Special requirements for aid consideration will vary depending on the program. Most programs, however, will want documentation of the following basic information across the board. We’re here to help you prepare or find resources to fulfill any of these items, so just let us know!
Basic Financial Aid Requirements
In order to be eligible to receive financial aid of any type, you will likely be asked to demonstrate the following:
- Financial need (with exceptions for some loans and some scholarship programs).
- Admission or enrollment at least halftime as a student working toward a degree or a certificate. Note: You may apply for aid even if you have not yet been accepted or enrolled in order to meet application deadlines.
- U.S. citizenship, permanent resident or eligible non-U.S. citizen status. Federal regulations and University policy severely limit the types of financial assistance available to non-U.S. citizens.
- Valid Social Security Number.
- Understanding that federal student aid is for educational purposes only.
- That you don’t owe a refund on a federal grant, and you’re not in default on any federal educational loan.
- Satisfactory academic progress (continuing students only).
Need vs. Merit
Eligibility for need-based assistance is determined by the Federal Methodology formula:
Budget – Family Contribution (student + parent) = Eligibility for Assistance.
Need-based aid includes grants, some scholarships, and some loans.
The Admissions Committee assesses merit-based aid, and this is awarded based on a student’s outstanding achievements and potential. Roughly one-third of entering students receive some type of scholarship support.
For more information on eligibility for specific financial aid programs, see our Loans or Scholarships & Grants pages.