2005 21:03:22 +0000

Family assets, such as stocks and bonds, net business worth, and savings are taken into account in determining UF’s expected family contribution toward a student’s education. Eligibility for federal financial aid funds is determined by rules set by the federal government that provide, among other things, allowances for retirement needs in computing this contribution.

The Office for Student Financial Affairs (SFA) in S-107 Criser Hall, is UF’s financial aid office.

As a graduate student will I still be able to receive financial aid?

askuf — Wed, 28 Sep 2005 20:57:59 +0000

Loans and work programs are the primary aid programs available to graduate students. UF graduate students are not eligible for Federal Pell Grants, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, or other institutional grants with the exception of the UF Graduate Grant. The UF Graduate Grant is awarded to graduate students who meet the March 15 “on-time” application deadline and who demonstrate exceptional financial need as determined from the results of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

For more information see Student Financial Affairs’ Graduate Aid Information.