Financial Aid: FAQ

The federal aid programs and some UI scholarships require that a student show "financial need" in order to qualify for assistance. The formula for determining financial need is:

COA - EFC - RESOURCES = NEED

The COA (Cost of Attendance) for the year must include the actual cost of fees (and tuition for non-residents of Idaho), estimated costs for books and supplies, room and board (or rent/food/utilities), personal expenses and transportation.

The EFC (Expected Family Contribution), calculated by the U.S. Federal Processor using information submitted by the student and/or the family on the FAFSA, is a measure of the family's financial strength. The information is put through a series of congressionally mandated formulas. The end result is the Expected Family Contribution for one academic year. "Family" refers to the persons providing FAFSA information (i.e. Student and/or Parents and/or Spouse).

The EFC is a guideline used in determining your financial aid; however, the EFC does not necessarily reflect the actual amount that must be paid by the student and/or the student's family.

The RESOURCES are any other type of assistance the student may receive for the same year he or she is applying for financial aid. This may include Vocational Rehabilitation payments for educational expenses, scholarships awarded from agencies other than the University of Idaho, certain types of Veteran's Benefits, tuition waivers or fee reimbursement from employers, etc.

Students who have their COST met or exceeded by their CONTRIBUTION and/or RESOURCES will not show financial need and therefore will not be eligible for need-based federal financial aid. (There are some loan programs that have exceptions, see the federal booklet "The Student Guide.")

Students who have changes in their financial status which cannot be reported on the FAFSA should contact the Office of Student Financial Aid Services. These special circumstances will be reviewed for possible changes to the student's eligibility.
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What are eligibility requirements?

All applicants for financial aid (except scholarship only applicants) must meet all of the following requirements:

Be a citizen or an eligible non-citizen of the United States.
Be enrolled as at least a half-time student (6 credits per semester for undergraduates, 5 credits per semester for law or graduate students). Most state aid programs and university scholarships require full-time enrollment (12 credits per semester for undergraduates, 9 for graduate students and 10 credits for law students). Pell Grants may also be awarded to students who attend less than half-time (1-5 credits).
Maintain satisfactory academic progress as defined by the University. (See the current University General Catalog for more information about this standard.)
Must be in good standing on all prior student loans with unpaid balances and must not owe a repayment for any federal grant program.

UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS: Students who are or will be working on their first bachelor's degree are eligible to apply for all financial aid programs that are administered by Student Financial Aid Services.

SECOND UNDERGRADUATES: Students who have already received a bachelor's degree and who are working towards an additional undergraduate degree or certificate and who are not yet admitted to graduate school are considered to be second undergraduates for federal aid programs. These students are not eligible for federal grant programs (Pell, SEOG, or LEAPP) and are restricted to undergraduate borrowing limits in the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan program.

GRADUATE & LAW STUDENTS: Students who are admitted or enrolled in a graduate or law program may be eligible for financial aid programs that are administered by Student Financial Aid Services with the exception of the Pell Grant, SEOG, and Work-Study Programs.

NON-DEGREE (NON-MATRICULATED or UNCLASSIFIED GRADUATE) STUDENTS: Students not enrolled in a degree program may not receive any form of federal financial aid.

CORRESPONDENCE CLASSES (or Independent Study) Students involved with Independent Study through the University of Idaho may not be funded by any form of federal financial aid. [Back to top]

How is the cost of attendance calculated?

1. When determining financial need, an average budget is constructed to represent the usual cost for attending the University of Idaho. Budgets are reviewed annually and updated as needed.

2. Although costs are always subject to change, this will give some idea of the average expenses.
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Will scholarships and other resources impact my other financial aid awards?

Scholarships and other resources that help students with their educational expenses are used in calculating eligibility for federal aid. Common types of resources are scholarships, veteran's benefits, ROTC awards, tuition waivers, athletic tenders, vocational rehabilitation awards, resident assistance programs, etc. The demonstrated financial need (as determined through a processed FAFSA) to meet education costs is reduced as a result of these scholarships and other resources. They do not replace the expected family contribution (EFC) per federal regulation.

Upon receipt of scholarships and other resources, the amount of a federal aid award (with the exception of the Pell Grant) may be reduced or canceled if the office of Student Financial Aid Services did not have knowledge of the scholarship or resource at the time of the initial award. [Back to top]

How Do 529 Plans Affect Financial Aid?

529 College Savings Plans: Unlike scholarships and most other resources, funds from 529 College Savings Plans will not affect other financial aid awards. These funds are considered part of the expected family contribution (EFC) and do not reduce demonstrated financial need (as determined by a processed FAFSA). Therefore, students who receive assistance from any 529 College Plan should not see a reduction or cancellation of other financial aid awards. For more information about 529 college savings plans, click here.

529 Pre-Paid Tuition Plans are treated like scholarships and most other resources, and therefore, may affect other financial aid awards. These funds should not be reported on the FAFSA as an asset for either the parent or the student, since they are not considered part of the expected family contribution (EFC). Because funds from a pre-paid tuition plan will reduce demonstrated financial need (as determined from a processed FAFSA), students who receive assistance from any 529 Pre-Paid Tuition Plan may see a reduction or cancellation of other federal financial aid awards.

Make certain that you know the type of 529 Plan you have and notify the university so these funds are processed appropriately.
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How will I be notified after I have done my FAFSA or FAFSA corrections?

Applicants who provide their e-mail address on their FAFSA will also be sent e-mails, usually within two weeks that contain a secure link to their SAR (Student Aid Report) information on the Web. By clicking on the URL imbedded in the message and providing their Social Security Number, date of birth, and the first two letters of their last name, students can see all of their application processing results, including their EFC, income and asset information, NSLDS History Information, database match results and all SAR comments associated with the transaction. Students can access their SAR information on the Web an unlimited number of times. [Back to top]

When and how will I get my money?

Disbursement or delivery of financial aid funds is the last step in the application process. Funds are not disbursed until all necessary documents have been received and processed by Student Financial Aid Services. Students may check online to see if all required documents (including FAFSA) have been received. They may also check online to see if/when funds have been disbursed into their UI student accounts to be used for UI bills. This information is available no earlier than ten days before the beginning of the semester.

Full-Time Enrollment: All financial aid, including scholarships, unless otherwise indicated, is awarded on the basis of full-time enrollment (12 credits per semester for undergraduates, 10 credits per semester for law, and 9 credits per semester for graduates). Students who drop below full-time before receiving their aid will have their financial aid adjusted to reflect their revised status.

Financial aid is disbursed each semester by the Student Accounts Office located in the Student Union Building (SUB). At no time does Student Financial Aid Services disburse funds directly to the student. Funds are available to students no earlier than the start of each semester; this process continues until the end of that semester. For the 2009-2010 academic year, semesters begin on August 24, 2009 and January 13, 2010 (Law School begins January 11).

Financial aid is first used to pay for UI charges (fees, residence halls, etc.). If financial aid has not paid all UI charges, students must make arrangements with Student Accounts for payment. If financial aid has paid all UI charges and there are leftover funds (residual funds), students can opt for a direct deposit to their specified savings or checking account. Students may also use residual financial aid and/or scholarships to make deposits on their UI Vandal Card with their billing statement. Deposits made with financial aid/scholarships are available 10 days prior to the first day of the semester for use only at the Bookstore and other campus vendors. Initial direct deposits are disbursed electronically to student bank accounts on the first day of class each semester. Contact the Student Accounts Office for information and the required forms. Checks may be picked up from Student Accounts on or after the first day of classes if the student has not selected direct deposit for the current academic year.

Students who are not on the Moscow campus should arrange for direct deposit each academic year or make arrangements to have a check mailed to them. This applies to students attending Boise Center, Twin Falls or Coeur d’Alene campuses; studying abroad or on National Student Exchange; participating in distance learning; student-teaching in outlying areas.

College Work-Study recipients receive a paycheck every two weeks for work performed.
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How should I report my financial aid and scholarships on my tax return?

If you received scholarships or grants in the tax year, part of it may be taxable. You can exclude from income that part of the grants or scholarships used for:

Tuition and fees required for enrollment.
Fees, books, supplies and other equipment required for your courses.

In other words, before you report scholarships and grants as taxable income, make sure you subtract your tuition & fees and books and supplies.

Taxable scholarships are reported on line 7 of Form 1040 or Form 1040A or line 1 of Form 1040EZ. You should write "SCH" and the taxable amount to the left of the line.

The Internal Revenue Services (IRS) has two very informative websites. The first answers questions about Grants, Scholarships, Student Loans, Work-Study Interest/Dividends, and Other Types of Income and what is reportable and when. The other website answers tax questions that are of general interest to students. [Back to top]

Can I lose my eligibility for financial aid because of a low GPA or too few credits?

Students lose their federal/state financial aid eligibility when:

They fail to make/maintain satisfactory academic progress. Students are expected to complete (get a passing grade in) a minimum number of credits each year and to maintain a minimum grade point average each year to be eligible for aid for the following year. Students who have been declared ineligible for future aid due to unsatisfactory academic progress may appeal (petition) in an attempt to reestablish financial aid eligibility. Contact Student Financial Aid Services or review the current UI General Catalog for more information and procedures.
Their academic load drops below half-time (less than 6 credits per semester for undergraduates, less than 5 credits per semester for graduate/law students for any program except Pell Grant.) Note that in-school deferment is on outstanding student loans and the grace period begins retroactively to the last date of enrollment at half-time or greater.
They are undergraduate students taking fewer than 12 credits who were awarded Pell Grants. These students will receive a reduced or pro-rated award based on the actual number of credit hours per semester.
They are found to owe a repayment of financial aid or are not in good standing on a student loan. These students will lose their eligibility for the current year.
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How much have I borrowed in student loans?

Loan Histories: Students can access their Federal Student loan histories at the National Student Loan Data System. This link will provide the student with a summary of all federal loans borrowed. Students will need their federal pin to access their information.
Students with Direct Loans can access their account information by calling 1-800-848-0979 or by visiting this direct loan website and clicking on the "Your Account" link. Note that this website only provides information on direct loans. [Back to top]

My mother and father do not support me; can I be considered an independent student?

For federal financial aid purposes an independent student is one who, by federal definition, is allowed to apply for financial aid without reporting parental income or other information, and who does not need to have parental signatures on the Free Application For Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students who do not fit into the federal definition are required to supply parental information and signatures if they want to apply for federal aid.

In order to be considered an independent student, the student must meet one of the following criteria:

Be at least 24 years of age before January 1 of the academic year for which you are applying,
Be an orphan or ward of the court,
Have a child/children for whom you provide more than half their financial support,
Be a married student,
Be a veteran of the armed forces,
Be a graduate student, or
Have a legal dependent other than a spouse or child.

Students and their families should read this section on the FAFSA very carefully before completing the form. If there is ANY question about the student's status, students and/or their families should contact Student Financial Aid Services BEFORE the form is filed. SFAS is required to have documentation from students who file as independent to prove they meet the definition as stated on the FAFSA.
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I will be getting married. How should I fill out my FAFSA?

Marital Status: We strongly encourage anyone who will be married before they earn their bachelors degree to come in and see their financial aid advisor. The FAFSA requires that students file at their current marital status. If students are not married as of the date they file the FAFSA, they must file as single. They cannot update their marital status until a new FAFSA is filed the next academic year. That is, once an application has been made under one marital status, it cannot be updated. Students may want to discuss the pros and cons of filing as single or waiting and filing as married with their financial aid advisor prior to submitting the FAFSA. [Back to Top]

My mother and father are divorced. Which parent's income do I show?

Divorced Parents: Students should report information on their FAFSA about the parent they lived with more during the last 12 months. If a student did not live with one parent more than the other, the student should use the parent who has given them more financial support (including money, gifts, loans, housing, food, clothes, car, etc.) during the most recent year in which support was provided. If the parent whose information is reported has remarried, the student must also include the step-parent's income information. If the student has any questions about which parent's income to use, he or she is encouraged to meet with their financial aid advisor prior to filing the FAFSA. [Back to Top]

What if I change my mind about accepting my awards?

Change Your Mind About Your Award: Students who have previously declined a scholarship, grant, loan or work-study may submit a written request to have aid reinstated. All reinstatements are based on the availability of funds; however the Pell Grant and Direct Loan (subsidized and unsubsidized) Programs are available throughout the year as long as the student is still eligible to receive the funds.
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What do I do if my financial situation changes?
What do I do if my enrollment situation changes?

Changes in Income, Enrollment, Medical Issues, Marital Status for students or parent, or household size:
If a student experiences one of the above changes, contact the Office of Student Financial Aid Services at 1-88-88-UIDAHO, 885-6312 or e-mail finaid@uidaho.edu. We suggest you see or call your financial aid advisor with any of these changes as these changes may affect your financial aid eligibility.
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Tell me some general information about financial aid.

Availability of Funds: Because funds are limited in the SEOG, Perkins, Work-Study and LEAPP programs, students who meet the February 15 priority date requirements will receive priority (first) consideration. Students who do not meet the priority date and/or who enrolled less than full-time will be considered as funds are available.
Types of Aid Offered: Gift aid (grants or scholarships) is highly desirable however, funding limitations make it difficult to meet a student's full need with only these funds. Self-help aid (Loans and Work-Study) are usually at least half of a student's offer of financial aid. While students are not required to borrow a loan or accept work-study, loans and work-study may not be substituted gift aid. However, a student may request to transfer a Work-Study offer to a Direct Loan if they have not already borrowed their limit for the year.
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What other types of financial help and services are available from the University?

SHORT TERM LOANS: Students enrolled at least half-time who can demonstrate an ability to repay may apply for help from this program. Students do not have to have financial aid in order to borrow from this program. Short-term loans are designed to provide a moderate to assist with unexpected or emergency-related cash flow problems. The maximum a student may apply for is $600; this limit may be increased during the first two weeks of a semester. The program is not intended to serve as a source of financial aid, but instead to help students deal with the unexpected.

Short-term loans must be repaid in a single payment scheduled no more than 90 days after the loan is granted. Seven percent (7%) simple interest is charged on the loan from the date of the note until the due date. There is also a $10 processing charge. Loan applications are available at Student Financial Aid Services.
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PART-TIME EMPLOYMENT (non Work-Study): Enrolled students who are seeking off-campus employment may find job postings at Job Location and Development, located in the Student Union Building, Room 137. Students do not need to be eligible for financial aid to obtain employment. On-campus work (other than Work-Study) is handled through the Student Employment Office, located on 6th Street between the railroad tracks and west of Taco Time.

GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIPS/FELLOWSHIPS: The College of Graduate Studies has a limited number of positions available each year. Graduate assistantships and fellowships are awarded through the student's academic departments. Consult the Graduate School Catalog for more information.

Loan Debt Counseling: Loan Debt Counseling is available to all direct loan borrowers. Additional information is available from Student Financial Aid Services.

Budget Counseling: Student Financial Aid Services offers budget counseling to interested students. Contact our office to make an appointment.
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What other information might I need to know?

Campus Security Report: The university annually publishes and updates a series of reports which provides information to current and prospective students regarding completion and graduation rates, drug and alcohol abuse prevention information, campus security policies, and campus crime statistics. Copies of these reports are available from the UI Office of Risk Management.
Non-Discrimination Policy: The University of Idaho has a strict policy of non-discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, disability, or status as a Vietnam-era veteran. This policy applies to all programs, services and facilities, and includes, but is not limited to application, admission, access to programs, services, and employment.
Refunds: Any refund of tuition/fees due to a student's withdrawal from the University is outlined in the current University General Catalog. Contact the Student Accounts for more information on how this refund is calculated. Contact the University Residences for information on room and board refunds. All refunds are pro-rated based on the date of withdrawal.
Student Disability Support Services: Federal law prohibits the University from requiring pre-admission inquiry about disabilities. Information regarding disabilities, voluntarily given or inadvertently received, will not adversely affect any admission decision or financial aid determination. If students require special services due to a disability, they should notify the Office of Disability Support Services, Room 338 in The Commons at (208) 885-7200. The TTY is 208-885-7471, or e-mail dss@uidaho.edu. Please notify the office as early as possible prior to your arrival. This voluntary self-identification enables the university to determine appropriate support services to facilitate the learning environment for all students. This information will be kept in strict confidence.
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Moscow, ID 83844

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