A: No. Every application is individually reviewed so that factors such as assets, family size and number in college are considered, in addition to family income.
Q: What is included in the cost of attendance?
A: The estimated cost of attendance used to award financial aid is based upon these general expenses for the 2007-08 academic year:
Direct Costs: Tuition and Fees $35,190
Room 6,200
Board 4,440
Indirect Costs: Books, Supplies & Misc. 2,320
TOTAL $48,150
Q: What is my family contribution?
A: The University of Rochester uses an institutional methodology (IM) analysis to calculate each family's expected contribution. The resulting figure is usually higher than the federal methodology (FM) analysis used to calculate eligibility for federal assistance. Although a small share of parent assets are included in the IM calculations, in most cases parent income, family size and number of children in college have a greater effect on aid eligibility.
Q: Are special circumstances considered?
A: If your family has concerns about contributing the portion of the cost not covered by financial aid, we encourage you to contact the Financial Aid Office so that we may discuss the situation with you. Every situation is unique, so we will work with you to determine what financing options are available to assist your family. In all cases, a written appeal detailing your special circumstances and providing appropriate documentation will be required in order for a further review of your file to take place.
Q: How does an outside award affect my aid?
A: The amount of the scholarships will reduce the work-study and loan awards before reducing university need-based grant. The combination of outside awards and Rochester-packaged awards may not exceed a student's institutional need or cost of attendance.
Q: Do I have to apply for aid every year?
A: Yes. If you receive need-based financial aid, you will need to file the FAFSA every year. Additional application materials are also required, and you will be notified in December each year so that you may complete the application process by April 15. Please be advised that late applications may not receive full consideration for aid. While aid is not guaranteed, in general, if the family's financial situation is similar from year to year and all application guidelines are met, the financial aid package should be similar from year to year. Merit based aid does not require a new application every year.
Q: How do I decline or adjust my financial aid?
A: Any requests to decline or adjust your financial aid must be made in writing to our office, via mail, fax or email. The Financial Aid Request form (available in our office and online) provides a standardized form for the most common requests we receive. You may also write a letter to our office detailing your request.
Q. What if I am interested in taking summer classes? What kind of aid is available?
A. Students who are interested in taking summer classes will need to complete the Summer Aid Request Form which will be available on our forms page early April. The Financial Aid Office will process your request and determine the eligibility to apply for a private alternative loan (a separate process). Please note- Federal Loans will not be available for the summer semester for undergraduate students.
