Frequently Asked Questions

What if I dont receive enough money?
If you don't receive enough money to attend IUPUC you should discuss your financial situation with a Financial Aid Advisor. You may be asked to provide documentation for your lack of resources or additional expenses.
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What is the application process for financial aid or how do I get financial aid?
Although financial aid can come from many sources, the primary method of application for need-based awards from the government and the university is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The purpose of the FAFSA is to determine which financial aid programs students are eligible for by calculating their Expected Family Contribution (EFC) based upon their familys financial information.
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What is the cost of attendance?
The cost of attendance is a students estimated budget. Aid cannot be awarded above a students cost of attendance. Further details, as well as a breakdown of the standard budget categories, can be found at Cost of Attendance.
INFORMATION FOR COST OF ATTENDANCE
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IS there a deadline for the FAFSA? If so, can students still receive financial aid after that deadline?
IUPUC priority deadline for completing the FAFSA is March 1 of each year. Filing the FAFSA by this date guarantees that the student will be considered for all financial aid programs he/she may be eligible for.

Students may still be eligible for some awards even if they fail to complete the FAFSA by the above deadline. However, the awards that they can still receive will be limited.
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Must the FAFSA be filled each year?
Yes, the FAFSA must be filed each year for which the student wishes to receive financial aid. Furthermore, since a students financial and/or family situation can change from year to year, eligibility for financial aid based upon this information may also change from year to year.
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Is a student with a high family income able to receive any financial aid from the FAFSA?
Yes. All students, regardless of family income, can at minimum receive a Federal Stafford Loan, assuming that they meet all eligibility requirements to receive financial aid and have remaining room in their cost of attendance for the loan.
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Is completion of the FAFSA required to attend the University (IUPUC)?
No, students are not required to complete the FAFSA unless they would like to apply for federal and/or state aid. A student who does not wish to receive financial aid does not need to file the FAFSA.

Please note, our office recommends filing the FAFSA by the March 1 priority deadline to guarantee that the option of all possible awards is available, even if the student is unsure as to whether or not he/she will need financial aid. If financial aid is not required after filing the FAFSA then students may request to cancel it with our office.
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What is the financial aid application process for the summer?
Students must have completed the current years FAFSA as well as the online Summer Aid Application with our office to be considered for federal and/or institutional aid.

For example, for aid for the summer 2007, the 2006-2007 FAFSA must be filed (not the 2007-2008 FAFSA). Additional information in regards to receiving summer financial aid, as well as the Summer Aid Application, can be found at Summer Aid.
INFORMATION FOR SUMMER AID
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How much will my family have to pay?
The family contribution is derived from a review of income and assets reported on the FAFSA by the parents (if dependent), student, and spouse (if married). This information is used in a formula called Federal Methodology and is established by the U.S. Congress. This formula makes allowances for taxes, family size, number of students in college, family living expenses, and protection of savings for retirement. A percentage of the resulting discretionary income is calculated as the "expected family contribution", or EFC.
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What are the eligibility requirements to receive financial aid?
Although different awards can have different eligibility requirements, a general guideline in regards to eligibility for financial aid can be found at Eligibility.
INFORMATION FOR ELIGIBILITY
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What is Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)?
SAP consists of several standards which students are required to maintain to be eligible for financial aid. Further information regarding what these standards are, as well as details regarding the appeal process which students can pursue if it has been determined that they are not meeting these standards, can be found at Academic Progress.
INFORMATION FOR ACADEMIC PROGRESS
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What is Quality Improvement/Quality Assurance?
Quality Improvement and Quality Assurance are both processes mandated by the U.S Department of Education to verify the accuracy of the information provided on the FAFSA via submission of specific documentation and forms by the selected student and/or parent. If selected for either program, all requested documentation must be provided before a students financial aid will be released. Additional information about these processes can be found at Quality Improvement.
INFORMATION FOR QUALITY IMPROVEMENT
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Is financial aid available to international students?
Financial aid may be available to international students via IU departmental scholarships, and/or, if considered to be an eligible noncitizen, the federal government. Additional information in regards to pursing financial aid as an international student can be found at International Students
INFORMATION FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENT
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Why are students who are pursuing pre-requisite courses for graduate school considered to be non-degree seeking?
Students attending courses, who have completed a bachelors degree but are not yet admitted into a graduate program, are considered non-degree seeking since they are not officially pursuing a graduate degree.

Financial aid may be available to such students at the undergraduate level; however, students must receive approval to receive financial aid from our office for the pursuits of the pre-requisite courses by submitting a completed undergraduate Satisfactory Academic Progress appeal (available under Forms > Appeals).
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Is financial aid available to students who are only pursuing a teachers certifications?
Yes, financial aid may be available to such students at the undergraduate level; however, students must receive approval to receive financial aid from our office for the pursuits of the teachers certification by submitting a completed undergraduate Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeal (available under Forms > Appeals).
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Does living on- or off- campus affect financial aid?
Regardless of living on- or off-campus, students are allotted the same amount in their cost of attendance for room and board; therefore, it has no effect upon the financial aid a student can receive.

This does not include students living off-campus with their parent(s) as such students will not be allotted as great an amount for room and board in their cost of attendance.
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How is a students dependency status determined and can it be changed?
Students are deemed dependent by FAFSA standards if they are unable to answer yes to any one question of #48-55 (for the 2007-2008 year) on the FAFSA. Such a student may be reclassified as independent if our office approves a dependency appeal for the student based upon the demonstration of an irretrievable breakdown in the student-parent relationship. Additional information in regards to this process can be found at Special Circumstances: Dependency Appeals.
INFORMATION FOR DEPENDENCY APPEAL
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How do I apply for a loan?
If the student indicated on the FAFSA that she or he is interested in receiving student loans, then the student will automatically be considered for Stafford Student Loans. If the student did not indicate an interest in loans, then the student should complete a Stafford Loan Application.

Loans for Undergraduate Students

Loans for Graduate Students

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Where is my loan money?
If your loan has been processed by IUPUC and your loan has been guaranteed by the guarantor, then the loan proceeds may be disbursed to you as early as ten days prior to the first day of classes for the semester.
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What is a Federal Stafford Loan?
Federal Stafford Loans are offered by the federal government and will be automatically awarded by our office to eligible students who have remaining room in their cost of attendance. The FAFSA must be completed each year for which a student wishes to borrow the Federal Stafford Loan. Additional information about these loans, including the interest rate as well as the annual and lifetime loan limits, can be found at Loans: Federal Stafford Loan.
INFORMATION FOR FEDERAL STAFFORD LOAN
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What is the difference between subsidized and unsubsidized loans?
Subsidized loans, on which the government pays the interest while the student is enrolled at least half time, are need-based. Examples of such loans are the Federal Perkins loan and the Federal Stafford Subsidized loan.

Unsubsidized loans, on which interest begins accruing immediately upon the loans first disbursement, are non-need-based. Examples of such loans are the Federal Stafford Unsubsidized loan, private loans, and Federal PLUS loans.
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What other loan options are available to students?
Students who need additional funds may pursue either a private loan or a Federal PLUS loan. PLUS loans are only available to graduate students or the parent of an undergraduate, dependent student. Additional information about these loan options, as well as electronic applications for these loans with Sallie Mae, can be found by pursuing the appropriate links from Loans.
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Loans
A loan is a type of aid that must be repaid. Students and parents both may borrow loans to help cover college costs; loans may be borrowed up to the student's cost of attendance, minus any other aid the student is receiving. If a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is completed, our office will consider the student for federal student loans, including the Federal Stafford Loan and the Federal Perkins Loan (automatically offered through the lender Sallie Mae). The type and amount of loan for which a student is eligible depends on the student's financial need, class level, and previous borrowing history. If additional loans are needed, parents and graduate students may apply through our website for the Federal PLUS Loan, or students may apply for a private student loan (offered through the lender Sallie Mae), such as the Sallie Mae Signature Loan. These loans require separate applications each year, and students must meet all regular financial aid eligibility requirements for the loan to be processed.
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Does a parents denial of a Federal Parent PLUS loan make his/her student eligible for any additional financial aid?
If a parent is denied the Federal Parent PLUS loan the student may become eligible for an additional unsubsidized Federal Stafford loan. The student must be meeting all other eligibility requirements to receive financial aid, have room in his/her cost of attendance, and submit the following to process this additional loan:

Proof that the parent was denied the Federal Parent PLUS loan via a letter of denial from the lender. (If the parent was denied by Sallie Mae then our office can verify the denial electronically without a letter from the lender).

The Dependent Student Request for Additional Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loan form, (which can be found under Forms > Applications), signed by both the student and the parent who was denied.

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How can a loan be adjusted or cancelled?
Loans can be cancelled or reduced via the electronic Loan Cancellation/Reduction Request at Loan Cancellation/Reduction Request.

Loans can be cancelled or adjusted via contacting our office to request the adjustment or cancellation.

Please note, loans can only be cancelled or adjusted with our office before the funds have disbursed to the Office of the Bursar. If the disbursement has already occurred the student must contact the Bursars office to inquire about returning those funds. Furthermore, our office cannot increase any private or Federal PLUS loans once they have been certified. (Rather, if additional funds are needed, the student or parent must complete a new loan application for the additional loan amount if desired).
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When does loan repayment begin?
Generally for educational student loans, repayment begins within six months from the student graduating or falling below half time enrollment.

For Federal PLUS loans, repayment begins within 60 days of the full disbursement of the loan amount. However, Federal PLUS Loans may be deferred while the borrower is enrolled at least half time.
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What are some tips for applying for financial aid?
You must reapply for financial aid EVERY YEAR. For priority consideration you must submit your FAFSA by March 1st. You can use estimated tax figures on the FAFSA if you have not yet filed your taxes by the March 1st deadline. It is better to estimate than to miss the March 1st priority deadline, but keep in mind that if you estimate, the information you receive regarding your awards is also estimated. We may need to correct the information later and if that takes place your eligibility could change. Respond to all requests for forms or information from the Office of Student Financial Aid Services immediately. Failure to do so may affect your aid and timeliness of awards. Put your name and Social Security number on all documents that you submit. Keep a copy of all documents. Start a financial aid file now. Keep a record of all loans and disclosure statements for your records. Keep your address updated with the Office of the Registrar.
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How do I appeal to receive more financial aid?
If you have experienced a decrease in income or other significant changes in your assets since your filing of the FAFSA, you may want to speak with a financial aid advisor about completing a Professional Judgment Appeal form to adjust the income, asset, or budget information we have on record for the current year. Examples of situations that may qualify for a professional judgment appeal would be: a decrease in income, divorce/separation, tuition for elementary or high school children, loss of benefits, unemployment, increased dependent care costs, unusual medical expenses, car repairs, expenses incurred as a result of travel to and from campus, and a computer purchase. You may also contact a financial aid advisor for more information about your specific situation. If you feel your situation warrants an appeal, you may download the Professional Judgment Appeal form and submit it to our office. Generally, depending upon the time of the year and if your appeal is submitted in its entirety, you will be notified of the status within one week to 10 business days.
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How do I appeal to be considered as an Independent Student for financial aid?
While the intent of the law is that the family has primary responsibility for the cost of education, a student who does not meet any of the criteria as outlined on the FAFSA may be considered independent for the purpose of awarding financial aid. If unusual circumstances exist, a financial aid administrator may use professional judgment, on a case-by-case basis, to grant a dependency status override with the appropriate documentation. Federal regulations state the financial aid administrator CANNOT consider the following when granting a dependency status override: inability to contribute to educational expenses or unwillingness on the part of the parent to provide parental data, self-support or student living on his or her own, or court-ordered emancipation. If you have questions about whether your situation warrants a review for a dependency status override, please contact a financial aid advisor. To appeal for a dependency status override, you must submit the Request for Dependency Status Review form.

If you received a dependency override from another college, you will need to reapply for this status at IUPUC.
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How are financial aid awards determined?
Most financial aid (grants, loans, work-study) awards are based on "financial need" which is defined as the difference between what it costs for you to attend IUPUC and what you and your family can reasonably contribute toward those costs. Family contribution is determined by the financial information submitted on the FAFSA. The amount of each award can also be determined by the funds available to award, eligibility criteria for each type of award, and your enrollment status.
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How do I appeal to receive financial aid if I have been denied due to unsatisfactory academic progress?
When we receive the data from the student's Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), his or her academic transcript is reviewed to determine if he or she meets the guidelines that pertain to the standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP). If the student does not meet the terms of SAP as outlined in our Satisfactory Academic Progress guidelines, he or she will be notified by mail. If the student has been denied financial aid based on the SAP criteria, he or she may submit a request for review the Office of Student Financial Aid Services (OSFAS).

The student must submit a typed statement describing his or her specific plans for academic success along with documentation that supports the appeal, such as a physician's statement, obituary orother relevant data. The student must also provide an academic advisor statement listing the courses and credit hours that he or she needs to complete his or her degree.

After the appeal is reviewed the student will receive notifying with the results and any action that might be required. The student may also verify the status of his or her appeal via OneStart. Generally, depending upon the time of the year, if the appeal is submitted in its entirety, the student will be notified of the status within one week to 10 business days.
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I received my financial aid award letter for the upcoming academic year and I dont know if my aid was based on full-time or part-time enrollment.
If you received your award letter prior to July 5th, your awards were estimated based on full-time enrollment. After July 5th our office will recalculate your awards (if necessary) based on your actual enrollment. You can monitor your financial aid awards at any time during the year using the self-service tab in OneStart.
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I am a first- year student and I just received my financial aid award letter in the mail. I was awarded work-study and the message states that I must accept or reject the work-study award within 60 days. What do I need to do to accept this award?
You can use the Self Service tab in OneStart to either accept or decline your work-study award.
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What is the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) and how does it affect financial aid?
The EFC, derived from information on the FAFSA, represents the amount that the federal government expects a students family should be able to pay towards the students education. The EFC is a tool which, when subtracted from the cost of attendance, determines a students need and therefore the type of aid for which a student is eligible. Additional information can be found at Expected Family Contribution.
INFORMATION FOR EXPECTED FAMILY CONTRIBUTION
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What is Federal Work-Study?
Federal Work-Study is a need-based award that enables eligible students to acquire work-study jobs, the wages for which are largely funded by the federal government. The FAFSA must be filed by the March 1 priority date each year a student is interested in Federal Work-Study. Additional information regarding the eligibility requirements of this award can be found at Work-Study.
INFORMATION FOR WORK-STUDY
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How do students receive grants?
Most state and federal grants are automatically awarded to eligible students and require filing of the FAFSA. Most grants are need-based, and are determined based upon the students Expected Family Contribution (EFC). Additional information about grants can be found at Grants.

Grants
Grants are a type of gift aid, that is, aid that does not need to be earned (like work-study) or repaid (like loans). Typically, grants are designated for students with low Expected Family Contributions, as determined by the FAFSA. The application for federal grants (see the links to the right for more information) is the FAFSA that students file each year. For state grants offered by SSACI (the State Student Assistance Commission of Indiana), while annually filing the FAFSA is necessary, often additional applications are also required (see the links to the right for more information).
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How long does the award process take?
Beginning students who submit a FAFSA by the March 1 priority deadline are notified of financial aid eligibility by April 1st; continuing students are notified by June 1st. Students who receive a correct Student Aid Report (SAR) after June 1st can expect to receive an award letter within 3-4 weeks.
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My Student Aid Report (SAR) says I was selected for Verification. What does that mean?
Verification is a process that is required by the federal government to verify the information you submitted on your FAFSA. You will be notified by IUPUC if you are in the sample of students selected for verification. You (and your parents if you are a dependent student) will need to complete the Verification form and submit tax documents to the Office of Student Financial Aid Services. Failure to submit these documents will delay the processing of your financial aid.
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Can I pick up my refund at the Bursars office?
No, refunds are either mailed to you or are directly deposited into your bank account via electronic funds transfer. For more information, you can visit the IUPUC Office of the Bursar website.
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If I have questions, how can I contact a Financial Aid Advisor?
Our telephone number is (812) 348-7231. You can also contact an advisor by financialaid

iupuc.edu. Our address is 4601 Central Ave Columbus, IN 47203. Our website address is www.iupuc.edu.
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Do I need to make an appointment to see an advisor?
You do not need to make an appointment to see an advisor during our operating hours which are:
Monday thru Friday 8:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m.
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Are students able to increase their budgets if they are incurring expenses beyond what is allotted for them in their cost of attendance?
Yes; there is an appeals process which students can pursue to potentially increase their budget. Students must submit a completed Special Conditions Form with all necessary documentation of the said expenses, which must be educationally related.

Special Circumstances: Additional Expenses
A student can document expenses they incur in excess of the expenses already estimated in their cost of attendance by completing a Special Conditions Form (SCF). We provide separate SCFs for dependent undergraduate students, independent undergraduate students, and graduate students. The special expenses categories on the SCFs are as follows: For dependent undergraduates

Additional direct educational expenses (e.g., musical instruments, art supplies, tuition beyond the undergraduate flat fee).*

The purchase of a personal computer.

Excessive housing or transportation costs.

For independent undergraduates or graduate students

Additional direct educational expenses (e.g., musical instruments, art supplies, mandatory conferences, dissertation research, tuition beyond the undergraduate flat fee or beyond 9 credit hours for graduate students).*

Uninsured medical costs.

Costs for dependent care.

The purchase of a personal computer.

Excessive housing or transportation costs.

A fourth type of SCF, for parents, also exists. However, there are no special expenses categories on the parent SCF, since a students budget is built solely upon estimated student expenses. The parent SCF is utilized to document changes in a parents financial situation. The Special Conditions Form is an appeal, subject to review and approval. SCFs are available at our office and on our website (under Forms > Appeals). Further details about the appeal process can be found directly on the SCF. *For undergraduates, tuition and fees are budgeted within the cost attendance based upon the flat fee assessed for 12-17 credit hours of enrollment; for graduate students, tuition and fees are budgeted within the cost of attendance based upon 9 credit hours of enrollment.
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How is financial aid transferred from one college to the next?
Financial aid is unable to be transferred between institutions; therefore it must be cancelled at the former school and initiated with the new school. Additional information for transfer students can be found at Transferring.
INFORMATION FOR TRANSFERRING
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Is accepting/declining financial aid via OneStart required?
It is not necessary for a student to accept/decline most financial aid via OneStart; however, incoming freshmen who are first-time Federal Work-Study recipients must accept these awards (or the award may be cancelled). Students financial aid will automatically be processed and disbursed to the students bursar account assuming they meet all of the eligibility requirements and have completed any necessary promissory notes. Therefore, if a student would like to decline any awards they must contact our office.
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How can students receive a refund?
The Office of the Bursar will send refunds to either the student or the parent, (if the refund was the result of a Federal Parent PLUS Loan). Refunds are not issued until the students account has been paid in full. Students must contact the Office of the Bursar for further details about refunds.
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