The Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA) coordinates a comprehensive program of scholarships, grants, part-time employment, and loans available through federal, state, and University funds.
The financial aid program enables students and parents to reduce or eliminate financial barriers to admission and retention at the University. All awards are dependent upon availability of funds and demonstration of financial need, unless otherwise noted.
An undergraduate or graduate degree-seeking student who has been given temporary non-degree student status by the Office of Admissions is eligible for institutional short term loan assistance only. Students must be degree-seeking in order to receive all other forms of financial assistance.
APPLYING FOR FINANCIAL AID
Receipt of a financial aid award does not automatically renew an application for financial aid in subsequent years. A student must reapply for financial aid each academic year.
GRANTS
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant Program (SEOG)
Florida Student Assistance Grant Program (FSAG)
Educational Enhancement Grants
UWF Financial Aid Grants
UWF Graduate Grants
Out of State Grants
LOANS
Federal Direct Student Loans
Non-subsidized Federal Direct Student Loans
Federal Direct Parent Loans (PLUS)
Federal Perkins Loan Program
Institutional Short-Term Loan Program (STL)
SCHOLARSHIPS
The UWF Foundation provides scholarships that are made possible by private contributions. Selection criteria and awarding sources vary. However, the University's centralized scholarship processing provides for automatic distribution of all applications to all applicable awarding sources.
MERIT ONLY SCHOLARSHIPS
John C. Pace, Jr., Scholars
John C. Pace, Jr., Honors Scholarships
John C. Pace, Jr., Honors Scholarships for Black Freshmen
Presidential Scholarships for Freshmen
John C. Pace, Jr., Transfer Scholarships
University Scholarships for Transfers
Phi Theta Kappa Transfer Scholarships
John C. Pace, Jr., Achievement Scholarships for Continuing UWF Students
Minority Teacher Education Scholarships
Florida Bright Futures Scholarships Program
ROTC Scholarships
Athletic Scholarships
Graduate Scholarships
STUDENT EMPLOYMENT
On-Campus Student Employment (OPS)
Off-Campus Part-Time Employment
GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIPS
Applications for graduate assistantships may be secured from the Office of Student Financial Assistance or the academic department in which the graduate student is majoring.
GRADUATE FELLOWSHIPS
A student applying for financial aid must follow the procedure outlined below:
All completed eligible applications for financial assistance will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis. Most financial aid programs specify that an applicant register at least as a half-time student (minimum of 6 semester hours for undergraduate and minimum of 6 semester hours for graduate), maintain satisfactory academic progress, and show evidence of financial need.
Federal Pell Grant Program
This federally-sponsored aid program provides basic financial assistance to those who demonstrate financial need. All undergraduate applicants for financial assistance are required to apply for a Pell Grant. Graduate students are not eligible.
These grants are intended for undergraduate students with financial need. Repayment is not required. The grants are made only to undergraduate students, in amounts ranging from $200 - $1,750 per year (three semesters).
The 1998-99 Academic Year deadline for receipt of the application is May 15, 1998. The FSAG is awarded to undergraduate Florida residents who demonstrate financial need. Since there is no separate Florida Student Assistance Grant application form, eligible students should complete the appropriate section on the financial aid form (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and submit the form before the deadline.
Limited funds are available to undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need but have been determined ineligible for Pell Grants. These grants are also used to supplement SEOG funds. Repayment is not required. Grants range in value from $200 - $1,500 per year (two semesters).
Limited institutional funds are available to undergraduate and graduate students working on a first degree. Awards are up to $1,500 per academic year (two semesters).
Limited funds are available to graduate students who demonstrate financial need. Repayment is not required. Grants range in value from $200 - $1,5000 per year (two semesters).
Limited funds are available to assist students with their out-of-state tuition. For information, undergraduate students should contact the Office of Admissions; graduate students should contact the academic department housing their graduate program.
Students completing FAFSA apply for all aid programs for which they may be eligible, including the Federal Direct Loan Program.
Through this program students can receive loans from the Federal Government. The interest, variable but capped at 8.25 percent, is paid by the government to the lender while the student is enrolled and for the six-month grace period after the student graduates or ceases at least half time attendance. Loan repayment begins at the termination of the grace period. All borrowers are required to complete a FAFSA form. Undergraduate students at the 1st year level can borrow $2,625; at level 2, $3,500; other undergraduates, $5,500 per year, to an aggregate maximum of $23,000. Graduate students can borrow $8,500 per year, to an aggregate maximum of $65,000 (undergraduate and graduate borrowing combined). Application must be made through the Office of Student Financial Assistance.
Independent students, graduate students, and students whose parents are unable to borrow under PLUS (see next heading) will be allowed to borrow additional amounts beyond the Federal Direct Student Loan annual limits listed in the previous heading. The additional annual limits are $4,000 for first and second year students; $5,000 for all other undergraduates; and $10,000 for graduate students.
These loans are annual variable interest loans, capped at nine percent, for parents of any dependent undergraduate student, regardless of income. Parents may borrow annually to the cost of attendance minus any financial aid. There is no maximum aggregate PLUS loan limit. Parent borrowers' repayment period begins on the day the loan is disbursed, with the first repayment due 60 days after disbursement, for up to ten years.
Funds are available to full-time undergraduate or graduate students who demonstrate financial need. Total loans for overall undergraduate work cannot be more than $15,000. Graduate or professional students may borrow up to $30,000 for undergraduate and graduate studies combined. Loans bear a five percent interest rate, with no interest being charged until repayment of the principal begins - that is, nine months after the student is no longer at least a half time student. Repayment may be deferred for an additional three years during service in the armed forces, Peace Corps, or VISTA; or for any time a student who has dropped out returns to at least half time study. Though there are cancellation provisions for students who enter certain fields of teaching and for military service, these loans must be paid back to UWF or its designated billing agency.
These loans are available to ease a temporary cash-flow problem. They carry a modest service charge and must be repaid during the same semester in which they are received. Limited to a maximum of $400, STLs are not awarded as part of the regular financial aid process.
The University offers a wide variety of scholarships and grants. To apply for undergraduate merit-only awards, prospective students should contact the Office of Admissions. To apply for need-based scholarships, students should contact the Office of Student Financial Assistance for an application packet or request it on-line at http://uwf.edu/finaid.
The University of West Florida recognizes and rewards academic achievement by awarding scholarships on a competitive basis to students who display high academic achievement in Florida high schools or at Florida public community colleges in the associate of arts degree program. To enhance the richness of the educational experience at UWF, applicants representing diverse cultures and backgrounds will receive special consideration.
A four year $16,000 ($4,000 per academic year) scholarship for full time entering freshmen. Recipients will be expected to reside on campus. An educational enhancement experience during one of the summers while classified as a UWF upper division student is required. Selection criteria will include high school academic records, test scores, leadership activities, and high school and community involvement. Priority will be given to applicants from high schools in West Florida. A scholarship application is required and can be obtained from the Office of Admissions. The application deadline is March 1.
$1,000 scholarships per academic year for full-time entering freshmen, renewable for three additional years if a specific cumulative GPA is maintained ($4,000 four year total). The selection criteria will be the high school academic records and test scores. All newly admitted freshmen are automatically considered, no scholarship application is required. It is recommended that students apply for admission by February 1 to ensure full consideration.
$1,500 scholarships per academic year for full-time entering Black freshmen, renewable for three additional years if a specific cumulative GPA is maintained ($6,000 four year total). The selection criteria will be the high school academic records and test scores. All newly admitted Black freshmen are automatically considered, no scholarship application is required. It is recommended that students apply for admission by February 1 to ensure full consideration.
$1,000 scholarships per academic year for full-time entering freshmen, renewable for three additional years if a specific cumulative GPA is maintained ($4,000 four year total). The selection criteria will be the high school academic records and test scores. All newly admitted freshmen are automatically considered, no scholarship application is required. It is recommended that students apply for admission by February 1 to ensure full consideration.
$1,000 scholarships per academic year for full-time entering transfer students with an associate of arts degree from a Florida public community college. The scholarship is renewable for an additional year if a specific cumulative GPA is maintained ($2,000 two year total). The selection criteria will be the cumulative college GPA with priority given to community colleges in West Florida. All newly admitted transfers with an associate of arts degree will be considered, no scholarship application is required. It is recommended that students apply for admission by March 1 to ensure full consideration.
$1,000 scholarships per academic year for full-time entering transfer students with an associate of arts degree from a Florida public community college. The scholarship is renewable for an additional year if a specific cumulative GPA is maintained ($2,000 two year total). The selection criteria will be the cumulative college GPA. All newly admitted transfers with an associate of arts degree will be considered, no scholarship application is required. It is recommended that students apply for admission by March 1 to ensure full consideration.
$1,000 scholarships per academic year for full-time entering transfer students who are Phi Theta Kappa members. The scholarship is renewable for an additional year if a 3.0 GPA is maintained. A minimum cumulative college GPA of 3.8 is required for consideration. Applicants must apply for admission by March 1. Applicants should contact the Office of Admissions.
Meritorious full-time undergraduate degree-seeking students in good standing who are not currently recipients of UWF scholarships are eligible for a scholarship award not exceeding $1,000 annually. Contact the dean's office of the appropriate college for more information.
$4,000 scholarships per academic year for full-time juniors or pre-graduate students in teacher education programs. The scholarship is renewable for a maximum of two years. For application, selection criteria, or additional information, contact the Office of Teacher Education Student Services.
This merit scholarship program is for outstanding Florida high school graduates. Initial and renewal awards pay up to 100% of tuition plus books. Applications for these scholarships are available from your high school guidance counselor or principal. Awards are made by the State of Florida.
Merit scholarships are available on a competitive basis to students enrolled in the military science programs offered by the Air Force and Army. These scholarships are given on the basis of demonstrated academic ability and leadership potential. To apply for an ROTC scholarship contact the Army ROTC Office at (850) 474-2198 or the Air Force ROTC Office at (850) 474-2819.
The University awards full or partial athletic scholarships in the following sports: baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, and tennis. To apply for an athletic scholarship, contact the coach of the specific sport.
Each college has scholarships for full-time graduate students. Varying amounts are available within each college. Contact the dean's office of the appropriate college for more information.
Federal Work-Study Program (FWSP)
The Federal Work-Study Program is for full-time, first-time undergraduate or graduate students who would be unable to continue their studies unless they earned part of their educational expenses. The job holder works on campus an average of 15 hours per week at $5.15 per hour while school is in session. Contact the Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA).
Some University departments and offices employ students under the OPS program. OSFA administers a student employment service, which acts as a clearinghouse, by advertising on bulletin boards across campus all OPS student positions available. Interested students should contact directly the hiring office or department.
Off-campus employers often contact the Office of Student Financial Assistance to assist in filling part-time positions. These positions are advertised on bulletin boards across campus. Interested students should contact the employers directly for interviews.
A limited number of graduate assistantships, which include a partial waiver of matriculation fees, are available for matriculated graduate students. Graduate assistantships require a work commitment on the part of the student, usually in the department in which the student is majoring.
A limited number of graduate fellowships are available for incoming graduate students. Fellowships function as scholarships and do not require a work commitment on the part of the student. To be eligible for a graduate fellowship, a student must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.5.
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