Make College Affordable

We're here to help simplify the financial aid process so you have peace of mind and your student continues their education. Once you explore this overview, find everything you need in the Office of Student Financial Aid section of UA’s website.

Let’s start by thinking through the basics. What resources does your student currently have to pay for their education?

Personal savings                 
Help from a parent, relative, or close friend
On-going parental income
On-going personal income
On-campus student employment
Scholarships
Grants
Loans

Great! You may be able to access even more.

Let’s walk through the types of aid available to UA students, and where you can go to learn more.

FEDERAL AID (FAFSA)

Start your search for financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Aid (FAFSA). The office of Federal Student Aid offers $120 billion every year to help students pay for higher education.1 

You must complete a new FAFSA every year to apply for any federal and state grants, federal work study, or federal loans.

Start the FAFSA

GRANTS

Students determined eligible by the FAFSA may receive free grants that don’t need to be repaid. If your student is eligible, grants will automatically be applied in your UA financial aid package unless you decline them. 

Examples of grants include:

Federal Pell Grant

Ohio College Opportunity Grant

The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant

The Teach Grant

Explore Grant Programs

SCHOLARSHIPS

As another form of free aid you don’t need to pay back, scholarships can be awarded by your student’s college or other organizations. Scholarships can be need- or merit-based, so be sure your student applies for the ones they qualify for.

UA alone offers more than $32 million in scholarships and awards each year.2 Through their UA application, your student will automatically be considered for the Akron Guarantee Scholarship and the Akron Public Schools’ Innovation Generation Scholarship. They can also apply separately for other scholarships through UA and countless uncapped opportunities from other organizations.

Find UA Scholarships

FEDERAL WORK STUDY

Students determined eligible by the FAFSA can apply to on- and off-campus part-time jobs that pay at least minimum wage. UA work-study students can work around their class schedules and receive a bi-weekly paycheck for hours worked. If your student is determined eligible, UA’s Office of Student Financial Aid will send an award notification with instructions to secure a work-study position.

 

If your student doesn't qualify for work study, explore our student job board of on- and off-campus opportunities.

Learn More About Work Study

Find a Non-Work-Study Job

LOANS

When you need additional funds to pay the cost of attendance after you consider your savings, scholarships, grants, and ongoing income options, you can apply for loans from the federal government, private banks, or credit unions. Loans must be repaid, with varying interest rates and repayment periods, so weigh your options carefully.

Before deciding on a loan, complete the FAFSA and any private loan applications. We also recommend meeting with a financial advisor for expert guidance.

Learn More About Loans

You’re ready to move forward with making your student's higher education more affordable. Follow UA’s seven steps to applying for aid and note important application deadlines from the Application & Enrollment checklist.

Contact the Office of Student Financial Aid with questions anytime.

Explore more resources to help drive your student’s higher education decision and experience.

COLLEGE DECISION MAKING DURING COVID-19

As you navigate a new normal during this time, we’re here to help you continue your college search from home. Don’t hesitate to reach out with your questions.