The University of Alabama

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some commonly asked questions. If you do not find the answers you are looking for, please feel free to contact the Financial Aid office.

Common Questions

How do I apply for a loan?

How do I apply for a scholarship?

How much will school cost?

How much federal loan funding is available?

How do I get more financial aid?

How can I increase my federal loans?

Is there aid available in the summer?

Is it necessary to apply every year?

Can I reject all or part of my loan?

When can I expect my loan refund?

What is an additional resource and how do I report an additional resource?

Types of Loans

What is a PLUS?

What is a Perkins Loan?

What are alternative loans?

What is the difference between a subsidized loan and an unsubsidized loan?

What type of financial aid is available for International Students?

There is some aid deducted from my bill, but...

What happened to my Federal Stafford Student Loan/Unsubsidized Stafford Loan?

What happened to my Scholarship?

What happened to my PLUS?

What happened to my Perkins Loan?

What happened to my Pell Grant?

What happened to my Private/Alternative Loans?

Why hasn't my aid been deducted from my student bill?

Other Common Questions

Why am I still considered a "dependent" student?

To whom do I speak about a question or problem with my bill?

What is the Satisfactory Academic Progress Standard and how does it apply to me?

My grade level is going to increase. Will I be eligible for more financial aid?

My anticipated hours and/or housing status have changed. What do I do?

Can I have aid awarded for the following spring semester applied to my fall account?

I signed a promissory note last year. Why don't I have to sign one this year?

I haven't yet applied, but my bill is due soon...

If I am in default on an educational loan, can I still receive financial aid?

FAFSA

How do I make corrections to my SAR?

How long will it take to get an award after I fill out my FAFSA?

How do I check the status of my FAFSA?

Is it too late to file my FAFSA?

What forms other than the FAFSA are required to apply for financial aid?

Federal Direct Loan

What is my Federal Direct Loan fee?

What is the interest rate on my Federal Direct Loan?

When do I begin to repay my Federal Direct Subsidized/Unsubsidized Loan?

What is the difference between a subsidized loan and an unsubsidized loan