We know the cost of education is one of the most important considerations when deciding where to pursue a degree. The University of Louisville is committed to ensuring you’re knowledgeable about all of your financial aid options. That’s why the university created Start to Finish, a collection of all the information you’ll need to simplify the financial aid process and make earning a degree affordable for your family.

The information below answers some of the basic questions about financial aid, but you can always visit our website to learn more about online tuition and financial aid.

Eligibility Requirements

General eligibility requirements for Federal Student Aid include:

• Must be admitted to the college and enrolled in a degree-granting program (visiting students and students in non-degree/graduate certificate programs are not eligible)
• Must be a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident
• Must be enrolled at least half time (for loans and state grant aid)
• Must not be in default on any prior student loan or owe a refund on a federal grant
• Must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year

FAFSA Submission

The cornerstone of the financial aid process is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Complete the FAFSA online to determine your eligibility for need-based federal student aid. The UofL school code you’ll need when filing the FAFSA is 001999.

Please note that international students are not eligible for federal financial aid, with some exceptions. To learn more about eligibility for international students, visit the U.S. Department of Education website.

To complete the FAFSA, make sure to have ready all of the following:

• Social Security Number
• Driver’s license number (if applicable)
• Alien Registration Number (if not a U.S. citizen)
• W-2 forms and other 2012 records of money earned
• Federal income tax return (use estimates if not yet completed)
• Information on savings & investments, and records of untaxed income

Note: Dependent students must provide all information for self and parents.
Independent students must provide all information for self and spouse, if married.

Application Verification

After the FAFSA has been submitted, the Financial Aid Office may contact the student if additional information is required for verification. The FAFSA is the application for all federal and state grants. Should a student require student loans, the FAFSA is the application for the Federal Stafford Loan Program as well.

Other tuition payment options

Applying for federal aid is a great option for tuition payment. However, there are several other options for covering the cost of earning a degree:

• Military benefits. Visit http://louisville.edu/veterans or contact Carissa Gentry.
• Employer tuition assistance. Ask your employer if this benefit is available.
• Convenient payment plans. Make several payments throughout the semester.
• If you attend KCTCS or Ivy Tech Community College (Sellersburg, IN), you may qualify for the Academic Transfer Scholarship. Visit the transfer services website for details.
  • Some scholarship opportunities can be found at https://louisville.edu/financialaid/scholarships. Most scholarship opportunities only apply to undergraduate students.
• You might also qualify for the Go Higher Grant, a need-based grant awarded to Kentucky residents age 24 or older. Visit the Go Higher Grant web site for application details and qualifications.
  • Other grant opportunities can be found at https://louisville.edu/financialaid/grants. This includes federal and state grant programs, designated to students working towards a first bachelor’s degree (eligibility based on FAFSA and school information).
• Department Aid. Check with your program about additional scholarship opportunities.

UofL’s Office of Student Financial Aid is available to answer any questions you have about the financial aid process. Visit the financial aid web page or contact a financial aid counselor at 502.852.5511.