What is an Award Letter?
An Award Letter is a document that spells out exactly what financial aid - including grants, scholarships, and loans - you are being offered by a particular college. These documents can be confusing, so if you have any questions about your Award Letters, be sure to see your College Adviser! I can help you do the math!
How can I access my Award Letter?
Unfortunately, colleges distribute these in different ways. Some colleges will mail you a physical award letter. Some colleges will email you your award letter. Other colleges will post your Award Letter in your student portal for you to access (this one seems to be the most common). Be sure to check your mail, your email, and log into you student portal now and then to make sure that you don't miss your award letter!
When will I receive my Award Letter?
Generally, you won't receive your Award Letter until after you have filed your FAFSA. Most colleges don't start sending out Award letters until January or February, but if you haven't filed your FAFSA by then it will take longer for you to receive your Award Letter.
If you are planning on attending a community college, you likely won't receive your Award Letter until late spring or early summer.
If you are planning on attending a community college, you likely won't receive your Award Letter until late spring or early summer.
How do I make sure I'm getting the best deal?
Award letters can be confusing! Some colleges do this on purpose to make you think you're getting a better deal than you actually are. If you ever have any questions about your Award Letter, contact your College Adviser or the college's financial aid department!
You can also use this resource from uAspire to help you determine which college you're looking at will be the most affordable!
You can also use this resource from uAspire to help you determine which college you're looking at will be the most affordable!
What order should I use my financial aid in to pay for college?
- Grants
- Scholarships
- Cash (anything you can put toward your bill)
- Loans
- Subsidized
- Unsubsidized
- Private loans
I'm still confused about Award Letters. Who should I contact?
Take your Award Letter(s) to your College Adviser for help with analyzing them!
You can also contact the college's financial aid department for help if you have a question about a specific college.
You can also contact the college's financial aid department for help if you have a question about a specific college.