FAQs

Who is eligible to receive federal financial aid?

Eligibility is determined by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students must be admitted and degree seeking in order to qualify for assistance. Enrollment must be at least half-time with the exception of Pell recipients in order to qualify for federal aid. Each year students need to reapply to be considered for financial aid.

The amount of aid offered to a student is determined by demonstrated financial need. Financial need can be defined most simply as the difference between the amount of money the student and parent(s) can contribute from income and assets based upon a Congressionally approved analysis, and the cost of attending The University of Tulsa, less outside awards.

When will I receive my financial aid award?

Award Notice-As a first time student your Award Notice consists of two pages.  Initial and return one copy to the Office of Student Financial Services, keeping one copy for your records.  Returning students should access Web Advisor for their award.  Returning students needs to print their award letter, initial and return one copy to the Office of Student Financial Services.  

Financial Aid Acceptance-You may accept or decline any portion of the offered financial aid by initialing the appropriate line. Declining, totally or in part, any form of assistance (scholarship, grant, loan, work) does not automatically lead to other assistance being increased or substituted. Contact a counselor in the Office of Student Financial Services to clarify your specific situation.

Do I have to be full-time to receive federal financial aid?

To be considered for institutional scholarships, you do need to be enrolled full-time (12 hours or more). Students, who are enrolled in at least 6 hours and meet eligibility requirements, may be eligible for federal funds such as loans and grants. Students eligible for the Pell Grant may be enrolled less than half-time.

Do I have to reapply each year?

Yes! Financial aid awards are determined annually. You must reapply for aid each year you wish to receive assistance. Renewal of aid beyond the first year depends upon your academic record, and your continued need, as based on the most recent financial information. Timely submission of the FAFSA and all important information requested is required for renewal.

Do outside scholarships affect my aid?

Yes, outside scholarships may affect your eligibility for aid. Please forward that information to the Office of Student Financial Services so that we can evaluate the impact on your aid package.

Where do I pick up a refund check?

If you are receiving a refund or need a cash advance to buy books, please contact the Business Office in McClure Hall. They can be contacted at 918-631-2208.

What is the priority deadline to apply for financial aid?

The PRIORITY deadline to apply for financial aid is March 1st. The priority deadline is only the recommended date for best consideration. Aid applications received after that date will still receive consideration, however, it is in the best interest of the student to apply as early as possible.

Oklahoma residents participating in the Oklahoma Tuition Aid Grant (OTAG) program have a priority deadline of March 1.

How do I apply for summer aid?

If you are planning on taking classes during the summer and would like to be considered for federal aid, please complete the 2013 Summer Financial Aid Application (available during the Spring 2013 semester). You must be enrolled at least half-time to be eligible for financial assistance.

How does the Work-Study program work on TU's campus?

In addition to on-campus jobs, a number of jobs are available in community service agencies in Tulsa. Placement referrals are not a guarantee of employment. It is the responsibility of the student to find an appropriate employment situation that works well with their current semester class schedule. Additionally, it is the responsibility of the student to work enough hours to earn the award.

Hourly wage rates for all campus student employees begin at the Federal minimum wage. A 10 to 12 hour work week is most common. Earnings are paid biweekly directly to the student. Therefore, the Federal Work-Study award cannot be credited to the student's bill at the beginning of the semester. Direct deposit of FWS earning is available. Arrangements for direct deposit should be made through the payroll office. Earnings through the Federal Work-Study program are taxable and will be reported to the IRS.

New students must attend a Work-Study session during orientation in August. You must bring a copy of your birth certificate and social security card to the Office of Human Resources in Fisher Hall. At that time, new Federal Work-Study students are required to complete an I-9 and W-4 form prior to beginning their employment.  

Federal Work Study Positions

Federal Work Study Policy and Procedures  

What does it mean to be chosen for verification?

Effective for the 2013-2014 award year, the federal government implemented changes to the verification regulations. The standard list of required verification data items has been replaced with customized verification selection criteria that will be published annually by the Department of Education. The Student Financial Services Office will request the required verification document(s) from the applicant upon receipt of the FAFSA.

TU does not disburse awards for students who are selected for verification until the process is complete. Failing to complete verification by the deadlines will result in loss of any eligibility for federal aid loans. If you completely withdraw prior to submitting the documents for verification, federal aid will not be considered.

If you are eligible for federal funds, you must complete verification prior to the last day of enrollment for the 2013-2014 award year or September 22, 2014, whichever is easier. In addition, a valid EFC must be received by TU before the last day of enrollment. Direct loan applications must be certified by the Office of Student Financial Services prior to the last day of enrollment to receive loan funds.

How do I become an Independent Student?

You may be considered an Independent student if you can answer yes to at least one of the following:

  • Were you born before January 1, 1990?
  • At the beginning of the 2013-2014 school year, will you be working on a master's or doctorate program (such as an MA, MBA, MD, JD, PhD, EdD, or graduate certification, etc.)
  • As of today, are you married or separated (but not divorced)? This is as of the date the FAFSA is filed.(Answer "Yes" if you are separated but not divorced.)
  • Do you have children who receive more than half of their support from you between July 1, 2013 and June 30, 2014?
  • Do you have dependent(s) (other than children or spouse) who live with you who receive more than half of their support from you, now and through June 30, 2014? 
  • Are you an orphan, or are you or were you (until age 18) a ward/dependent of the court?
  • Are you currently serving on active duty in the US Armed Forces or a National Guard or Reserves enlistee called into active duty for purposes other than training?
  • Are you a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces?
  • When you were age 13 or older, were both your parents deceased, were you in foster care or were you a dependent/ward of the court?
  • As of today are you an emancipated minor as determined by a court in your state of legal residence?
  • As of today are you in legal guardianship as determined by a court in your state of legal residence?
  • At any time on or after July 1, 2012 did a school district homeless liaison determine that you were an unaccompanied youth who was homeless?
  • At any time on or after July 1, 2012 did the director of a HUD emergency shelter program or transitional living program determine that you were an unaccompanied youth who was homeless?
  • At any time on or after July 1, 2012 did the director of a runaway or homeless center or transitional living program determine that you were an unaccompanied youth who was homeless or were self-supporting and at risk of being homeless?