Financial Aid, Awards, and Benefits

Financial Aid Application Procedures

To apply for financial aid for the 2024-25 academic year and the 2025 summer term, students must file the 2024-25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.fafsa.gov. Students who file the FAFSA are considered for federal, state, and institutional grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study. To be considered for financial aid at the University of Kentucky, students must include UK’s Federal School Code 001989 on the FAFSA.

The priority filing date for filing the FAFSA is February 1, 2025 for the 2024-25 academic year. Students may file the FAFSA after this date, but certain financial aid opportunities may be missed. The FAFSA must be received on or before the student’s last day of enrollment or June 30, 2025, whichever is earlier to receive federal student aid.

Financial Aid Eligibility Determination

1.  FAFSA Submission Report

After filing the online FAFSA, the student receives a FAFSA Submission Summary (FSS) via email, which provides basic information about eligibility for federal student aid and next steps. At the same time, the University of Kentucky receives the results of the student’s FAFSA, which is used to determine the student’s eligibility for financial aid.

2.  Cost of Attendance

The Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships determines a student’s eligibility by subtracting the student’s Expected Family Contribution (EFC) from the student’s estimated Cost of Attendance (COA). The information reported on the FAFSA is used in a formula established by the U.S. Congress, which determines the student’s EFC. The COA that the student’s Financial Aid Package is based upon reflects standard and reasonable costs. 

The COA includes average tuition and fees based on student residency (i.e., Kentucky, non-resident), enrollment status, and program of study. The COA budget component for housing and meals varies according to the student’s living situation. The COA also includes an allowance for books and supplies. Estimated transportation and miscellaneous expense are also part of the COA. More information about COA is available at www.uky.edu/financialaid/tuition-and-fees.

Based on federal and state regulations and institutional policy, students are limited to receive financial aid up to the student’s total COA. Any financial aid awarded in excess of the student’s COA, is an overaward, and must be resolved. The University of Kentucky Financial Aid Overaward Policy is available at www.uky.edu/financialaid/overaward-policy.

3.  Financial Aid Eligibility Confirmation

Using information reported on the FAFSA, the U.S. Department of Education performs data exchange with federal agencies to confirm that students meet the following Title IV eligibility requirements:

• Social Security Number and U.S. Citizenship Status with the Social Security Administration
• Eligible non-citizenship status with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security
• Veteran Status with the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs
• Default, disability discharge, bankruptcy, aggregate loan history statuses for federal student loans, overpayment status for federal student grants, and Pell Grant life-time usage with NSLDS

The Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships must also review the following additional eligibility requirements:

• Admission Status
• Program of Study
• Satisfactory Academic Progress
• Enrollment Status
• Academic Level
• Dependency Status
• Marital Status
• Identity
• Unusual Enrollment Patterns

Any discrepant eligibility item must be resolved before the student can be awarded financial aid.

4.  Federal Student Aid Verification

Verification is the process of documenting the accuracy of the information provided on the FAFSA, such as:

• Adjusted gross income (AGI)
• U.S. income tax paid
• Education credits
• Untaxed IRA distributions
• Untaxed pensions
• IRA deductions and payments
• Tax exempt interest
• Income earned from work
• Household size
• Number in college
• Family size
• Identify/statement of educational purpose

Students should review the Required Documents tab in the myUK portal to determine if verification is required.

Students who are required to submit verification documents will receive email notification from the UK Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships (OSFAS) with instructions on how to proceed with the verification process. All requested documentation is uploaded through a secure portal using the student’s linkblue account.

Verification must be completed before the student’s financial aid can be disbursed to the student’s account. If there are differences between FAFSA data and the verification documentation, corrections to the student’s FAFSA will be required, which sometimes alter the student’s eligibility for financial aid. Students are notified by text and email to review their revised digital Financial Aid Notification. Students may also view their Financial Aid Offers in myUK portal.

Student responsibilities are to:

• Submit all required documents as promptly as possible.

• Ensure that all documents are signed or e-signed where applicable.

• Keep copies of all information submitted to the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships.

It is extremely important that students respond to requests for information promptly because finalized financial aid awards are processed in the order of file completion date. To ensure that financial funds disburse as scheduled at the start of the intended term, students must be registered for classes and have submitted all required documentation by July 1, 2024. While students may submit documents after July 1, they should be prepared to make payment arrangements with Student Account Services in the event the financial aid file is not complete by billing deadlines.

The deadline for submitting verification documents for federal and state aid programs (except for the Federal Pell Grant) is 30 days prior to the end of the academic year or the student’s last period of enrollment. This deadline allows the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships to process and authorize disbursements within the time frame permitted under state and federal regulations. If students do not provide required documents within this time frame, financial aid offers are subject to cancelation. The deadline to submit verification documentation may be extended up to 60 days after the last day of enrollment during the academic year or last period of enrollment on a case-by-case basis. Even with the extension students may forfeit eligibility for certain types of financial aid due to other regulatory deadlines.

A Federal Pell Grant applicant selected for verification must have any verification updates completed by the deadline published in the Federal Register. The deadline specified in the Federal Register for 2024-25 is 120 days after the student’s last date of enrollment or September 6, 2025, whichever is earlier.

Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy for Financial Aid

As required by regulations, the University of Kentucky (UK) must evaluate and determine whether a student meets Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements to receive federal and state and certain institutional financial aid programs. SAP requirements comprise of qualitative, quantitative, and maximum time frame measures, and the standards are required to be as strict or stricter than UK’s academic policies

SAP evaluation for undergraduate students occurs once an academic year, at the conclusion of the spring semester. In addition, regulations require a specific qualitative (grade-point average) review of students’ academic records after four semesters of enrollment. The student’s entire academic history must be considered when determining SAP status irrespective of whether the student received financial aid. Because audited courses do not apply to the student’s degree and students cannot receive financial aid for these, they are not evaluated for SAP.

Requirements of the SAP Policy

Qualitative (Grade-Point Average)

The qualitative component measures the quality of the student’s SAP by conducting a review of the student’s cumulative grade-point average (GPA). Only grades that carry quality points are used to calculate a student’s GPA. To meet the qualitative requirement, the student must have a minimum cumulative GPA of at least a 2.0.

Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), CLEP, and transfer credits that apply to a UK degree are not counted in the calculation of the student’s GPA and therefore are not included in the qualitative measure. Grades that are forgiven (not included in the student’s GPA) through academic bankruptcy, however, are included when measuring the qualitative component of SAP.

(Specific external and institutional scholarships, assistantships, and grants may require a different GPA for continued eligibility. Students should refer to the terms and conditions of these awards specified at the time of original offer.)

Quantitative Measure (Calculating Pace or Completion Ratio)

The quantitative component corresponds to the pace at which the student must progress through his or her program of study. This evaluation is to ensure completion within the maximum time frame permitted and provides for the measurement of the student’s progress at the end of each period of enrollment. Pace or completion ratio is calculated by determining the cumulative number of credit hours the student has successfully completed divided by the number of cumulative credit hours the student has attempted.

Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), CLEP, and transfer credits that apply to a UK degree are included in the quantitative measure calculation. Attempted credits for which grades have been forgiven through academic bankruptcy are included when measuring the quantitative component of SAP. To meet the quantitative requirement, the student’s completion ratio must be 66.67 percent or higher. To determine the completion ratio percentage, earned credit hours are divided by attempted credit hours.

Maximum Time Frame Measure

The maximum time frame is a period of no longer than 150 percent of the published length of the educational program as measured in credit hours. Students pursuing their first bachelor’s degree may not exceed 180 attempted credit hours and students pursuing their second bachelor’s degree may not exceed 240 attempted credit hours since some course work from the first degree can be applied to the second degree and each degree typically requires 120 credits to earn the degree.

Academic Probation or Suspension

Students who are placed on Academic Probation or Academic Suspension by their college based on academic policy are deemed ineligible for financial aid.

Students who are placed on academic suspension and who wish to appeal that status must contact their individual college on the procedures. Students whose admission is reinstated after being academically suspended do not automatically gain financial aid eligibility reinstatement. For consideration of financial aid eligibility reinstatement, academically suspended students whose admission has been reinstated must follow the SAP Appeal Procedures and deadlines prescribed below.

Treatment of Remedial Course Work

Although remedial or developmental courses do not count toward the student’s degree requirements, they are counted as earned credit hours and therefore must be calculated according to the quantitative and qualitative requirements set forth in the SAP policy.

(Financial aid may be awarded to cover up to 30 remedial course credits. Greater than 30 remedial course credits cannot be calculated as enrolled hours for financial aid purposes. This rule is not related to SAP but is a general financial aid eligibility requirement.)

Treatment of Prerequisite Courses

Prerequisites or preparatory courses are those in which a student must complete to meet admission requirements into a degree program but do not count toward the student’s degree requirements. Prerequisites or preparatory courses are evaluated according to the quantitative and qualitative rules set forth in this policy.

Treatment of Repeated Courses

Students have the option of repeating once as many as three different completed courses with only the grade, credit hours, and quality points for the second completion. If the student repeats a course, those credits are counted when calculating the quantitative and maximum time frame measures.

(Courses students repeat may be included when determining a student’s enrollment status for Title IV-federal student aid purposes when it is not a result of 1) more than one repetition of a previously passed course, or 2) any repetition of a previously passed course due to the student failing other course work. This rule is not related to SAP requirements but is a general financial aid eligibility requirement.)

Effect of Dropping or Never Attending Courses

Courses students register for but drop prior to the end of drop period are not included in the calculation of SAP. Courses in which the student registers but never attends (i.e., assigned a grade N) are not included in the calculation of SAP.

Effect of Withdrawn Courses

Credits for withdrawn courses (i.e., assigned a grade W) are counted as attempted credit hours in the quantitative and maximum time frame measures but are not counted in the qualitative measure.

Effect of Incomplete Grades

Credits for incomplete courses (i.e., assigned a grade I) are counted as attempted credit hours in the quantitative and maximum time frame measures but are not counted in the qualitative measure.

Effect of Change in Major

All the credits the student attempts toward any UK undergraduate degree are included in the evaluation of qualitative, quantitative, and maximum time frame measures.

SAP Definitions

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)

SAP is the term used to define successful completion of degree requirements to maintain eligibility for federal and state financial aid.

Financial Aid Probation

Financial Aid Probation status is assigned to students who fail to make SAP and who have successfully appealed. A student who is placed on Financial Aid Probation may receive financial aid for one subsequent payment period. A student on Financial Aid Probation may be required to meet certain terms and conditions while on Financial Aid Probation. A student assigned a Financial Aid Probation status will be placed on a Financial Aid Academic Plan and is required to sign a Financial Aid Academic Probation Agreement. At the conclusion of the Financial Aid Academic Probation payment period, the student must either meet the SAP standards or fulfill the requirements specified in the Financial Aid Academic Plan to receive financial aid for a subsequent payment period. 

Financial Aid Academic Plan

The Financial Aid Academic Plan requires students to complete 80 percent of the attempted course work (100 percent if the student failed the maximum time frame measure) and earn a minimum 2.1 GPA for the payment period the student is on SAP Academic Probation. If the student meets the requirements of the Financial Aid Academic Plan, the student will be assigned continued Financial Aid Probation for one subsequent payment period.

If the student fails to meet SAP standards or the requirements set forth in the Financial Aid Academic Plan, the student is deemed ineligible for financial aid, but may appeal again for a future payment period by published deadlines.

Continued Financial Aid Probation

Continued Financial Aid Probation status is assigned to a student who was placed on Financial Aid Probation during the previous semester/term and at the end of the semester/term did not meet the standards of SAP but met the conditions of the Financial Aid Academic Plan.

SAP Appeal Procedures

If a student fails one or more of the three measures (qualitative, quantitative, and maximum time frame) or is placed on Academic Probation or Academic Suspension, the student is not eligible for federal and state financial aid including grants, scholarships, work-study, and loans. Students failing SAP standards who have had mitigating circumstances (e.g., death in the family, illness, involuntary military leave), however, may request reinstatement of their financial aid eligibility by submitting their SAP Appeal and supporting documentation by the published Satisfactory Academic Progress deadlines. Students who are identified as not meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress standards are sent an email informing them of their ineligibility and are provided a link in which they can securely create their appeal and submit supporting documentation. The link is also available in the student’s myUK portal.

The appeal, which must be typed, includes the following student requirements:

1. A completed and valid Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the deadline dates specified below.
2. Detailed explanation for failure to meet SAP standards for each applicable payment period the student failed to perform satisfactorily.
3. Documentation to support the reason for failure or justification for why documentation cannot be provided.
4. Detailed explanation of what has changed that will now allow the student to comply with SAP standards, and, when warranted, a statement of academic objectives, corrective action plan, and/or plan of study indicating which courses apply to the degree and which courses remain to complete the program of study.

SAP Appeal Deadlines

SAP Appeals Committee and Decision

Students will be notified by email of the decision of the SAP Appeals Committee. The decision of the SAP Appeals Committee is final; however, the student may appeal again by the published deadlines for a future payment period.

SAP Notification

Students are notified of their ineligibility for financial aid due to SAP and the decision of their appeal by email. Students may also refer to their myUK account to check the status of SAP and/or decision of the SAP appeal.

Viewing SAP Appeal Decisions via myUK Portal

1. Log into myUK.
2. Select Financials, then Financial Aid.
3. Select academic year 2023-24 to view summer 2024, view academic year 2024-25 to view fall 2024, spring 2025, and summer 2025 SAP statuses.

Re-Establishing Financial Aid Eligibility

A student who has a change made to his or her academic transcript (i.e., grade change) during the semester in which the student is ineligible or is on Financial Aid Probation, may request a re-evaluation of SAP.

Students who are ineligible because they do not meet SAP requirements or are on Financial Aid Probation shall be re-evaluated at the conclusion of each semester/term in which they enroll to determine whether they have re-established financial aid eligibility.

Enrollment Status

Enrollment Classification

Courses that do not count towards a student’s degree cannot count toward enrollment status unless they are eligible remedial courses. Each type of financial aid (program) has specific enrollment status requirements. Enrollment for undergraduate students is defined as follows:

Students may enroll part-time or full-time to qualify for Federal Pell Grant, Federal SEOG, and Federal Work-Study. Pell Grant amounts are reduced for less than full-time enrollment and based on the number of enrolled hours (enrollment intensity). To receive a Federal Direct Loan, students must be enrolled at least half-time. State aid programs typically require at least half-time enrollment, with amounts prorated for less than full-time enrollment. Most institutional scholarships require full-time enrollment.

Academic Level Classification

Some financial aid programs have specific criteria based on academic grade level. According to academic policy, the following criteria are used to define the student’s academic level:

Consortium Agreements and Study Abroad

University of Kentucky students who plan to enroll at another college or university simultaneously may have their enrollment elsewhere considered for financial aid eligibility.

UK students may have their enrollment elsewhere considered to determine financial aid eligibility. To be considered for financial aid at UK as a dually enrolled student, a consortium agreement must be completed by the student and approved by the student’s academic advisor, the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships and the other institution.

Consortium agreements allow students enrolled at more than one school in each semester to receive the maximum amount of federal aid for which they are eligible considering enrollment at both schools. A student may receive federal financial aid from only one school during any given semester.

Types of Financial Aid Available

Financial aid is funding for college education that comes from sources outside of the student’s family. Gift aid and self-help aid are the two categories of financial aid. Gift aid comes in the form of grants and scholarships and usually does not have to be repaid. Self-help aid comes in the form of loans and work-study. Financial aid at the University of Kentucky is offered based on financial need, merit, or both. Students may receive a combination of grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study in their Financial Aid Package. Sources of funding come from the University of Kentucky, the federal government, the state and other entities. The types of financial aid programs listed below are available to students:

Scholarships - www.uky.edu/financialaid/scholarships

Need-based Assistance - www.uky.edu/financialaid/need-base-assistance

Loans - www.uky.edu/financialaid/loans

Notification and Disbursement of Financial Aid

1.  Checking Financial Aid Records

Students may access their financial aid records by logging on to myUK, which is the student’s campus web portal used to provide students with easy online access to their records.

2.  Understanding Financial Aid Offers and Requirements

Online financial aid notification via text, email, or myUK is the official method by which students receive information regarding their financial aid application and offers. Email is the primary means of communication between students and the University of Kentucky Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships. It is the student’s responsibility to monitor email notifications from the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships as well as from other university offices. Failure to read and respond to email communications from the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships may result in delay or cancellation of financial aid awards. 

3.  Disbursement of Financial Aid (Crediting of funds to the Student Account)

The earliest that financial aid may credit to a student’s billing account is 10 days before the student’s classes for the semester begin. However, financial aid will not credit to the student’s account unless all eligibility requirements have been met and verification has been completed, if selected. In addition, if the student is taking out a student loan, the student must have completed entrance loan counseling and completed a master promissory note for the respective loan program. Estimated financial aid on the Student Bill is a temporary status to be used for financial planning purposes only. Estimated financial aid allows the Student Account Services Office to defer payment of student’s tuition, fees, housing and dining payments until the financial aid is finalized and credited to the account. Students are responsible for making payment for the difference between the billed charges and accepted financial aid by the designated due dates established by the University. Financial aid offers are not final until they have credited to the student’s account. 

4.  UK Student Account Services Installment Payment Plan

Under the UK Student Account Services Payment Plan, students may select to make four payments of their outstanding charges after any applicable financial aid has been applied. For more information, visit www.uky.edu/studentaccount/content/installment-payment-plan.

5.  Refunds Due to a Financial Aid Credit Balance

When financial aid for the semester/term exceeds a student’s direct charges (tuition, fees, etc.) on the student bill, the student is entitled to a refund for the difference for use toward other educational expenses. The Student Account Services Office issues refunds to students beginning the first day of classes. Only those students whose financial aid was credited 10 days prior to the semester/term with a credit balance will receive a refund on the first day of the semester/term. Following the first day of the semester/term, it takes approximately one week after financial aid is disbursed for the Student Account Services Office to issue a financial aid refund to a student. Visit www.uky.edu/studentaccount/refund.htm for more information on financial aid refunds.

6. Using Credit Balance Refunds for Books and Supplies

Students who are eligible for federal Title IV credit balance refunds may utilize anticipated refunds to purchase required books and supplies prior to the seventh day of each term using their WildCard Student ID at the UK Bookstore. For more information on this option, visit www.uky.edu/advisors/node/2417.

Impact on Financial Aid Due to Withdrawal or Failure to Enroll

Students could jeopardize receipt of some types of aid if they are not properly enrolled at the time that financial aid funds disburse. Students may have originally been packaged as full-time, but at the time the funds are ready to disburse, students’ enrollment status may differ. Students’ change in enrollment may affect the eligibility for certain funds. If a student does not attend for a period of enrollment in which the student was offered financial aid, the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships must cancel all financial aid offered. Upon re-enrollment, the student may request assistance again, but, because offers are based on the availability of funds, funding may be limited.

Students who plan to withdraw from any courses during an academic term should first consult with the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships to understand the full impact prior to taking action. Withdrawing from courses may cause students to lose financial aid that has already been received, may create a balance due on the student account that must be repaid, and may prevent students from making Satisfactory Academic Progress. This withdrawal action may affect students’ financial aid eligibility in the future.

Total withdrawal from the University is defined as dropping/withdrawing from all classes for which a student is registered. When students withdraw from all courses on or before completing 60 percent of an academic term, the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships is required to review the student’s financial aid to determine whether financial aid funds must be adjusted in accordance with federal and state regulations. Students who fail all courses are considered withdrawn unless documentation of class completion is provided. See the section that follows titled Student Aid Recipients Receiving a Combination of Failing and Incomplete Grades for additional details.

Treatment of Title IV (Federal) Aid for Total Withdrawal

The federal policy for return of Title IV funds maintains that a student retains only that portion of federal aid that the student has earned based on time in attendance before withdrawal. The percentage of time that the student attended an academic term determines the amount of federal aid that must be returned to the federal government. This federally mandated policy is independent of UK institutional refund policy due to withdrawal.

The University of Kentucky, as required by federal statute, must recalculate federal financial aid eligibility for students who drop out, who withdraw, or who are dismissed, prior to completing more than 60 percent of the semester or the financial aid payment period. When the student ceases to be enrolled prior to completing more than 60 percent of the semester or financial aid payment period, the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships applies the Federal Return of Title IV funds formula to determine whether any federal financial aid must be returned.

This percentage is equal to the number of calendar days remaining in the semester divided by the total number of calendar days in the semester. Scheduled breaks of more than five consecutive days are excluded from this calculation. The Federal Return of Title IV formula is calculated as follows:

This formula determines the percentage of the semester completed, which is the same percentage of earned financial aid. Funds are returned to the appropriate federal program based on the percentage of unearned aid using the following formula:

Federal student aid refunds are returned to the following Title IV sources in the following order:

1. Unsubsidized Federal Direct Loan
2. Subsidized Federal Direct Loan
3. Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan
4. Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan
5. Federal Pell Grant
6. Federal SEOG Grant
7. Federal TEACH Grant

Funds are not required to be returned to the Federal Work-Study Program.

Worksheets used to determine the amount of refund or Return of Title IV aid are available upon request from the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships.

Post Withdrawal Disbursement (PWD) of Title IV Aid

The financial aid office determines if a student is eligible to receive Title IV funds that were offered but not yet disbursed to the student at the time of his/her withdrawal from school. Any PWD will first apply to a student’s outstanding university charges (if any). Grant PWD do not require an authorization from the student. Before any loan funds are applied to a student’s outstanding university charges, the student (or parent) will be notified of the award type, amount of the PWD, any residual balance created by the PWD and given the opportunity to cancel all or part of the loan amount offered. The student/parent must respond within 30 days of the date of the notice. No loan PWD will released without confirmation. The residual balance of the accepted amount of any remaining PWD will be sent directly to the student (or to the parent if designated as such on the parent PLUS).

Student Aid Recipients Receiving a Combination of Failing and Incomplete Grades

Any financial aid recipient receiving all failing and incomplete grades for a semester is subject to Return to Title IV regulations. This is referred to as an “unofficial withdrawal.” UK makes a determination whether a student has unofficially withdrawn by gathering the last date of attendance (LDA) from faculty for each course the student did not pass. If a student’s LDA date is past 60 percent of the semester or term, the student is considered to have earned the non-passing degrades and therefore is not considered as an unofficial withdrawal. If the student’s LDA date is 60 percent or less for a semester or term, the student is considered as an unofficial withdrawal. When the student’s latest LDA date is 50 percent or less for the semester or term, the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships (OSFAS) treats the midpoint of the payment period as the unofficial withdrawal date. When the student’s latest LDA is between 50.1 percent to 60 percent for the semester or term, OSFAS uses the student’s documented attendance date (through the collection of LDA from faculty) as the student’s unofficial withdrawal date.

Treatment of State Aid for Total Withdrawal

State aid is treated differently than federal financial aid when a student withdraws during a term. State aid refunds are calculated proportionally based on the percentage of tuition and registration fees to be refunded to the student per the University Fee Liability Policy available at https://registrar.uky.edu/course-deadlines-and-refund-schedules. For example, a student entitled to a tuition and fees refund of 80 percent (responsible for 20 percent charges) will be eligible to retain 20 percent of total state aid. According to this policy, following the fourth week of the term, no tuition or registration fees will be refunded; therefore, no state aid will be returned. Pursuant to state regulations, Kentucky state grant and scholarship funding will be returned in full at any time that tuition and fees are reduced to zero ($0.00).

Treatment of Institutional Aid for Total Withdrawal 

Refunds of University funds are calculated proportionally based on the percentage of tuition and registration fees to be refunded to the student per the University Fee Liability Policy available at https://registrar.uky.edu/course-deadlines-and-refund-schedules. When a student withdraws and is due a refund of tuition and registration fees according to the University’s policy, the student will be eligible to retain each institutional aid type at the same percentage charged for tuition and fees. For example, a student entitled to a tuition and fees refund of 80 percent (responsible for 20 percent charges) will be eligible to retain 20 percent of each institutional aid type in the financial aid package. For funding types restricted to covering actual tuition and fees, any reductions in tuition and fee charges will require equivalent reduction of the tuition-specific aid amount to align with actual charges.

Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships contact information:

Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships
127 Funkhouser Building
University of Kentucky
Lexington, KY 40506-0054
859-257-3172
www.uky.edu/financialaid/

FEDERAL WORK-STUDY

The Federal Work-Study Program (FWS) provides students with part-time employment to help meet college costs and, if possible, provide work experience related to their field of study. FWS is federally funded and need-based. Eligibility is determined from information provided on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

A variety of FWS positions are available. Virtually every college and department use FWS in some capacity. Positions are available in libraries, laboratories, student services and academic departments, the Singletary Center and the Johnson Center. Off-campus jobs with non-profit agencies provide opportunities to work directly with the community.

Earnings

Earnings through FWS vary with the amount of the FWS offer, the pay rate, and the hours worked. Salaries start at $12.00 per hour and range upward according to the position classification and level of experience. Most students work ten to twenty hours per week. Employers usually prefer students to work three or more consecutive hours depending on their class schedules. FWS students are paid bi-weekly via direct deposit according to the number of hours worked and submitted. FWS earnings do not directly credit a student’s billing statement to pay University charges.

SCHOLARSHIPS

The Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships administers scholarships based on financial need and academic merit. Students with substantial financial need, as determined by the FAFSA, should read the preceding information and contact their financial aid counselor for questions regarding federal and state need-based aid programs.

Scholarship programs based primarily on academic merit are administered through the Academic Scholarship Program, including academic and competitive awards for first-time incoming freshmen, current UK students, and transfer students. All scholarships are awarded based on availability of funds; therefore, early application is strongly encouraged. For more information and to view scholarships offered, please visit our website: https://studentsuccess.uky.edu/financial-aid-and-scholarships/academic-scholarships.

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. Additionally, we encourage students to search for internal and external scholarship opportunities on ScholarshipUniverse at https://studentsuccess.uky.edu/financial-aid-and-scholarships/services/scholarshipuniverse.

For more information concerning scholarships, contact:

Office of Academic Scholarships
University of Kentucky
217 Funkhouser Building
Lexington, KY 40506-0054
859-257-3172
​email: AcademicScholarships@uky.edu
https://studentsuccess.uky.edu/financial-aid-and-scholarships

HUMAN RESOURCES STUDENT EMPLOYMENT

Human Resources Student Employment is a free referral service for UK students who are seeking part-time employment during the school year and part-time or full-time employment during academic breaks. Both on-campus and off-campus jobs in various fields with assorted required skills, pay rates, and flexible schedules are usually available.

To be considered for jobs available through HR Student Employment, UK students first create an application on the ukjobs.uky.edu website. Next, UK students can search the website for available jobs and submit their application for the positions they are interested in. After submitting an application, students who meet the minimum qualifications for that specific job posting will receive an email with instructions for scheduling a referral interview with the HR Student Employment office.

Students can access additional information at the HR Student Employment website at: https://hr.uky.edu/employment/student-employment. Feel free to call us at 859-257-9554.

SPECIAL AWARDS

The Herman L. Donovan Scholarship for Adults 65+

The Donovan Scholarship, named in honor of the late Herman L. Donovan, University President from 1941-1956, is a tuition waiver program for adults, 65 years and older, taking academic courses at the University of Kentucky. The tuition waiver is available for courses held on campus and limited availability for UK online classes. Donovan Scholars may audit courses for the joy of learning (exams, papers or other assignments are typically not required), take courses for credit without working toward a degree, or take classes for credit as a degree-seeking candidate. There is no previous educational requirement for Donovan Scholars auditing an undergraduate class (not seeking a degree). When working toward a degree, UK Admissions criteria must be met.

For more information, contact Trey Adkins at 859-257-2657; or email: trey.adkins@uky.edu..

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at UK, Lexington and Morehead

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at UK offers educational, social, and community activities for a diverse and inclusive population of adults aged 50 and up. Program activities are offered virtually and in-person at host locations throughout the community in Lexington and Morehead. Learning opportunities are offered in a variety of formats including weekly meetings, lecture series, day trips, shared interest groups and more. Topics vary each semester and include culture, health and wellness, history and government, languages, literature and writing, science and environment, and visual and performing arts. In addition to learning opportunities, the OLLI Program offers special events and socials such as concerts and luncheons. OLLI members can attend the Lancaster Aquatic Center with no additional charge. They can also attend the Johnson Center/Alumni Gym with an additional charge paid to the centers. The annual OLLI membership fee is $50; course fees vary.

For more information, contact the OLLI at UK at 859-257-2656; toll free at 866-602-5862; or email: Teresa.Hager@uky.edu.

OLLI at UK
Ligon House
658 South Limestone
Lexington, KY 40506-0442
859-257-2656, toll free 866-602-5862
www.uky.edu/OLLI

ForagerOne

Developed with support from the Office of the Vice President for Research, Office of the Provost, and Student Success, the new ForagerOne portal facilitates connections between research faculty and aspiring undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and postdoc researchers for integrative learning opportunities in all disciplines across campus and enable faculty to strengthen their research teams. ForagerOne streamlines and standardizes how students look for university-affiliated research opportunities and simplifies messaging to connect students and mentors outside of the classroom. UK faculty and students can start using ForagerOne in three easy steps. For information, contact the Office of Undergraduate Research, 211 Funkhouser Building, 859-257-0049; or visit us at: https://our.uky.edu/ForagerOne.

Oswald Research and Creativity Program

The Oswald Research and Creativity Program began in 1964 with the express purpose of encouraging research and creative activities by undergraduate students at UK. The objectives of the program are: (1) to stimulate research and 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 but not limited to, architecture, landscape architecture, and interior design), Fine Arts, Humanities/Creative, Humanities/Critical Research, Physical and Engineering Sciences, and Social Sciences. 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 given in each category: $350 for first, $200 for second place, and an Honorable Mention certificate. Any undergraduate (full- or part-time, enrolled for either semester in the current academic year) who does not already have a baccalaureate degree is eligible to enter.

For information, contact the Office of Undergraduate Research, 211 Funkhouser Building, 859-257-0049; or visit us at: https:/our.uky.edu/oswald-competition.

Undergraduate Summer Research and Creativity Fellowships

One of the strengths of research institutions like the University of Kentucky is the opportunity they provide for undergraduates to be involved in research and creative projects. Engagement in educational activities outside the classroom is a key element in the learning process. Faculty members in many fields welcome the opportunity to share their expertise and assist students with research projects. Each year, the Office of Undergraduate Research supports numerous independent research and creativity projects. Awardees range from $3,000 to $5,000 and support these activities during the summer months. Awards are given out at the end of the spring semester. Undergraduate students in all academic areas are eligible to compete for these fellowships.

For information and applications, contact the Office of Undergraduate Research, 211 Funkhouser Building, 859-257-0049; or visit us at: https://our.uky.edu/funding.

Other Awards Programs

Many academic departments at UK give special awards and prizes to students each year. Generally, special awards are cash prizes and are given on the basis of academic achievement or outstanding scholarship. To learn more about student support activities, please visit us at: https://our.uky.edu/funding.

VETERANS BENEFITS

Benefits for Veterans and Eligible Dependents

Federal and state benefit programs for veterans and eligible dependents are coordinated through the Veteran Resource Center, located in Room 2 Erikson Hall. Veterans or eligible dependents should contact the Veteran Resource Center during priority registration or on the Orientation date to request information on how to apply for VA benefits.

Students who have already been approved for federal or state benefit programs should bring their Certificate of Eligibility from the VA. 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 VA educational benefit programs, contact the Buffalo VA Regional Office at 888-442-4551.

Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs Tuition Waiver Program

Under the provisions of KRS 164.505, 164.507, and 164.515 certain children and spouses of Kentucky veterans are eligible for tuition assistance from the Commonwealth of Kentucky. All persons eligible under this program must contact the VA Certifying Official in Room 2 Erikson Hall, VetCenter@uky.edu, for instructions on how get the KDVA tuition waiver applied to their account.

For additional information on the provisions of KRS 164.505, 164.507, and 164.515, contact the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs at 502-503-7911 or at KDVA.TuitionWaiver@ky.gov.

ROTC Financial Assistance

Air Force ROTC Scholarships

The types of financial assistance available through Air Force ROTC are briefly described below. For further details on eligibility and requirements, contact the Department of Aerospace Studies, 203 Barker Hall, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40506-0028, 859-257-7115; or visit https://afrotc.as.uky.edu/ for more information. Additional information is also listed in this Catalog under the Department of Aerospace Studies .

High School Scholarship Program (HSSP). 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 ranging from $300 to $500 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 ACT, or a composite score on the 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 anytime between June 1 and December 1 of the year prior to enrollment in the program (usually the spring of their junior year into the fall of their senior year).

All selections for four-year scholarships are made at Air Force ROTC headquarters. Students meet regularly scheduled boards from September to February (which is dependent upon when they officially apply). High school students should apply online at: www.afrotc.com. For additional information, contact the Air Force ROTC detachment, 203 Barker Hall, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506-0028, or at 859-257-7115.

In College Scholarship Program (ICSP). Scholarships are awarded to students enrolled as cadets currently in the Air Force ROTC program on a competitive basis. Depending on the particular scholarship program, selection may be made on campus by the Air Force ROTC detachment commander or at Air Force ROTC headquarters. Scholarships may be awarded for up to three and a half years of study. Students interested in these scholarships should call 859-257-7115 for the latest information. Freshman students are not eligible for an ICSP until they have completed one full-time semester of college education. Freshman ICSP scholarships are awarded during the spring semester of the cadet’s freshman year but do not go into effect until the fall semester of the cadet’s sophomore year. The same is the case for sophomore cadets. Additionally, sophomore cadets who compete for and receive a Field Training allocation will be automatically awarded the Charles McGee Leadership Award (CMLA) beginning the fall semester of their junior year.

Furthermore, the HQ AFROTC ICSP is an in-college scholarship program available to students pursuing a degree in critical areas needed by the Air Force. These scholarships can be up to three and a half years. These scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis for those who qualify. ICSP scholarships have historically been awarded to cadets pursuing academic majors in electrical and computer engineering, nursing, and certain foreign language studies. Selections for this particular in-college scholarship program are made at Air Force ROTC headquarters. Critical areas are updated every year and are subject to change without notice. For current information, call 859-257-7115.

Note: Receipt of any of the aforementioned scholarships requires the cadet to contract with the Air Force and complete the ROTC program.

Information is current as of June 2023 and is subject to change.

Army ROTC Scholarships

Army ROTC is the single largest source of scholarship money in the United States. Each year, the Army awards millions of dollars in scholarships to thousands of deserving students nationwide. Two-year, three-year and four-year scholarships are available through the Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps program. These scholarships pay tuition, mandatory university fees, $1,200 per year for textbook costs, and up to $420 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 or eight-year Army Reserve/National Guard service commitment.

Two- to three-year Guaranteed Reserve Forces Duty Scholarships are also available.

Length of scholarship, application deadline, and where to apply:

1. Scholarship applications are accepted year-round. The address to request or submit an application is: Professor of Military Science, ATTN: Recruiting Operations Officer, U.S. Army ROTC, 101B Barker Hall, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506-0028; or call 859-257-6865.
2. Four-year scholarships: Application deadline is February 4 of a student’s high school senior year. High school seniors are eligible to apply as early as June 12. Apply online at: www.goarmy.com/rotc. All applicants are evaluated by a board that considers the following criteria: ACT/SAT scores, high school academic record, extracurricular and/or athletic activities, physical fitness test, and Professor of Military Science interview.

Advance Course (last two academic years of baccalaureate degree)

All contracted cadets (committed by signing an Army ROTC contract) receive a subsistence allowance of up to $420 per month while school is in session, whether or not they are scholarship recipients. Active duty service obligations are minimum 3 or up to 4 years. National Guard or Army Reserve military service obligations after earning a bachelors or graduate degree is a minimum of 6 years or up to 8 years.

To be eligible for the Advance Course, students must have completed the first two academic years of the ROTC program (Basic Course) or other training (Basic Training, 4 years of JROTC, or Basic Camp). See Recruiting Operations Officer for details.

Basic Course (first two academic years of the four-year ROTC program)

All students are eligible and welcome to participate in military science 100- and 200-level classes without obligation. Completion of these courses may be utilized towards earning a minor in military leadership. The Basic Course focuses on an introduction to leadership, tasks common to all soldiers, and adventure training.

Basic Camp and Advanced Camp

These camps are fully funded and resourced, immersive leadership training experiences lasting approximately 4 to 5 weeks.

Basic Camp is held at Fort Knox, Kentucky, and is attended by students who wish to participate in the Advanced Course. Completion of training qualifies students to enter the Advanced Course and compete for a two- or two-and-a-half-year scholarships.

Advanced Camp is held at Fort Knox, Kentucky, and is a requirement of the Advanced Course for commissioning. Normally, students attend this Camp between the junior and senior years.

Simultaneous Membership Program

This program is open to students in the ROTC Basic Course and Advanced Course. 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. See the admissions officer or call your local National Guard/Army Reserve recruiter for details. Simultaneous Membership Program students may receive a scholarship and tuition assistance, Montgomery *GI Bill®, *GI Bill® Kicker, plus monthly drill pay while serving in the National Guard/Army Reserve.

*GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

The University of Kentucky is approved by the Kentucky State Approving Agency for Veterans Education (SAA) to offer VA Educational Benefits (GI Bill®) to eligible individuals enrolled in approved programs.