Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply for financial aid?

File a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) using http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/FAFSA on the Web. You may apply as early as October 1, 2022 for the 23-24 academic year. Students must reapply each year—financial aid is not renewed automatically.

More information is available on the SFA’s http://www.sfa.ufl.edu/process/how-to-apply-for-aid/“How To Apply” page.

 

When should I apply for UF financial aid?

Although you must be accepted for enrollment at UF before you receive a financial aid award, you should apply for aid before being admitted.

To apply for financial aid, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at https://fafsa.ed.gov/www.fafsa.gov. You can file a 2023-24 FAFSA as early as October 1, 2022. To receive the best financial aid offer, complete the FAFSA as early as possible. In order for UF to consider you for a financial aid package, you must be a degree-seeking, admitted student.

 

When and how will I get my financial aid funds?

Students generally receive financial aid by direct deposit from the http://www.fa.ufl.edu/bursarUniversity Bursar‘s office (UB) in S-113 Criser Hall.

Due to UF’s continuing support for sustainable practices, as well as the costs associated with producing, mailing, and tracking undelivered checks, direct deposit is required for the delivery of financial aid refunds. Direct Deposit is the quickest and safest way to receive your financial aid refunds.

To sign up for direct deposit, go to https://one.uf.eduONE.UF and login with your gator link username and password. Follow the instructions on the screen at “Sign up for Direct-Deposit” on the “Campus Finance (Bursar)” tab.

Please direct any questions about direct deposit to (352) 392-0737.

For more information:

 

When are admitted students notified of their financial aid award?

When UF has received your electronic FAFSA information from the federal processor, and you have been admitted to UF, the Office for http://www.sfa.ufl.edu/Student Financial Aid and Scholarships (SFA) will award you an aid package based on your demonstrated need. SFA will begin the award notification process in March for newly admitted students and will continue to mail award letters throughout the spring and summer months. For current students, award offers will be mailed in June.

For more information see SFA’s http://www.sfa.ufl.edu/?p=106Aid Programs page.

 

How is my “financial need” determined when I apply for financial aid?

The federal processor determines your individual family’s ability to contribute to the cost of education (“Expected Family Contribution”) using the information you provide on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and a standard formula established by the U.S. Congress.

After receiving your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) amount from the processor, the Office for Student Financial Affairs then subtracts your EFC from the standard student budget (average cost of attendance).

In formula form: Cost of Attendance – Expected Family Contribution = Financial Need.

For more information, see SFA’s http://www.sfa.ufl.edu/cost/how-need-is-determined/“How your need is determined” page.

 

How Will My Scholarship Be Disbursed?

If your scholarship check is being sent to UF for disbursement, your donor should mail the check to: University of Florida, Office for Student Financial Affairs, Scholarship Section, P. O. Box 114025, Gainesville, FL 32611-4025.

Your scholarship will be disbursed to you according to standard University of Florida disbursement procedures for financial aid and scholarships, unless the donor has provided other, specific disbursement stipulations. More information can be found on SFA’s http://www.sfa.ufl.edu/process/receiving-your-aid/disbursements/http://www.sfa.ufl.edu/process/receiving-your-aid/disbursements/Aid Disbursement page.

If you are receiving any other type of need-based financial aid and you receive the scholarship funds directly from the donor in cash or made payable to only you, you must notify UF’s Office for Student Financial Affairs. SFA may be required under Federal regulations to adjust your financial aid package.

You may want to let your donor know when your semester tuition/fees are due so your scholarship checks can arrive before the fee payment deadline. Funds are not disbursed until classes begin each semester and you are enrolled full time, but early receipt of the scholarship funds ensures that they will be available to meet fee payment deadlines.

 

See additional http://questions.ufl.edu/all-questions-by-category/financial-aid/FAQs.