Student Financial Assistance

The University of Hartford offers merit and need-based student financial assistance to eligible students to help defray their educational expenses. Students who wish to be considered for need-based financial aid must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Amounts of the awards vary and depend upon the student’s demonstrated financial need, as well as fund availability. Need is determined by subtracting the Expected Family Contribution (determined by using Federal Methodology, as administered by the U.S. Department of Education) from the estimated cost of attendance (determined by the Office of Student Financial Assistance). Financial aid may not exceed the cost of attendance.

Full-time students applying for financial aid are considered for all programs the University administers. The student financial assistance awarded is generally a combination of grant, loan, and part-time employment. In addition to its own funds, the University of Hartford participates in all Federal Title IV programs. Residents of Connecticut and those states with reciprocal agreements with the State of Connecticut may also be eligible to receive state scholarships or grants.

The University of Hartford also offers scholarships that are not based on the student’s demonstrated financial need. These merit scholarships are usually based on other factors, which may include academic performance; residence; or artistic, performing arts, or athletic talent. These scholarships are awarded during the admission process or through a specific school, college, or department of the University.  All students who receive institutionally-funded aid, including but not limited to merit, athletic, need-based, performing arts, and artistic scholarships, must be enrolled full-time to receive their award.

Students who have previously earned a baccalaureate degree or who are enrolled less than full time are ineligible for University-administered or -funded grants or scholarships.

Procedures for Applying for Student Financial Assistance

First-Year and Transfer Students

All prospective students who wish to be considered for need-based financial aid must submit the FAFSA. The University’s priority FAFSA filing date for freshmen is February 15. If the FAFSA is filed after February 15, financial aid will be awarded based on the availability of funds.

The FAFSA is completed online at www.fafsa.gov on or after October 1. Applicants should list the University of Hartford as a recipient of the results (federal school code: 001422).

Students must be accepted for admission before being considered for student financial assistance. Students must submit the required deposit fees by the deadline date as stated in the Admission Office notification packet in order to reserve any financial aid awarded. Financial aid cannot be credited to a student’s account until the final high school transcript is received and the verification process is completed, if selected.

Returning Students

Students receiving need-based or federal financial assistance must reapply each academic year by submitting a new FAFSA. The University of Hartford makes every effort to maintain adequate financial aid for those students who demonstrate financial need, meet the minimum satisfactory academic progress requirements, advance register for a minimum of 12 credits for the next term, and supply all required documents.

Students who submitted a FAFSA in the previous academic year will receive a renewal e-mail from the Federal Processor to complete the Renewal FAFSA online. All returning students must ensure their FAFSA is received by the federal processor by April 1.

Students receiving scholarships or grants awarded through the admission process need not reapply for those awards. The Office of Student Financial Assistance will verify the student’s academic progress according to the requirements of the scholarship or grant program. Awards that are renewed are credited to the students’ accounts.

Part-Time Students

Prospective and enrolled students who wish to be considered for need-based federal financial aid and loans must submit the FAFSA . Students in University Studies must also submit the University Studies Enrollment Form, available on the website or in the Office of Student Financial Assistance.

Academic Eligibility

Academic eligibility is measured through academic progress. This requires a specific grade point average (GPA) and credit load, based upon the requirements of the school/college and in accordance with federal regulations governing the Federal Title IV program. Students should check with their academic advisors for details. Some individual scholarship programs may require specific, above-average GPA’s.

Students not maintaining satisfactory academic progress become ineligible to receive student financial assistance. Academic progress is assessed at the end of the spring term for the next academic year, beginning with Summerterm, for financial aid consideration. Students who may be in jeopardy of not making academic progress are notified at the end of the fall semester. It is the student’s responsibility to notify the Office of Student Financial Assistance if they meet satisfactory academic progress standards after losing eligibility.

Verification

Verification is the federal process that requires the comparison of data reported on the FAFSA with Tax Return Transcripts and other requested documents. Students may be selected by the Central Processing System of FAFSA or by the Office of Student Financial Assistance. The Office of Student Financial Assistance will notify students of the required documents and steps necessary to complete the process. Students are notified of outstanding requirements in the Self-Service system. Verification must be completed before financial aid can be applied to the account.

Federal Title IV Programs

The University of Hartford administers all federal student financial aid known as Title IV. Students who are citizens, permanent residents of the United States, or eligible non-citizens as determined by FAFSA are eligible for consideration.

Federal Pell Grant

Eligible students must be enrolled in an undergraduate program leading to their first undergraduate degree, or enrolled in specific certificate programs for which the University has received federal student aid approval.

The FAFSA results, received directly from the U.S. Department of Education’s Central Processing System, will indicate whether or not the student is eligible for the Federal Pell Grant. The amount of the grant is based on the Expected Family Contribution, the cost of attendance, the number of credit hours for which the student is enrolled, and the enrollment period.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

Recipients must be enrolled full-time, earning their first bachelor’s degree. The amount of the award varies based upon funding availability, but has an average award of $1,600 annually. Federal regulations require that the FSEOG funds be distributed first to Federal Pell Grant recipients. However, eligibility for a Federal Pell Grant does not guarantee FSEOG eligibility.

Federal Work-Study (FWS) Program

Students who are offered Federal Work-Study, which is awarded via part-time employment, are encouraged to use these funds to offset their indirect educational expenses (e.g., transportation or personal expenses). Funds are not automatically credited to the student’s account but are paid directly to the student as a paycheck for hours worked. 

The amount of the FWS award depends on the student’s financial need and the annual federal allocation to the University. In arranging a job and assigning a work schedule, the student’s class schedule must be taken into account. The hourly rate of pay will be at least the current federal minimum hourly wage. Job opportunities may be found at myinterfase.com/hartford/student/home.aspx.

Federal Direct Loans

Federal Direct Stafford Loan

Direct Loans allow the student and/or parent to borrow directly from the federal government. Loan types include Stafford (Subsidized/Unsubsidized) and PLUS.

The Federal Direct Stafford Loan is a low-interest educational loan in the student’s name and must be repaid. There is no credit check required for this loan.  Completion of the FAFSA determines student eligibility for Stafford loans.

Dependent undergraduate students may borrow according to the following schedule: $5,500 for the freshman year (0-23 earned credits), $6,500 for the sophomore year (24-53 earned credits), and $7,500 per year thereafter (54 or more earned credits), to an aggregate loan limit of $31,000. The annual limit that an undergraduate student may borrow includes both subsidized and unsubsidized Federal Direct Stafford Loans. Eligibility for annual loan limits is contingent upon the student’s cost-of-attendance and other financial aid awarded. Independent undergraduate students have increased borrowing eligibility and should refer to the section below on additional unsubsidized eligibility.

Federal regulations require a fee to be deducted proportionately from each disbursement of the loan. The net amount of the loan is paid directly to the University in multiple disbursements (usually one disbursement for the fall term and one for the spring term).

First-time borrowers at the University must complete entrance counseling and a Master Promissory Notice (MPN). All borrowers must complete exit counseling upon separation from the University. The MPN and counseling requirements are completed at www.studentloans.gov.

The interest rate is fixed and set by Congress, annually.  For the latest interest rate, please visit www.studentaid.ed.gov. Repayment of principal and interest begins six months after the student separates from the University or falls below a half time credit load in any semester. The loan repayment period is between 10 and 25 years, depending on the amount owed and the type of repayment plan selected.

Subsidized Loan

If the student is eligible for a need-based, Subsidized Federal Direct Stafford Loan, the interest is paid by the U.S. Department of Education while the student is enrolled at least half time.  

Unsubsidized Loan

Interest accrues from the date of disbursement. The student may opt to begin repayment of principal and interest, make interest-only payment, or defer both principal and interest payments while enrolled at least half time. If the student defers principal and interest payments, the interest will continue to accrue and will be added to the principal (or capitalized) upon repayment.

Additional Unsubsidized Federal Direct Stafford Eligibility

Independent students and dependent students whose parents are ineligible for the Federal Direct PLUS Loan may be eligible for additional Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loans. Documentation of PLUS credit denial is required each academic year.

Students may borrow according to the following schedule: up to an additional $4,000 per year for freshman and sophomore years (0-53 earned credits) and up to an additional $5,000 per year thereafter (54 or more earned credits). The aggregate loan limit for these students is $57,500 (no more than $23,000 of this amount may be in Subsidized loans).

Federal Direct PLUS Loan

The Federal Direct PLUS loan is meant to provide parents of dependent students with additional funds for educational expenses. Under the Federal Direct PLUS program, creditworthy parents may borrow up to the cost-of-attendance minus any financial aid awarded. Application information may be found at www.studentloans.gov.

The interest rate is fixed and set by Congress, annually. For the latest interest rate, please visit www.studentaid.ed.gov. Interest begins to accrue from the date of disbursement. The parent may opt to begin repayment of principal and interest, make interest payments only, or defer both principal and interest payments while the student is enrolled at least half time. If the parent defers principal and interest payments, the interest will continue to accrue and, after student separation from the University, the interest will be added to the principal (loan capitalization). The loan repayment period is between 10 and 25 years, depending on the amount owed and the type of repayment plan selected.

Federal regulations require a fee to be deducted proportionately from the each disbursement of the loan. The net amount of the loan is paid directly to the University in multiple disbursements (usually one disbursement for the fall term and one for the spring term).

State Government Programs

Connecticut

The Connecticut General Assembly appropriates funds on an annual basis to assist needy residents of the state attending Connecticut independent colleges and universities, via the Roberta B. Willis Scholarship program. The University of Hartford participates in the Connecticut state scholarship programs.

Connecticut Scholarship Programs - Roberta B. Willis Scholarship and Minority Teacher Incentive Grant
To be eligible for the Roberta B. Willis scholarship programs, students must be enrolled in an undergraduate program leading to their first undergraduate degree. They must submit a FAFSA by the University’s published deadlines, have a demonstrated financial need, and be enrolled at least half time. The amount of the grant is based on the Expected Family Contribution, cost of attendance, number of credit hours for which the student is enrolled, and the enrollment period.  Funding for the need-based portion of the Roberta B. Willis program is limited and may not be available to all eligible students.  

Full-time juniors and seniors enrolled in an Undergraduate teacher preparation program who are of African American, Hispanic/Latino, Asian American, or Native American heritage may be eligible for the Minority Teacher Incentive Grant.  Interested students should contact the Education Department at the University.  

University of Hartford Programs

Academic Scholarships

Prospective full-time freshmen who demonstrate outstanding scholastic achievement at the secondary school level are automatically considered for academic scholarships at the time of their admission to a four-year program at the University. Eligibility is contingent upon the timeliness of the student’s application for admission and the availability of funds.

The scholarships are renewable each academic year (up to an aggregate total of four years), provided students maintain full-time undergraduate enrollment status and a minimum 3.00 cumulative grade point average (GPA). If a student does not maintain the minimum 3.00 cumulative GPA, the scholarship will be forfeited for the remainder of the student’s enrollment at the University. The scholarship will not be reinstated should the student regain the required cumulative GPA at a later date. Need is not a factor in determining eligibility for these scholarships.   Students must maintain full-time status to retain their award.

An academic scholarship may not be combined with any other non-need-based scholarship or grant but may be combined with other funds to meet the student’s demonstrated financial need.

These academic scholarships are awarded to citizens or permanent residents of the United States. For information about scholarships for international students, please refer to the International Admissions Office.

Students enrolled in The Hartt School are ineligible for academic scholarships.

The awarding criteria for each of the below listed awards is based on high school academics including cumulative GPA, rigor of the student’s academic record and SAT/ACT scores.

Regents’ Scholarship: This scholarship can range up to $24,000.

National Honors Scholarship. Through the generous gifts of University supporters, the National Honors Scholarship, a full-tuition award, was established to recognize the extraordinary academic performance of the finest applicants to the University. The National Honors Scholarship recipients are selected from those students who have been awarded a Regents’ Scholarship. The award replaces the Regents’ Scholarship to equal full-time tuition.  Recipients of this award are required to maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.25.

President’s Scholarship: This scholarship can range up to $23,000.

Premedical Profession Scholarship. Incoming freshmen studying in the Premedical, Pre-Chiropractic, Pre-Pharmacy, Pre-Dental, Pre-Optometry, Pre-Osteopathy, Pre-Podiatry, or Pre-Veterinary programs are eligible for this scholarship which can range up to $24,000.

Talent Scholarships

The University offers talent scholarships to students participating in the performing arts, art or athletics. Students enrolled in these programs must meet a minimum cumulative (GPA) that varies by award in order to have their scholarships renewed in subsequent years. Usually, these scholarships are awarded up to an aggregate of four years. If a student does not maintain the minimum cumulative GPA required, the scholarship will be forfeited for the remainder of the student’s enrollment at the University. The scholarship will not be reinstated should the student regain the required cumulative GPA at a later date.  Students must maintain full-time status to retain their award.

Hartt Performing Arts Scholarship. The Hartt School offers scholarships up to full tuition to entering full-time students based on their audition.  Awards are renewable (up to an aggregate total of four years) based on an annual evaluation. Students admitted into a double-major, five-year program may have the Hartt Performing Arts Scholarship renewed for up to an aggregate total of five years. The student must be accepted into the program upon admission to the University. A full description of The Hartt School five-year programs may be found in The Hartt School section of this Catalog. Students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of either 2.75 in all of their University of Hartford course work or a cumulative GPA of 3.00 in their major fields of study at The Hartt School. These scholarships may not be combined with any other non-need-based scholarships or grants.

Artistic Talent Award. The Hartford Art School offers talent awards to entering full-time students based on the quality of their portfolio review. Students are notified of these awards at the time of admission. Award amounts and academic requirements, including GPA and cumulative GPA vary. Please check with the Hartford Art School for further information. These awards are renewable each academic year (up to an aggregate total of four years) upon the recommendation of the dean of the Hartford Art School. These scholarships may not be combined with any other non-need-based scholarships or grants.

Athletics Scholarship. The Department of Athletics offers scholarships to outstanding student athletes who participate in any of the following National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I athletics programs: men’s basketball, baseball, golf, soccer, or lacrosse; and women’s basketball, softball, volleyball, golf, soccer, lacrosse, cross-country, or track and field. For further information regarding athletics scholarships, contact the Athletics department. Students must maintain the minimum satisfactory academic progress requirements for the school or college in which they are enrolled in order to have their athletic scholarships renewed on an annual basis. These scholarships may not be combined with any other non-need-based scholarships or grants.

Founder’s Scholarship and Hawk Achievement Grant

These awards are made to incoming full-time students and are based on a review of the student’s admission application, scholastic performance, and anticipated success at the University. These grants are renewable (up to an aggregate total of four years), provided the student maintains continuous full-time status and satisfactory academic progress as defined by the student’s school or college of the University. If a student does not maintain satisfactory academic progress, the award will be forfeited for the remainder of the student’s enrollment at the University.  It will not be reinstated should the student regain satisfactory academic progress at a later date. The Founder’s Scholarship and Hawk Achievement Grant may not be combined with any other non-need-based scholarships or grants.

Students enrolled in The Hartt School are ineligible for Founder’s Scholarship and Hawk Achievement Grant.

Transfer Scholarships

President-to-President Scholarship. Awards are made available to students who are citizens or permanent residents who have earned an associate’s degree from a Connecticut junior or community-technical college or from one of the following two-year colleges in Massachusetts: Berkshire, Holyoke, Greenfield, or Springfield Technical community colleges, or Dean College. The presidents of these colleges may nominate up to three students who have earned a minimum 3.30 cumulative grade point average (GPA), based on a minimum of 30 credit hours, and who plan to enroll as full-time students. Each participating college may establish additional criteria. The scholarship is renewable provided the student maintains full-time status and a minimum 3.00 cumulative GPA (up to an aggregate total of two years). These scholarships may not be combined with any other non-need-based funds.

Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship. Awards are made available to students who are citizens or permanent residents and who have earned an associate’s degree. The Phi Theta Kappa chapter advisor must submit a letter of nomination for any qualified student. Nominated students must have earned a minimum 3.5 GPA, based upon completion of their associate’s degree, and must plan to enroll as full-time students. Students must enroll immediately following completion of the two-year college. Scholarships are renewable provided students maintain satisfactory academic progress, full-time enrollment, and a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA. These scholarships may not be combined with any other non-need-based scholarships or grants.

Students enrolled in The Hartt School are ineligible for Transfer Scholarships.

University Scholarships

The University of Hartford is committed to assisting residents of Hartford and West Hartford in obtaining a University education through three special programs:

Hartford Scholars Program. Hartford residents who live in Hartford during their junior and senior years of high school and who graduate from a Hartford public high school, or who participate in CREC and matriculate as full-time students in a degree program at the University following their high school graduation, are eligible. Students must have completed their admission application on or before March 15 and be accepted on or before April 15 of their senior year of high school.

This non-need-based award is equal to one-half of the student’s annual tuition and student services fees. The discount is applicable as long as the student maintains full-time enrollment, residency in the city of Hartford, and meets the satisfactory academic progress requirements of his/her school or college (up to an aggregate total of five years). The Hartford Scholars program may not be combined with any other non-need-based scholarships or grants, excluding the Hartford Partners Scholarship.

Hartford Partners Scholarship. This scholarship program is made possible through a cooperative effort between the University of Hartford and the City of Hartford. Residents of the city who enroll as full-time students and meet academic progress requirements as determined by their college are eligible for consideration. Preference is given to those graduating from Hartford high schools. Amounts of the scholarships vary based on the availability of funds.

West Hartford Partners Scholarship. This scholarship program is made possible through a cooperative effort between the University of Hartford and the Town of West Hartford. Residents of the town who enroll as full-time students, demonstrate financial need, and graduate from one of the West Hartford high schools are eligible for consideration. Amounts of the scholarships vary based on the student’s need and the availability of funds.

University Grants

These grants are awarded to students who submit the FAFSA, demonstrate financial need, and maintain satisfactory academic progress as defined by the school or college in which they are enrolled. These funds may be combined with other financial aid programs in developing the student’s financial aid package. Amounts may vary each year based on the student’s demonstrated financial need and the availability of funds.

Family Grant Program

A full-time undergraduate student attending the University of Hartford who has a brother, sister, parent, or spouse also attending the University of Hartford during the academic year as a full-time undergraduate student may qualify for a Family Grant. Under the grant program, one family member may receive a grant equal to half tuition.

The following conditions must be met by all family members in order to qualify for the Family Grant. Each family member

1. must be enrolled as a full-time, matriculated, undergraduate student;
2. must be assessed full-time undergraduate tuition charges;
3. must be enrolled during the fall and/or spring terms;
4. is ineligible for payment from a third party source (e.g., employer tuition remission);
5. must be of the same household and, if siblings, be dependent upon the same parent(s); and
6. must not have previously earned a baccalaureate degree.

The University reserves the right to choose the family member to whom the grant will apply. 

This grant is renewable for aggregate total of 5 years provided the recipient maintains full-time status and meets the satisfactory academic progress requirements as defined by the student’s school or college of the University. The other family member must also maintain full-time undergraduate status at the University. The Family Grant may not be combined with any other non-need-based scholarships or grants.

Students enrolled less than full time, or in a special program at the University that does not charge the normal full-time undergraduate tuition, are ineligible for participation in this program.

Sponsored Scholarships

There are other scholarships administered through the Office of Student Financial Assistance or one of the schools or colleges of the University. Scholarships that are based on the student’s demonstrated financial need require submission of the FAFSA; no other applications or materials are required.  Students are selected based on criteria established by the donor. Scholarships are usually awarded to eligible full-time students who have completed at least 30 credit hours at the University (unless specified otherwise by the donor).  Recipients will be notified by the Office of Student Financial Assistance.