After your application (FAFSA or CASFA) has been verified, the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships will determine your award offer. This offer can include grants, loans, work-study programs, and institutional scholarships.
It is important to note that just because the aid is offered, you do not have to accept all of the options presented; you can select an amount or portion of the presented options that suits your needs. However, offered grants and institutional scholarships will automatically be accepted for you once you are registered for a given term, as they are “free” money and do not require repayment by you.
Important Dates
- About 10 days before a term starts: financial aid disbursement should be credited to your student account.
- 3rd week of the semester: Any aid not disbursed will be cancelled.
Financial Aid and Enrollment
All students will initially receive an aid package quote that is based on full-time enrollment status even if you indicated three-quarter time or half-time anticipated enrollment on your FAFSA. Before the third week of the term, you can indicate whether you’re actually full or part-time. Your entire financial aid package will be prorated to match your enrollment.
- Full-Time Enrollment = 12+ credit hours
- Three-Quarter Time Enrollment = 9-11 credit hours
- Half-Time Enrollment = 6-8 credit hours
For more information about the proration of financial aid, visit the “Getting Awards” section on the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships’ webpage.
Resources
- Types of Aid: Your financial aid offer will likely include a variety of different options. The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships provides a description of need-based and self-help aid options you may see on your award.