University of Wisconsin - Stout

Frequently Asked Questions

I probably don't qualify for financial aid. Should I apply anyway?

Yes. Many families mistakenly think that they don't qualify for aid, so they don't apply. There are many sources of non-need based aid, but receipt of these types of aid also requires a financial aid application. Some sources of non-need based aid are unsubsidized Stafford loans, parent PLUS loans, Minnesota SELF loans and Wells Fargo and CitiAssist loans.

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How do I apply for financial aid?

To apply for any federal or state financial aid programs, you will need to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The Financial Aid Office recommends FAFSA online as it is easy to use and shortens the appplication processing time. FAFSA online is available at www.fafsa.ed.gov. When you apply electronically, both the parent and student will use a PIN to sign the FAFSA. A PIN is easily obtained at www.pin.ed.gov. You may apply after January 1 and Stout recommends you apply before April 1 to ensure all aid programs are available. Stout's Federal School Code that you will need for the FAFSA is 003915.

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How much does it cost to attend UW-Stout?

The Current Tuition and Costs.
Actual charges for a given academic year are generally set by mid-summer.

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How much financial aid will I get?

The minimum amount of financial aid all freshman qualify for is $2,625.00 in an unsubsidized Stafford loan. Receipt of federal or state grants depends on family income, family size and financial assets. You will receive an award letter from Stout listing the aid you qualify for.

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What's the difference between grants and loans?

Grants are gift aid given to needy students to help them gain access to college. Student loans are used to help pay college costs but they must be re-paid by the borrower.

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Do I need to be admitted before I can apply for financial aid?

No. You can apply for aid anytime after January 1. You can list up to six schools you are considering attending. To actually receive funds, you must be admitted as a degree-seeking student at the university where you enroll.

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Do I have to apply for financial aid every year?

Yes. You will be required to apply every year you seek assistance. After the first year, you will be sent a Renewal Application in a PIN mailer or an email to remind you to reapply. If you don't receive a renewal application, please pick up a regular FAFSA and apply using that form.

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Does Stout have an application deadline date?

Stout prefers that you file your FAFSA by March 15, their priority date. Filing as early as possible increases your chances to receive all the available aid types, if you qualify.

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Does Stout have a payment plan?

Yes. Students are expected to pay a semester's bill prior to or at the beginning of each semester. An alternative is the Partial Payment Plan. $200 is due by the 5th day of class, with two remaining installments due in the 2nd and 3rd month of the semester.

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Will I get all of my financial aid at the beginning of the year?

You will get one disbursement of aid (1/2) in September and one disbursement (1/2) in January as Stout has a two semester academic year.

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My parents are separated or divorced. Which parent should fill out the FAFSA?

If your parents are separated or divorced, the custodial parent should fill out the FAFSA. The custodial parent is the parent you have lived with the most in the past 12 months. If you did not lived with one parent more than the other, then the parent who provided you with the most financial support should fill out the FAFSA.

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My family has some unusual circumstances. How do I report that?

There will be no place to report unusual circumstances on the FAFSA. Do not include any written narratives or other documentation with the FAFSA. Unusual circumstances should be reported in writing on one of the special circumstance forms to the Financial Aid Office directly. The Financial Aid Office has the ability to take into consideration recent loss of income, death of a family member, divorce or economic disaster.

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I won a scholarship. Do I report that to Stout?

Yes. You will be asked to report your scholarships on the award letter which you sign and return. Receipt of scholarships may reduce your student loan and/or work study.

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How do I get work study?

The FAFSA results determine who gets Federal Work Study, depending on your financial need and the availability of funds. On-campus jobs start at minimum wage, $6.50. State payroll jobs are available to any student, regardless of need and also start at $6.50.

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I sent in my FAFSA over four weeks ago and I haven't heard anything. What should I do?

You should receive a Student Aid Report approximately four weeks after you submit the FAFSA to the Federal Student Aid Programs. To check on the status of your application, call 1-800-4-FED-AID.

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I got my Student Aid Report (SAR), but I found some errors. What do I do?

Stout prefers that you report the errors to the Financial Aid Office so they can make the corrections electronically for you. You may call the office, write or email, or send in a copy of your SAR with the errors highlighted.

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My award letter lists subsidized and unsubsidized Stafford loans. What is the difference?

Subsidized Stafford loans are need based and interest free while you are in school. Unsubsidized Stafford loans are non-need based and interest bearing loans, which you may capitalize while in school or make payments on the interest.

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Why am I a dependent student when my parents no longer claim me on their taxes?

Students are considered dependent and must submit parent income information unless they:

Failure to provide parental income will cause the FAFSA to be rejected unless one of the above conditions is true.

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Where can I find scholarships to apply for?

This web site has links to many free scholarship searches. The Stout Foundation offers over 400 scholarships each year in a competition. Also, you may browse a list of scholarships on this website.

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I have to do entrance counseling for my Stafford loan. How do I do entrance counseling?

All first time borrowers of Stafford loans are required by law to perform entrance counseling. At Stout, we use the Great Lakes Educational Loan Services Inc. Website. You will read information and take an interactive quiz. When you pass the quiz, you will be sending an e-mail confirmation to UW-Stout and the Financial Aid Office will record your completion of this requirement.

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What happens to my financial aid money when it is sent to Stout?

First your account is credited for the amount you owe the university. If the financial aid money does not fully pay your bill, you will receive a new bill for the balance. If your financial aid is more than your bill, you will receive a refund. Your refund options are chosen when you activate your Stout OneCard.

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