Types of Aid

Scholarships are awarded for a variety of reasons including academic achievement, financial need, campus and community involvement, and leadership experience, and in general they do not need to be repaid. There are countless public and private scholarships available to college students, and many colleges and departments at UCF offer scholarships that are specific to an area of specialization. Be sure to check out A2O: Access to Scholarships, where a one-time application will have you considered for more than 100 scholarships.

Grants are awarded on the basis of need and do not have to be repaid. The Federal Pell Grant is the the largest grant program offered. UCF offers several one-time and renewable grants to students who demonstrate financial need.

Loans are a type of financial aid where students or parents of dependent students borrow money to pay for college. UCF participates in the Federal Direct Loan Program, which offers low-interest educational loans administered through the U.S. Department of Education and includes the Federal Stafford, PLUS and Grad PLUS Loans. Loans are required to be repaid, usually with interest.

Need-based, non-resident waivers are awarded to first-time-in-college students, transfer students and continuing UCF students who are non-Florida residents. The awards are based on academic performance, as well as financial need, and act as a waiver for non-resident tuition fees. There is no separate application to receive this award. Students who apply for financial aid and have been admitted to UCF are automatically considered for this award, which does need to be repaid.

Federal Work Study is an employment program designed to provide college students a chance to earn money while pursuing their degrees. FWS provides part-time jobs for undergraduate and graduate students on and off campus. Workday can help you find a job that fits your schedule and is just minutes from your classes.