Receiving Aid in '07-'08
Financial Aid Programs
Following is a brief description of programs which may appear on your award letter. For more information, refer to the Gator Aid Handbook and other information available on our Web site at: www.sfa.ufl.edu.
Grants
Grants are awarded to undergraduates with the greatest financial need. They do not have to be repaid.
- Federal Pell Grant
The Federal Pell Grant program is the largest federally funded undergraduate grant program. Your award is based on your enrollment status and on your expected family contribution as determined by a federally established formula. Awards range from $400 to $4,310 per academic year. - Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG)
SEOG is a federally funded grant program awarded by the Office for Student Financial Affairs (SFA) to undergraduates who demonstrate exceptional financial need. Awards generally range from $100 to $2,000 per academic year. - Federal Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG)
The ACG is a federally funded undergraduate program. Eligibility includes being a Federal PELL Grant recipient, completion of a rigorous high school program, high school graduation after January 1, 2005, and full-time enrollment in a two- or four-year degree program. Students in their second academic year must have obtained a college cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0. Awards range from $200 to $1,300. - National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent (SMART) Grant
The SMART Grant is a federally funded undergraduate program. Eligibility includes being a Federal PELL Grant recipient, a third- or fourth-year student in degree-seeking program, full-time enrollment in an eligible major, and a college cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0. The maximum award per academic year is $4,000. - Florida Student Assistance Grant (FSAG)
FSAG is a need-based, state grant program for undergraduate students attending eligible Florida institutions. Recipients must meet Florida residency requirements for state student aid and be enrolled in eligible academic degree programs. Awards range from $200 to $1,722 per academic year. - I. Douglas Turner Grant
This UF-funded grant program is awarded by SFA to undergraduates who demonstrate exceptional financial need. Awards range from $100 to $7,500 per academic year. - UF Graduate and Professional Grants
These UF-funded grants are awarded by SFA to graduate and professional students who demonstrate exceptional financial need. Awards range from $100 to $2,000 per academic year.
Scholarships
Scholarships are awards that are based on grades, financial need, or special criteria and do not have to be repaid. Students do not have to work or perform service to receive scholarship funds.
- Florida Bright Futures Scholarship
This State of Florida scholarship program has three awards: the Florida Academic Scholars Award; the Florida Medallion Scholars Award; and the Florida Gold Seal Vocational Scholars Award. Each award has different academic eligibility criteria and offers a different amount based upon enrollment. The top-ranked scholar from each school district receives an additional award of up to $1,500 called the Florida Top Scholar's Award. - National Merit Scholarships
The UF Office of Admissions awards academic scholarships to incoming freshmen and transfer students based on academic ability and achievement. - UF Admissions Office Scholarships
The UF Office of Admissions awards academic scholarships to incoming freshmen and transfer students based on academic ability and achievement. - State of Florida Scholarships
The State of Florida Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA) administers the Robert Byrd Honors Scholarship, the Jose Marti Scholarship, the Rosewood Scholarship, and the Children of Deceased and Disabled Veterans' Scholarship. Each program has specific eligibility requirements, application procedures, award amounts, and renewal requirements. For more information visit the OSFA Web site at: www.floridastudentfinancialaid.org/SSFAD/home/uamain.asp. - Florida Opportunity Scholarship
This scholarship program is awarded by SFA to undergraduate students who are first-generation, first time in college, Florida residents who meet specific income guidelines. Awards amounts vary depending on the student's need determined from the FAFSA. - SFA-Administered Scholarships
Privately funded scholarships are available through the University and awarded by SFA. Scholarships are awarded based on guidelines provided by donors. The value ranges from $200 to $2,500 per academic year. Full-time enrollment is required to receive funds. A complete list of these scholarships is available on the SFA Web site at: www.sfa.ufl.edu.
Student Loans
Most long-term student loans have low interest rates that range from 4% to 9% and offer deferred repayment provisions. Borrowing money for college is a serious financial obligation, and students should carefully consider the amount of debt they incur. In addition to principal borrowed, interest is charged for use of funds. Current rates and other valuable information on federal loans is available through the U.S. Department of Education at: studentaid.ed.gov.
- Federal Direct Loan Program
The Direct Loan Program consists of the Federal Direct Subsidized Stafford, the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford, and the Federal Direct PLUS loan programs. To receive a Federal Direct Loan, you must be enrolled at least half-time. Federal Direct Subsidized Stafford Loans. These loans are need-based, federally subsidized, low-interest loans which have repayment deferred until after you graduate, withdraw, or enroll less than half-time. Interest is paid by the federal government until the end of a six-month grace period after you graduate, withdraw, or drop to less than half-time enrollment. For new borrowers this program has a fixed interest rate of 6.8%. A 2.5% origination fee is charged at disbursement. Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans. Unsubsidized Loans are not based on need. "Unsubsidized" means that the interest is not deferred while in school. Interest rates and origination fees are the same as for Subsidized Stafford Loans. Federal Direct PLUS/Graduate PLUS Program. Eligible graduate students and parents of dependent undergraduate students may borrow up to the cost of education minus other financial aid through the PLUS Program. There are no aggregate loan limits. Borrowers cannot have an adverse credit history. For new borrowers this program has a fixed interest rate of 7.9%. A 4% origination fee is charged at disbursement. Repayment begins within 60 days after final loan disbursement, unless the borrower is eligible for deferment. Graduate PLUS Loan borrowers will be notified by the U.S. Department of Education if a deferment has been processed for them. - Federal Perkins Loans
This federal loan program is awarded by SFA to students with the greatest financial need. Undergraduates may borrow up to $4,000 a year up to an aggregate total of $20,000. Interest of 5% begins to accrue when the loan becomes due after a nine-month grace period. The minimum monthly repayment is $40 per mo. - University of Florida Long-Term Loans
SFA awards these university and/or private donor, need-based loans, including the Student Aid for Education Loan, the Meril S. Beers Loan, the Cora B. Pilling Loan, the John G. and Fannie F. Ruge Memorial Loan, the Hart R. Stringfellow Loan, and the Arthur L. Wallace Loan. Award amounts vary from $500 to $3,500 annually, and interest rates range from 4% to 9%. UF may require a minimum repayment of $30 per month. These loans require co-signers.
Employment
Part-time jobs through the Federal Work-Study and Other Personnel Services (OPS) programs require an overall 2.0 grade point average. Students work 10-20 hours a week, earn at least minimum wage, and are paid for hours worked on a biweekly schedule. UF Work Permits are required for both programs. If FWS is part of your financial aid for fall semester, SFA will mail you a UF Work Permit before the semester begins. If your FWS begins during any other semester, or for OPS jobs, come to S-107 Criser Hall, or call (352) 392-0296, to obtain a UF Work Permit. For information on jobs and how to apply, go to: www.sfa.ufl.edu/job.html.
- Federal Work-Study (FWS)
FWS is a federally funded, need-based, student work program (including the Federal Community Service component) which is awarded by SFA. - Other Personnel Services (OPS)
OPS employment is an institutionally and state-funded program which is not based on financial need. Application for this program is open year-round.