Financial Aid Frequently Asked Questions

Financial aid helps domestic students pay for college through grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study programs. Some forms of aid are need-based, while others are merit-based. Completing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is the first and most important step in determining eligibility.

Financial aid comes in four main types:

• Grants – Free money, usually need-based (e.g., Pell Grant)
• Scholarships – Free money, often merit-based or need-based
• Loans – Borrowed money that must be repaid with interest*
• Work-Study – A program that allows students to earn money through part-time jobs

* See question about subsidized vs. unsubsidized loans.

Start with UB’s scholarship opportunities and search on Scholarship Universe. Scholarship Universe will also show you outside scholarships that you may qualify for. Apply early and often!

Subsidized loans are need-based federal loans where the government pays the interest while you’re in school at least half-time, during the grace period, and during deferment. This means the loan balance doesn’t grow while you’re studying.

Unsubsidized loans are not based on financial need, and interest starts accruing as soon as the loan is disbursed. You can choose to pay the interest while you’re in school or let it accumulate and be added to the loan balance (this is called capitalization).

Federal loans may have lower fixed interest rates and flexible repayment options. Private loans come from banks that set their own terms and conditions.

Federal student loans typically have a 6-month grace period after graduation or going below half-time status before payments begin. Private loans vary by lender.

Work-study provides part-time jobs to help students earn money. Indicate your interest on the FAFSA, then apply for jobs through your school’s career portal. UB uses Handshake for posting on campus jobs.

Your award letter lists grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study. Look at the total estimated direct cost, then subtract free aid (grants and scholarships) before considering loans.

Most U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens qualify for aid if they meet academic progress requirements. Please visit studentaid.gov for information.

Start by filling out the FAFSA at studentaid.gov — state and school deadlines may vary, so apply early!

Yes, but your eligibility may be limited. Some scholarships, grants, and loans have enrollment requirements. Check with Student Financial Services if you have any questions.

Only United States citizens, permanent residents or eligible non-citizens are eligible to qualify for federal financial aid. As an international student you may qualify for a private loan. Some lenders require a credit-worthy U.S. co-signer.

There are no income cutoffs when determining a student’s financial aid eligibility. Many factors are taken into consideration when determining a student’s ability to pay besides income. Therefore, it is necessary to complete a FAFSA in order to determine what you qualify for.

You MUST apply for financial aid every year by completing the FAFSA on or after October 1. The federal FAFSA deadline is June 30 of the academic year you’re applying for. However, state and college deadlines vary — check with your school for priority deadlines. The FAFSA opens October 1 each year. Submitting your FAFSA as early as possible will help you understand all of your financial aid options. We strongly recommend that all students complete their aid application by February 1 (UB preferred deadline) and February 15 (State of Connecticut deadline).

University of Bridgeport’s school code is 001416.

There are circumstances that will enable the financial aid office to adjust a student’s aid eligibility. These circumstances could include the following: job loss due to unemployment or illness, a one-time benefit that affected your federal adjusted gross income, separation or divorce, or unusual medical expenses. If conditions such as these occur during any of your four years at University of Bridgeport, please contact Student Financial Services. Do not send any letters to the federal aid-processing center. They are not able to adjust your aid eligibility.

Verification is the process a school uses to confirm that the data reported on your FAFSA form is accurate. If you’re selected for verification, your school will request additional documentation that supports the information you reported.

Don’t assume you’re being accused of doing anything wrong. Students are selected for verification at random. All you need to do is provide the documentation asked for.

No student information can be released unless we have a completed Family Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) form on file listing who is entitled to receive that information. You can complete the FERPA form on your MyUB portal page.

You must complete BOTH a Master Promissory Note and Entrance Counseling at studentaid.gov. You must also accept your loans on your MyUB portal.

New applicants to University of Bridgeport must be accepted for admission before an aid award letter will be sent to them. Once accepted an award packet will be sent for review. All students must have a processed FAFSA on file in order to receive a financial aid award letter. Returning students award letters will be available online through their MyUB portal.

You are REQUIRED to apply for financial aid each year. Sometimes family situation changes; another child attends college, a parent returns to the workforce, or a parent dies. For the most part if your family situation does not change from year to year your award letter will remain unchanged.

All financial aid, with the exception of work-study funds (funds MUST be earned), will be credited to your billing account in two equal disbursements: fall and spring. Once your charges have been paid (tuition, fees, food and housing), any additional funds will be refunded to you to help pay for off-campus living costs or personal expenses. Please enroll in the direct deposit option on your MyUB portal to have funds deposited into your bank account. If a direct deposit is not completed, a refund check will be mailed to the student.

All students MUST have medical insurance that is comparable to the insurance offered by the University. If students have medical insurance you can submit a waiver form.

Email sfs@bridgeport.edu for further information.

Refunds can be sent via direct deposit or by check in the mail. If direct deposit is not set up, a refund check will be mailed to the student. To set up direct deposit, log into your MyUB portal. Once logged in, click on Billing and Payments, then click eRefunds to have funds deposited into your bank account.

• Sign up for a payment plan on your MyUB portal.
• Search for scholarships on Scholarship Universe.
• Apply for a Parent Plus loan at studentaid.gov.
• Apply for a Private Alternative loan. For information, visit the Types of Loans section.

Yes — many scholarships have GPA or enrollment requirements. Make sure you understand the terms before accepting any awards.

Students can reach our office by email, phone, walk-in, fax, mail, or via Zoom (available by appointment).

Student Financial Services is located in the Magnus Wahlstrom Library on the Garden Level. Contact our office to make an appointment.

Email: sfs@bridgeport.edu
Phone: 203-576-4568
Fax: 203-576-4570

Note: It is important to set up your UB email account after you register for classes as all communication from our office will be sent to your UB email.

Students can contact Student Financial Services.

See instructions on how to access your 1098T tax form.