The University of West Alabama

Tiger Paw Student Handbook

FINANCIAL AID

The University of West Alabama offers a comprehensive program of financial aid to assist students in meeting educational expenses. Financial aid is available to help cover direct education costs such as tuition, fees, and books as well as indirect expenses such as food, clothing, and transportation expenses.

The primary responsibility for paying educational costs rests with the student and his or her family. Financial aid is available to "fill the gap" between the cost of education and the amount that the family can reasonably be expected to contribute. The Federal Processor will determine the family’s ability to pay by performing a need analysis based on the family’s income and asset information, through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

HOW TO APPLY

Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. This is the first step in applying for any Federal Student Aid.  Students should complete all forms carefully and accurately. Errors or omissions will cause delays in processing.

WHEN TO APPLY

The application priority deadline for consideration for financial aid funds is March 1st of each year. Applications are accepted all year; however, funds may be limited after March 1.

Normal processing time for a financial aid application is three to four weeks; however, loan applications may take longer because of additional bank and guarantee agency processing. Students should apply well in advance of the date that funds will be needed. All students must reapply annually. Applications are generally available each January for the following academic year.

GRANTS

Federal Pell Grants

The Pell Grant program provides federal grant aid to needy undergraduate students. Awards range from $555 to $5,550 per year, and no repayment is required. Students must complete the FAFSA, www.fafsa.gov, to apply for Pell Grant.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG)

The SEOG program provides additional grant assistance to very needy undergraduate students. Funds are limited, and priority is given to students who apply before March 1st and are Pell Grant eligible.

LOANS

Federal Direct Loans

The Federal Direct Loan Program provides low-interest, long-term, educational loans directly from the Federal Government to students. Graduate and undergraduate students who are enrolled at least half-time are eligible. Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), www.fafsa.gov, to apply. Students must also complete loan entrance counseling and e-sign a Master Promissory Note (MPN) online at www.studentloans.gov.

Direct Loan Maximums:

$5,500 - Freshmen

$6,500 - Sophomores

$7,500 - Juniors & Seniors

$8,500 - Graduate Students

Independent students and dependent students whose parents are denied a Parent PLUS Loan are eligible for an additional unsubsidized Direct Loan as follows:

$4,000 - Freshmen and Sophomores

$5,000 - Juniors & Seniors

$12,000 - Graduate Students

 

Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loans:
The Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students Program (PLUS) provides non-need-based loans to parents of dependent students.  Repayment begins 60 days after disbursement of the loan. Parents can apply for PLUS Loans online at www.studentloans.gov.

EMPLOYMENT

Federal Work-Study (FWS)

Part-time employment on campus is available for students with financial need through the Federal  Work-Study Program. Generally, students work 10 to 18 hours per week and are paid the federal minimum wage. Students must indicate they are interested in Work-Study on their FAFSA to be eligible. Funds are limited and interested students should complete their FAFSA early.

OTHER SOURCES OF ASSISTANCE

Many employers offer tuition reimbursement to their employees. In addition, a number of other scholarships and grants are available through individual program offices, private donors, and community organizations. Free scholarship search web sites are available online at http://www.uwa.edu/admissions/undergraduate/scholarshipresources.aspx.

Students should contact their employer, program office, or the Financial Aid Center for further information.

 

GENERAL INFORMATION AND HELPFUL HINTS

To receive financial aid from any Federal student aid programs discussed in this publication, students must meet all of the following criteria:

  • Have financial need, except for some loan programs.

  • Have a high school diploma or a General Education Development (GED) Certificate, or complete a high school education in a home setting that is treated as a home school or private school under state law.

  • Be enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a regular student working toward a degree or certificate in an eligible program. 

  • Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen

  • Have a valid Social Security Number.  If you don't have a Social Security Number, you can find out more about applying for one on the Internet at www.ssa.gov

  • Meet minimum satisfactory academic progress standards.

  • Not be in default on a Federal student loan or owe a repayment on a Federal grant.

  • Register with the Selective Service, if required.

 

 


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The Tiger Paw Student Handbook does not constitute a contract between the student and UWA.  Although every effort has been made to provide students with complete and accurate information, UWA reserves the right to change programs and requirements, and to modify, amend or revoke rules, regulations and policies listed within this handbook.

The University of West Alabama
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