YOUR GUIDE TO

FINANCIAL AID

AT THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON

Use this guide to simplify the financial aid process and pursue your degree with confidence and clarity. A working knowledge of your financial options can help you choose the university that will provide you with the most value for your education. 

Once you explore this overview, find everything you need to move forward in the Office of Student Financial Aid section of UA’s website.

FEDERAL AID

FEDERAL AID

GRANTS

GRANTS

SCHOLARSHIPS

SCHOLARSHIPS

WORK STUDY

WORK STUDY

LOANS

LOANS

Let’s start by thinking through the basics. What resources do you currently have to pay for your degree?

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 you're 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 college or other organizations. Scholarships can be need- or merit-based, so be sure to apply for the ones you qualify for.
UA alone offers more than $32 million in scholarships and awards each year.2 Through your UA application, you will automatically be considered for the Akron Guarantee Scholarship and the Akron Public Schools’ Innovation Generation Scholarship.
 
You can apply separately for other scholarships through UA—along with 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 you're determined eligible, UA’s Office of Student Financial Aid will send an award notification with instructions to secure a work-study position.
 
If you don't qualify for work study, explore our student job board of on- and off-campus work 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. We're here to help you navigate those options.
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 »

APPLY TO UA

You’re ready to move forward with getting the most value for your tuition dollars. Follow UA’s seven steps to applying for aid in the year leading up to college. First, though, remember to apply to UA.

Contact the Office of Student Financial Aid with questions anytime.

Apply Now »