Receiving Aid in '08-'09
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.
Grants
Grants are awards for students with the greatest financial need; they do not have to be repaid.
- Federal Pell Grants.
The Federal Pell Grant program is the largest federally funded, undergraduate grant program. Awards are based on students' enrollment status and their expected family contribution determined by information they supply on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Awards range from $400 to $4,925 per academic year. - Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG).
FSEOG is a federally funded program awarded by SFA to undergraduates who demonstrate exceptional financial need. Awards at UF generally range from $100 to $2,000 per academic year. - Federal Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG).
ACG is a federally-funded program awarded by SFA to undergraduates who are U.S. citizens, qualify for Pell Grant, and complete a rigorous high school program after January 1, 2005. Awards range from $200 to $1,300 per academic year. - National Science & Mathematics Access to Retain Talent (SMART) Grant.
SMART is a federally-funded undergarduate program. Eligibility includes being a U.S. Citizen, a Federal PELL Grant recipient, third - or fourth-year student in a degree seeking program, full-time enrollment in an eligible major, and a college cumulative grade pointaverage of at least 3.0. The maximum award per academic year. - National Merit Scholarships
The UF Office of Admissions awards academic scholarships to incoming freshmen and transfer students based on academic ability and achievement. - Florida Student Assistance Grant (FSAG).
FSAG is a need-based, state grant program for undergraduates attending eligible Florida institutions. Recipients must meet Florida residency requirements for student aid and be enrolled in eligible academic degree programs. Awards range from $200 to $1,808 per academic year. - I. Douglas Turner Grant & Non-Florida Undergraduate Grant.
These UF-funded grant programs are awarded by SFA to undergraduates who demonstrate exceptional financial need. Awards range from $100 to $4,000 per academic year. - UF Admissions Scholarships
The UF Office of Admissions awards academic scholarships to incoming freshmen and transfer students based on academic ability and achievement.
- UF Graduate/Professional Grants.
These UF-funded grants programs are awarded by SFA to undergraduates who demonstrate exceptinal financial need. Awards range from $100 to $2,000 per academic year.
Scholarships
Scholarships are awards, based on academic merit or special criteria, that do not have to be repaid. Financial need may also be considered. Students do not have to work or perform service to receive scholarships.
- Florida Bright Futures Scholarships.
This State of Florida scholarship program has three awards: the Florida Academic Scholars Award, the Florida Medallion Scholars Award, and the Florida Gold Seal Scholars Award. Each award has different academic criteria for eligibility and receives a different award amount based upon enrollment. The top-ranked scholar from each high school district will receive receive an additional award of up to $1,500 called the Florida Top Scholar's Award. Go to: www.sfa.ufl. edu/programs/brightfutures.html.
- Privately Funded Scholarships
Privately funded scholarships are available through the University an awarded by SFA. Scholarships are awarded based on guidelines provided by the donors. The value of these scholarships ranges from $200 to $2,500 per academic year. If awarded an SFA-awarded scholarship you must enroll full-time to receive the funds.
Go to: www.sfa.ufl.edu/programs/sfascholarships.html.
- 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. - Florida Opportunity Scholarship
This UF state funded, need based scholarship program is targeted to first-generation-in-college freshman who apply by the March 15 "on-time" deadline and are Florida residents and meet specific income guidelines.
Employment
Part-time student jobs through the following programs require an overall 2.0 grade point average. Students usually work 10-20 hours a week and earn at least minimum wage.
Student job lists are available online.
- 1. On-Campus Jobs: Go to: jobs.ufl.edu.
- Federal Work-Study (FWS).
FWS is a federally funded, need-based student work program (including Federal Community Service) awarded by SFA. - Other Personnel Services (OPS).
OPS employment, an institutionally/ state-funded program, is not based on need. Application is open year-round.
- 2. Off-Campus Jobs:
Non-UF employment. Go to www.sfa.ufl.edu/job.html.
Student Loans
Most long-term student loans have low interest rates and offer deferred repayment provisions. Borrowing money for college is a serious financial obligation, and students should carefully consider the amount and 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 on the U.S. Department of Education Web site at: www.ed.gov/offices/OSFAP/DirectLoan/faq.html.
- Federal Direct Loan Program.
The Federal Direct Loan Program consists of the Fedderal Direct Subsidized Stafford, the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford, and the Federal Direct PLUS loan programs. To recieve a Federal Direct Loan, you must be enrolled at least half-time. - Federal Perkins Loans.
Perkins Loans are awarded by SFA to students with the greatest financial need. Interest of 5% begins to accrue when the loan becomes due after a nine-month grace period. - University of Florida Long-Term Loans.
SFA awards UF and/or private donor, need-based loans, such as the Student Aid for Education Loan, the Cora B. Pilling Loan, the John G. and Fannie F. Ruge Memorial Loan, the Hart R. Stringfellow Loan, the Meril S. Beers Loan, and the Arthur L. Wallace Loan. Awards vary from $500 to $3,500 annually. Interest rates range from 4% to 9%. These loans require co-signers.