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- How do I receive my financial aid and pay my University Bill (U-Bill)?
The University Billing Office web site provides answers to frequently asked U-Bill questions and How to Read and Pay Your U-Bill video tutorials.
U-Bills are available on...
View FAQ- Why hasn't my financial aid been applied to my University Bill?
The University Billing Office begins preparing for the August 1 U-Bill in late July. If you view your U-Bill prior to August 1, all of your financial aid funds may not appear. If you do not see all of your financial aid listed on your U-Bill, check your bill periodically for updates. Information is updated nightly. Listed below are reasons why financial aid funds may not appear on your U-bill...
View FAQ- What is an FSA ID and how do I obtain one?
An FSA ID is a user name and password for U.S. Department of Education websites. Effective May 10, 2015, this replaces the Federal PIN. Instructions on how to obtain a FSA ID and answers to frequently asked questions are provided on the Federal Student Aid website.
- What are the benefits of having an FSA ID?
To see what types of information can be accessed with your FSA ID, go to the U.S. Department of Education's FSA ID web site.
- How will I know if my financial aid file has been reviewed by the Office of Student Financial Aid and how do I find out what types of financial aid I have been offered?
You can view your Financial Aid Offer, Financial Aid To Do List, and other important information by logging into MyUI. Be sure to select the appropriate semester in the dropdown box.
- What is the definition of an independent student?
The federal government has established criteria for classifying financial aid recipients as dependent or independent. The University of Iowa Office of Student Financial Aid does not determine your status; nor is your status determined by whether your parents claim you as a dependent on their federal income tax return. Additional information is available on the...
View FAQ- Do I have to apply for financial aid every year?
Yes. In order to be considered for aid programs administered by the UI Office of Student Financial Aid ( UI OSFA), you must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year. For complete application instructions, see our Step-By-Step Process page.
- How will I know if my FAFSA has been processed by the federal processor?
You can check on the status of your FAFSA using the U.S. Department of Education FAFSA web site at https://fafsa.ed.gov or by calling them at 1-800-433-3243. Financial aid application status is also available in MyUI.
- Should I still file the FAFSA if I think my family's income is too high to be eligible for financial aid?
There is no automatic income level cutoff for financial aid eligibility. The only sure way to determine your eligibility for need-based financial aid is to file the FAFSA. A number of factors are considered in determining eligibility. There are non-need based loans available for those families in higher income brackets whose FAFSA information indicates they have no financial need. We encourage...
View FAQ- My family and I have unusual circumstances. How can I reflect that on my FAFSA?
You must complete the FAFSA accurately, providing the actual numbers requested. Review the information on our special circumstances web page to determine if your circumstance can be evaluated.
- I reported on the FAFSA that I had $2,500 in savings. I have since spent that money. Can I correct that figure?
Assets must be reported as of the day you signed the FAFSA; therefore, these figures cannot be updated.
- Which parent fills out the FAFSA if my parents are divorced or separated?
The parent you lived with more during the past 12 months. If you did not live with either parent or if you lived with each parent an equal amount of time, provide information for the parent who provided the most financial support to you during the last 12 months or during the most recent calendar year that you actually received support from a parent. If this parent is remarried as of the date...
View FAQ- My parents do not claim me on their federal income tax return; am I considered independent for financial aid purposes?
Whether your parents claim you as a dependent on their federal tax return does not determine whether you file your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as a dependent (include parental information) or self-supporting student. Your answers to questions on the FAFSA determine your status. Additional information is available on the...
View FAQ- When will I receive my financial aid offer?
Financial aid offers will begin mid-February for the upcoming academic year. You can view your application status and financial aid offer on MyUI.
- Why is the left side of my financial aid offer cut off when I view it in MyUI?
If you are using Internet Explorer as your web browser, your award notification may not display correctly. Try using Firefox or Chrome.
- What are the loan fees listed on the financial aid offer?
The federal government assesses loan fees on Federal Direct Loans. Detailed information is available on our loan fees web page.
- How do I cancel or reduce my student loan(s)?
You can decline or reduce you loans on the Student Loan Confirmation page in MyUI.
If you reduce your loans, all of your loans will show as accepted and will be placed on hold. It may take up to three business days for your cancellation/reduction...
View FAQ- As the semester approaches, how can I be sure that my financial aid is "ready to go"?
You can use MyUI to keep track of your financial aid. The status of your application (if documents have been received) and your award notification are available in MyUI....
View FAQ- What is Work-Study and how do I find a Work-Study job?
Work-Study is a part-time employment program for U.S. citizens and permanent residents who are at least half-time students in a degree program and demonstrate financial need by filing the FAFSA each year. For additional information, see the work-study section of our employment web page. If you have been awarded...
View FAQ- I didn't qualify for Work-Study, can I still work on campus?
Yes. There are many job opportunities on the University of Iowa campus. Make plans to attend the Fall Job Fair held during the first week of classes in August. Visit our Student Job Fair web page to obtain additional information. This will be a great opportunity for you to see what types...
View FAQ- Can I receive financial aid for Study Abroad?
You may be able to receive aid to study abroad, but you must plan well in advance. Follow the procedures outlined in our Study Abroad web page.
- I plan to study abroad during my last semester. Can I receive financial aid for that semester?
Many UI students study abroad and receive financial aid. The semester before you leave, there are specific steps you will need to take to make sure your financial aid is in place. Our study abroad web page offers details on the procedures.
If you have not completed all of your degree requirements and are studying...
View FAQ- What do I do if my parents choose not to take out a PLUS loan?
Review the individual items listed in the estimated cost of attendance. The cost of attendance includes personal and transportation expenses. You may not incur those expenses and you may not need the PLUS loan. If you feel that you need to take out an additional loan, you could apply for a private alternative loan.
- When will I receive my fall financial aid refund?
The University Billing Office (UBO) will disburse fall financial aid funds when classes begin in August. They will begin issuing financial aid refunds on the first day of classes. Additional information is available on the UBO website at: https://ubill.fo.uiowa.edu/financial-aid-disbursement.
- When is financial aid disbursed?
If your financial aid is available for disbursement (see requirements section of our disbursement web page), the University Billing Office will begin releasing funds for direct deposit (or mailing checks if you have not set up Direct Deposit in...
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