Financial Aid

The Office of Enrollment Services is responsible for processing financial aid programs, including Federal Grants, Federal Direct Student Loans, Scholarships, and Student Employment (part-time campus work). Students interested in receiving financial aid should first complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and be accepted for admission to the university. A list of many deadlines and helpful information about financing your UNO education is available from the Office of Student Financial Aid or online at http://www.uno.edu/finaid/index.aspx. This office will evaluate each student’s eligibility based upon information received from the Federal Student Aid Center, in accordance with the financial aid policy below.

Information about student aid, the FAFSA, and other financial aid forms may be obtained either from the Office of Student Financial Aid, University of New Orleans, in the Privateer Enrollment Center, located in the Earl K. Long Library - First Floor, New Orleans, LA 70148 or from the UNO website http://www.uno.edu/finaid/index.aspx

Financial Aid Policy

A student must be admitted into the University as a degree seeking student in an eligible curriculum to be considered for financial aid and meet ALL Federal, State, and Institutional requirements.

In determining the eligibility for financial assistance, the Office of Student Financial Aid is guided by the data supplied by the parents and/or student on the FAFSA. The University uses the following mandated formula to determine a student’s eligibility for Title IV Federal Financial Aid programs.

Cost of Attendance (COA) - Expected Family Contribution (EFC) = Financial Need

The term Cost of Attendance (COA) refers to an estimate of total expenses that students may incur while attending school for the academic year, including direct institutional costs (tuition, fees, books etc.) as well as indirect costs. Your actual direct cost should not be confused with your federal financial aid cost of attendance.

The EFC is a number that is determined by the information reported on your FAFSA. The EFC is calculated according to a formula established by federal law. Your family’s taxed and untaxed income, assets, and benefits (such as unemployment or Social Security) will be considered in the formula. Also considered are your family size and the number of family members who will attend college or career school during the year.

The University attempts to provide the difference between the Cost of Attendance and the Expected Family Contribution. Financial Aid packages cannot exceed the student’s Cost of Attendance.

On approximately May 1 of each award year is the priority deadline date for processing of financial aid. Students interested in participating in one of the federal or state student financial assistance programs at UNO (Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, Federal College Work-Study Program, Louisiana GO Grant, Leveraging Educational Assistance Partnership Grant, Federal Perkins Loan, or the Federal Direct Program [i.e., Federal Direct Subsidized, Federal Direct Unsubsidized, Federal Grad Plus and Federal Direct Parent Loans] MUST file a completed FAFSA. Forms may be obtained from high school counselors, the UNO Office of Student Financial Aid, or online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Students must complete the FAFSA each year in which they are enrolled! The FAFSA/Renewal FAFSA is generally made available January 1st of each year.

When students are awarded aid, they are “packaged financial aid” annually for the Fall and Spring semesters, combined. Students wishing to attend the Summer semester may apply for residual aid that was not used during the Fall and Spring semesters or additional available funding by completing a Summer Financial Aid Request Form. The Summer Request Form is made available on April 1st of each year. Subsequent annual award packages are based upon the data supplied on the Renewal FAFSA and upon the student making Satisfactory Academic Progress. A copy of the university’s Satisfactory Academic Progress policy may be obtained from the Office of Student Financial Aid or online at http://finaid.uno.edu/forms.aspx

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Policy

Federal regulations require all students receiving Title IV Financial Aid to maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP). Title IV Financial Aid Programs include: Pell Grant, Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG), Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education Grant (TEACH), Perkins, Direct Subsidized Stafford Loan, Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan, PLUS and GRAD PLUS Loans, and Work-Study.

To meet the SAP requirements for federal aid, students must meet the standards indicated below at the end of each semester:

• Students must earn a minimum GPA (qualitative measure),
• Students must successfully complete a minimum percentage of credits (quantitative measure), and,
• Students must be able to graduate within a maximum timeframe.

Courses/Credits which have been granted scholastic amnesty are still reviewed for SAP. Failure to meet any of the SAP requirements will result in a loss of eligibility for federal financial aid.

Qualitative Measure of Progress (GPA Requirement)

The qualitative requirement defines the minimum GPA that must be earned at the end of each semester. An incomplete grade (I-grades) will be treated as an “F” for the purpose of SAP. Repeated courses will be included in the GPA calculation, but grade suspended courses will not be included in the GPA calculation.

A UNO student must maintain the following cumulative GPA at the end of each semester:

Quantitative Measure of Progress (Pace & Maximum Timeframe Limit)

The quantitative requirement contains two components, Pace and Maximum Timeframe. All credit hours/courses attempted at UNO are counted in the attempted/earned calculation, including scholastic amnesty credits, remedial courses, and courses assigned a W, I, AU, XF, UW, P/S/U, NG, F. Transfer credit hours/courses attempted at a regionally accredited school will count in the Pace and Maximum Timeframe. Repeated and grade suspended courses will be counted each time a student attempts the course, however, the course can be counted only once for earned credit towards the degree. A UNO student must meet the following Pace and Maximum Timeframe requirements at the end of each semester:

Pace

• All students must successfully earn credit for 67% of the courses attempted at UNO.
• Students transferring into UNO must have successfully completed 67% of the courses/credits attempted at regionally accredited schools.

Maximum Time Frame Limit

• All undergraduate students who have not officially graduated with their first baccalaureate degree must be able to complete their primary degree at UNO within 180 attempted hours regardless of the number of majors.
• Post baccalaureate students may receive their eligible federal aid award up to 225 attempted hours, which will include all courses/credits pursued as an undergraduate student.
• Graduate students maximum timeframe limit is based on individual program of study.

All questions pertaining to student financial aid should be directed to the Office of Student Financial Aid. Office of Student Financial Aid, University of New Orleans, in the Privateer Enrollment Center, located in the Earl K. Long Library - First Floor, New Orleans, LA 70148 or from the UNO website; http://www.uno.edu/finaid/index.aspx

Grants

Federal Pell Grants are available to eligible undergraduates who have not yet attained a bachelor’s degree. The maximum amount of the grant will be set by the U.S. Department of Education based on congressional appropriations. The actual amount of the grant is determined by the Expected Family Contribution (EFC). Eligible students can only receive Federal Pell Grant funding up to 6 years (600%).

To determine how much of the maximum six years (600%) of Pell Grant a student has used each year, the U.S. Department of Education (ED) compares the actual amount the student received for the award year with the scheduled award amount for that award year. If the student receives the full amount of their scheduled award, they will have used 100%. It is possible students may not receive an entire scheduled award for an award year. There are a number of reasons for this, the most common of which are that they are not enrolled for the full year or that they are not enrolled full-time, or both.

If a student did not receive the full amount of a scheduled award, the percentage of the scheduled award that was received is calculated. For example, if the student’s scheduled award for an award year is $5,000, but because they were enrolled for only one semester they received only $2,500, and thus would have received 50% of the scheduled award for that award year.

Lifetime Eligibility Used (LEU): ED keeps track of a student’s LEU by adding together the percentages of their Pell Grant scheduled awards that were received for each award year.

Louisiana Go Grant

Eligibility for the Louisiana Go Grant, students must:

• Be a Louisiana Resident;*
• File a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA);
• Receive a federal Pell grant or a financial need grant;
• Have remaining financial need after deducting Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) and all federal/state/institutional grant or scholarship aid (“gift aid”) from student’s Cost of Attendance (COA);
• Be a student enrolled in an eligible Louisiana institution as of the 14th class day on at least a half-time basis (minimum 6 hours at semester school or 4 hours at a quarter school).

Award Amounts - Louisiana Go Grant**

Award amounts to eligible students are based on the institution’s allocation and their packaging policy. Awards may vary with each academic year. Awards will not be paid for Summers sessions, quarters or terms.

Renewal Requirements - Louisiana Go Grant

• Must file a FAFSA or the Renewal FAFSA at least annually;
• Continue to receive a Federal Pell Grant;
• Have remaining financial need after deducting Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) and all federal/state/institutional grant or scholarship aid (“gift aid”) from student’s Cost of Attendance (COA).
• The Award can be renewed for subsequent years to a maximum lifetime award that correlates to that of the Federal Pell Grant.

*Residency Requirements - Louisiana Go Grant

A student must be a Louisiana resident as of the day the FAFSA is filed and Louisiana is the student’s true and fixed domicile as reported on the FAFSA. If a student’s state of residence on the FAFSA is not reported as Louisiana, but a dependent student claims that a non-custodial parent is a Louisiana resident, or that parents are Louisiana residents living out of state, Louisiana Office of student financial assistance (LOSFA) will determine residency based on the completion, by the parents, of a residency affidavit.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG)

FSEOG grants are available to degree seeking undergraduate students who have not yet attained a bachelor’s degree. The amount of the award is based upon availability of funds and must be given to the UNO students with the most need, according to the Estimated Family Contribution as determined by the FAFSA.

Teach Grant

The College Cost Reduction and Access Act of 2007 created the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant Program which awards grants to students who intend to teach.

The TEACH Grant recipient’s obligation is to serve as a highly qualified, full-time teacher in a high-need subject area for at least four years within eight years of finishing the program at a school serving low-income students/families )(see important note below).

IMPORTANT NOTE: Recipients who do not complete their teaching obligation will have to repay the TEACH Grants as if the grants were a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan, with interest accruing from the time the grant was disbursed.

These are the initial requirements to be considered to participate in the Teach Grant program:

1. Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at www.FAFSA.ed.gov. You do not have to demonstrate financial need to be eligible for the TEACH grant program;
2. Students must be a U.S. Citizen or eligible non-citizen;
3. Students must be enrolled as a degree-seeking undergraduate or graduate student in the College of Education, in a major/program that is necessary to begin a career in teaching in a high-need subject area. (GCTEP, GPTEP, Post Baccalaureate and Doctoral students cannot qualify for the TEACH Grant
4. Students must meet the following academic achievement requirements:
   1. Score above the 75th percentile on one of the following college. Admission’s tests SAT, ACT for undergraduate students and GRE for graduate students.
   2. Have a Cumulative GPA of at least 3.25 on a 4.0 scale, and maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.25 throughout their academic program for which they receive a TEACH Grant.
   3. Complete TEACH Grant online counseling each year.
5. Sign an Agreement to Serve and Promise to Pay (ATS) each year with the U.S. Department of Education. www.teach-ats.ed.gov

Award Amounts for Teach Grants

The TEACH Grant Program provides eligible undergraduate students up to $4,000.00* per year ($16,000.00* maximum eligibility). Graduate students are also eligible for up to $4,000.00* per year ($8,000.00* maximum eligibility). Eligible students will have funds disbursed based on the number of hours enrolled during each semester, as of the 14th day of class.

*The Budget Control Act of 2011 is now in effect and award amounts for any TEACH Grant that is disbursed after March 1, 2013 must be reduced by 6.0 percent from the award amount for which a recipient would otherwise have been eligible. For example, the maximum award of $4,000 is reduced by $240, resulting in a maximum award amount of $3,760.

For additional information regarding the TEACH Grant program, you may go online at www.teachgrant.ed.gov , or contact the U.S. Department of Education at 1-800-4FEDAID (800/433-3243) or contact our office at finaid@uno.edu. If you have already completed your 2013-2014 FAFSA and did not indicate you were interested in this program, please complete the ATS with the Federal Dept. of Education to initiate the eligibility review process by our office.

Loans

Several loan programs are available to students at UNO. These loan programs operate with the understanding that the student will repay the borrowed amount under the terms of the loan.

Loans are available to students from the Federal Direct Student Loan Program, the Federal Perkins Loan Program and the Federal Direct GRAD Plus Program. Parents of dependent students may also apply for the Federal Direct PLUS Loan for Parents. Additional information about this program may be viewed at http://federalstudentaid.ed.gov/. You may also inquire about other financial aid programs and/or alternative student loans with the Office of Student Financial Aid.

Federal Direct Loan Program

Federal Direct Loans are low-interest loans for students and parents to help pay for the cost of a student’s education after high school. The lender is the U.S. Department of Education rather than a bank.

Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans

Eligibility for Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans is based on the information reported on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). No interest is charged on subsidized loans while a student is enrolled at least half-time, during a student’s grace (period after graduation), and during deferment periods. Interest is charged on unsubsidized loans during all periods.

If a student is a first-time borrower on or after July 1, 2013, there is a limit on the maximum period of time (measured in academic years) they may receive Direct Subsidized Loans. This time limit does not apply to Direct Unsubsidized Loans or Direct PLUS Loans. If this limit applies to the student, they may not receive Direct Subsidized Loans for more than 150 percent of the published length of their Program of Study. This is called a “maximum eligibility period.” A student’s maximum eligibility period is based on the published length of their current Program of Study. For example, if a student is enrolled in a four-year bachelor’s degree program, the maximum period for which they can receive Direct Subsidized Loans is six years (150 percent of 4 years = 6 years).

Because a student’s maximum eligibility period is based on the length of their current Program of Study, the maximum eligibility period can change if the student changes to a Program of Study that has a different length. Also, if the student receives Direct Subsidized Loans for one Program of Study and then change to another Program of Study, the Direct Subsidized Loans received for the earlier program will count toward the student’s maximum eligibility period.

Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans are available to most students who are enrolled at least half-time and who meet certain qualifications. A Federal Direct Subsidized Stafford loan is awarded to undergraduate students that demonstrate federal financial need. The Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan are loan funds in which the student does not demonstrate federal financial need and the student is responsible for the interest payment on this loan program while the student is in school. Loans are made in amounts up to $3,500 for freshman, $4,500 for sophomores, and up to $5,500 for juniors and seniors. Graduate students are eligible to apply for up to $20,500 per academic year - depending on the Cost of Attendance - Effective July 1, 2012, Graduate students are only eligible for the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan and Federal PLUS - (NO Subsidized Loan funds).

Independent and dependent students may apply for additional Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan funds in amounts between $2,000 - $7,000 (depending on student’s dependency status and classification) and up to $20,500 for graduate students (depending on student’s Cost of Attendance). There are both annual and aggregate loan limits for these programs.

Students are required to complete an Entrance Counseling Interview and a Federal Direct Master Promissory Note (MPN) before a loan can be disbursed. A Master Promissory Note and an Entrance Counseling must be completed (www.studentloans.gov) to receive the Stafford Loan. Repayment of student loans is not required while the student is enrolled in school at least half-time. The student may choose to defer their interest payment on a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan - this request can be indicated on the Mater Promissory Note. Students should read all information provided about the terms and conditions of a Federal Direct Student Loan prior to accepting a loan or signing a promissory note.

Federal Direct PLUS Loans

Federal Direct PLUS Loans are low-interest loans available to parents of dependent students and to graduate and professional degree students. Interest is charged during all periods. This program requires a credit check to confirm credit worthiness. Eligible parents can obtain additional funding to help pay the cost of educational expenses for their dependent undergraduate child(ren). It is required that the student file the FAFSA before applying for this program. The eligibility amount is determined by a Financial Aid Administrator.

Federal Direct GRAD Plus

Federal Direct GRAD Plus is a loan program designed for Graduate/Professional students to obtain educational financial assistance in addition to the Stafford Loan Program. This program requires a credit check to confirm credit worthiness. A student must complete the FAFSA to be considered and the eligibility amount is determined by a Financial Aid Administrator.

Student Employment

Student Employment (Federal College Work-Study/Budget Work-Study)

Many departments and other areas of the University employ students (Federal or Budget) in part-time jobs on campus. Such employment must be approved by the Office of Student Financial Aid. All part-time jobs provide basic equity in the rates paid students for similar jobs within the University. The rate paid depends on the nature of the work, the student’s classification in college, and his or her skills and previous work experience.

There are a limited number of Student Employment opportunities. Students expressing an interest in student employment, who enroll in classes and meet the employment requirements, must be interviewed by the various colleges/departments in which the student will potentially be placed. The interview and hiring process must be completed and approved prior to hiring/the student’s start date. Therefore, an applicant should not assume that they will automatically be placed in a position.

Federal College Work-Study Program

Federal Work-Study students may hold only one part-time job at UNO, and he or she must be enrolled at least half-time during the regular semester, and must be meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP).

The Federal Work-Study Program is a campus-based program which provides on-campus and off-campus part-time jobs for undergraduate and graduate students who demonstrate financial need. This self-help aid program allows students to earn money to assist in paying for educational expenses, while allowing students the opportunity to gain valuable work experience. Eligibility is based on financial information furnished in the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) which is a part of the Federal College Work-Study Program application. Students are awarded in the order in which the funds are available.

Budgeted Work-Study Program

Budgeted student workers are paid out of the budget of the department in which they are employed, and the funds are not applied towards the student’s financial aid package.

Students interested in Budgeted Work Study campus employment should contact the various departments on campus immediately after enrolling so interviews may be arranged with supervisors. Students may also view some available part time job postings at http://www.career.uno.edu

Scholarships and Fee Exemptions

The University of New Orleans has a long-standing tradition of pride in the academic ability of its students. The University has demonstrated its commitment to excellence by establishing a growing number of scholarship opportunities for students and transfer students. Each year, academic scholarships are awarded to assist students in obtaining their first bachelor degree. These scholarships are awarded on the basis of outstanding high school academic accomplishments, strong standardized test scores, class rank, and achievements in leadership and community service. Freshmen admitted to the University for the Fall semester are granted full consideration for scholarships if they complete an Application for Undergraduate Admissions by priority deadline of December 15. To receive consideration for a scholarship, students must complete the Admissions application and qualify fully for admission. A separate application is not required for consideration.

The scholarship must be used for university-related expenses (tuition, dormitory room, meal or book/supplies).

Please note: Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee a scholarship. Scholarships are awarded based upon availability and funding.

Scholarship renewal is guaranteed if the student successfully meets the retention requirements as outlined in their scholarship guidelines. The award will automatically be credited to the student’s account. Most freshman scholarships are renewable for up to four years or graduation, whichever comes first. Transfer scholarships are generally renewable for up to two years or graduation, whichever comes first. Institutional scholarships can be used during the Fall and Spring semesters only. They cannot be used during the Summer semester.

A student may use only one fee-exemption or tuition-based scholarship during any semester or Summer term, but generally may hold a cash-award scholarship concurrently with a fee-exemption.

A student automatically forfeits an award upon failure to meet the required retention guidelines for any given award, upon failure to claim the award for any semester, upon resignation during a semester, or upon being dropped from the rolls of the University.

Additional information and applications for scholarships and fee-exemptions are available from the Enrollment Services Offices of Student Financial Aid and Admissions.

The University of New Orleans reserves the right to modify the policy that governs these awards.

Privately Funded Scholarships

Scholarships awarded by outside agencies are administered according to the rules and regulations prescribed by the donors as accepted by the UL System.

State Scholarships

Louisiana Tuition Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS)

TOPS provides financial assistance to students who enroll in a state college or university. Students applying for a TOPS award must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) before July 1, the state deadline, for consideration. All TOPS recipients must be Louisiana residents, have completed the 17 1/2 unit core curriculum, as specified by the state, have graduated from a public/approved non-public high school, must have enrolled full-time for college no later than 1 year after graduation, not have a criminal conviction, and meet the requirements stated under each of the awards described below:

TOPS Opportunity Award

Requirements: Students must have earned a high school grade point average of 2.50 calculated on 17.5 course units and obtained at least the prior state average (currently 20) on the ACT.

TOPS Performance Award

Requirements: Students must have earned a high school grade point average of 3.00 calculated on 17.5 core units and obtained at least a 23 ACT score.

TOPS Honors Award

Requirements: Students must have earned a high school grade point average of 3.00 calculated on 17.5 core units and obtained at least a 27 ACT score.

*For BESE-Approved Home -Study Student Eligibility, contact LOSFA (TOPS) at 1-800-259-5626.

This information is subject to change. For more information on state scholarships, contact the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance (LOSFA) at 1-800-259-5626 or view on-line atwww.osfa.la.gov.

Disclaimer: The University of New Orleans reserves the right to modify the policy that governs these scholarships and fee exemptions. The number of scholarships and award amounts are based upon fund availability.