Financial Aid Guidelines for IDEAL Students

As an IDEAL Student; to receive financial aid you must:

• Be admitted to an eligible degree or certificate program at the University of Bridgeport.
• Complete and send the FREE APPLICATION for FEDERAL STUDENT AID (FAFSA).
• Apply online at www.fafsa.ed.gov and use school code 001416.

If you do not have a Personal Identification Number (PIN), request one at http://www.pin.ed.gov. Once you have your PIN, complete the FAFSA on the web or the RENEWAL FAFSA on the web at www.fafsa.ed.gov. In order to meet our priority funding date, your completed FAFSA must be received by the federal processor by April 15, 2006.

The 2006-2007 FAFSA applies to the Summer 2006, Fall 2006, and Spring 2007 semesters.  List University of Bridgeport, code 001416, in Step Six. Double check for accuracy. Incorrect information causes delays. Do not mail supplemental information with your FAFSA. All correspondence regarding extenuating circumstances should be sent directly to the University of Bridgeport Office of Financial Aid.

Typically, you must be enrolled at least half-time (6 credits/semester) to be considered for aid. If applicable, include concurrent hours in your intended enrollment status in questions 17-21. Undergraduate Connecticut Residents must complete and return the Connecticut Residency Criteria and Questionnaire and appropriate documentation. If any of the above are required, we will mail the appropriate forms to you. Students receiving funding from other sources, such as outside scholarships, employee tuition reimbursement programs, etc., must notify the Office of Financial Aid in writing regarding the source and amount received per semester.

COMMONLY ASKED FINANCIAL AID QUESTIONS

Q: If I applied for financial aid last year, do I need to reapply this year?
A: Yes, you need to reapply for financial aid every year.

Q: What types of aid am I applying for when I complete the FAFSA?
A: You will be considered for all federal, state, and institutional aid including grants, scholarships, loans, and on-campus student employment.

Q: Will I be awarded the same amount this year as last year?
A: Not necessarily. Your financial aid eligibility may have changed due to changes in family size, income, or other circumstances. Examples include missing the priority deadline or not meeting the required Grade Point Average for renewal of your scholarship.

Q: What if my family or financial situation changes after I file the FAFSA?
A: You should submit a letter of appeal to the Office of Financial Aid if you feel any circumstances were not addressed on your FAFSA. Be sure to include specific figures when appropriate. Additionally, you need to submit copies of 2002 federal income tax return(s) and an Institutional Verification Form (IVF). A financial aid counselor will review your appeal and re-evaluate your eligibility, if applicable.

Q: When can I expect my loan money to be applied to my student account?
A: Federal regulations state we may not release loan money to your student account until you are enrolled at least half-time (6 credits/semester). If all appropriate forms are completed, your loan will be disbursed after the applicable add/drop period. If you are a first time borrower, you will need to complete an entrance interview.

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