What are my financial aid options?

The University of Virginia's innovative financial aid program, AccessUVA, is designed to keep higher education affordable for students who qualify for admission, regardless of economic circumstance. AccessUVA not only keeps a U.Va. education affordable for the lowest income students but also addresses the affordability concerns of middle-income families who are squeezed by the rising cost of higher education.

Because access for every academically eligible student is a priority for us, U.Va. has made an annual commitment of $20 million for undergraduate need-based grants. AccessUVA provides all-grant packages for low-income students, caps on need-based loans for other eligible students, and a commitment to meet 100 percent of need.

When you apply for financial aid, you are required to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the University Financial Aid Application. The FAFSA is available in December from any high school guidance office, college financial aid offices, and on the Web at www.fafsa.ed.gov. The University Financial Aid Application is available on the Student Financial Services Web site at www.virginia.edu/financialaid/forms/. Both forms are required and should be submitted by March 1 for priority consideration.

Financial aid awards are determined at the time the student is offered admission to the University. First-year and transfer students who meet the March 1 deadline are notified of financial aid decisions in April. The awards, known as financial aid "packages," normally include one or more of a grant and a self-help (loan and/or work) component. About 25 percent of our students receive some form of financial assistance each year.

The University's Student Accounts Web site, www.virginia.edu/studentaccounts/student_payment.html, provides statistics, suggestions, and links that are helpful to prospective students and their families. The office also welcomes inquiries by telephone, through the mail or e-mail. Its phone number is 434-982-6000, mailing address is P.O. Box 400204, Charlottesville, VA 22904, and e-mail is faid@virginia.edu.

Scholarships

Student Financial Services does not award merit-based scholarships. There are, however, several special scholarships offered by University departments to entering students who show exceptional academic promise. No special application is required for any of these awards.

U.Va. also offers athletic scholarships for exceptional female and male athletes under NCAA rules for Division I teams. For information about these opportunities, please contact the coach of the appropriate sport at University Hall, Box 3785, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904, or call 434-982-5000.