Utica University's F. Eugene Romano Hall

Financial Aid Services

Directory
Student Success
Financial Aid Services

Financial Aid Services for Current Students

Federal School Code: 002883
NYS Residents Tuition Assistant Program (TAP) Code: 1022

GRADGUARD TUITION INSURANCE
Your College Investment is Worth Protecting

Important information:

Please Note: Credit card transactions using the University's online payment form incur a 2.95% processing fee. The processing fee for international credit cards is 4.25%.

These fees are charged by the credit card issuers. The University does not retain any of these funds. There are no processing fees for making payments online by ACH, mailing a check to Student Success, or paying by cash in person.

For details, please read the Credit Card processing fee memo, under "Important Messages", below.

Enroll in the payment plan:

Go to www.utica.edu/studentaccount and then click Payment Plans on the left side.

Waive Health Insurance Fee:

If you have your own health plan or are fully covered under a parent/guardian health insurance plan, you can waive coverage at: utica.edu/health-waiver

(NOTE: You will be asked to upload an image (back/front) of your health insurance card to the Student Health Insurance Waiver portal. Please ensure that the image file size is less than 2MB.)

Apply for TAP:

To receive TAP funding, all students who are New York State residents need to apply:

Apply for TAP

Submit Your FAFSA:

Go to https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa to complete your application for aid.

Accept/Decline Federal Financial Aid:

If you have been awarded federal financial aid:

Log into your account at bannerweb.utica.edu to accept or decline the aid
Authorize the use of federal title IV funds at utica.edu/titleiv

PLUS Loan:

After accepting in BANNER, parents must go into studentaid.gov using FSID and password to apply for parent loan. If approved, please complete the MPN immediately.

Complete Agreement and Counseling for Federal Loans:

Students accepting federal loans for the first time must complete both a Master Promissory Note (MPN) and the online Entrance Counseling at: studentaid.gov. All students who accept loans must complete Exit Counseling upon completion of degree or failing to attend at least half time.

Complete the Student Account Consent Form:

Consent Form

Learn more about:

SUCCESS COACH DIRECTORY

See full listing on the Student Success landing page:

Student Success

AID COUNSELOR DIRECTORY

SCHOOL OF ARTS AND SCIENCES

Alyssa Schleicher
Financial Aid Counselor
315-792-3174
Email Alyssa
Make an Appointment

SCHOOL OF BUSINESS AND JUSTICE STUDIES

Angela L. Fistick
Financial Aid Counselor
315-792-3340
Email Angela
Make an Appointment

SCHOOL OF HEALTH PROFESSIONS AND EDUCATION

Rob Juteau
Financial Aid Counselor
315-732-3079
Email Rob
Make an Appointment

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY, PHYSICAL THERAPY, and ABSN

Christina Kallasy
Financial Aid Counselor
315-792-3179
Email Christina
Make an Appointment

STUDENTS UTILIZING VETERAN'S BENEFITS

Ryan Dembrow
Financial Aid Counselor
315-792-3008
Email Ryan
Make an Appointment

GENERAL QUESTIONS

Jamie Barcomb-Busansky
Director of Financial Aid
315-223-2494
Email Jamie
Make an Appointment

Sue Boucher
Director of Student Accounts (Student Billing Questions)
315-792-3766
Email Sue

How To Apply

While it is important to consider the exceptional value of continuing your education at Utica University, it is also necessary for many prospective students to consider the cost.

We firmly believe that a lack of financial resources should never be an obstacle to the pursuit of higher learning. That is why Utica University is committed to providing greater educational opportunity through financial aid in a variety of forms.

Your application

When you apply for financial aid at Utica University, your request is treated with fairness and confidentiality. A financial aid counselor will work closely with you to help you take full advantage of the resources available to you through:

Direct aid from Utica University
Federal and state grants
Scholarships
Student employment opportunities
Student loans

Scholarships, grants, and awards

Utica offers access to a broad range of scholarships, including direct aid from the University, endowed grants, and annual awards. Eligibility is determined on the basis of your financial aid application.

Learn More

Typical aid packages

Want to see how financial aid has helped students reach their educational goals?

Net Price Calculator

Applying for financial aid

Submit your free financial aid application online through the FAFSA Web site.

To apply for Summer semester financial aid, click here.

International Students

Limited financial assistance is available for non-U.S. citizens. These grants, awarded on the basis of outstanding academic achievement, range from $2,000 to $12,000 per year and do not require a separate application. Private loans are available to students with either a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident as a co-signer. Limited student worker positions are also available on campus.

For more information

Want to know more about scholarships and financial aid? Check out these convenient online resources:

See also our Financial Aid FAQ section, below (under "More Resources").

You may be selected for a process called verification by the Department of Education. If selected, Utica University will notify you via email to create/access your student portal at utica.studentforms.com to complete/upload required documents.

For Parents:

You may be requested to verify/cosign information for your student during the verification process. You will receive a notification to your email from your student to create/access the parent portal at utica.studentforms.com. Please note that the portal link is time sensitive.

Log in to Bannerweb
Then click, "Financial Aid">"Award">and then "Award for Aid Year"
Select the upcoming Academic Year and submit
Select the "Accept Award Offer" tab and follow the instructions.

Please keep in mind, if you do not have a Master Promissory Note (MPN) or Entrance Counseling on file for your Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans, you will have to complete them or the loans will not disburse to your account. To complete the Master Promissory Note and Entrance Counseling, go to studentaid.gov.

Federal regulations allow limited exceptions or adjustments to information reported on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Such exceptions or adjustments, known as “Special Circumstances” or “Professional Judgment,” are considered on a case-by-case basis based on supporting documentation of your circumstances. Students who feel they may have a circumstance that may possibly affect their financial aid package have the option to appeal their award. There are two separate circumstances that may allow a student to appeal their financial aid:

Special Circumstances refer to financial situations that have changed since the FAFSA was filed. Examples may include:
- Significant loss of income due to termination or change in employment
- High medical expenses that exceed 11% of the tax-filer’s adjusted gross income (AGI) not otherwise paid by insurance or others
- Unexpected life events:
  - divorce or separation
  - death of household income-earner
  - changes to household income (either taxed, untaxed, reoccurring, or one-time/lump sum income)
- High educational expenses
  - computer expenses required for degree program
    - Allowable expenses include the purchase cost of a computer, printer, and other necessary software and supplies as long as the expenses are incurred no earlier than 100 days prior to the beginning of the academic year. A maximum of $2500 in computer expenses will be considered once per degree level. The equipment must be purchased in advance and appropriate documentation provided to the Financial Aid Office before any adjustments can be considered.
  - Extreme commuting expenses required for commute to or from classes, off campus learning sites, or internships
    - A student must provide documentation using a recognized mapping website of roundtrip mileage to and from the student’s home campus, or similar documentation of such costs. A letter from the student’s advisor or supervisor is required with dates of travel and location if the request is related to non-classwork, required experiential learning site, or an internship. Purchase of a vehicle, auto loan payments, insurance, license, registration, and general car maintenance cannot and will not be considered.
  - High family expenses
    - In calculating a student’s Cost of Attendance, federal regulations permit the Financial Aid Office to include an allowance based on expenses incurred for dependent care. The period of time for which the dependent care expenses are incurred must be directly related to the time needed for the student to pursue their education. The dependent must have been included in the student’s number in household on the FAFSA.
  - Corrections to income information reported on financial aid application, etc.
Professional Judgements refer to conditions where a student’s dependency status may be affected based on a unique situation
- Human trafficking
- Refugee or asylee status
- Parental abandonment, abuse, neglect or incarceration, etc. This type of professional judgment is also referred to as a dependency override.

If a student feels they may qualify for one or both of the above circumstances, they can submit a letter of appeal to the Center for Student Success by email to finaid@utica.edu. All correspondence from our office will be through email from the SFS@utica.edu or finaid@utica.edu official University accounts.

The student will then be notified via email on how to proceed with the appeal process. Once all requested documentation has been received, the Appeals Committee will review a student’s appeal and the student will be notified of a decision via email. Please be aware that any decisions could take up to two (2) weeks after all requested documentation has been received by the committee. Please be aware that appeal reviews do not necessarily guarantee a change in financial aid. Whether any adjustments are made is at the sole discretion of the Office of Financial Aid, and cannot be appealed beyond.

REFUND POLICIES

Refund Policy for Main Campus Students

The date on which a student notifies the Office of the Registrar of his or her complete withdrawal in writing will be used as the basis for determining tuition refund. There is no rebate applicable to deferred fees or other fees. (See also "Housing Policy" in the student handbook). The following refund schedule applies only to the standard fall and spring terms for complete withdrawal from the college.

Please be aware – Programs with earlier start dates will not follow this refund schedule. Please refer to your department for exact dates. This may affect any financial aid and the billing statements. Any concerns, please contact a Financial Aid Counselor in the Center for Student Success at 315.792.3179 or finaid@utica.edu.

Refund Schedule:

Tuition
On or before the scheduled drop/add deadline for the term: 100%
through the 7 days following drop/add deadline for the term: 90%
through the 14 days following drop/add deadline for the term: 50%
through the 24 days following drop/add deadline for the term: 25%

Thereafter, no refund will be given.

Room and Board
Pro-rated through the end of Week 2. No Refund after the end of Week 2

If you have questions about withdrawing from campus housing, please contact Student Living and Campus Engagement.

Refund Policy for Online Campus (D and DG) Students

The date on which a student notifies the Office of the Registrar of his or her complete withdrawal in writing will be used as the basis for determining tuition refund. Please refer to your department for exact dates. The student will need to contact his or her Financial Aid counselor to discuss the financial implications of the withdrawal. The student may need to receive an official withdrawal code from the counselor to complete the process.

Tuition and Fees:

100% refund on or before the scheduled drop/add deadline for the period of enrollment (up until midnight EST)

0% refund after the scheduled drop/add deadline for the period of enrollment

Please be aware:

If withdrawing from only D1, the student is required to provide a written statement to the college indicating their intent to attend the future class within that term.
If you are attempting to withdraw from the entire semester and you are using financial aid, it will be beneficial for you to first drop your D2 course and on the following day you can withdraw from your D1 course.

Any concerns, please contact a Financial Aid Counselor in the Center for Student Success at 315.792.3179 or finaid@utica.edu.

Refund Policy for Undergraduate Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) Students

The date on which a student notifies the Office of the Registrar of his or her complete withdrawal in writing will be used as the basis for determining tuition refund. Please refer to your department for exact dates. The student will need to contact his or her Financial Aid counselor to discuss the financial implications of the withdrawal. The student may need to receive an official withdrawal code from the counselor to complete the process.

Tuition and Fees:

100% refund on or before the scheduled drop/add deadline for the period of enrollment (up until midnight EST)

0% after the scheduled drop/add deadline for the period of enrollment

Please be aware – this may affect any financial aid and the billing statements. Any concerns, please contact a Financial Aid Counselor in the Center for Student Success at 315.792.3179 or finaid@utica.edu.

Refund Policy for Summer Session*

The date on which a student notifies the Office of the Registrar of his or her complete withdrawal in writing will be used as the basis for determining tuition refund.

100% refund on or before the scheduled drop/add deadline for the specific session for period of enrollment (up until midnight EST)
0% after the scheduled drop/add deadline.

Students who receive Financial Aid* - Changes in enrollment may affect your financial aid and cause out of pocket payments. Any questions or concerns can be directed to the Center for Student Success at 315-792-3179 or finaid@utica.edu.

Billing Policies / Procedures

Here is some useful information on billing/tuition policies and procedures. If you have any questions or need help with your account please stop by the Center for Student Success or contact us today.

Course Load / Tuition Policy
To be full time, main campus undergraduate students must be registered for at least 12 credit hours with a maximum of 19 hours for all majors. For each credit hour above this limit, students will be charged a per credit hour rate.

Undergraduate, main campus students who are carrying less than 12 hours are charged at a per credit hour rate.

For information on the tuition refund schedule, see Student Accounts, above.

Bills
When your bill is ready for viewing, you will be notified in your Utica email.

Student Account Login
To view your bill and for secure access to your account, click here.

Options Include:

Direct Payments

If, after viewing your billing statement, you would prefer to make a payment directly to Utica University, we offer two payment options. To view your billing statement and access our payment site, please

Visit www.utica.edu/studentaccount
Login with your Utica email address and password if prompted.

Payment in Full

If you choose to pay your balance in full, please click on Make Payment located the first box on the left side of your payment screen.

International Students

You can pay your balance using our Flywire International Payment Portal. For information on how to use the portal, please see this brief instruction manual.

Enroll in the Payment Plan

Main Campus Undergraduate Students
For the Fall semester - enrolling in our payment plan allows you to pay the Fall semester balance over a period of five (5) months. When you enroll in the payment plan, you will be required to make an initial down payment of the total amount due for the Fall semester on or before July 1. The amount will be calculated on the total charges less Financial Aid as of the date of your enrollment. The remaining Fall balance is due in additional installments as follows: July 1, August 1, September 1, October 1, and November 1.

For the Spring semester - enrolling in the payment plan allows you to pay the semester balance over a period of five (5) months. When you enroll in the payment plan, you will be required to make an initial down payment of the total amount due on or before January 2. The remaining Spring balance is due in additional installments as follows: January 2, February 2, March 2, April 2, and May 2.

Please note there is a $75 enrollment fee per semester for the payment plan. Enrollment in the Payment Plan is available by logging in to your student account.
Online Students
Utica College offers a payment plan for online students who take classes year round (Summer, Fall Spring) in 4 installments for each semester enrolled.
Summer semester - the payment plan due dates are as follows: May 1, June 1, July 1 and August 1.
Fall semester - the payment plan due dates are as follows: August 2, September 2, October 2 and November 2.
Spring semester - the payment plan due dates are as follows: January 2, February 2, March 2, April 2.
If the balance is not paid by the last payment due date for the semester, the student will be charged a $50 late fee.

Enrollment in the Payment Plan is available by logging in to your student account.
Ground Grad Students
Fall

Payment for the Fall semester is due in full on July 1. If enrolling in the payment plan, the payment plan due dates are as follows: June 1, July 1, August 1, September 1, October 1 and November 1.

Spring - Payment for the Spring semester is due in full on or before January 2. If enrolling in the payment plan, the payment plan due dates are as follows: December 2, January 2, February 2, March 2, April 2, and May 2.
Please note there is a $75 enrollment fee per semester for the payment plan.
Enrollment in the Payment Plan is available by logging in to your student account.

Loan Options

Parent (PLUS) Loan

A Parent (PLUS) Loan is a federal loan that is available to parents of dependent, undergraduate students. The PLUS loan is taken out for both the Fall and Spring semester and is in the parent’s name.

If you would like to apply for a Parent PLUS Loan, please visit www.studentaid.gov to complete an application. Please be advised, only one application may be submitted and changes cannot be made to an application after its submission. If you would like to make changes to the Parent (PLUS) Loan, please contact your Financial Aid Counselor.

A credit check is required for a Parent (PLUS) loan. You will receive notification of approval shortly after you submit the application. If the Parent (PLUS) Loan is not approved, the parent can

appeal the decision with the Direct Loan Program Center, or
obtain a creditworthy endorser (by completing an addendum online at www.studentaid.gov, or
the student can choose to take out an additional Federal Unsubsidized Loan up to $ 4,000 for the academic year.

Grad (PLUS) Loan

A Grad (PLUS) Loan is a federal loan that is available to graduate students. The Grad (PLUS) Loan is taken out for the entire academic year (Summer/Fall/Spring, if applicable).

If you would like to apply for a Grad (PLUS) Loan, please visit www.studentaid.gov to complete an application. Please be advised, only one application may be submitted and changes cannot be made to an application after its submission. If you would like to make changes to the Grad (PLUS) Loan, please contact your Financial Aid Counselor.

A credit check is required for a Grad (PLUS) loan. You will receive notification of approval shortly after you submit the application. If the Grad (PLUS) Loan is not approved, you have the option to appeal this decision with the Direct Loan Program Center or obtain a credit worthy endorser. If you chose the endorser option, they will need to complete an addendum online at www.studentaid.gov.

Private/Alternative Education Loan

An Alternative Education Loan is an education loan in the student’s name. It is not a guaranteed federal loan and must go through an approval process that usually requires a creditworthy co-signer. We encourage you to research various private loans. New York State provides a useful private loan comparison tool at www.utica.edu/loan-compare.

Once you have decided on a loan product you should apply directly through the lender. Borrowers will be required to submit several time-sensitive disclosures back to lenders as part of the loan process. It is important to carefully read all of the communication sent to you electronically or by mail from Utica University and your alternative loan lender. Like the (PLUS) Loan, the Private/Alternative Education Loan is taken out for the Fall and Spring semesters.

Serving Those Who Serve

Utica University was founded in 1946 as Utica College principally to serve veterans returning from the battlefields of World War II, and we are proud to continue our tradition of service to veterans and active military personnel.

For the most complete and updated information about Veterans Benefits, please visit:

Veterans at Utica

Requests for Book Line of Credit (BLOC) will only be available on Bannerweb. Paper requests are now a thing of the past!

You may go online to submit a request up to a max of $1,500.00.

To submit a request please log on to http://bannerweb.utica.edu/ and follow the steps below:

Enter your username and password
Click "Student Services"
Click "Book Line of Credit"
Enter the amount needed and click submit.

Important:

Once it has been approved, you will receive an email. In addition, bannerweb will show the status of the request.

Please note, in order for a BLOC request to be approved, you must have completed all necessary financial aid paperwork. This will include:

verification,
loans approved with completed MPN,
Approved TAP application (verified with NYS HESC), and
an expected credit balance for the semester that will support the amount being requested.

If you have any questions, please contact your Financial Aid Counselor.

ACCES-VR

Adult Career and Continuing Education Services-Vocational Rehabilitation

Application Procedure

Students with disabilities may obtain a list of local ACCES-VR offices from their state’s education office.

Selection of Recipients and allocation of awards. Eligibility for vocational rehabilitation services is based upon:

the presence of a physical or mental disability that for the individual constitutes or results in a substantial handicap to employment; and
the reasonable expectation that vocational rehabilitation services may benefit the individual in terms of employability.

Students may receive services including, but not limited to, counseling and guidance, evaluation of vocational potential, physical and mental restoration services, transportation, placement assistance and instruction, and training including that given at institutions of higher education.

The ACCES-VR office will consider college training for students when an appropriate specified vocational goal requiring this level of training has been established through the counseling and planning process between the eligible disabled individual and his or her vocational rehabilitation counselor. The training may involve full- or part-time study at the baccalaureate level leading to a degree or certificate. Training costs at institutions of higher education may be paid through the vocational rehabilitation program only after efforts have been made to secure grant assistance to cover these costs in whole or in part from other sources.

ACCES-VR policy established a maximum payment toward tuition for students in any one academic year. In some cases, students are required to share the expenses of college training according to the general ACCES-VR economic need
policy.

Students should send the Center for Student Success a statement indicating total benefits ACCES-VR will cover.

Meal plans for commuter / off-campus students are now available through Banner. Students can choose between four different plan options. Here is how to sign up:

Log in to BannerWeb
Click "Student Services"
Click "Commuter Meal Plan Application"
Select the Term and click "Submit"
Select the meal plan option you prefer and click "Submit"

Your selection will be charged directly to your Student Account.

Please note: Deadline for completing your meal plan selection for Fall is October 1.

More Resources

Consent Forms:

Initiate E-Consent Forms
Initiate Title IV (Student) Authorization

Other important forms and resources:

Master Promissory Note and Entrance Counseling Instructions
Federal Direct Loans (Subsidized/Unsubsidized)
(See below)

Complete Exit Counseling for Federal Loans

Master Promissory Note Instructions
Federal Direct Parent PLUS
(See below)

Master Promissory Note and Entrance Counseling Instructions
Federal Direct Grad PLUS
(See below)

Summer financial aid application

Find other Frequently Used Forms at Utica's Current Students page.

Eligible educational institutions, such as Utica University, file Form 1098-T for each student they enroll and for whom a reportable transaction is made.

For more information about the 1098-T:

IRS Form 1098-T

Students can log onto bannerweb to view Form 1098-T online.

Log into bannerweb.utica.edu
Click on the squares in the top left and then the Banner menu item.
Ciick Student Services, then Student Account.
And click Tax Notification (1098-T).
Choose the tax year and a digital version of the tax form will be displayed.

Useful Web Sites

Filling out a FAFSA (on the Web)

FAFSA on the Web - form and instructions
(Federal school code: 002883)
www.fafsa.gov

Create a New Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID
https://studentaid.gov/fsa-id/create-account/launch

Applying Aid to your Account

MPN (Master Promissory Note) and Entrance/Exit Counseling
https://studentaid.gov

NYS Tap Application
https://hesc.ny.gov
(undergraduate TAP code 1022)

Title IV Authorization
www.utica.edu/titleiv

Other Useful Web sites

Add or Waive Health Insurance
https://www.utica.edu/health-waiver
You are automatically billed for Utica University's Health insurance, but if you have your own insurance you may request a health insurance waiver. If approved, a health insurance waiver will be applied to your account.

A health insurance waiver request can be completed July 13 through September 15 for the fall semester.

Completing Consent Form
www.utica.edu/consent
Completing the consent form can give you access to discuss your account over the phone in greater detail. You can add parents/legal guardians as well giving them full access to discuss your student account. Keep in mind we cannot discuss any information over the phone without verifying the student or the parent due to Federal regulations.

Federal Student Aid Estimator
https://studentaid.gov/aid-estimator/
Estimate your federal financial aid, your student aid index (SAI), and your financial need using this free federal student aid estimator.

The Financial Aid Information Page
www.finaid.org
The smart student guide to financial aid. This website offers comprehensive information about financial aid, advice and tools.

US Dept of Education Student Financial Assistance – The Student Guide
https://studentaid.gov
Federal Student Aid is an office of the U.S. department of Education. Get all the up to date information on financial aid needed to make it as easy as possible to get what you need for higher education.

US Dept of Labor
https://www.bls.gov
Comprehensive information regarding labor market activity, working conditions, and price changes in the economy.

New York State Higher Education Services Corp (NYHESC)
www.hesc.ny.gov

College Opportunities
http://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/

NY College Savings Program
https://www.nysaves.org/

Guide for International Students
www.edupass.org

NYS Financial Aid Information
www.nysfaaa.org

NYS ACCES-VR information
http://www.acces.nysed.gov/vr

US Veterans Administration
http://www.va.gov

College Opportunities

AmeriCorps Education
http://www.americorps.gov/

College Board On-Line
https://www.collegeboard.org

Scholarship Search

You can search for scholarships from outside sources and Utica University endowed scholarships (please note that endowed scholarships are available to students after they complete a full year at Utica University) at utica.scholarshipuniverse.com/public Simply answer questions, and Scholarship Universe will give you a list of scholarships you might be eligible for.

Please visit the following link from Utica University for further information on possible scholarship options which may be available
https://www.utica.edu/tuition-and-financial-aid/understanding-financial-aid

Note: Aid/Funding may not be available each year. Check each link individually for all details pertaining to possible scholarship information.

General Questions

Q: How do I apply for aid?

Your first step is to fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Federal School Code: 002883 To save time it's best to gather necessary documents/information before you begin. For the upcoming school year, you are going to need records of income earned the year prior. You will need to refer to:

Social Security Number
Driver's license
W-2 Forms and other records of money earned
Your (and spouse's if you are married) Federal Income Tax Return from the previous year: 1040, 1040A, 1040EZ, 1040Telefile, etc.
Your parent's Federal Income Tax Return (if you are a dependent student)
Untaxed income records such as Social Security, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families, Welfare, Veterans Benefits Records
Your current and previous year bank statements
Your current and previous year business and investment mortgage information, business and farm records, stock, bond, other investment records
Your alien registration card if not a US citizen

You will also need to refer to specific codes for applications, including the federal school code 002883 for all students. The New York State TAP code for an undergraduate student is 1022. While filling out all forms, remember to read the fine print!

Q: What is a FAFSA?

FAFSA is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

Types of federal student aid include:

Federal Pell Grants
Federal Direct Student Loans
Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loans (Loans to Parents)
Campus-based Programs
- Supplemental Education Opportunity Grants (SEOG)
- Federal Work Study (FWS)

Utica University’s Federal School Code is 002883.

Q: Where can I complete a FAFSA?

Quickest, easiest method for completing your FAFSA is by applying online and finding tips at https://fafsa.gov

Q: When should I file my FAFSA?

New applicants should file their FAFSA before March 1.

Returning students must file a FAFSA before April 1.

Complete your FAFSA application at https://fafsa.gov

Q: After I file my FAFSA, what is the next step?

Once your FAFSA is processed by Federal Student Aid a copy is sent to Utica University.

You will also receive an electronic report called a FAFSA Submission Summary. Each family is different, so your FAFSA Submission Summary will be different than your classmates’ reports.

Notification that the FAFSA Submission Summary is available will go to the student’s email address that was reported on the FAFSA. (Be sure to check the SPAM folder too.)

Learn more at: https://studentaid.gov/apply-for-aid/fafsa/review-and-correct/fafsa-submission-summary

Q: Are there other forms I need to fill out?

If you live in New York State, you'll want to fill out a Tuition Assistance Program or TAP form. For undergraduate students the TAP code is 1022.

For application and more information: hesc.ny.gov

Also, the Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP) is available for New York State students. HEOP is intended for full-time students who have a family history of educational and economic disadvantage.

Learn more: Higher Education Opportunity Program

A similar program, Collegiate Science and Technology Program or C-STEP, is also available to disadvantage students who enroll in specific programs of study.

Learn more: Collegiate Science and Technology Program

Q: My FAFSA Submission Summary indicates I have been selected for verification. What does this mean?

The Department of Education randomly selects students to have their FAFSA information verified by the school.

If your FAFSA Submission Summary states you have been selected for verification, Utica University will notify the student via email to create/access their student portal at utica.studentforms.com to complete/upload required documents.

Learn more at: https://finaid.org/fafsa/verification/

Q: Do I have to reapply for financial aid every year?

Yes, you must file the FAFSA every year. A new FAFSA is available after January 1st. Learn more: www.fafsa.gov

Q: How can I check the status of my FAFSA application?

At any point during the processing period, go to www.fafsa.gov and use your PIN to check the status of your application or a correction that you made:

Click on "Start Here"
Enter your login information and PIN

Q: Are there special instructions for students with divorced parents?

Yes, if the student’s parents are divorced, separated, or never married and do not live together, the parent who provided more financial support during the last 12 months is the contributor and must provide their information. If both parents provided an exact equal amount of financial support or if they do not support you financially the parent with the greater income and assets is the contributor and must provide their information.

For more information, visit the https://studentaid.gov/apply-for-aid/fafsa/filling-out/parent-info.

Q: What about bankruptcy?

An entire section of Financial Aid is devoted to the topic of Bankruptcy and Financial Aid. It discusses both whether student loans can be discharged by bankruptcy, as well as the impact of a bankruptcy on eligibility for student aid.

For more information, visit: Bankruptcy and Financial Aid section at FinAid.org.

Utica University Financial Aid

Q: Does Utica University require the CSS profile?

No, we do not require the CSS Profile. At Utica University, we strive to keep the aid process as simple as possible. The only form you must file is the FAFSA. However, you may be asked to provide documentation of your income to Utica University if you are selected for verification.

Q: How is my eligibility for financial aid determined?

Determining a student’s eligibility for need-based financial aid is a complex process. The first step is completing the FAFSA form.

Many factors are considered. Some factors include income, family size, and assets. Once the FAFSA is processed a Student Aid Index (SAI) is reported to the schools the student listed on their FAFSA as well as their FAFSA Submission Summary. The SAI determines the maximum amount of need-based aid a college is allowed to offer a student.

Learn more at: https://studentaid.gov/help-center/answers/article/what-is-sai

Q: Besides Federal and State aid, is there any other aid available?

A variety of scholarships and grants are available at Utica University to assist students and their families with educational costs. Most recipients must be full-time matriculated undergraduate students. Students who wish to be considered for need-based scholarships must have completed all required financial aid forms. The University also provides grant funds annually to students on the basis of financial need and academic promise who are matriculated on a full-time basis. University scholarships are offered to full-time freshmen upon admission to the University. Awards are made on the basis of academic and personal achievements.

Utica University does offer academic achievement awards. Your eligibility for these awards is evaluated during your application process. Students will be evaluated according to their academic record (grade, rank in class, standardized tests, recommendations, community service, etc.) and personal achievements. Other than your admissions application, no further documentation is required to apply for these awards.

For more information contact the Center for Student Success at (315) 792-3179 or finaid@utica.edu. Aid may also be available for half time, transfer, international, continuing education, and graduate students.

Q: Does Utica University offer athletic scholarships?

No. Utica College is recognized by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) as a Division III school and does not offer scholarships based upon participation in sports or athletic ability.

Q: Does Utica University have scholarships for international students?

A limited amount of financial aid is available for international students and is awarded on the basis of academic achievement.

Learn more: Financial Aid for International Students

Q: Will I get the same amount of financial aid every year?

Although not guaranteed, Utica Uniersity expects to continue to offer aid throughout the student's education, provided that the student continues to demonstrate need, applies by the deadlines, and meets the academic achievement standards required.

Q: Do I have to maintain a certain GPA to keep my financial aid?

All students are expected to meet academic standards in order to receive need-based aid after their first semester of enrollment. Those standards are outlined in the Utica University Undergraduate Catalog. Merit-based scholarships may require a higher GPA to maintain eligibility; however, you will be informed of the requirements when the scholarship is granted.

Q: Will my financial aid cover the entire cost of my education?

Utica University has a strong commitment to financial aid and we assist students to the best of our capability and resources. This commitment does not, however, guarantee that the entire cost of your education will be covered with financial aid. In order to make the best decision about college, we suggest that you review your financial aid package and compare it with the cost of attendance at Utica University. Any difference between the cost of attendance and financial aid will be the approximate amount of money you will be expected to contribute toward your education. This amount may be more than the SAI outlined on your FAFSA.

Learn more: Cost of Attendance

Q: How will outside scholarships affect my aid at Utica University?

Outside scholarships/grants/tuition waivers, etc. must be accounted for in the aid package. In the event a student is aided and we then receive notice of an outside scholarship, the package needs to be adjusted. We want you to benefit from the other assistance. In most cases, if adjustments are necessary, we will replace your loan and/or federal work study before replacing any grants or scholarships from Utica University.

Q: Will I be receiving a financial aid package?

Accepted students should expect to receive their financial aid package after March 30th.

Returning students can expect their financial aid package at the end of June.

Q: What payment options are available to me?

Utica University offers several options for direct payments, payment plans, and PLUS loans. For details, see the section above on this page, under the heading "Payment Options".

Q: What is a PLUS loan and who is responsible for paying it back?

A PLUS loan is a federal loan that is available to parents of undergraduate students and students pursuing a graduate or professional degree who are attending school. The Parent PLUS loan is in the parent's name and and cannot be transferred to the student's name. A Graduate and Professional PLUS loan is in the student's name.

For details, see the section above on this page, under the heading "Payment Options".

Q: What is an alternative loan?

Alternative loans are available from private lending institutions. A student can take out an alternative loan, but the interest rate is generally higher than the interest rate on federal loans. In most cases, the lending institution will require a co-signer.

For details, see the section above on this page, under the heading "Payment Options".

Q: What is an origination fee?

An origination fee is a fee paid to government or lender to compensate for administering the loan. This fee is charged usually when the loan is disbursed – take this into consideration when applying for the amount for loan. Origination fees can be up to 4% of the loan amount.

Federal Direct Loan Instructions

Instructions for Master Promissory Notes, Entrance Counseling, and more.

Before receiving a Federal Direct Loan, students must complete both a Master Promissory Note and the online Entrance Counseling. The directions to complete both of these procedures are as follows:

STEP ONE: Obtain a Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID - This has replaced the Federal Student Aid PIN and must be used to log in to certain U.S. Department of Education websites: The student borrower will need the FSA ID, to electronically sign the Federal Direct Master Promissory Note. Your FSA ID – a user name and password- substitutes as your signature while signing online documents. If you do not have a Federal Student Aid ID, you can create one when logging in to studentaid.gov.

STEP TWO: To complete the Federal Direct Loan Master Promissory Note:

Log in to studentaid.gov (MPN must be completed in a single session)
Click on the link complete Master Promissory Note, then select Subsidized/Unsubsidized MPN
Provide your personal information
- Permanent Address
- Mailing Address (if different from permanent address)
- Telephone Number
- Email Address
School Name
Reference Information for two people with different U.S. addresses who have known you for at least 3 years. The first reference should be a parent or a legal guardian.
- Name of each reference
- Address of each reference
- Email address for each reference
- Telephone number of each reference
- Relationship of each reference to the student
Carefully read through the terms and conditions of the loan. Review, sign and submit. Print your Promissory Note for your own personal records.

STEP THREE: Complete Entrance Counseling: In order to receive a Federal Direct Subsidized/Unsubsidized Loan, the borrower must complete the online entrance for the loan at studentaid.gov by following the link Complete Entrance Counseling. You must complete the counseling in a single session. This process explains the responsibilities of taking out a loan.

Before receiving a Federal Direct PLUS (Parent Loan), the parent needs to complete a Master Promissory Note. The directions are as follows:

STEP ONE: Obtain a Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID - This has replaced the Federal Student Aid PIN and must be used to log in to certain U.S. Department of Education websites: The parent will need the FSA ID, to electronically sign the Federal Direct PLUS Master Promissory Note. Your FSA ID – a user name and password- substitutes as your signature while signing online documents. If you do not have a Federal Student Aid ID, you can create one when logging in to studentaid.gov.

STEP TWO: To complete the Federal Direct PLUS (Parent Loan) Master Promissory Note:

Log in to studentaid.gov (MPN must be completed in a single session)
Click on the link complete Master Promissory Note, then select PLUS MPN for parent
Provide personal information
- Permanent Address
- Mailing Address (if different from permanent address)
- Telephone Number
- Email Address
- Alien Registration Number (If you are an eligible non-citizen)
Employer Information
- Employer Name
- Employer Address
School Name
Reference Information for two people with different U.S. addresses who have known you for at least 3 years. You may not list the student for whom you are borrowing this loan.
- Name of each reference
- Address of each reference
- Email address for each reference
- Telephone number of each reference
- Relationship of each reference to the borrower
Student Information
- Student first name, middle initial and last name
- Student social security number
- Student date of birth
- Student address
- Student telephone number
Carefully read through the terms and conditions of the loan. Review, sign and submit. Print your Promissory Note for your own personal records.

Before receiving a Federal Direct Grad PLUS Loan, students must complete both a Master Promissory Note and the online Entrance Counseling. The directions to complete both of these procedures are as follows:

STEP ONE: Obtain a Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID - This has replaced the Federal Student Aid PIN and must be used to log in to certain U.S. Department of Education websites: The student borrower will need the FSA ID, to electronically sign the Federal Direct Grad PLUS Master Promissory Note. Your FSA ID – a user name and password- substitutes as your signature while signing online documents. If you do not have a Federal Student Aid ID, you can create one when logging in to studentaid.gov.

STEP TWO: To complete the Federal Direct Grad PLUS Loan Master Promissory Note:

Log in to studentaid.gov (MPN must be completed in a single session)
Click on the link complete Master Promissory Note, then select PLUS MPN for Graduate/Professional Students
Provide personal information
- Permanent Address
- Mailing Address (if different from permanent address)
- Telephone Number
- Email Address
Employer Information
- Employer Name
- Employer Address
School Name
Reference Information for two people with different U.S. addresses who have known you for at least 3 years. The first reference should be a parent or a legal guardian.
- Name of each reference
- Address of each reference
- Email address for each reference
- Telephone number of each reference
- Relationship of each reference to the student
Student Information
- Student first name, middle initial and last name
- Student social security number
- Student date of birth
- Student address
- Student telephone number
Carefully read through the terms and conditions of the loan. Review, sign and submit. Print your Promissory Note for your own personal records.

STEP THREE: Complete Entrance Counseling: In order to receive a Federal Direct Grad PLUS Loan, the borrower must complete the online entrance for the Grad PLUS at studentaid.gov by following the link Complete Entrance Counseling. You must complete the counseling in a single session. This process explains the responsibilities of taking out a Grad PLUS loan.

Important Messages

On December 2, 2019, changes occurred in how online credit card payments are processed.

All credit card payments made via the University’s web site are accompanied by processing fees charged by the card issuers. Up to now, Utica has not passed these fees along to students. However, as this type of payment has become more popular, the total cost of covering these fees is becoming unsustainable and could potentially impact the amount of resources available to support student learning initiatives, scholarships, and more.

As of Spring 2023, credit card transactions using the University’s online payment form incur a 2.85% processing fee for domestic card payments. The processing fee for international credit cards is 4.25%. The minimum service fee for card transactions over $20 and less than $106 will be $3.

Please note that these fees are charged by and returned directly to the credit card companies. The University does not retain any of these funds.

We understand the convenience of making online payments by credit card, and we support your ability to do so. This change will enable us to keep this option available to you and your family while helping to ensure that we can continue to fulfill our mission to provide you with the highest quality education at an affordable cost.

Note that there are no processing fees for paying online by ACH, mailing a check to the Center for Student Success, or paying by cash in person.

If you have any questions about this change, please contact finaid@utica.edu or (315) 792-3179.

Contact Us

Financial Aid

(315) 792-3179

finaid@utica.edu