Ask UF

How is Bright Futures disbursed?

askuf — Wed, 28 Sep 2005 22:00:59 +0000

State scholarship funds are disbursed to eligible students after the drop/add period each semester, minus any money owed the university by the recipients, such as tuition/fees, housing, parking or library fines, etc. Any balance remaining after institutional charges have been paid is deposited directly into the student’s bank account (if the student has signed up for direct deposit), or mailed to the student’s local address as listed by the Office of the University Registrar.

The annual award for students receiving Florida Academic Scholarships covers the cost of tuition plus $600 ($300 fall/$300 spring) to cover cost-of-education expenses. Some students have incorrectly understood the program descriptions provided by the state to mean that they would receive a special $300 disbursement to buy books and other supplies each term. These funds are part of the total scholarship and are not disbursed separately. If students run short on funds to buy books, they should check with the UF Bookstores or other bookstores about a textbook deferment.

For more information:
Student Financial Affairs page on Disbursement of financial aid
Florida Information Network’s page on Florida Bright Futures

What is the UF’s Withdrawal and Refunds Policy?

askuf — Wed, 28 Sep 2005 22:00:16 +0000

The University of Florida has established an equitable refund policy for students who find it necessary to drop a course or withdraw from enrollment. That policy is described in detail in the University of Florida Undergraduate Catalog and in the Gator Aid financial aid handbook. Details on the withdrawal and refunds policies are available from the Office for Student Financial Affairs on request.

For more information:
Student Financial Affairs page on Withdrawals/Refunds

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

Where can I find information on tuition costs per credit hour and UF costs of attendance for undergraduates and graduate students attending UF?

askuf — Wed, 28 Sep 2005 21:59:54 +0000

UF Student Financial Affairs keeps a listing of current tuition and attendance costs.

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

Can I check my financial aid application status online?

askuf — Wed, 28 Sep 2005 21:58:09 +0000

You should check your financial aid application status regularly. To do this, use UF’s Integrated Student Information System (ISIS). Through ISIS, you can get information about: documents still needed to complete your financial aid file; what aid you have been awarded; what money has already been disbursed; and whether your fees for the current semester have been deferred. You can also print out your award summary for your own use or to provide to agencies requesting copies of your award letter.

SFA’s office is in S-107 Criser Hall (UF’s financial aid office).

Student Financial Affairs’ website provides complete information on applying for financial aid at UF.

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.

What is my chance to get financial aid as a graduate international student?

askuf — Wed, 28 Sep 2005 21:55:42 +0000

Federal loans and work programs are the usual types of aid that are available for graduate students. To be eligible for aid administered through UF’s financial aid office, you must be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen. If you are not a U.S. citizen or otherwise eligible non-citizen, you may obtain more information regarding eligibility requirements and other sources of aid for international students.

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

I am a U.S. citizen born in Florida living in Norway. Can I get instate tuition?

askuf — Wed, 28 Sep 2005 21:54:51 +0000

As a U.S. citizen, you are eligible to apply for federal student financial assistance. To apply for all types of assistance–grants, scholarships, loans, and work programs, you need to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Your eligibility for aid will depend on the results of the FAFSA. Comprehensive information on the financial aid process is available on the UF Student Financial Affairs website.

The Office of the University Registrar determines whether a student qualifies for in-state tuition.

Why should I apply by the “On-Time” Deadline?

askuf — Wed, 28 Sep 2005 21:51:33 +0000

Students who have a complete file by the “On-Time” deadline are more likely to receive funds by the time school starts in the fall. Students who apply by the priority date are also more likely to receive funds from all programs for which they are eligible. After the priority dates, funding in many programs, especially campus-based programs such as Federal Work-Study, SEOG, and Turner Grant may be exhausted. Applying early is always to the student’s advantage.

To check for the “on-time” deadline for the current academic year check the Financial Aid Calendar.

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

I am an IB student on track to receive my IB diploma at the end of this year. I have heard that IB graduates are eligible to receive additional grants and scholarships. Is this true?

askuf — Wed, 28 Sep 2005 21:51:03 +0000

The Florida Academic Scholarship (part of the State of Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program) is the only scholarship for which an IB recipient who is also a Florida high school graduate is automatically eligible. To receive a Florida Academic Scholarship, you must complete the Florida Financial Aid Application on-line or submit a paper application available through your high school guidance counselor. The Florida Academic Scholarship pays 100% of in-state tuition/fees plus $300 each fall and spring term towards other educational expenses.

The UF Admissions Office offers several types of other academic scholarships, but they are mostly offered to students who are either National Merit or National Achievement finalists. Applicants with a complete UF admissions application on file by January 11, 2003, are automatically considered for these types of scholarships for next year. No special application form is needed.