The University of Alabama

Student Financial Aid

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply for federal student aid?

Should I apply for aid even if I probably will not qualify?
How do I make a correction to my financial aid application?
Do I have to apply for aid every year? What is a renewal FAFSA?
If I plan to get married when should I file my FAFSA?
Does the FAFSA consider me an independent student if I am expecting a child during the academic year for which I will receive financial aid?

What happens after I submit my application for federal student aid?
What happens after UA receives my FAFSA?
What is the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) and how does it affect financial aid?
What is the Cost of Attendance?
What is financial need?
What is an additional resource and how do I report it or an outside scholarship?
I signed a promissory note last year. Why don't I have to sign one this year?
Can I reject all or part of my loan? Can my direct loan be adjusted or cancelled?
Can I transfer my financial aid to another school?

Am I eligible to receive federal aid?
How much federal funding is available?
If I am in default on an educational loan, can I still receive financial aid?
How does withdrawing from a class affect my federal aid eligibility?
Is there aid available for summer school?
Can I be ruled ineligible for aid because of a drug offense?
Are there regulations or limitations on repeating courses and receipt of financial aid?
Are students who are pursuing prerequisite courses for graduate school eligible to receive federal student aid?
Is financial aid available to students who are only pursuing a teacher's certification?
Does living on or off campus or being an in-state or out-of-state resident affect my financial aid eligibility?
My enrollment hours and/or housing status have changed. What do I need to do?
My grade level is going to change; will I be eligible for more aid?

How long will it take to get an award after I fill out my FAFSA?
Will I need to fill out forms in addition to the FAFSA to receive a financial aid award?
How do I accept the money I have been offered?
Have I done everything I need to do in order to receive my federal aid on time?
Can I have my Spring award applied to my Fall account?

What financial aid programs are affected by the Satisfactory Academic Progress Requirements (SAP)?
How is my "completion rate" determined?
Why am I considered not to be making Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) when I have no failing grades? I was advised to drop the class rather than receive a low grade.
Why do all classes count towards my attempted hours even when I was not receiving financial aid at the time?
I have transferred from another university. My transfer credits have caused me to reach my maximum time frame. Can I appeal?
Once I submit my appeal, how long is the typical review process?
Why do I have to submit supporting documentation?
What is considered "supporting documentation" for a SAP appeal?
Why are letters from a friend and/or family member not accepted?
Where do I go to check my status after I submit an appeal?
If my appeal is approved what will I have to do next?
If my appeal is denied what other options do I have?

Where may I locate additional resources of information?
Where can I go to get assistance if I have questions while completing the FAFSA?
Why does the Department of Education ask for income information from the year before the academic year?
What should I do if my family has unusual circumstances that are not mentioned in the application?
I'll be filing a tax return this year but I probably will not get around to it until April. How should I answer the parental financial questions? Should I wait to fill out FAFSA until after I have filed my tax return?
Who is considered a parent?
I am divorced; whose information does my student use on the FAFSA?
I am divorced from my student's biological parent, however I am now remarried. Should I give my student's stepparents information on the FAFSA?
How does a family decide who should be counted in the household size?
When does interest on a PLUS Loan begin to accrue?

If I am planning to receive merit-based aid, do I need to fill out the FAFSA?
I was denied a Grad PLUS loan. What are my options?
Are there academic requirements for graduate students to meet in order to maintain eligibility for financial aid?
What is the estimated cost of attendance for graduate students?
What is available if my financial aid does not cover enough of my education expenses?
Can international students apply for federal assistance?

Where do I take my loan deferment form to be filled out?
Can I make payments, even if I'm in school, in grace, have a deferment or have a forbearance?