Financial Aid Application Information

Most financial aid at the University of Rhode Island is awarded to students on the basis of demonstrated financial need. To determine financial need, the University employs the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA): www.fafsa.ed.gov, which calculates the expected family contribution (EFC).

At the time your financial aid application was reviewed, you were considered for all types of financial assistance: grants, loans, and employment. The composition of your financial aid package was determined by taking into consideration the total number of financial aid applications, the available funds, your financial need, the date of your application, your preference for specific types of aid and, for entering students, your date of admission. Note that we expect your family to bear primary responsibility for financing your college education.

Fill Out a FAFSA

Your first step is to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), regardless of your family's financial status. Your FAFSA information determines your eligibility for a broad range of financial aid. Even if you do not have financial need according to your FAFSA results, everyone qualifies for some form of financial aid. To assist you in filing your FAFSA for 2013-14, please view this tutorial: 7 Easy Steps To The FAFSA 2013-14

IRS Data Retrieval Option for 2013-14 FAFSA

Beginning mid-February of 2013, you will be able to select the IRS Data Retrieval option for your 2013-14 FAFSA. We strongly recommend that parents and students select this option during the initial filing or when subsequent corrections are made to a 2013-14 FAFSA application. This option will streamline and expedite the processing of your financial aid application. Watch a video explaining this option:

In order to successfully use the IRS Data Retrieval option, you must have:

a federal tax return filed with the IRS,
a valid Social Security number,
a Federal Aid Personal Identification Number (PIN), and
an unchanged marital status since December 31, 2012.

Federal PIN: For parents or students without a Federal Aid PIN, you will be prompted to apply for one during the FAFSA application process: www.pin.ed.gov The PIN will also help you (student or parent) electronically sign the FAFSA.

FAFSA Corrections Important Note: We know that many parents of our undergraduate students will not have their federal tax returns completed by the priority application deadline of March 1. They may use "estimated income" information on the initial FAFSA. These families will be able to use the IRS Data Retrieval process once their tax returns are completed. If on the FAFSA you listed your tax filing status as “Will File” because you had not yet filed a tax return, please remember to use the FAFSA Corrections process at: www.fafsa.ed.gov and change this status to “Already Completed,” update all relevant income fields to your FAFSA, and select the IRS Data Retrieval option once you have actually submitted a federal tax return to the IRS. Then you should resubmit your FAFSA. Remember-using accurate FAFSA information will result in a more accurate Financial Aid Award!

According to the IRS:

Electronically filed tax return information will be available online from the IRS site in 2-3 weeks after the return has been filed
Data from paper tax returns will be available in 8-11 weeks

Unfortunately, the Data Retrieval Process cannot be used in the following circumstances and the applicant will have to submit a Tax Return Transcript (How to order a Tax Transcript) if selected for verification:

When paper FAFSA is completed
Filed “Married Filing Separately” return
Filed “Amended” return
Filed “Foreign” return
Marital status changed after December 31
Applicant has made changes to IRS Data Retrieval information on FAFSA

Priority Deadlines

If you submit your FAFSA by the priority deadline of March 1, you increase the likelihood that you will receive grants and/or scholarships that do not have to be repaid. While gift aid is the most desirable type of aid, some funds may be limited. Once funds allocated for the year have been exhausted, no more awards can be made, even though you may be eligible. You may apply for other sources of financial aid, such as the Federal Pell Grant and direct subsidized and unsubsidized loans, throughout the academic year.

School Code: 003414

Be sure your completed FAFSA includes the University of Rhode Island Federal School Code 003414. The federal processor uses the code to send the University your FAFSA results, on which your financial aid eligibility is determined.

Renewal of Awards

Financial aid is awarded annually, and you must reapply each year. The amount you receive each year can vary according to your financial need, the number of needy students, and the availability of funds. The recommended filing date is each January/ February.

*Awards Are Subject to Change.
Offers of aid are extended on the assumption that the programs will be continued and that sufficient funds will be appropriated by the U.S. Congress. If, for some reason, one or both of these conditions are not met, it might become necessary to withdraw or alter the aid offer. If this should become necessary, you will be notified.

**You will be required to repay any amount you are over awarded
An over award occurs when your total resources exceed your financial need. You should understand that the University reserves the right to adjust, both in type and amount, any financial aid award for which it is responsible.

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News

Attention: Summer 2013 billing invoices will be mailed the week of May 20 and payment will be due by June 13. Students are encouraged to view their billing statements online via e-Campus and use our online payment portal at www.uri.edu/es to pay their balance.

Attention: Please be sure your completed FAFSA includes the University of Rhode Island Federal School Code 003414.