Step One:

To apply for federal, state and institutional aid, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Apply via the Web at www.fafsa.ed.gov or complete a paper FAFSA. For a paper FAFSA, call 1-800-4-FEDAID or download one at www.FederalStudentAid.ed.gov.

 

You will need to provide information from your federal income tax returns. The FAFSA is available each year after the first of January; however we recommend that you complete and file your Federal Income Tax returns with the IRS, prior to submitting a FAFSA.

 

Please enter UHD’s Title IV Institutional School Code 003612, on the FAFSA so that we may obtain your information electronically.

 

You (and your parents if you are a dependant student) will need to apply for a PIN # to sign your FAFSA electronically. To apply, visit www.pin.ed.gov.

Step Two:

You must apply for admission and be admitted to UHD as a degree-seeking student. Financial aid is limited; only admitted students are awarded financial aid. Students admitted as “Transient” are not eligible for financial aid at UHD. “Transient” students are those seeking a degree at another institution but are attending UHD for one semester or a summer term.

Step Three:

You will receive your Student Aid Report (SAR) (electronically needs to be corrected to electronically) or by mail. Once you receive it, review it for accuracy and see if you have been selected for verification. What is Verification?
If you are selected for verification, additional paperwork will be required:

• Signed copies of the student’s (and/or spouse’s) and parent’s (if dependent) U.S. income tax return and W-2s.
• Institutional Verification form.

Step Four:

Once your file is complete, UHD will review the results of the FAFSA and other documents to determine your eligibility for aid. An award notice will be mailed or sent to your GatorMail account. Please review your award letter carefully; it will indicate the amount and type of aid offered, including scholarships, grants, loans, or work-study opportunities.

Notify our office of any changes such as changes in your address, enrollment status, expected graduation date, award of outside scholarships or changes in your major.

Step Five:

If you are eligible to receive a Federal Direct Loan, information will be provided with the award notice outlining the student loan application process. Loan processing may require two to three weeks after loan eligibility is determined.

Step Six:

Awarded funds including scholarships, grants, and loans will be applied to your university student account no sooner than ten days prior to the start of the term.

After payment of tuition and fees, any remaining funds will be refunded to you based on the method chosen when you activated your UHD GatorCard.

Tips for a successful application process:

• Apply as early as possible! The priority date for submitting all documents required
  for financial aid awards is April 1st.
• Complete all income and asset information. Do not leave blank. If zero, enter zero in the blank.
• Appropriate individuals (student and/ or parent) must sign the FAFSA.
  Missing signatures will delay processing.
• Verify your answers and check for accuracy. Errors will delay the process.

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Last updated or reviewed on 11/8/11