Award Overview

Does the Award Notification show all available aid?
Yes, the Award Notification lists the names and amounts of specific types of financial aid that make up the award. Students have been considered for all available assistance. If the award does not show a specific type of aid, either the student was not eligible for that form of aid or funds were no longer available from that source when the award was processed.

What does the student do with their Award Notification?
Students should indicate if they would like to accept, reduce, or decline their aid. Grants and scholarships are automatically accepted for students. Students must also report any additional forms of financial aid received, such as outside scholarships.

What are the expenses on the Award Notification?
The costs on the Award Notification are broken down into two components. Together, these two types of expenses comprise the cost of attendance (COA). The first component of the COA is direct costs owed to UNI. These expenses include tuition, fees, room and board (if living on campus) and will be itemized on the university bill.

The second component of the COA is estimated expenses. Standard estimated amounts are used for books and supplies, off-campus living, transportation and personal expenses when figuring the total estimated expenses. Actual amounts may vary. Estimated expenses will not be charged onto a student’s bill.

It is advisable to budget money wisely to avoid experiencing financial difficulties. Student’s in need of additional assistance in budgeting should contact our office to speak with a financial aid counselor.

The Award Notification is not an official notice of residency status. If out-of-state tuition is indicated on the Award Notification, but the student will be paying in-state tuition, please inform our office as the award may need to be revised. For official notice of residency status, new undergraduate students should check with the Admissions Office, current students with the Registrar’s Office, and graduate students with the Graduate College.