Understanding Financial Aid: Your Most Common Questions Answered
We know managing financial aid can sometimes feel complex, so we’re here to help simplify the process. From understanding why your aid is pending to maintaining eligibility for scholarships like the Hope Scholarship, this page provides clear answers to your most pressing questions.
Learn about timelines for processing aid, requesting refunds, and what happens if your enrollment status changes. You’ll also find guidance on how to handle special circumstances, like locating requested documents or addressing a denied SAP appeal. Our goal is to ensure you have the resources and information you need to navigate your financial aid journey with confidence.
Explore the topics below for detailed answers or contact us directly for personalized support. Let’s make sure you have everything in place to succeed!
Why is my financial aid pending?
Financial aid will remain in a pending status until classes begin and attendance has been verified after census day. The Bursar’s Office can see your pending financial aid.
When will my financial aid be processed?
The Financial Aid Office will start processing aid after census day each semester. Please note that the process to request funds is manual, so it may take a little longer than it would at a larger campus.
When can I request a refund?
Once your aid has been requested and received from the state and the Department of Education, it will be posted to your account. Once your aid has been posted, you may request your refund on your student portal.
What happens if I take less than 12 hours in my program of study during a semester?
If you take less than 12 hours in your program of study, the Registrar’s Office will notify the Financial Aid Office. The Financial Aid Office will then contact you to see if you plan to add any additional courses in your program of study. If you do not, or are unable to add any additional courses in your program, your financial aid will be adjusted to reflect your new enrollment status.
What if I am having trouble locating a requested document?
If you have any issues locating a requested document (tax document, dependency override document, etc.), please contact the Financial Aid Office at financialaid@utsouthern.edu. There may be alternative documentation that you can submit.
What do I need to do to maintain my Hope Scholarship eligibility?
To maintain Hope eligibility, you need to remain continuously enrolled and meet the GPA requirement at each benchmark. Click here for more information
What happens if I lose my Hope Scholarship?
If you lose your Hope Scholarship due to your GPA, you will have one chance to regain it at a future benchmark if you meet the GPA requirement. For more information, contact ecrye@utsouthern.edu.
If you lose your Hope Scholarship due to an unapproved change of enrollment or leave of absence, you may be able to appeal to regain the scholarship. For more information, please contact ecrye@utsouthern.edu.
What happens if my SAP appeal is denied?
If your SAP appeal is denied, you can set up a payment plan with the Bursar’s Office or consider applying for a private loan to fund your education. If you get to a point where you are meeting SAP again, you may be eligible to regain federal, state, and institutional aid eligibility.