Rights & Responsibilities
Receiving financial aid is an agreement between you and the Financial Aid & Scholarships Office. Each row below pairs something you have the right to know with a matching responsibility.
Available Aid. Every federal, state and university aid program, with its deadlines, selection criteria and how to apply.
APPLYING
Reapply Every Year. Aid does not carry over, so submit a new FAFSA each year before the deadlines.
How Need Is Determined. How we calculate your financial need and the order in which we offer each type of aid.
YOUR NEED
Accurate Information. Complete every form fully and truthfully, and read, understand and keep a copy of everything you sign.
Your Program Costs. What your cost of attendance includes, from tuition and fees to housing, food, transportation and course materials.
COSTS
Educational Use. Use your aid only for expenses included in your cost of attendance.
Books for Pell Recipients. If you receive a Pell Grant, a way to buy required books and supplies by the seventh day of the payment period, which you may decline.
OTHER AID
Outside Aid. Report any scholarship, grant or other aid you receive from outside the university.
Work-Study Terms. The terms and conditions of any Federal Work-Study position in your aid offer.
WORK-STUDY
Work-Study Duties. Perform your job satisfactorily and stay within the hours of your award.
When Aid Is Paid. When and how your aid is disbursed to your account, and how any refund reaches you.
PAYMENT
Prompt Responses. Submit requested documents by their deadlines, and check your To Do List in UCDAccess and your university email.
Keeping Eligibility. The academic standards for continuing to receive aid, and how to regain eligibility if you fall below them.
PROGRESS
Academic Progress. Continue to meet Satisfactory Academic Progress standards throughout your program.
Aid for Study Abroad. How your aid can help pay for an approved study abroad program.
ENROLLMENT
Enrollment Changes. Tell us promptly about any change to your FAFSA information, enrollment or program level.
Loan Terms. The interest rate and total repayment amount for each student loan you accept.
BORROWING
Entrance Counseling. Complete entrance counseling before your first federal loan is paid.
Repayment Options. When repayment begins, and your deferment, forbearance and cancellation options.
REPAYMENT
Repaying Your Loans. Repay every loan, even if you do not finish your program or find employment, and notify your servicer of any change to your name, address or enrollment.
If You Withdraw. How withdrawing affects your aid, including any refund and any federal aid you must return.
LEAVING SCHOOL
Exit Counseling. Complete exit counseling when you graduate, leave school or drop below half-time enrollment.
YOU CHOOSE HOW MUCH AID TO ACCEPT
You may accept, reduce or decline any part of your aid offer. We encourage you to accept only what you need, because borrowed money must be repaid with interest. Some funds are limited and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so aid you decline may not be available later. To reduce a loan after it has been disbursed, review the loan reduction process.
FALSE INFORMATION HAS CONSEQUENCES
When you sign the FAFSA, you certify that the information you provide is accurate and complete. Knowingly providing false or misleading information can result in a fine of up to $20,000, imprisonment or both. Misrepresenting information to obtain Colorado student aid is also subject to penalties under Colorado law.
WHO TO ASK
Questions about your aid come to us at [email protected] or 303-724-8039. Questions about your bill, your refund or direct deposit go to the Bursar's Office.