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University of Wyoming

Frequently Asked Questions


How do I apply for aid at the University of Wyoming?

To apply for aid at UW you need to complete the FAFSA ( Free Application for Federal Student Aid.) Certain types of aid, usually loans, do require additional paperwork AFTER you have been awarded aid, but only the FAFSA is required to determine your eligibility. Click here for more information on this process.

Why's my Stafford Loan not accepted on WyoWeb?

WyoWeb will indicate that the Stafford loans are suggested until the Financial Aid Office has completely processed the loan. Your loan may not be processed due to missing information or just a processing time.

What is the deadline for submitting my FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)?

The priority deadline to have your application RECEIVED BY UW FROM THE FEDERAL PROCESSOR is March 1 of each year for the following academic year. Example: FAFSA's should be submitted online by February 1, to be considered on-time for the coming academic year, since they can take up to four weeks to be processed at the federal processor. We'll accept FAFSA's all year long, though. It's never too late.

What if I need more aid and/or the FAFSA does not reflect my present situation?

There is an appeal form that can be completed to request a review of the amount of aid awarded or to update us with your current situation. Click here for additional appeal information.

My parents did not claim me on their tax return this year. Can I file my FAFSA as an Independent student?

Not unless you are 24, married, a graduate student, a veteran, an orphan, or have a legal dependent of your own. To determine dependency status, first see if you meet any of the 6 automatic criteria on the FAFSA. If you do not meet any of those, but feel that you should be considered an independent student, you may obtain the dependency appeal guidelines form from our office, or click here for additional appeal information.

Why wouldn't you tell my family about my aid when they called?

The Federal Educational Rights and Privacy Act prohibits us from discussing any of your specific financial matters with anyone but you without your written permission, unless we can determine that you were an exemption for income tax purposes on your custodial parent's most recent tax return.

How can I get a scholarship?

The majority of the scholarships we offer are based on your GPA. You may find one from the department in which you are majoring, or from an outside source. The Office of Student Financial Aid has a limited number of general ones, too. Click here for additional information.

What hours is your office open?

We are open from 8:00-5:00, Monday through Friday during the academic year and from 7:30 to 4:30 during the summer.

Should I send in my tax forms and other paperwork before you ask for it?

You should not submit income tax forms unless we specifically ask for them. Paperwork that is not required causes us to take time away from working with the information that is required.

Why is it when I try calling your office I sometimes cannot get through?

Our office handles thousands of phone calls per week during peak times. We have 5 incoming phone lines that stay constantly busy. A good strategy if you are in the area is to stop by in person. You may also try other means, such as our fax number, (307) 766-3800, or e-mail: finaid@uwyo.edu.

How long does the awarding process take?

Due to the large number of applications that we receive, it might take 4-6 weeks to receive an Award Notice, from the time you receive your SAR. If you haven't heard anything from us after that time period, you should check with us to make sure that we have everything we need.

Where do I go if I have a complaint?

The Office of Student Financial Aid welcomes feedback from students and parents. Please first direct all concerns to our office for prompt resolution. If your need is not satisfied at this level, a letter can be directed to:

Mr. David Gruen
Director of Student Financial Aid
Dept. 3335
1000 E. University Avenue
Laramie, WY  82071

You may also schedule an appointment with the Director if necessary.

What records will I need to apply for financial aid?

Useful documents include your income tax returns from the previous year, as well as your parents' return if you are a dependent student, or your spouse's, if you are married. Other records such as W-2 forms are also very useful. Please make sure that the school has received all required documents such as academic transcripts, if you will be a new student.

Are Financial Aid Transcripts still required from schools I have attended previously?

No, we receive electronic information now, concerning your financial aid at your previous schools. You need not request a Financial Aid Transcript from a previous school.

Can FAFSA corrections be made electronically?

Yes. You can make corrections to the SAR infromation by returning to www.fafsa.ed.gov and submitting your corrections electronically with the use of your PIN.