Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I apply for aid at UNO?
Applying for aid can be an easy process. The key is to know the steps and meet the deadlines. More Information

Am I eligible?

To be eligible for Federal Student Financial Aid at UNO, you must:

• Be a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen.
• Be accepted for admission and admitted to an eligible degree-seeking or certificate-seeking program at UNO.
• Be enrolled for at least the minimum course load required for the requested aid program. All loan programs require an enrollment of at least halftime. Audit classes do not count.
• Meet and maintain all requirements under the UNO Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy.
• Not be in default on a prior student loan or owe a repayment on any Title IV aid.
• Be registered for Selective Service if you are a male at least 18 years old who was born after January 1, 1979.

How do you determine my financial need?
Financial Aid is awarded to fill the gap between the cost of attending the University and the resources available to you (the student). In accordance with federal regulations, we use the following formula:

Cost of Attendance

- minus Expected Parental Contribution
- minus Expected Student Contribution
- minus Other Available Resources
= equals Financial Need

What is your privacy policy?
Why can't the Office of Student Financial Aid tell your spouse, parents, or outside agencies what kind of aid you've been awarded? The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (a.k.a. the Buckley Amendment) limits the access, without express written consent from the student, of any outside person or agency to a student's educational records. A student may, however, bring along a spouse/parent, etc. when coming to the office for appointments or to ask questions.

What is satisfactory academic progress?
Students must be in "good standing" academically, and enrolled in an eligible curriculum. Students must also maintain a cumulative overall GPA level and a total earned hours/pursued hours ratio in accordance within the set standards in order to retain their financial aid eligibility. The SAP Policy is in the process of being revised for the 2005-2006 academic year.
More information

Where can I find answers to my other questions?
Each student is assigned a financial aid counselor (based on the first letter of the student's last name) for assistance with the application and award process. Answers to most common questions can be found on a number of sites. Take a look at the Glossary for definition of the most commonly used Financial Aid terms, or visit useful links for additional resources.

• Email:
  Staff email listing
• By Phone:
  Our front counter staff can answer most general questions. They can not answer any questions specific to you. You can call (504) 280-6603. For specific questions contact your assigned counselor.
• In-Person:
  You may make an appointment with your counselor by calling (504/280-6603) or stopping by the office ( Administration Building , Room 1005). Appointments are available on a walk-in basis Monday and Wednesday ( 8:30 AM - 11:30 AM ) and Tuesday and Thursday ( 12:30 PM - 3:30 PM )