No student should avoid college because he or she doesn't have the money! In 2010-2011, 83% of USAO's students received some type of financial aid assistance. The total of that aid for that year was $10,061,034.
For students who need financial assistance to go to school, these pages will help. They contain information on scholarship and grant programs, federal work-study, and federal student loans which are available to students enrolled at least half-time. Aid recipients must be degree-seeking with USAO and making Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) as defined by USAO policy. Financial Aid is awarded and adjusted according to enrollment status: full time (12 or more hours), three-quarter time (9-11 hours), and half-time (6-8 hours). Enrollment status is finalized at the end of the designated add/drop period. Students with financial aid questions are always welcome to consult the Office of Financial Aid.
The first step for most students seeking aid is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). To complete the FAFSA, you must be a U.S. Citizen, reside legally in the U.S. for other than temporary purposes, or be a permanent resident of the Trust Territories.
For the FAFSA, students will need to know USAO' s "Federal Title IV Code Number.": 003167.
The FAFSA is the starting point in applying for all types of federal financial aid including grants, student loans, and work-study. Complete your FAFSA as soon as possible after January 1st each year. Early application is key to maximizing your financial aid eligibility.
The results of the FAFSA will provide the financial aid office with your Effective Family Contribution(EFC). The EFC represents the amount you and your family are expected to contribute toward the cost of your education for the academic year, although this amount may not match the amount that is actually contributed. if you have concerns regarding changes in your income, please do not hesitate to contact our office.
When the financial aid office receives valid results of your FAFSA (the Institutional Student Information Report or ISIR), eligibility may be determined. New students will also need to complete the online admissions application. Be sure to complete section 4 of the application for financial aid and also section 5 of the application to apply for scholarships. Please visit "New Students Scholarships 12-13" for scholarship details and additional requirements. Students must be regularly admitted to USAO before aid eligibility can be determined. If other documentation is needed to complete the financial aid application, the student will be contacted.
Continuing Students
Students who are currently already attending USAO and receive any type of financial aid funding are also expected to complete a yearly Financial Aid Office Update form. Financial aid includes, but is not limited to, academic and athletic scholarships, OHLAP, federal grants, federal work-study, and federal student loans. Continuing students wishing to apply for additional Foundation scholarships also need to complete the Scholarship Application for Continuing Students. These forms are now available online by clicking the links in this paragraph and should be returned to Financial Aid, Troutt Hall 112. Copies are also available at the financial aid office.
More information on USAO's Foundation Scholarships can be obtained from the University Advancement office, Troutt Hall, room 106.
Scholarships are also available from the USAO Alumni Association. Return your Alumni Scholarship Application to the Alumni Office in the Stevens Alumni House.
