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Financial Aid

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is UTC's Federal Code?
A: UTC's federal code for Title IV aid purposes is 003529. Click here for a list of codes at other institutions.
Q: What are the Financial Aid Office hours?
A: Our office hours are Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern.
Q: How do I access MocsNet?
A: Click here for the MocsNet tutorial.
Q: How much can I borrow in Stafford loans?
A: Click here to review the Stafford Loan page.
Q: How do I contact my lender?
A: Click here to be transferred to the Lender Contacts page.
Q: Why is it taking so long to receive my financial aid award?
A: The standard processing time for our office is 4-6 weeks from the time a file is completed (8-12 weeks during peak processing times). In many cases, all that is required for your financial aid application is the FAFSA. However, if your file is selected for Verification, we require the Verification Worksheet, and signed student and parent tax documents (or spouse documents, if applicable). If any of these documents are submitted incomplete, the student will be notified by UTC e-mail. In the event that conflicting information is provided on the FAFSA and verification documents, we may request additional documentation. Check your UTC MocsNet account for continued requests. Also, new Stafford loan borrowers are required to complete Entrance Loan Counseling before funds may be released.
Q: Where is my student loan?
A: First, make sure that you have accepted your loan on your MocsNet account.  Accepted loans are transmitted electronically to lenders every Friday.  New UTC borrowers must also complete a Master Promissory Note and Entrance Loan Counseling. PLUS and alternative loans are certified weekly by UTC pending request from the respective lender. Recommended PLUS lenders disburse funds electronically to UTC twice per week, and funds will be released to the student pending review of eligibility.  If your lender is not listed on our Recommended PLUS lender list, these funds are disbursed by paper check, so lender processing and mailing time is necessary. Alternative loans may also disbursed by paper check.  Once the Financial Aid Office receives the check(s), please allow 48-72 hours for internal processing. Alternative loan checks may be endorsed by the student in the Bursar's Office; PLUS loan checks are mailed to the parent for endorsement by the Bursar's Office.
Q: The lender says my funds have been released to UTC. Where is my refund?
A: There are several possible answers to this question. First, be sure that you have confirmed your classes with the Bursar's Office. Second, you must still be enrolled at least half-time (6 credit hours) to receive loans. Third, new Stafford loan borrowers must complete Entrance Loan Counseling before funds may be released to the student. Fourth, some alternative and Stafford loan checks must be endorsed in the Bursar's Office. If none of these answers apply to your situation, please contact First Place.
Q: How do I talk to a financial aid counselor?
A: Every student, regardless of Admissions status, has access to a financial aid counselor. Click here to e-mail a counselor. You should receive a response to your e-mail or phone message within 48 hours of the initial request. We also have on-call counselors available daily to help with any of your questions or concerns.
Q: All I have are Stafford and/or Parent PLUS loans; why can't I receive them when I am not making Satisfactory Academic Progress?
A: Contrary to popular belief, Stafford loans and Parent PLUS loans (although they are in the parent's name) ARE financial aid because their funding is provided for by the federal government. Aid provided by the federal government falls into the category of “Title IV aid” and these funds are subject to the rules and regulations of an individual school's Satisfactory Academic Progress policy.
Q: I have never applied for financial aid at UTC, but I have a Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress hold. How is this possible?
A: All students at UTC are subject to the Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress policy set forth by our office. We must hold all students equally accountable, in the chance that they may apply for financial aid at some point of their academic career at UTC. This hold does not prevent you from registering or attending classes, but you must submit an appeal and be approved to receive financial aid. Please note that Satisfactory Academic Progress policies may be different at each institution.
Q: Should I ask my academic advisor about HOPE Scholarship regulations?
A: If you have questions regarding your HOPE Scholarship, please contact the Financial Aid Office. The rules and regulations change frequently, and although your advisor may have your best interest in mind academically, they may not be aware of rules regarding dropped hours, required GPA's, and checkpoints. Anyone in the Financial Aid Office can answer your general HOPE Scholarship questions, or you may make an appointment with the Lottery Scholarship Coordinator.
Q: My parents do not claim me on their taxes; why am I still considered a dependent?
A: For state and federal financial aid purposes, a student is only considered independent if one or more of the following are true: you are 24 years old; you are enrolled in a graduate degree program; you are married; you have children or other dependents who receive more than half of their support from you; both of your parents are deceased; you are (or were until age 18) a ward/dependent of the court; or you are a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces. If none of these statements apply to you, you must provide parent information on your FAFSA and other financial aid documents. Extenuating circumstances may be reviewed by a UTC Financial Aid counselor on a case by case basis.
Q: Can I get financial aid for the summer term(s)?
A: UTC offers summer financial aid pending a review of each student's eligibility. To apply, you must first register for your classes and then submit a Summer Aid Application. Most students will only be eligible for student loans for the summer term(s). The priority deadline for summer aid is March 1; the absolute deadline for summer aid is the last day of summer classes. We anticipate beginning our review of summer aid applications in early March.
Q: I applied for financial aid and scholarships last year. Do I need to do anything for the new academic year?
A: Financial aid must be applied for every academic year (fall, spring, summer). First, you must submit a FAFSA or Renewal FAFSA. Once we begin reviewing student applications for the new academic year (estimated to begin in March), we will notify students via their MocsNet account of additional necessary documentation. If you are interested in scholarships, incoming freshmen apply via the UTC Admissions application; continuing and transfer students may apply via the Continuing Student Scholarship Application (with the exception of Chancellor's and Provost's Scholars). Click here for information regarding our application deadlines.