Frequently Asked Questions ... from Undergraduate Students

Below are the top five questions we hear most often from you. Did we not cover your question here? Please consider our longer list of Frequently Asked Questions.

1. When do I receive my financial aid award ? For incoming students, beginning in mid March, after any/all requested documentation has been received and reviewed by Student Financial Services, you will receive an official financial aid award letter. If you have not returned required information by April you will be issued a Financial Aid Planning Letter that will detail an estimated financial aid award package based upon information submitted on the FAFSA. This award is an estimate only and will not be finalized until all required information has been submitted and reviewed. For returning students, beginning in mid June, after any requested documentation has been received and reviewed Student Financial Services, you will receive an official award offer. You will receive an email sent to your UVM email account prompting you to log in to the UVM Student Information System to view your official award and to accept and/or decline your award offer.
2. Does living off-campus affect my financial aid? No, students receive the same amount of financial aid regardless of where they live. They either have room and board charges on their bill (if living on campus) or they don't. For those students that don't live on campus, in order to use financial aid for their off campus expenses, they need to accept enough financial aid to cover the tuition and fees and also enough aid to overpay their account, therefore generating a credit balance. We will then process a refund, which can be used for their living expenses off campus.
3. I'm expecting a financial aid refund check. When will it arrive? This depends on the time of year your student account is in a credit balance. The earliest federal financial aid can disburse to your student account is ten days before classes start for each semester. We understand that students need money for living expenses, etc. We try our best to accommodate each and every student’s needs.
4. Why do I have a financial hold on my student account? If you have an outstanding balance on your account we may find it necessary to take any or all of the following steps: placing a hold on your right to register for subsequent semesters; withholding your grades and transcripts; and withholding your diploma. Financial Holds will not prevent you from attending classes already on your schedule or from moving into your room or using your meal plan.
5. What is the difference between viewing my lastest statement and account status? If you “view your latest statement” it is a snap-shot in time and will only reflect activity since your last bill. To view current account activity, while logged into the billing system, select 'Account Status' under 'View Accounts.' This will show any activity since your last bill. You can always log into your SIS account, select 'Student Financial Services,' 'Accounting and Billing Information,' and 'View Current Account Balance' to see what your balance is as of today.