Financial Aid

Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about financial aid. If your question is not listed here, please go to the FAQ section of the Financial Aid web site to see additional questions.

If you don't find the information you are looking for, please call the Undergraduate Aid Office at (413) 545-0801 or visit their web site.

How do I apply for financial aid?
If all I want is a student loan, do I still need to apply for financial aid?
When will I receive my award letter?
How was my eligibility determined?
What is verification and why was I selected?
How can I find a job on/off campus?

How do I apply for financial aid?

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) serves as the single application for financial aid at UMass Amherst. Students who complete the application are considered for federal, state and University student financial aid programs.

You should apply for financial aid by February 15 to ensure that your application arrives at the central processor by our March 1 priority deadline. You must apply for financial aid every year.

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If all I want is a student loan, do I still need to apply for financial aid?

Yes. In order to be considered for a William D. Ford Federal Direct Student Loan, you must complete a FAFSA form. Certain alternative loans do not require a FAFSA form, but Financial Aid Services recommends that you apply for financial aid so that we may consider you for all sources of assistance.

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When will I receive my award letter?

Freshmen awards are usually sent in late March to early April. Upperclass awards are sent in June to August.

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How was my eligibility determined?

Your eligibility was determined by the income and asset information you reported on the FAFSA. The federal government has set formulas used to determine a family's eligibility for financial aid. It is basically your cost of attendance minus your family's expected contribution.

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What is verification and why was I selected?

Approximately 30% of student applicants are selected randomly for verification, which is the process by which we verify FAFSA information with tax returns and other documentation. More on verification>

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How can I find a job on/off campus?

Jobs are listed on the Student Employment Office web site and outside 243 Whitmore on the bulletin boards. Jobs are deleted from both places once the SEO receives notice from the employers, and the web site is updated daily. The bulletin boards are updated at least once per week.

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