Applicants for University financial aid are given equal consideration, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, marital status, beliefs, age, national origin, sexual orientation, or handicap.
The University of Kentucky offers three types of financial aid to students:
Graduate students should consult The Graduate School Bulletin for information about assistantships and fellowships.
Each year the amount of funds requested by eligible applicants falls short of the resources available. The Office of Student Financial Aid bases its decisions on a) financial need, and b) the date of application. Students should apply as early as possible. Entering freshmen should apply by February 15. Transfer and continuing students should apply by April 1. Eligible students who apply after these dates will receive assistance, but will receive less because some funds will already be exhausted. Students should not enroll in classes with the intent of obtaining financial aid after the semester is underway.
For more information on financial aid, contact:
Applicants should request financial aid forms from their high school.
Apply early. Application material for the fall semester is available in January.
Applicants will be considered for need-based scholarships awarded by the Office of Student Financial Aid, Pell Grants, CAP/Kentucky State Grants, Supplemental Education Opportunity Grants, Perkins Loans, Nursing Loans, Health Professions Loans, Federal Work-Study Program, Federal Direct Stafford Loans, and Federal Direct PLUS Loans.
Follow the procedure listed below:
A student must enroll in a degree program at UK in order to be awarded financial aid. The Office of Student Financial Aid informs students of financial aid decisions in April (or as soon thereafter as possible). Financial aid is credited directly to the student's University account at the beginning of each semester.
Aid recipients should plan to have enough money for initial expenses for books, meals, and incidentals for the first three weeks of the semester until their aid is processed. When the amount of financial aid credits exceeds the student's billed charges, a residual (refund) check for the difference will be mailed to the student.
Federal regulations require a number of applicants to verify the information they report. Be as accurate as possible when filling out financial aid forms. Since some of the application deals with income, plan to prepare income tax returns early. (If you have not completed income tax returns, you may use estimated figures in order to meet the February 15 deadline.) Changes in federal regulations and methodology for determining financial need may produce results which differ from year to year.
The Office of Student Financial Aid informs students of financial aid decisions in June (or as soon thereafter as possible).
Students must maintain satisfactory academic progress toward a degree to continue receiving financial aid. Students will be required to complete two-thirds (67 percent) of all cumulative credits attempted during their career at the University of Kentucky as expressed by the number of cumulative hours successfully completed divided by the number of cumulative hours attempted (with the result rounded up to the nearest whole percent). In addition to this credit-hour requirement, all financial aid students must maintain a cumulative grade-point average (GPA) that is consistent with the institution's requirements for graduation. Therefore, students with a "junior" standing or higher must have a cumulative "C" average or 2.0 GPA in order to remain eligible for financial aid. (Note: Students placed on academic probation by the Registrar's Office will automatically be placed on financial aid probation. Students in this category can continue to receive financial aid for up to one year. Students who have not been removed from academic probation at the end of one year will lose their eligibility for federal financial aid funding.) Satisfactory academic progress will be evaluated once each year at the end of the spring term. Students who fail to maintain satisfactory academic progress may reestablish their eligibility by enrolling at their own expense in a subsequent semester and meeting the standards according to the cumulative credit hours attempted/completed and cumulative grade-point averages stated above. Contact the Office of Student Financial Aid for details on maintaining and reestablishing satisfactory progress.
Audited classes, credits earned through CLEP testing, or non-credit courses are not considered in determining satisfactory academic progress. Hours for courses with grades of incomplete (I) will not be counted as hours earned until the credit is received, but will be counted as hours attempted. Hours earned on a pass-fail basis or paid through a consortium agreement, however, will be used in determining satisfactory academic progress. Credits assigned to developmental (remedial) courses will be counted in calculating hours attempted; however, these courses are not used in calculating the grade-point average. Repeat courses taken during the year will automatically be considered in the following spring review for progress.
Federal regulations limit the number of cumulative credit hours for which a student can receive federal financial aid funds. An undergraduate student enrolled at the University of Kentucky should be able to complete his or her program of study in no more than 120 credits of academic work, including any transfer credits. Therefore, an undergraduate student typically may not receive federal financial aid after attempting 180 credit hours. The maximum time frame for students enrolled in programs of study requiring completion of more than 120 credits will be 150 percent of the credits required (e.g., programs requiring 130 credits will have a 195 credit maximum). A graduate student enrolled at the University of Kentucky should be able to complete his or her program of study in no more than 48 credits of academic work, including any transfer credits. Therefore, a graduate student typically may not receive federal financial aid after attempting 72 credit hours. The maximum time frame for graduate students enrolled in programs of study requiring completion of more or less than 48 credits will be 150 percent of the credits required (e.g., programs requiring 50 credits will have a 75 credit maximum).
The U.S. Department of Education determines eligibility according to financial need. Applicants will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) four to six weeks after applying. Students may but are not required to mail a copy of these forms to the Office of Student Financial Aid.
To be eligible for a KCAP Grant, a student must be an undergraduate, a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, a Kentucky resident, and must be enrolled at an eligible institution located within the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
KHEAA also offers assistance to students pursuing careers in education, who plan to teach science or mathematics, or who are Kentucky high school graduates with outstanding academic records. For more information, contact KHEAA, 1050 U.S. 127 South, Frankfort, KY 40601; or visit their Web site at: www.kheaa.com.
To receive the full award, students must be enrolled full-time. Students enrolling less than full-time (but at least half-time) will receive a proportionate award. Students must maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA to continue to receive the scholarship. Students whose cumulative GPA falls below 2.5 at the completion of two semesters will lose the award for the following two consecutive semesters. The student may regain eligibility by reestablishing at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA during the next two semesters.
Eligible students will receive official notification of their KEES award from KHEAA. The student's enrollment must be verified prior to disbursement of the award. Therefore, funds will not be available until four weeks after the start of the semester. For more information, contact KHEAA at 1050 U.S. 127 South, Frankfort, KY 40601; or visit their Web site at: www.kheaa.com.
A student must demonstrate financial need to be eligible for a Perkins Loan. The amount of loan is determined by the Office of Student Financial Aid based on the needs and resources of the student and available funds. Annual loan limits are $4,000 for each year of undergraduate study and $6,000 for each year of graduate or professional study. The aggregate loan over a number of years cannot exceed $20,000 for undergraduates and $40,000 for graduate and professional students.
Payment is not required while the borrower is enrolled as a half-time student. Interest begins to accrue at a rate of 5 percent per year at the beginning of the ninth month after the borrower ceases to be a half-time student. In this context, "half-time" is defined as half a normal load or a minimum of six hours for undergraduate students.
The law requires that borrowers be enrolled as full-time students in good standing in the Colleges of Dentistry or Pharmacy and be in need of a loan to continue their professional education. Parental information must be reported on the FAFSA even if the student is considered independent. If required, the student must be registered with the Selective Service Administration.
The amount a student may borrow annually may not exceed the student's cost of attendance. There is no aggregate maximum. Repayment of principal and interest begins one year after the student ceases full-time study, and must be completed within ten years. HPSL Loans carry a fixed interest rate of 5 percent.
Eligibility requirements for PCL are the same as those for HPSL, except that a recipient must commit to a three-year primary care residency and must practice in primary care until the loan is paid in full. Students who fail to fulfill this obligation must repay their PCL loans within three years from the date of their failure to comply, and for loans made prior to November 13, 1998 must repay interest at 12 percent, computed from the date the loans were issued, and compounded annually. For loans made on or after November 13, 1998, the annual interest rate is 18 percent beginning with the date of noncompliance.
The amount a student may borrow annually may not exceed the student's cost of attendance. Interest and repayment provisions are identical to those in the HPSL Program.
The interest rate for Federal Direct Stafford Loans is variable but will not exceed 8.25 percent. Repayment begins six months after the borrower leaves school. In addition, a 3 percent origination fee is charged on all loans. Interest will not be charged while the student is enrolled in school at least half time, during a grace period, or during authorized periods of deferment. Interest will begin to accrue when the student enters repayment.
Students must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to apply for a Subsidized Federal Direct Stafford Loan.
Apply early. Allow a minimum of 4 to 8 weeks to process the loan.
The Unsubsidized Federal Direct Stafford Loan program is open to students who may not qualify for subsidized Federal Direct Stafford Loans or who may qualify for only partial subsidized Federal Direct Stafford Loans. Borrowers may receive both subsidized and unsubsidized Federal Direct Stafford Loans totaling up to the applicable Stafford limit, if they do not qualify for the full amount permitted under the subsidized Federal Direct Stafford Loan Program.
Borrowers pay an origination fee of 3 percent. The fee is withheld from the loan when the funds are disbursed.
Up to four working days are required to process a short-term loan application. Short-term loans are not available during the first three weeks of a semester or immediately preceding the close of a semester. Only students who have paid their tuition and are in good financial standing with the University are eligible. Contact the Office of Student Financial Aid for more information.
Scholarship programs based primarily on academic merit are administered by the Office of Academic Scholarships. To be eligible, entering freshmen must have a minimum grade-point average of 3.30 and an ACT composite score of at least 28 or an equivalent SAT total. Currently enrolled UK students who have demonstrated high academic achievement may apply for an Academic Excellence Scholarship. All scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis. Consideration is given, as appropriate, to the applicant's test scores, grades, educational goals, extracurricular activities, work experience, and writing ability.
The deadline for new freshmen to apply for academic scholarships is January 15. Continuing students apply in April. For more information, contact the Office of Academic Scholarships, 211 Funkhouser Building, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506-0054, (859) 257-4198.
Many academic departments and colleges have funds of their own that are granted to deserving students. For more information, check with the individual college or department of interest.
A student must demonstrate financial need to be eligible and must be enrolled at least half-time during the academic year. Students who are not enrolled for the summer sessions may be eligible to work full-time during the summer. Students who work full-time in the summer are obligated to save from their earnings for their fall semester expenses. Summer work-study applications are available in the Office of Student Financial Aid after March 1.
Students are limited in how much they can earn on the FWS Program. Students are not permitted to earn more than the amount specified on their Notice of Award. Rates range from $5.40 to $8.90 per hour, based on factors such as campus, year in school, and job duties and responsibilities.
To register with the Student Employment Service, students complete a brief application indicating skills, interests, and available work schedule.
For more information, contact the Student Employment Office, 104 Scovell Hall, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506-0064, (859) 257-9555 ext. 119. Visit the Student Employment Job Listing on the World Wide Web. Go to: http://ukcc.uky.edu/jobs.html and click on "Student Employment Job Listing."
Donovan Scholars participate in the many intellectual, social, and cultural programs which characterize the University. In addition, several special programs and events are available to Donovans aged 60 and older. These include an educational forum featuring topics of special interest, chorus, dulcimer, art, computer classes, readers theatre, physical fitness, writing your autobiography, and Great Decisions.
For more information, contact the Donovan Scholars Program, Ligon House, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506-0442, (859) 257-2656; e-mail: jhensel@pop.uky.edu.
The objectives of the program are: (1) to stimulate creative work by undergraduate students, and (2) to recognize individuals who demonstrate outstanding achievement. This recognition emphasizes the importance the University places upon academic excellence.
The program has categories in Biological Sciences, Design (including architecture, landscape architecture, interior design), Fine Arts, Humanities/Creative, Humanities/Critical Research, Physical and Engineering Sciences, and Social Sciences. In the science categories and the Humanities/Critical Research category, students generally submit research papers done for class or on their own. For the Humanities/Creative category, students submit short stories, original plays, or poetry. The Fine Arts category is appropriate for musical compositions, paintings, sculpture, videos/films, or photographic essays. Many fine works of art and serious research papers are recognized by the program each year. This competition is unique to the University and provides an excellent opportunity for undergraduates to test their skills and to see their academic work in a serious, professional light.
Awards are $350 for first place in each category, $200 for second place. The Dean of Undergraduate Studies presents the awards and a certificate to each winner at the Awards program held each spring.
Any undergraduate (full- or part-time, enrolled for either semester) who does not already have a baccalaureate degree is eligible to enter. For information and applications, contact the Office of Undergraduate Studies, 206 Gillis Building, (859) 257-5448.
Undergraduate students in all academic areas are eligible to compete for these grants. For information and applications, contact the Office of Undergraduate Studies, 405 Patterson Office Tower, (859) 257-3027.
Veterans or eligible dependents (widow, wife of totally and permanently disabled veteran, child of deceased or totally and permanently disabled veteran) should report to the Veteran Services office during priority registration or on the Advising Conference date and pick up information about enrolling for benefits.
Students who have already applied for federal or state benefit programs should bring certificates showing entitlement or eligibility.
Students who depend on these benefits to meet their living expenses should bring enough money to cover expenses for at least eight weeks while the first benefit check is processed.
For further information on V.A. educational benefit programs, contact the St. Louis VA Regional Office, P.O. Box 66830, St. Louis, MO 63166-6830, (888) 442-4551.
Generally, children of Kentuckians who were killed in military action or who were permanently and totally disabled in wartime military services are eligible to have their tuition waived. This waiver does not cover special fees or additional fees that are charged for certain courses.
For additional information on the provisions of KRS 164.505 and .515, contact the Kentucky Center for Veterans Affairs, Department of Military Affairs, Commonwealth of Kentucky, 600 Martin Luther King, Jr. Place, Louisville, KY 40202.
Two-year, three-year and four-year scholarships are available through the Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps program. These scholarships pay tuition, required university fees, $510 per year for textbook costs, and $200+ per month tax-free subsistence allowance while school is in session. Scholarship recipients will be commissioned as officers at the rank of Second Lieutenant in the United States Army upon graduation. Scholarship recipients will typically incur a four-year active duty commitment, followed by four years of service in either the National Guard, Army Reserve, or Inactive Ready Reserve. However, Guaranteed Reserve Forces Duty Contracts are available.
All contracted cadets (committed by signing an Army ROTC contract) receive a subsistence allowance of $200+ per month while school is in session, whether or not they are scholarship recipients. Active duty commitments range from a 90-day Officer Basic Course for Reserve (Army National Guard or U.S. Army Reserve) officers to four years for active duty officers.
To be eligible for the Advance Program, students must have completed the first two academic years of the ROTC program (Basic Program) or training (Basic Training/AIT, JROTC experience, Camp Challenge - Basic Camp).
All students are eligible and welcome to participate in military science 100- and 200-level classes without obligation. The Basic Program focuses on an introduction to the Army, tasks common to all soldiers, and adventure training.
These camps are held during the summer lasting five weeks and each pays the student approximately $700.
Basic Camp (Camp Challenge) is held at Fort Knox, Kentucky, and is attended voluntarily by students who may not otherwise be eligible for entrance into the Advanced Program. No military obligation is incurred and students may withdraw at any time. Completion of training qualifies students to enter the Advance Program. Historically, nearly 50 percent of students completing this training are also offered an Army two-year scholarship to enter the Advance Program.
Advance Camp is held at Fort Lewis, Washington, and is a requirement of the Advance Program for commissioning. Normally, students attend Advance Camp between the junior and senior years.
This program is open to students in the Advance Program. It enables them to remain a member of, or join a local Army National Guard unit or U.S. Army Reserve unit as officer trainees while attending college. Pay through either of these units is based on that of a Sergeant E5. See the admissions officer or call your local National Guard/Army Reserve recruiter for details.
College Scholarship Program. Scholarships are available to those qualified and selected students who enroll in the Air Force ROTC program. These scholarships cover tuition and laboratory fees, provide an allowance for books, and provide a graduated nontaxable subsistence allowance starting at $250 per month. Qualified high school students can apply for four-year Air Force ROTC scholarships. Applicants for four-year scholarships are evaluated on the basis of the following criteria: a composite score on the American College Test (ACT), or a composite score on the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT); the applicant's high school academic record; class ranking; extracurricular and athletic activities; personal interview; and ability to qualify on an Air Force medical examination.
High school students who meet the basic eligibility requirements for a four-year scholarship must submit an application to HQ Air Force ROTC postmarked by December 1 of the year prior to enrollment in the program (usually the senior year in high school). All selections for four-year scholarships are made at Air Force ROTC headquarters. Students meet regularly scheduled boards in September, November, and February. High school students should contact their school guidance counselor or principal late in the junior year for applications. Applications may also be obtained from the Professor of Aerospace Studies, 203 Barker Hall, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506-0028, or by writing to Air Force ROTC/RRUC, 551 East Maxwell Blvd., Maxwell AFB, AL 36112-6106.
Other Scholarships. Two and three year scholarships are also awarded to cadets in the Air Force ROTC program on a competitive basis and initial selection is made on campus by a board composed of Air Force ROTC officers. Final selection is made by a central selection board at the Air Force ROTC headquarters. Applicants for these scholarships should contact the Professor of Aerospace Studies on campus. Please call (859) 257-7115 for the latest information.
Furthermore, there is a one-year scholarship program available to individuals pursuing a critical area. Students complete the Professional Officer Course in 12 to 15 months. Critical areas are updated every year. For current information, call (859) 257-7115.
Two-Year Program. Qualified students attending UK or transfer students from other institutions who did not enroll in the first two years of Air Force ROTC may receive a commission through the Two-Year Program. Those accepted receive a graduated nontaxable subsistence allowance starting at $250 a month and may qualify for up to $1,755 per semester toward tuition and books. The basic requirement to enter this program is that the student have two academic years remaining, either at the undergraduate or graduate level. Selection is competitive. Interested students should contact the Professor of Aerospace Studies early in their sophomore year.
Commission and Active Duty Requirements. All students who successfully complete the professional officer course, usually taken during the junior and senior years, and a summer field training course, will be commissioned as second lieutenants in the active duty United States Air Force. A leadership laboratory is also a requirement to becoming commissioned and is open to students who are members of the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps or are eligible to pursue a commission as determined by the Professor of Aerospace Studies. Students incur a service commitment ranging from four to ten years, depending on the specific program qualifications; although, most are only committed for four years. Information is current as of 1 January 2001 and is subject to change. Please call (859) 257-7115; or e-mail: aer101@pop.uky.edu for more information.