Determining Eligibility

Except for some scholarships and graduate loans, financial assistance awarded by the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships is based upon financial need as determined by a careful review of the student's resources and the student's household.

The following calculation determines the need for financial aid:

Cost of Attendance/Budget (COA) - Student Aid Index (SAI) = Financial Aid Eligibility (Need)

The calculation formula used to determine the Student Aid Index (SAI)  is the Federal Methodology, as mandated by the U.S. Congress. By completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the student’s aid index is calculated and reported on the FAFSA Submission Summary (FSS) which is emailed or mailed to the student’s home by the federal processor.

Note: Most foreign students are not eligible for federal student aid from the U.S. Department of Education. There are, however, some instances in which noncitizens may be eligible for financial aid from the U.S. federal government. To learn more, visit: Eligibility for Non-U.S. Citizens.