2016-2017 FAQ
Below you will find frequently asked questions for the upcoming academic year. This FAQ addresses questions about basic FAFSA and verification processes and deadlines, as well as additional PLUS and private loan and scholarship information. Please contact the Office of Financial Aid at (540) 654-2468 or finaid@umw.edu if you need further information.
How do I apply for financial aid?
Complete the 2016-2017 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). It will be available at FAFSA.ed.gov after January 1, 2016.
When do I apply for financial aid?
In order to be considered for federal, state, and institutional financial aid, you must file the FAFSA by March 1. After March 1, you may only be considered for Direct Loans and the Federal Pell Grant.
What happens after I file the FAFSA?
If you are an incoming first-year applicant, you will receive an award letter to the address listed on your FAFSA by March 16. This award letter provides an overview of your information based on FAFSA results in the top right-hand corner. The body of the award letter breaks down your financial aid offers. If you are selected for verification, you will see a list of documents at the bottom of the letter that must be submitted to the Office of Financial Aid by June 1. Late paperwork may result in cancelled aid.
Continuing students will receive notices in April of their verification requirements via EagleNet and their UMW e-mails. Verification paperwork for continuing students is due June 1. Continuing students will be able to view their Financial Aid award through MyUMW in mid-June.
Is the financial aid application process different for graduate students?
Graduate students must also file the FAFSA in order to be considered for federal aid. Graduate students are only eligible for the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan. Gift aid typically comes from departmental scholarships.
When will I hear about merit scholarships?
The Office of Admissions notifies students of merit scholarship awards with admission offers.
Are there any other scholarships available?
For consideration of UMW Foundation Scholarships, submit the Scholarship Application (available on-line) to the Office of Financial Aid by June 1. A new online process is being implemented and the application will be available on May 1. The scholarships available through this application are typically need-based and require a filed FAFSA. If you have declared your major, you should check your department’s website for information about departmental scholarships.
How do I apply for a job on campus?
Students may complete the work application at any time after April 2015; however, students with demonstrated financial need (by filing the FAFSA) are considered for jobs first. The employment application is available here.
What are the costs for 2016-2017?
Actual costs are determined in late April when the Board of Visitors meets. Once the costs are known, you will receive that information in the mail. Current costs can be found in the ‘General Information’ document on the Financial Aid Web page.
How do I apply for a student or parent loan?
Students are considered for federal loans when they apply for federal student aid via the FAFSA. In order to accept federal Direct Loans, students must complete the Direct Loan Entrance Counseling and Master Promissory Note at StudentLoans.gov. Perkins Loans recipients will receive information about accepting the Perkins Loan in their UMW e-mails. Students must also accept/decline all loan offers through their MyUMW portal.
Parents may apply for the PLUS Loan after June 1 each year at StudentLoans.gov. Once approved, parents must also complete the PLUS Master Promissory Note each year at the same web address. The Direct PLUS Request Form must be submitted to our office after completing the online processes.
Students may also apply for private loans.
How do I request consideration for special circumstances?
The student and parent must write a letter describing the details. Information and instructions are available on our Web page. Letters of special circumstance are reviewed in early April and families will receive notification regarding the status of the request shortly thereafter. Since funds are limited, all requests for additional aid must be in the form of a formal request using the special circumstances instructions.
When is my bill due and what other options are available?
The Fall bill is usually due in late July. Payments plan information will be sent to students and parents during Spring 2016. Additional questions about payment plans and coordination of prepaid plans should be directed to the Office of Student Accounts at umwbills@umw.edu or (540) 654-1250.