How to Apply for Financial Aid

 

How to Apply for Financial Aid

Students should first complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®), and list the University (School Code: 001881) as a college to receive basic eligibility information. In order to receive a financial aid offer, a student must complete a Master Promissory Note (if applicable), and Entrance Loan Counseling (if applicable). The University may also require additional documents to verify aid eligibility (for additional information, please see the Verification for Federal Student Aid Eligibility in this section of the Catalog). It is highly recommended that the student, spouse (if applicable), and/or parent(s) of a dependent student (if applicable) apply for the Federal Student Aid Identification Number (FSA ID) through the U.S. Department of Education at any of the following websites:

• https://studentaid.gov/fsa-id/create-account
• https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa

The FSA ID serves as the student’s electronic signature and can be used to electronically apply for federal student aid and access Federal Student Aid records online. The FSA ID should be kept in a safe location and should not be shared with anyone.

 

 

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®)

The FAFSA® is available online at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa. The completed form should be signed electronically with the applicant’s FSA ID so that the student’s financial need can be evaluated.

 

Verification for Federal Student Aid Eligibility

The federal government requires colleges and universities to verify, or confirm, the data reported by students and/or their parent(s) on the FAFSA®. The verification process ensures that eligible students receive all the financial aid to which they are entitled and prevents ineligible students from receiving financial aid to which they are not entitled. A subset of financial aid applications are randomly selected by the U.S. Department of Education for verification. If a student is selected for verification, there is an asterisk next to the Student Aid Index (SAI) the FAFSA® Submission Summary (FSS). The FSS may be viewed online at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa.

Applications selected for verification are placed into a Verification Tracking Groups (V1, V4 or V5). The university will be notified which group the student has been selected. Items to be verified are based on the specific Verification Tracking Group. If a student is selected for verification, the Financial Aid Office notifies the student of required documentation.

The student (and spouse or parent(s) of dependent students, as applicable), is required to provide appropriate and legible supporting documents to the Financial Aid Office. Depending on the Verification Tracking Group selected, one or more of the following documents may be requested: 

1. Verification Worksheet;
2. For tax filers - IRS Tax Return Transcript or use of FUTURE Act - Direct Data Exchange (FA-DDX) Process;
3. For non-tax filers - W-2s from each employer/statements regarding income earned from work and verification of non-filing; and
4. Identity Verification Form, if applicable.

Please note that additional documents regarding family size and income may be requested at the Financial Aid Office’s discretion to complete the verification process.

Participation in the verification process is not optional. Students with V1 verification category, who do not submit the required documentation within 30 days of request may experience financial aid processing delays, and may be administratively withdrawn until all supporting verification documents have been received by the University’s Financial Aid Office.

New online students who are selected for the customized verification categories of V4 or V5 must submit the required Identity Verification Form the earlier of the Wednesday prior to their start date of their program, or the end of the Conditional Admission period. Any other required documentation must be completed within 30 days of request.

Continuing students who are selected for the customized verification categories of V4 or V5 must submit the Identity Verification Form within 30 days of notification as well as any other requested documentation. In the event the 30th day falls within the last week of the course, students will be permitted to complete that course. In the weeks following the deadline, if all requested documentation is not received, students will be withdrawn from the University and any Title IV aid previously disbursed must be returned on students' behalf.

If clarification is needed on a verification document or the FAFSA® Submission Summary, an advisor from the Financial Aid Office will contact the student for additional information. Possible corrections may be required on the FSS. If a student’s financial aid offer in any way changes as a result of verification, a new offer is generated and available via myUAGC to view or print. Verification Worksheets can be obtained via myUAGC. Financial aid will not be processed or disbursed if an applicant fails to provide the appropriate and legible verification documentation.

 

Fraudulent Activity

If the University of Arizona Global Campus obtains any credible information indicating that an applicant for federal student financial assistance may have knowingly engaged in fraud or other criminal misconduct in connection with their application for federal student financial assistance, that individual will be referred to the Office of Inspector General (OIG) of the U.S. Department of Education. Examples of this type of misconduct may include, but are not limited to:

1. False claims of independent student status;
2. False claims of citizenship;
3. Use of false identities;
4. Forgery of signatures or certifications; and
5. False statements of income.

 

Code of Conduct and Federal Student Aid Eligibility

In addition to being referred to the OIG, students suspected and being investigated for Academic Dishonesty and/or knowingly furnishing false, falsified or forged information to the University will be placed on a hold and unscheduled from future courses. For those students utilizing financial aid, this hold will prevent a financial aid disbursement until the issue is resolved through either the appeal process or through a Student Community Standards Formal Hearing. 

 

NSLDS Fraud Loan Flag and Federal Student Aid Eligibility

Students who have been convicted of fraudulently obtaining federal loans are no longer eligible for Federal Title IV aid. Students will be notified of this via their FAFSA® Submission Summary (FSS). Students with this notification must refer to the loan holder for resolution. A financial aid hold will be immediately placed on the students account and students will be unscheduled from all future courses. For those students utilizing financial aid, this hold will prevent a financial aid disbursement until the issue is resolved. If a student is still within the first week of their course, or within the Promise/Conditional Admission Period (CAP), those students will be removed from their current course as well. Students will be administratively withdrawn from the University after 14 days of non-attendance.

 

Identity Reject Flag and Federal Student Aid Eligibility

Students who meet certain conditions related to identity issues will be notified of this via their FAFSA® Submission Summary (FSS) and are no longer eligible for Federal Title IV aid until resolved. A financial aid hold will be immediately placed on the student's account and students will be unscheduled from all future courses. For those students utilizing financial aid, this hold will prevent a financial aid disbursement until the issue is resolved. If a student is still within the first week of their course, or within the Promise/Conditional Admission Period (CAP), those students will be removed from their current course as well. Students will be administratively withdrawn from the University after 14 days of non-attendance.

Identity issues can only be overridden by the Department of Education. Students should contact Federal Student Aid at 202-377-4600 or applicationsystemsdivision@ed.gov for resolution. The Department will work with students regarding requesting documentation directly to clear the issue. If the identity issue is determined to be in error or is resolved, the school will receive an updated FAFSA® Submission Summary (FSS). 
 

 

Unusual Enrollment History and Federal Student Aid Eligibility

Students who are flagged on the FAFSA® Submission Summary (FSS) and did not successfully complete coursework during an academic year(s) in which they also received a Pell grant and/or a Federal Direct Loan (not including a Direct Consolidation Loan or parent PLUS loan), may be required to submit a letter of explanation and appropriate college history documentation for review by the University of Arizona Global Campus. The letter and explanation must show that there were extraordinary or unusual circumstances that occurred which prevented the student from being successful in their studies. All requested documentation related to Unusual Enrollment History for new students must be submitted and approved by the University of Arizona Global Campus prior to a student progressing beyond conditional admission status or the student will be administratively withdrawn prior to attending week four of their first course. For continuing students, if requested, the Identity Verification Form must be submitted and approved within 14 days of notification or the student will be administratively withdrawn; any other requested documentation must be submitted and approved within 30 days. Financial aid will not be processed or disbursed if an applicant fails to provide the requested documentation.

 

Total and Permanent Disability Discharge

If a student has had previous student loans discharged due to total and permanent disability and wishes to borrow new loans, students may be required to submit additional documentation to be eligible to receive financial aid funding. If a student is in the process of having previous student loans discharged and is applying for financial aid, their application for dismissal of loans could potentially be rejected by the loan servicer and loans may go into repayment. Students who are currently have their loans discharged due to total and permanent disability or in the process of applying for a discharge are strongly encouraged to contact their loan servicer to understand any potential impacts of borrowing new loans.

 

General Financial Aid Reapplication Process

It is the student’s responsibility to reapply for funding as necessary by completing the FAFSA® and any subsequent document requested by the Financial Aid Office. Students must reapply 90 days prior to the start of each academic year. 

If a student does not complete the financial aid process in advance of their last date of attendance, they forfeits eligibility for financial assistance that might otherwise have been available during that period of enrollment, and becomes fully responsible for all remaining balances.

 

Undergraduate Programs

Renewed Eligibility: A student enrolled in an undergraduate program may renew their financial aid for the next academic year once these conditions have been met:

• If required, submission of a new award year FAFSA® and any subsequent documents requested by the Financial Aid Office;
• The student has completed the initial 40-weeks of instructional time;
• The student has successfully completed 24 undergraduate-level credits; and
• The student is registered for another course.

 

Master's Programs

Renewed Eligibility: A student enrolled in a Master's program may renew their financial aid for the next academic year once these conditions have been met:

• If required, submission of a new award year FAFSA® and any subsequent documents requested by the Financial Aid Office;
• The student has completed the initial 36-weeks of instructional time;
• The student has successfully completed 18 graduate-level credits; and
• The student is registered for another course.

 

Doctorate Programs

Renewed Eligibility: A student enrolled in a graduate program may renew their financial aid for the next academic year once these conditions have been met:

• If required, submission of a new award year FAFSA® and any subsequent documents requested by the Financial Aid Office;
• The student has completed the initial 36-weeks of instructional time;
• The student has successfully completed 18 graduate-level credits; and
• The student is registered for another course.
• Students’ completing their Dissertation/Applied Doctoral Project or Practicum courses (except for those in the Doctor of Professional Studies in Organizational Leadership program) must complete 36 weeks of instructional time and 4 successfully earned credits based on their program requirements.

 

Entrance Counseling for Federal Loan Recipients

All first-time Federal Direct loan recipients who have received a Financial Aid offer and have accepted the Federal Direct Loan(s) are required to complete online Federal Direct Loan Entrance Counseling and to sign a Federal Direct Loan Master Promissory Note prior to the school receiving the funds. First-time borrowers of federal loans at the University of Arizona Global Campus must complete Direct Loan Entrance Counseling as mandated by federal regulations. This requirement is met by completing a Direct Loan Entrance Counseling through studentaid.gov. Direct Loans cannot be released to a student’s account until this federal requirement is satisfied. Students will be provided information on how to complete the required counseling exercises along with their financial aid offer information. A PLUS loan applicant (either a parent of a dependent student, or a graduate/professional student) that has an adverse credit history must complete additional required PLUS loan counseling via the studentaid.gov website. 

 

Types of Financial Aid

In general, financial aid is provided in the form of grants and loans. Part-time Federal Work-study programs may also be available for enrolled students. While some students may qualify for one type of financial assistance, others may qualify for a combination of two or more programs. The financial aid packaging process is offering aid without exceeding the student’s financial need. This packaging of financial aid allows the University of Arizona Global Campus to assist a larger number of students and to offer aid suited to the student’s individual needs. Each student may be expected to make a financial contribution toward educational costs based on family circumstances and ability to pay. The family’s share of the cost and eligibility for aid are determined through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®).

 

State Aid Programs

Please visit the Federal Student Aid Website at https://studentaid.gov/help-center/answers/article/state-aid for a list of state grant agencies. Students may contact these agencies directly for information regarding state grants that may be available.

 

Federal Aid Programs (Title IV)

Federal Pell Grants:

The Federal Pell Grant is a need‑based grant for eligible undergraduate students who have not yet earned a bachelor’s or professional degree. Pell Grant eligibility and award amounts are determined by the Student Aid Index (SAI) from the FAFSA, the University’s cost of attendance, and the student’s enrollment intensity.

Pell Grant funding is limited to a lifetime eligibility maximum of 600%, which is generally equivalent to six years of full‑time enrollment.

For current eligibility criteria and award ranges, visit Federal Student Aid’s Pell Grant information page at https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/grants/pell.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG):

Grants funded by the federal government and the University to aid undergraduate students with exceptional financial need. The University determines who will receive FSEOG based on factors such as need, Pell Grant eligibility, and availability which may vary by payment period. The aid offer amount could be up to $600 per academic year at the University of Arizona Global Campus based on allocations.

Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loans (PLUS):

Parent PLUS Loans allow eligible parents of dependent undergraduate students to help cover their student’s educational expenses. These federal loans require credit approval and must be repaid.

Borrowing amounts are determined by federal regulation and are generally based on the student’s cost of attendance and other financial assistance received. Actual eligibility may vary depending on federal rules in effect for the student, including legacy provisions under the updated federal aid model. Loan origination fees are deducted from the loan prior to disbursement. 

For current borrowing eligibility, interest rates, and application information, please visit https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/loans/plus.  

Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loans (Not Available for Programs starting on/after July 1, 2026):

The Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan is a federal loan available to eligible master’s and doctoral students to help cover educational expenses. These loans require credit approval and must be repaid.

Borrowing eligibility and loan amounts are determined by federal regulations and are generally based on the student’s cost of attendance and any other financial assistance received. Actual eligibility may vary depending on whether a student qualifies under legacy federal aid provisions or the updated federal aid regulations for students beginning on or after July 1, 2026. Loan origination fees are deducted from the loan prior to disbursement. 

Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans:

The Federal Direct Loan Program offers low‑interest loans to help eligible students pay for their educational costs. These loans must be repaid.

To receive a Direct Loan, students must be enrolled at least half-time in an eligible degree program and meet all federal eligibility requirements. Subsidized Loans are available to undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need; the federal government pays the interest on these loans while the student is enrolled at least half-time and during eligible deferment periods. Unsubsidized Loans are available to undergraduate and graduate students and begin accruing interest immediately. Loan origination fees are deducted from the loan prior to disbursement. 

Loan amounts, annual, aggregate, & lifetime limits, interest rates, origination fees, and repayment options are determined by federal regulation. Repayment typically begins six months after a student graduates or drops below half-time enrollment. Students may qualify for deferment, forbearance, or other repayment plans depending on their situation.

For current loan interest rates, borrowing limits, repayment plans, and application instructions, please visit https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/loans.

 

 

Federal Direct Loan Annual, Aggregate, and Lifetime Limits

Federal Direct Loan eligibility is subject to annual, aggregate, and lifetime limits established by federal law based on a student’s grade level, dependency status, and program level.

The institution determines grade level for loan eligibility based on academic progress, completion of the defined academic year, and accepted transfer credits, in accordance with program requirements. Students may become eligible for increased annual loan limits only after successfully completing the credits and instructional time associated with an academic year. Transfer students will be packaged based on the number of credits accepted toward their program. Associate degree students remain subject to applicable undergraduate borrowing limits.

A borrower who reaches the applicable aggregate or lifetime loan limit is not eligible to receive additional Direct Loan funds unless they reduce their outstanding balance.

Dependent students whose parent is denied a Direct PLUS Loan may be eligible for additional Direct Unsubsidized Loan funds in accordance with federal regulations.

For current Federal Direct Loan annual, aggregate, and lifetime limits, visit: https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/loans/subsidized-unsubsidized#how-much.

For updates related to federal student loan changes under recent legislation (including the One Big Beautiful Bill Act), visit: https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/big-updates.

 

Professional Judgement

Eligibility for financial aid is determined by the information provided on a student’s Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) using prior-prior year tax income information. The Financial Aid Office recognizes that a student’s circumstances may have changed and may not be reflected on their most recent FAFSA®. Federal Student Aid regulations allow for Financial Aid Offices to review a student’s current situation if it has changed on a case-by-case basis to adjust the information on the FAFSA® and/or Cost of Attendance to more accurately reflect the student’s current situation. Additional supporting documentation may be requested from the student to validate the information provided. Please note that a parent of a dependent student unwilling to provide financial support/financial data on the FAFSA® alone is not a valid reason for unusual circumstances.

Professional Judgement decisions are considered final and may not be appealed. Students requesting additional consideration on their financial aid offers should contact the Financial Services Department for more information on their current aid offers and to determine if any additional action is required.

 

Other Available Financial Aid

Students should check with their high school, area civic groups, businesses, and/or religious institutions to determine availability. See Outside Scholarships and Private Loan in this section of the Catalog for additional resources.