The University of Iowa Office of Student Financial Aid (UI OSFA), in partnership with students (and students' parents) provides federal, state, and institutional funds to help defray the cost of education. Student financial aid recipients have a number of responsibilities and rights.

As a student financial aid recipient, it is your responsibility to:

  • reapply for financial aid each year by filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and submitting all required documents to the UI OSFA. Financial aid is not automatically renewed each year.
  • complete and submit application materials within required or preferred timeframes and check MyUI to ensure all required forms have been submitted. If forms are not completed by deadlines some or all of your financial aid may be cancelled.
  • provide additional documentation or information as requested by the UI OSFA.
  • read and understand all materials sent to you from the UI OSFA and keep copies of all forms you sign.
  • comply with the provisions of any promissory note and all other agreements you sign.
  • know and comply with the federal, state, and institutional rules governing the financial aid you receive. This information is on the FAFSA, on the materials sent with your financial aid offer, and on the UI OSFA website. These rules include, but are not limited to, not being in default on any prior educational loan and not owing a refund on a federal grant due to repayment.
  • report other sources of student financial aid to the UI OSFA.
  • use student financial aid proceeds solely for direct educational costs and related living expenses.
  • complete the class registration process each semester by the end of the official last day to late register or add courses in order to ensure availability of all student financial aid funds you have been offered. Some aid programs may be subject to cancellation or reduction if your registration process is not completed by the official last day to late register or add courses.
  • know the implications that dropping a course or withdrawing from the UI will have on your student financial aid.
  • maintain satisfactory academic progress (SAP).
  • keep your residing and permanent addresses current with the UI Registrar's Office by updating them on MyUI.
  • check your university-assigned email account often since some information and requests are sent via email.
  • pay all previous session charges appearing on your University bill and/or through ECSI before financial aid is disbursed for the current session.
  • complete direct deposit information on MyUI for any financial aid refunds.

As a student financial aid recipient, you have the right to:

  • know the correct procedures for applying for student financial aid, your cost of attendance, and the types of aid available.
  • know how financial need is determined, what the criteria are for offering financial aid, how reasonable academic progress is determined, and what you have to do to continue receiving aid.
  • know the type and amount of assistance you will receive, how much of your financial need has been met, and how and when you will receive your financial aid funds.
  • view the contents of your student financial aid file, in accordance with the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
  • know the conditions of any loan you accept.
  • know the terms, conditions, and pay rate for any student job you accept.
  • appeal any decision with the UI OSFA in regard to your financial aid application.