We are pleased to have you and your student as part of our UCF community. To ensure the financial aid process is simple and clear, we offer resources to help parents help their students apply for, receive and manage financial aid. Below you will find information about financial aid that may be helpful.
Your Student’s Rights
FERPA, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, as amended, protects the privacy of student educational records. Any information provided is kept in strict confidence. Please rest assured that we are very aware of concerns for safekeeping of your information. We want you to know that we strictly adhere to FERPA. Although it does limit what we can share with you about your student, it protects your student. Students can authorize the release of their records via the Registrar’s Office or the myUCF portal. For more information regarding FERPA, please see the Registrar’s Office website.
Beware of Scams
By now, your mailbox may be receiving an influx of financial aid marketing pieces from outside organizations. Please know that UCF has a “school initiated” application process, which means you must apply directly with our office to receive a federal student loan, rather than through an outside organization.
You should not pay to process financial aid applications, and we recommend that you do not pay for scholarship searches. You should not pay an agency or business that “guarantees” you will be eligible for financial aid and you should not pay to have your FAFSA completed for you. After all, the first F in FAFSA stands for Free.
Tips for Success
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We created an Apply for Financial Assistance Checklist, which we recommend you review and share with your student.
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In addition to monitoring the To-Do List, it is important for students to read the Financial Aid Bulletins, found on the myUCF Student Center, for current and updated information throughout the year.
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You may want to remind your student to review the scholarship listing on our website. Our scholarship search database is updated monthly and there are a number of scholarship opportunities listed. Find information about the types of Bright Futures scholarship programs, eligibility and requirements.
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Financial aid disbursements begin after Add/Drop (the period of time when a student may adjust their class schedule) has ended, usually two to three weeks into the semester. Review our Receive Aid Checklist to familiarize yourself with the process.
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The Florida Prepaid program is administered by the UCF Student Accounts Office. The phone number for the Florida Prepaid College Plan is 1-800-552-GRAD (4723). For more information, please go to Student Accounts.
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The Federal Parent PLUS Loan is a credit-based federal loan for parents (biological, adoptive, or in some cases stepparent) of eligible dependent students. Interest that accrues on the loan is not subsidized by the federal government.
Explore Resources
Helpful Videos
Overview of the Financial Aid Process
Need financial aid to help fund your student’s education? Check out this video to learn how the office of Federal Student Aid provides more than $150 billion in grants, loans and work-study funds.
FAFSA® Form and FSA ID Tips for Parents
Students and parents of dependent students need their own FSA IDs to electronically sign and submit the FAFSA. This video helps parents navigate the FSA ID process.
FAFSA Overview
Check out this video to learn how the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) gives your student access to grants, loans and work-study jobs that can help fund your student’s education.