Students must be in an eligible degree program in order to receive financial aid. Certificate programs are not eligible programs. A non-candidate for degree is not eligible for aid.
International students are not eligible for Federal Student Aid. University policy requires international students to have adequate resources to cover their educational expenses. Students may still be considered for scholarships, or they may apply for a private loan with a US Citizen cosigner. Opportunities to work are very limited based on federal regulations.
Financial aid programs were established on the premise that the primary responsibility for paying educational expenses rests with the student and his or her family. Students and families who lack the necessary resources to pay these educational expenses are encouraged to apply for financial aid by completing a FAFSA. This information is used to determine your financial aid eligibility.
COST OF ATTENDANCE
– EXPECTED FAMILY CONTRIBUTION
FINANCIAL NEED
The Financial Aid Office establishes student expense budgets that are used to calculate financial aid eligibility as well as to provide students and their families with a reasonable estimate of the cost of attendance. These student budgets include allowances for tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, transportation, and personal and miscellaneous expenses. These budgets are based on what are considered reasonable, but modest, costs after surveying segments of our student population.
The Expected Family Contribution (EFC) is calculated according to a formula established by federal law using the information on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). It is defined as an amount that the student and the student's parents may reasonably be expected to contribute toward postsecondary education. However, it is NOT an amount they will be required to contribute. The EFC is an index number used to determine the student's financial need and their eligibility for various aid programs.
The difference between the Cost of Attendance and the Expected Family Contribution is considered financial need. The Financial Aid Office will assist students and their families in trying to meet their financial need by offering a combination of grants, loans, and employment opportunities. Students who have no financial need are eligible to be considered for non-need based loans and employment.