Financial Aid
Quick Links
Applying for Financial Aid
Eligibility Requirements
Satisfactory Academic Progress
Determining Financial Need
Types of Aid Financial Aid
Need Based Aid Programs
Non-need Based Aid Programs - University Scholarships
Non-need Based Aid Programs - Categorical Tuition Waivers
Non-need Based Aid Programs - Loans
Rights and Responsibilities
Applying for Financial Aid:
The University requires students to file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students may apply for the FAFSA online at . It is recommended that students and parents save time by requesting personal identification numbers called Federal Student Aid PINs before the student applies for aid. The PIN can be used to electronically sign the FAFSA, electronically sign certain loan contracts, and access online information about federal student aid the student has received. The PIN must be requested online at .
The FAFSA should be completed as early as possible beginning January 1st for each upcoming aid year. Students are strongly encouraged to file the FAFSA by the University‘s priority deadline of March 1st. Incoming students accepted to the University who complete their FAFSA by the March 1st priority deadline will receive notification of their awards by the end of March. Returning students registered for the upcoming semester who complete their FAFSA by the March 1st priority deadline will receive notification of their awards in early June. Students applying after March 1st receive aid as funds become available.
Copies of students’ and parents’ federal income tax, W2 forms and other forms may be requested by the Financial Aid Office to verify information provided on the FAFSA. Many forms requested are available on the financial aid website at . All information requested by the Financial Aid Office is required to complete the application process and is held in strictest confidence.
Eligibility Requirements:
To receive financial aid from the various student aid programs, a student must:
- Have demonstrated financial need to qualify for need-based aid programs. Need is defined as the cost of attendance minus the expected family contribution derived from filing the FAFSA. Students may also be eligible for non-need based aid programs, such as the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan program and meritorious awards.
- Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen.
- Have a valid Social Security Number.
- Make satisfactory academic progress.
- Have a high school diploma or a General Education Development (GED) certificate, pass a test approved by the U.S. Department of Education, meet other standards the state of Massachusetts establishes that are approved by the U.S. Department of Education, or complete a high school education in a home school setting that is treated as a home school or private school under state law.
- Be a matriculated student enrolled in a degree granting or approved certificate program. Students enrolled in non-degree programs are not eligible for financial aid.
- Be enrolled at least half-time (6 credits) each semester. Undergraduate students enrolled less than half time may qualify for Federal Pell grant in limited cases.
- Cannot be in default or in overpayment on a federal student loan.
- Register with the Selective Service, if required ()
Satisfactory Academic Progress:
In accordance with Title IV, Financial Aid regulation 34 CFR 668.16(e), the University of Massachusetts Lowell monitors the academic progress of all Title IV financial aid applicants. This policy also extends to university and state financial aid awards. Satisfactory academic progress (SAP) is reviewed on a yearly basis at the end of the spring semester grading period. All financial aid applicants will be reviewed using a quantitative measure (percentage of coursework completed) and a qualitative measure (cumulative grade point average), in accordance with federal regulations. Students must maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0, and earn the necessary credits hours to reach graduation with in six years (150% of published length of undergraduate program).
A student failing to meet the established guidelines will at minimum receive a probationary notice. If a student does not meet the academic standards defined by the financial aid office, the student may become ineligible to receive federal, state and institutional funding. A student has a right to appeal that decision. To appeal, a student must send a written letter to the Financial Aid Office stating the reason for the appeal. To regain financial aid eligibility, a student must achieve acceptable status or have the appeal granted in writing by a financial aid counselor. Please contact the financial aid office for more information.
Determining Financial Need:
Demonstrated financial need is the difference between the cost of attendance and the expected family contribution. The cost of attendance (COA) includes direct expenses such as tuition and fees, and also includes indirect such as room, board, books and transportation. The expected family contribution (EFC) is determined by the federal needs analysis formula and is calculated by completing a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Types of Aid Financial Aid:
The University participates in various federal, state, institutional and private financial aid programs. There are three major types of financial aid. (1) Grants and Waivers - gift aid that does not need to be repaid, unless an overpayment has resulted due to the student withdrawing from school before the end of the enrollment period for which the grant was awarded. The school will notify the student whether any funds may need to returned. Students should meet with their financial aid counselor in person if they plan to withdraw from school. (2) Work Study – provides income for part time employment and does not have to be repaid. (3) Loans – money lent to a student that must be repaid with interest. The following is a description of financial aid programs. Please note that the term “undergraduate” in following section refers to students who are pursuing their first undergraduate degree.
Need-Based Aid Programs:
Federal Pell Grant: Federal grant awarded to students pursuing their first undergraduate degrees with exceptional need. For 2008-2009, awards range from $523 to $4731, depending on eligibility. The Federal Pell Grant is gift aid and does not need to be repaid.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG): Federal grant awarded by the University to students pursuing their first undergraduate degrees with exceptional need. Awards range from $200 to $2000, depending on available funds and number of eligible applicants. The Federal SEOG award is gift aid and does not need to be repaid.
Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG): Federal grant that provides up to $750 for the first year of undergraduate study and up to $1,300 for the second year of undergraduate study to full-time students who are U.S citizens, eligible for a Federal Pell Grant, and who had successfully completed a rigorous high school program, as determined by the state or local education agency and recognized by the Secretary of Education. Second year students must also have maintained a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0. The program is available for first year students who graduated from high school after January 1, 2006 and for second year students who graduated from high school after January 1, 2005. The ACG award is gift aid and does not need to be repaid.
National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent (SMART) Grant: Federal grant that provides up to $4,000 for each of the third and fourth years of undergraduate study. In order to be eligible for this Grant a student must be a full-time U.S. citizen, eligible for a Federal Pell Grant, and majoring in Computer Science, Engineering, Critical Foreign Languages, Life Sciences, Mathematics, Physical Sciences, Technology, or Multidisciplinary Studies. A complete list of eligible majors can be found online at
The student must also have maintained a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0 in coursework required for the major. The SMART award is gift aid and does not need to be repaid.
MASSGrant Program: State funded grant program administered by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Awards are based on demonstrated financial need. Awards are available to students pursuing their first undergraduate degree, enrolled full-time, and filed a FAFSA the state deadline of May 1st. Non-residents should contact their state scholarship office to determine eligibility requirements and if an award is transferable to UML.
MASS Part-Time Grant: State funded grant program administered by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Awards are based on demonstrated financial need, depending upon funding and number of eligible applicants. Awards are available to students pursuing their first undergraduate degree, enrolled less than full-time but at least half time (6-11 credits).
Board of Higher Education Tuition Waiver (BHE Waiver): State funded program administered by the financial aid office. Eligibility is determined by demonstrated financial need, priority is given to fulltime students. Awards are available to undergraduate students enrolled at least half time (6 credits) and legal residents of Massachusetts as defined by the state of Massachusetts. The BHE tuition waiver applies to state funded-undergraduate degree courses only. Continuing education courses are not covered by this program.
Board of Higher Education Grant (BHE Grant): State funded program administered by the financial aid office. Eligibility is determined by demonstrated financial need, priority is given to full time students. Awards are available to undergraduate students enrolled at least half time (6 credits) and legal residents of Massachusetts as defined by the state of Massachusetts.
University Awards: The University provides grants and scholarships from various sources to undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need. These scholarships are awarded as merit-based, need-based or a combination of both. Award amounts range from $200 to $5000, depending upon funding.
Federal Work Study (FWS) Program: Federally funded work program administered by the financial aid office. A need based program that provides students with part-time employment in various on-campus departments and off-campus agencies. Awards range from $1,500 to $5,500. FWS earnings are paid directly to the students and are to be used for educational related expenses. Students have the option the complete a student withholding form to have 70% of their bi-weekly earnings go directly toward their UML bill. This form may be downloaded from the financial aid website at by clicking on forms. Completed forms must be returned to the financial aid office.
Campus Work Program (CWP): Institutionally funded work program administered by the financial aid office. A need based program that provides undergraduate students with part-time employment in various on-campus departments and off-campus agencies. Awards range from $1,500 to $5,500. CWP earnings are paid directly to the students and are to be used for educational related expenses. Students have the option the complete a student withholding form to have 70% of their bi-weekly earnings go directly toward their UML bill. This form may be downloaded from the financial aid website at by clicking on forms. Completed forms must be returned to the financial aid office.
William D. Ford Federal Direct Subsidized Loan: A need-based federal loan available through the University. Eligibility for a “subsidized” loan is determined by the completing the FAFSA and students must be enrolled at least half time (6 credits) in a degree granting program. First year students may borrow up to $3,500; second year students may borrow up to $4,500; students who have completed two years of undergraduate study may borrow up to $5,500 for each year thereafter up to lifetime aggregate loan limit of $23,000. First time borrowers at UML are required to complete and sign an On-Line Master Promissory Note and Entrance Counseling before funds are disbursed to the students’ University account. Repayment starts six months after graduation, withdrawal, or when the student’s course load drops below half time (6 credits) status. The federal government pays the annual interest rate on the subsidized loans while the student is enrolled in school and during the six month grace period after graduation or withdrawal from school. Students are required to complete an Exit Counseling at point of graduation, withdrawal from school, or enrollment status drops below half time (6 credits) status. DL Entrance and Exit Counseling may be done online at , and DL Master Promissory Notes may be signed electronically at . This is a loan that must be repaid.
*Please also refer to the Non-Need Based Aid Programs - Loans section of this catalog for information on the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan.
Federal Perkins Loan: A 5% fixed interest Federal loan administered by the University. Awards range from $500 to $4,000, depending upon funding. Repayment starts nine months following graduation, a student’s withdrawal from school, or when a student drops to less than half-time (6 credits) enrollment. Repayment may be extended over a ten-year period. Principal and interest are deferred while a student is enrolled at least halftime in a degree program. Students must sign a Master Promissory Note and Entrance counseling at the Financial Aid Office prior to the loans being applied to students’ University bill. An Exit Interview must be complete with the Accounts Receivables Office at point of graduation, withdrawal or enrollment drops below half time (6 credits) enrollment. This is a loan that must be repaid.
Non-Need Based Aid Programs - University Scholarships:
Charles J. Hoff Scholarship: The largest campus-wide scholarship opportunity is the Hoff Scholarship. Awards are in the amount of $4,000, which is applied directly to a student's financial account. This amount ($4,000) pays for almost half of the $8,500 annual tuition and fees and may be continued until graduation on a semester basis, conditional upon satisfactory performance and financial aid eligibility. To be considered, students must be enrolled full time as an undergraduate student in the College of Engineering, College of Management, School of Health and Environment, Division of Sciences, or Division of Fine Arts. Students must also be classified as a sophomore, junior or senior, have a cumulative GPA of 3.0, have no have more than 30 transfer credits and demonstrate financial need by apply for the FAFSA. The maximum length of the award is six semesters. There is no pre-determined number of new recipients selected for this scholarship each year, but for the 2008-2009 academic year, there will be about 30 awards. For more information and application, please visit .
Chancellor's Scholarship: The Chancellor's Scholarships are available to new freshmen in all undergraduate colleges who are in the top 25 percent of their graduating high school class, have a combined SAT score of 1200 or above and have demonstrated need. These scholarships provide up to $3,000 a year towards tuition and fees and $2,000 towards on-campus room and board. This scholarship is renewable for a total of four years, if the student maintains a 3.0 cumulative grade point average and continues to demonstrate financial need.
Commonwealth Scholars Program: The Commonwealth Scholarships are four-year scholarships that cover full academic year tuition and fees, and room and board for recipients who live on campus. An allowance of up to $2,000 will be awarded to cover commuting and living expenses for recipients who live off campus. These scholarships are awarded to a limited number of high school seniors, who have a minimum, cumulative, recalculated high school grade point average (GPA) of 3.75, combined SAT scores of 1400 or above. Commonwealth Scholarships are renewable annually for a maximum of four years, provided that the student maintains full time status and either a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or better.
University Scholars Program: The University Scholars Program is a scholarship available to the two top ranking seniors who are enrolled at a high school in Massachusetts accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. To be eligible, students will be required to achieve a minimum combined SAT score of 1200 (ACT of 27), be nominated by the high school principal, be a Massachusetts resident (as determined by university policy on residency status), apply and meet all admissions criteria established by the campus, and be admitted to that campus for the semester following high school graduation. University scholars will receive a scholarship of up to $10,000 per year renewable annually for four years provided that the student maintains a 3.0 overall GPA while taking at least 12 credits per semester. This scholarship will be discontinued beginning with the 2009/2010 academic year, the last class to be awarded this scholarship is the 2008/09 class.
Dean's Scholarship Program: The Dean's Scholarship Program supports 62 renewable $4,000/year scholarships. Entering freshmen considered for a Dean's Scholarship must have a high school GPA of 3.25 (out of a possible 4.0) and must have a combined SAT score of at least 1100. Recipients are selected, during the admissions process, by each dean of 51视频's undergraduate colleges on the basis of academic achievements and extra curricular activities. This scholarship is renewable for a total of four years, if the student maintains a cumulative GPA of 3.0 beginning at the end of freshman year.
University Community College Scholars Program: The University Community College Scholars Program presents top-ranked community college students with scholarships of up to $10,000. To be eligible for this award, a community college student must be nominated by his or her community college president, be a resident of Massachusetts, be the top academically ranked student of his or her graduating class, and have earned a designated transfer associate degree at a Massachusetts community college achieving at that college at the time of nomination an overall grade point average of 3.75 or above, and have filed an application to the University of Massachusetts Lowell, meet all of the admission criteria and be admitted. Eligibility for the program is determined without regard to proven financial need. The University Community College Scholarships are granted for a maximum of four (4) semesters to recipients who maintain at least a 3.25 overall GPA while taking 12 or more credits per semester.
51视频 Community College Transfer Scholarship: Thirty scholarships are available each year for fall and spring enrollment at UMASS Lowell. Each award is $2,500 per year for full-time students (the amount is pro-rated for students who enroll part-time) with a maximum value of $5,000 per student. To be eligible, applicants will be required to achieve a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.7 at the time of application, complete at least forty-five (45) of the total number of credits for the Associates degree at a Massachusetts Community College, complete the transfer admissions process to the University, complete graduation requirements at one of the Massachusetts Community Colleges prior to enrollment at 51视频, plan to matriculate as a day school student at 51视频, and be a U.S. citizen, lawful immigrant, permanent resident, or holder of another legal immigration status.
Continuing Studies Dean’s Scholarship: The Continuing Studies Dean’s Scholarship awards are for $1,000 and may be continued on a semester basis, conditional upon satisfactory academic performance. The maximum length of the award is 4 semesters. See our website at for details.
Millie McGuire Technical Writing Scholarship Fund: The Millie McGuire Scholarship is awarded in May each year to a student enrolled in the Continuing Studies Technical Writing Certificate Program at 51视频. The scholarship is managed by the 51视频 Director of Giving. The recipient is selected by the NNE Scholarship committee in conjunction with 51视频. For additional information please visit
Veterans Online and Off-Campus Scholarships: Scholarships will be awarded to Veterans who are enrolled in a Continuing Studies degree or certificate program for $300 each. These scholarships can be used one time only and for one course only. Applications will be evaluated by the CSCDE Scholarship Committee and will be judged by merit and thoughtfulness in written response. Download the application form from our
Leo F. King Scholarship: The friends of the Dean Leo F. King Scholarship Committee are pleased to announce the availability of an annual scholarship award for adult learners returning to school through Continuing Education. Contact the Faculty and Student Support Center at (978) 934-2474 for details.
ASL Adult Education Foundation Scholarships: Alpha Sigma Lambda Adult Education Foundation Scholarships are available for Continuing Studies, Corporate and Distance Education students who are matriculated in associate’s or bachelor’s degree programs and who demonstrate academic strength and leadership. Submissions are due by early April. For more information, visit
Additional University Scholarships: More than 150 UML scholarships are available to eligible students each year. Scholarships are awarded by the academic college or department, as stated in the fund criteria. To learn more about each fund, review the or go to this list of UML as of January 2008. For more information about the selection process, contact the department chair. Students may also fill out the to indicate interest in specific scholarships and/or to receive more information.
Unless otherwise stated, scholarships are awarded every spring for the following academic year. For example, scholarships awarded during the spring of 2008 will take effect during the 2008-2009 academic year, and will appear on student accounts at that time. The endowment is divided equally between the academic year’s two semesters. Awards are applied directly to student accounts in the following order of priority; (1) to pay any balance due to the University, (2) to reduce student loans, (3) as a refund check, if all other obligations have been met.
Non-Need Based Aid Programs-Categorical Tuition Waivers:
Categorical Tuition Waivers: To be eligible for a Categorical Tuition Waiver, a student must be permanent legal resident of Massachusetts for at least one year prior to the opening of the academic year, be a U.S. Citizen or eligible non-citizen, have registered for Selective Service, not be in default of any federal or state loan, or owe a refund on any previously received financial aid, and be a member of an eligible category as defined below:
Veteran: As provided in M.G.L. Chapter 4, Section 7(43) including: Spanish War, World War I, World War II, Korean, Vietnam, Lebanese peace keeping force, Grenada rescue mission, the Panamanian intervention force, or the Persian Gulf.
For purposes of tuition waivers, the term "veteran" shall also include any individual who served in the army, navy, marine corps, coast guard or air force of the United States for not less than ninety days at least one of which was served in the theatre of operation for the Somalian mission known as "Operation Restore Hope" and whose last discharge or release was under honorable conditions.
Native American: As certified by the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
Senior Citizen: Persons over the age of 60.
Armed Forces: An active member of the Armed Forces (Army, Navy, Marine, Air Force or Coast Guard) stationed and residing in Massachusetts.
Clients of the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission or Commission for the Blind: As certified by the respective commission.
Students must present documentation of categorical waiver eligibility to the Accounts Receivables office, enroll in at least three undergraduate credits per semester in state supported undergraduate degree or certificate program, and maintain satisfactory academic progress in accordance with federal and institutional standards.
Non-Need Based Aid Programs - Loans:
William D. Ford Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan: A non-need based federal loan available through the University. Eligibility for an “unsubsidized” loan is determined by the completing the FAFSA and students must be enrolled at least half time (6 credits) in a degree granting program. An “unsubsidized” loan is not awarded on the basis of need. A student will be charged interest from the time the loan is disbursed until it is paid in full. If a student allows the interest to accumulate, it will be capitalized—that is, the interest will be added to the principal amount of the loan and additional interest will be based upon the higher amount.
First time borrowers at UML are required to complete and sign an On-Line Master Promissory Note and Entrance Counseling before funds are disbursed to the students’ University account. Repayment of principal starts six months after graduation, withdrawal, or when the student’s course load drops below half time (6 credits) status. Students are required to complete an Exit Counseling at point of graduation, withdrawal from school, or enrollment status drops below half time (6 credits) status. DL Entrance and Exit Counseling may be done online at , and DL Master Promissory Notes may be signed electronically at . This is loan that must be repaid.
Borrowers may receive both the subsidized* and unsubsidized loans for the same loan period, although the combination of both cannot exceed the following loan limits:
ANNUAL MAXIMUM FEDERAL DIRECT LOAN LIMITS FOR 2008-2009:
Dependent Independent
Freshman: $3,500 $7,500
Sophomore: $4,500 $8,500
Junior: $5,500 $10,500
Senior: $5,500 $10,500
Graduate: $20,500
• Aggregate dependent undergraduate loans cannot exceed $23,000
• Aggregate independent undergraduate loans cannot exceed $46,000 ($23,000 may be in subsidized loans).
• Aggregate graduate loans cannot exceed $140,500 (only $65,500 of this amount may be in subsidized loans). The graduate debt limit includes any student loans received for undergraduate study.
• A fee of 2% will be deducted from each disbursement of your loan.
Dependent students whose parent/stepparent has been denied a Federal Direct Parent Plus Loan may apply for an additional Unsubsidized Federal Direct Student Loan of up to $4,000 for freshmen and sophomores and $5,000 for juniors and seniors. The interest rate on the Subsidized and Unsubsidized Direct Student Loans is fixed. All prior federal student loans may be consolidated under one Federal Direct Loan when a student enters repayment. Several flexible repayment options are available. For more information regarding loan repayment or consolidation, contact the Direct Loan Servicing Center at 1 (800) 848-0979.
*Please also refer to the Need-Based Aid Programs - Loans section of this catalog for information on the Federal Direct Subsidized Loan.
Federal Direct PLUS Loan: A non-need based federal loan offers up to the cost of attendance minus financial aid per academic year to qualified graduate students and parents/stepparents of undergraduate dependent students. Interest rate is fixed and repayment begins 45-60 days after the second disbursement. Refer to the Direct Loan web site () for current interest rates. A FAFSA is not required to apply for the PLUS loan; however, students are encouraged to file a FAFSA so that they can receive the maximum aid available. Parents may download an application online from the financial aid webpage by clicking on forms. Applications should be returned to the financial aid for processing. This is a loan that needs to be repaid by the parent/stepparent.
Other Services Provided
The Job Locator Program: An employment service provided by the Financial Aid Office to assist students in finding off campus employment. Various companies in the greater Lowell area post open positions in the Financial Aid Office, which are updated on a weekly basis, these positions are also emailed to students on a list serve on a weekly basis.
Disbursement of Financial Aid:
Disbursement of financial aid, in accordance with the University’s policy, is directly made to the student’s account, except in the case of on-campus employment. Financial aid is disbursed after the add/drop period of each semester.
Rights and Responsibilities:
• A student has the right to privacy. All records and information submitted with an application for financial aid are confidential, subject to legal requirements concerning disclosure of such information.
• A student’s award is determined in accordance with the laws, regulations, and appropriations of the U.S. Congress, Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the University of Massachusetts Lowell and is subject to adjustment or cancellation in the event of any changes.
• A student must notify the university if there are any changes to their address or telephone number.
• A student receiving financial aid must maintain satisfactory academic progress (SAP). SAP is evaluated at the end of each academic year. A student failing to meet the established guidelines will receive a Notice of Ineligibility. A student has a right to appeal that decision. To appeal, a student must send a written letter to the Financial Aid Office stating the reason for the appeal. To regain financial aid eligibility, a student must achieve acceptable status or have the appeal granted in writing by a financial aid counselor.
• A student must reapply every year for financial aid by using the Renewal FAFSA online at
• All new Direct Loan borrowers must complete an Entrance Counseling. On line Entrance Counseling is available by visiting our web site at and clicking on loan servicing. All students, who graduate, withdraw or drop below half-time status must complete an Exit Counseling Interview which is also available on our web site.
Return of Title IV Financial Aid Funds
Withdrawals:
Undergraduate students withdrawing from the University are required to discharge all financial obligations to the University, return all University property, and file a written notification of withdrawal with the Registrar’s Office.
Graduate students, withdrawing from the University, must obtain the appropriate signatures on the withdrawal clearance form and submit it to the Graduate School to ensure that academic and financial obligations are cleared before leaving the University.
Policy Guidelines:
The University of Massachusetts Lowell is required by Federal Law to determine the earned and unearned Title IV aid a student has earned as of the date the student ceased attendance based on the amount of time the student spent in attendance. The calculation of Title IV funds earned by the student has no relationship to the student’s incurred institutional charges. The amount of aid earned is determined on a pro-rata basis. Once the student has completed more than 60 percent of the payment period or period of enrollment, they earn all of their assistance. If the amount disbursed to the student is greater than the amount the student earned, unearned funds must be returned. The University and the student share in the return of the funds. The University’s share is the lesser amount of the institutional charges multiplied by the unearned percentage of the funds or the entire amount of the excess funds. Any loan funds that the student must return, the student (or the parent for a PLUS Loan) repay in accordance with the terms of the promissory note. If the amount disbursed to the student is less than the amount the student earned and for which the student is other wise eligible, he or she is eligible to receive a post-withdrawal disbursement of the earned aid that was not received. Post-withdrawal disbursements will be credited first toward unpaid institutional charges. Any portion of the post-withdrawal disbursement that exceeds unpaid institutional charges will be offered to the student who must accept this disbursement within 14 days of the offer. If a response is not received or if the offer is declined, these excess funds will be returned to the appropriate Title IV program