Financial Aid Programs Available at UCF

Financial aid comes in many forms, such as grants, loans, employment, waivers, and scholarships. The Program Eligibility Charts on the Web site under Receiving Aid list the various programs and their specific enrollment requirements. Detailed information for each program can also be found on the Web site under its particular title. Grants are considered gift aid and do not have to be repaid. Only undergraduate students who have not previously received a bachelor's degree and who demonstrate financial need are eligible for grant programs. Awards are based on the amount of available funds and the number of eligible applicants. To be considered for grant awards, students must meet eligibility requirements and have a valid FAFSA on file at UCF.

Loans are borrowed funds that must be repaid. They provide undergraduate students with an opportunity to invest in their future. Undergraduate students must enroll for at least six hours at UCF in UCF classes to receive federal loans.

Federal Work Study is designed to provide students who demonstrate financial need a chance to earn money while pursuing a degree. Individual departments hire students while the Office of Student Financial Assistance determines the eligibility, award amount, and pay rate.

Scholarships are awarded based on various criteria, including financial need, campus/community activities, leadership positions, academic success, and work experience. Scholarships are designed to reward, encourage, and assist students in pursuing academic excellence and leadership roles.

 DeadlineMinimum Credit Hrs. RequiredAvailable to
Graduate StudentsSecond Undergraduate Degree Seeking
 
Federal Pell Grant Students must be considered for a Federal Pell Grant before other forms of aid will be offered; covers a maximum of two full-time semesters a year.VariesProrated based on hoursNoNo
Federal ACG (Academic Competitiveness Grant)Varies12NoNo
Federal SMART (National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent) GrantVaries12NoNo
Federal SEOG (Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant)March 112NoNo
UCF GrantMarch 16NoNo
FSAG (Florida Student Assistance Grants)March 16NoNo
Federal College Work Study On-campus jobs; award earned as hourly wage. Not available to post-baccalaureate students.March 16YesYes
FWEP(Florida Work Experience Program) Off-campus jobs directly related to a student’s major or career goal.Students work from 25-40 hrs/week and are paid an hourly wage. Program is administered by the Cooperative Education Office.Varies6NoNo
Federal Stafford Loan Program Repayment may be deferred. Loan amounts vary as well as interest rates and repayments options.Posted each term6 at UCF in UCF classesYes At least half-time at UCFYes
Federal Perkins Loans Currently are made at 5% interest rate; loans deferred until 6 or 9 months after the student graduates or drops below 1/2 time. Not available to post-baccalaureate students.March 16Yes At least half-time at UCFYes
Scholarships Abroad range of scholarships are available through federal, state, institutional, and private sources. Each has different eligibility criteria. Consult the Scholarship online listing for more information. Inquire about ROTC scholarships at the ROTC office.Varies year roundVariesYesYes
Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loans These loans operate under the same terms as subsidized Federal Stafford Loans except that financial need is not necessary. In addition, the student is responsible for the payment of interest as it accrues, (alternatively the interest can be capitalized into the loan balance).Posted each term6 at UCF in UCF classesYes t least half-time at UCFYes
Federal Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students (PLUS) These are loans that parents take out on behalf of their children (student must be dependent for financial aid purposes).Varies6 at UCFNoYes