UW Financial Aid WWW Pages: Frequently Asked Questions Click the eagle to return to the Student Financial Aid homepage.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply for aid at the University of Wyoming? To apply for aid at UW you need two things. First, the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid.) Second, you need to fill out and return to us the UW Application for Financial Aid from this website or on paper. Certain types of aid, usually loans, do require additional paperwork AFTER you have been awarded aid, but only the FAFSA is required to determine your eligibility. Click here for more information on this process.
What is the deadline for submitting my FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)? The priority deadline to have your application RECEIVED BY UW FROM THE FEDERAL PROCESSOR is March 1 of each year for the following academic year. Example: FAFSAs should be mailed to the Federal Processor by Feb. 1, 2000 to be considered on-time for the coming academic year, since they can take up to four weeks to be processed at the federal processor. We'll accept FAFSAs all year long, though. It's never too late.
What if I need more aid and/or the FAFSA does not reflect my present situation? There is an appeal form that can be completed to appeal the amount of aid awarded or to update us with your current situation. Click here for additional appeal information.
My parents did not claim me on their tax return this year. Can I file my FAFSA as an Independent student? Not unless you are 24, married, a graduate student or a veteran. To determine dependency status, first see if you meet any of the 6 automatic criteria on the FAFSA. If you do not meet any of those, but feel that you should be considered an independent student, you may obtain the dependency appeal guidelines form from our office, or click here for additional appeal information.
Why wouldn't you tell my family about my aid when they called? The Federal Educational Rights and Privacy Act prohibits us from discussing any of your specific financial matters with anyone but you without your written permission, unless we can determine that you were an exemption for tax purposes on your custodial parent's most recent tax return.
How can I get a scholarship? The majority of the scholarships we offer are based on your GPA. You may find one from the department in which you are majoring, or from an outside source. The Office of Student Financial Aid has a limited number of general ones, too. Click here for additional information.
What hours is your office open? We are open from 8:00-5:00, Monday through Friday during the academic year and from 8:30 to 4:30 during the summer.
Should I send in my tax forms and other paperwork before you ask for it? You should not submit tax forms unless we specifically ask for them. Paperwork that is not required causes us to take time away from working with the information that was required.
Why is it when I try calling your office I sometimes can not get through? Our office handles thousands of phone calls per week during peak times. We have 5 incoming phone lines that stay constantly busy. A good strategy if you are in the area is to stop by in person. You may also try other means, such as our fax number, (307) 766-3800, or e-mail: finaid@uwyo.edu.
How long does the awarding process take? Due to the large number of applications that we receive, it might take 4-6 weeks to receive an Award Notice, from the time you receive your SAR. If you haven't heard anything from us after that time period, you should check with us to make sure that we have everything we need.
Where do I go if I have a complaint? The Office of Student Financial Aid welcomes feedback from the students and parents. Please direct all concerns to the office first for resolution. If the need is not satisfied at this level, a letter can be directed to Mr. John Nutter, Director of Student Financial Aid, PO Box 3335, Laramie, WY. 82071-3335. You may also schedule an appointment with the Director, if necessary.
What records will I need to apply for financial aid? Useful documents include your income tax returns from the previous year, as well as your parents' return if you are a dependent student, or your spouse's, if you are married. Other records such as W-2 forms are also very useful. Please make sure that the school has received all required documents such as academic transcripts, if you will be a new student.
Are Financial Aid Transcripts still required from school I have attended previously? No, we receive electronic information now, concerning your financial aid at your previous schools. You need not request a Financial Aid Transcript from a previous school, unless you are transferring at mid-year.
Can UW make FAFSA corrections electronically? Yes. If you will bring us your SAR with corrections made and with your parent's signature, if requested, we will transmit the revisions to the Federal Processor electronically.
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University of Wyoming Office of Student Financial Aid