- Do I have to re-apply for financial aid every year?
- Am I required to attend law school full-time in order to be eligible for financial aid?
- I don’t remember filling out “Form XYZ” last year, why do I have to do it this year?
- What do I do if I borrowed a Stafford loan as an undergraduate?
- How do I determine what additional amount of funds I can borrow in a Graduate PLUS or private loan?
- If I have already started a semester, may I still apply for financial aid?
- Do I have to accept the full amount of the loan offered on my financial award letter?
- Do I need to report my parents’ income and asset information on the FAFSA?
- How are my federal Stafford loan funds credited to my account?
- Can I borrow educational loans for relocation expenses?
- What are my repayment options for Federal PLUS Loans after graduation?
Do I have to re-apply for financial aid every year?
Yes! You must re-apply for financial aid each year. You may file your FAFSA no sooner than Jan. 1, and our recommended deadline to submit the FAFSA is by April 15 each year.
Am I required to attend law school full-time in order to be eligible for financial aid?
Most federal financial aid programs require at least half-time attendance (6 credits). You may be required to attend full-time for some scholarship programs.
I don’t remember filling out “Form XYZ” last year, why do I have to do it this year?
The foundation of your financial aid application—the FAFSA—will not change from year to year. However, based on verification selection, changing requirements and regulations, differences in your financial situation or any inconsistency in your application, the law school’s Office of Financial Aid will request the appropriate documentation. This may change from year to year; thus it is essential to read all correspondence and requests from the Office of Financial Aid and/or your lender carefully and respond in a timely manner.
What do I do if I had a Stafford loan as an undergraduate?
You must notify your lender of your return to school in order to initiate a loan deferment. The deferment process will halt your loan-repayment obligation while you are enrolled at least half time (6 credits). You may be required to complete deferment paperwork and submit that paperwork to the registrar’s office at the School of Law for processing. More about federal Stafford loans…
How do I determine what additional amount of funds I can borrow in a Graduate PLUS or private loan?
You may borrow up to the cost of attendance minus any other aid received. If your COA equals the amount of aid on your financial aid award letter, then you cannot borrow an additional loan. If your COA is larger than the amount of aid on your financial aid award letter, then you can borrow the amount of the difference. More about costs...
If I have already started a semester, may I still apply for financial aid?
Yes. You may apply for financial aid once a semester has started. Keep in mind that all paperwork must be complete, your FAFSA results received by the university, and your federal Stafford loan certified prior to the last date of enrollment for the academic period.
Do I have to accept the full amount of the loan offered on my financial award letter?
No. You may accept all or part of the loan offered. Just indicate the amount you wish to borrow on your financial award letter by crossing out the offer and replacing it with a lesser amount. Initial the change, check the “YES” line, sign, date and return the award letter.
Do I need to report my parents’ income and asset information on the FAFSA?
As a law student, you are considered independent and do not need to report parental information on the FAFSA.
How are my federal Stafford loan funds credited to my account?
Once you have completed the requirements, your funds will be disbursed by the lender to the university in two equal installments (minus 1.5 percent in fees) via electronic funds transfer or paper check no sooner than three days prior to the start of each semester. If your funds are sent by paper check, you will be contacted by the Office of the Bursar to request endorsement of the check. Loan proceeds are applied to your account balance. If funds are remaining after the account is paid, the Office of the Bursar will issue a refund within 14 calendar days and notify you when your check is available. It is imperative that you make financial arrangements with your landlord and/or creditors in advance of the start of classes. Refunds in excess of your institutional charges will be issued at the time your account is in a credit balance position, which is often well into the semester. We will make every effort to expedite your financial aid; however, please remember this is the busiest time of year for us and your lenders, so please try to be as timely as possible when submitting your paperwork. More about federal Stafford loans…
Can I borrow educational loans for relocation expenses?
You will need to budget for these expenses utilizing your own resources. The maximum amount you can borrow is the cost of attendance minus other aid. The nine-month cost of attendance budget does not include your living expenses for the summer and does not take into consideration expenses related to owning a car, relocating to Connecticut, or other debt.
What are my repayment options for Federal PLUS Loans after graduation?
You may elect to defer your payments for six months; however, interest will continue to accrue. Beyond that, you should contact your lender to discuss options, such as forbearance.