Financial Aid

Frequently Asked Questions

What forms are needed to apply for Financial Aid?
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) must be completed each year. You can submit your application electronically by using FAFSA on the web.

Please note that the 2008/2009 FAFSA is used for Fall 2008, Spring 2009 and Summer 2009 semesters/terms.

In addition, you will need to complete a UCA Financial Aid Application. Once your FAFSA is received by UCA, you will be able to complete this form.

What types of financial aid do I apply for when I complete this application?
Your eligibility for all forms of federal financial aid, including PELL Grant, SEOG Grant, ACG Grant, SMART Grant, Perkins Loan, FFELP Loans, Work-Study are determined when you complete the FAFSA.  

What is UCA's Title IV Code and why do I need it?
Our Title IV code is 001092. When you enter this code on the FAFSA, UCA will automatically receive an electronic version of your processed Student Aid Report (SAR).

I probably don't qualify for aid. Why should I apply?
Many families mistakenly believe they don't qualify for aid, preventing themselves from receiving aid for which they may be eligible simply because they fail to apply. In addition, there are sources of aid, such as Unsubsidized Loans and Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students (PLUS), available regardless of need. The FAFSA form is free. It does not obligate the student or the parent in any way. There is no reason not to apply.

What is my enrollment status for financial aid purposes?

How do I apply for a Scholarship?
Freshman Academic Scholarships are awarded through the Office of Admissions. Performance Scholarships, such as Athletics, Cheerleading and Band are awarded through the respective departments. For more information, Click here.

I sent in my FAFSA over four weeks ago, but haven't heard anything. What should I do?
If you haven't received a Student Aid Report (SAR), call the Federal processor at 1-319-337-5665 or 1-800-433-3243.

I am independent of my parents. I don't live with them, I file my own taxes and they are not helping me with college expenses. Can I file for financial aid without using their income information?
Probably not. The federal aid programs are built on the premise that educating a child is a family responsibility. It is unfortunate that your parents do not support you in this effort. However, the FAFSA gives specific criteria for determining when a student may file for federal aid without using parental income information, and none of the circumstances you mentioned are listed as factors in that determination. However, if there are other extenuating circumstances please feel free to contact the financial aid office for further assistance.

How do I transfer my financial aid to UCA?
Technically, financial aid does not transfer from one school to another school. Each school must determine your eligibility for financial aid. It may be exactly the same at each school or it may differ considerably. The first thing you should do is contact the other school and cancel your financial aid and notify the appropriate office that you are transferring. You will then need to phone 1-800-433-3243 and request that your Student Aid Report be sent to UCA. Our school code is 001092. You will need to click on "Forms" and print the appropriate "University Application." When these documents are received by the Financial Aid Office, we will contact you concerning the status of your application.

How do I apply for a student loan?
When you submit the FAFSA you should indicate that you are interested in receiving a student loan. If you did not indicate your interest or have changed your mind since you filed, you should contact our office so we can note your aid preferences in your file. If you are eligible, a loan will automatically be awarded to you.

What is the difference between a subsidized and an unsubsidized loan?
For both loans, the principal (the original amount a student borrows) is deferred until six months after the student graduates or stops attending school at least half-time. As its name implies, a SUBSIDIZED loan is one where the government pays the interest on the loan while the student is in school. An UNSUBSIDIZED loan is one where the government does not pay the interest while the student is in school, that is, the student is responsible for paying the interest.

What is "loan counseling", an "entrance interview" or "entrance counseling session"?
All of these terms refer to the same thing: loan counseling. The federal government requires all first-time student loan borrowers to participate in loan counseling prior to receiving a Federal Student Loan. During this session, you will review basic facts about loans, managing your education expenses and your rights and responsibilities as a student loan borrower. You can participate in loan counseling by clicking "loan counseling" in the left margin.

I accepted my student loan on my award letter, what if I change my mind?
You may cancel all or a portion of your loan by informing us in writing.  If the loan has not been disbursed, you may do this at any time.  If the loan has been disbursed, you must do so within 14 days after we send you notice that we have credited your account with your loan funds or by the first day of the payment period, whichever is later.

I was awarded work study but can not find a job. Can I convert my work study money to a loan?
Work Study can not be converted to a loan. However, if you have remaining eligibility it may be possible, if the work study is canceled, to increase your student loan.