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University of Wyoming

Application Process


To determine if you are eligible for NEED-BASED aid, you must:

  1. If you do not already have a PIN, apply for one at www.pin.ed.gov. You will need a PIN to electronically sign your FAFSA. If you are a dependent student, your parents should also apply for a PIN so they can electronically sign your FAFSA. Your PIN will be emailed or mailed within 1 to 5 days of applying. Parents with multiple students need only apply for one PIN.
  2. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Renewal Application and submit it to the federal processing center online or in the envelope provided (by January 31 for priority consideration). Financial data received by UW from the processing center after March 1 for the next academic year will be reviewed for only Pell Grants, Stafford Loans, and PLUS Loans.
    3. Link to FAFSA on the Web at http://fafsa.ed.gov/
  3. If additional information is required to process your file, you will receive one or more written requests from the Office of Student Financial Aid. You should respond to these requests as soon as possible.
  4. Once all needed information is received, you will receive an Award Notice in the mail. This will include the types and amounts of aid you are offered and instructions for applying for the Stafford Loan and PLUS Loan programs. Award Notices are generally mailed beginning in March.

Other Tips to Remember

  • You must apply for aid EVERY YEAR.
  • Missing the deadline may limit the amount of aid for which you are considered.
  • You can complete the FAFSA using ESTIMATED income tax figures.
  • Respond quickly to ALL requests for information.
  • Put your name and Social Security number on all documents submitted to the Office of Student Financial Aid.
  • Keep a copy of all documents related to your financial aid.
  • Return the white copy of your Award Notice, making sure to sign where indicated.
  • Keep a record of all loans, including promissory notes and disclosure statements.
  • Assistance not based on financial need is available through the Unsubsidized Stafford Loan, the PLUS Loan (for parents) and from hundreds of privately-funded scholarships.
  • Financial aid is designed to supplement a family's contribution; therefore students and their parents should be prepared to finance a portion of the cost of attendance.

WHAT PROGRAMS ARE STUDENTS APPLYING FOR BY COMPLETING THE FAFSA?

Undergraduate (no previous bachelor's degree) students are applying for:

  • Federal Pell Grant
  • Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG)
  • Federal Perkins Loan
  • Federal Family Educational Loan Programs (Stafford and PLUS)
  • Federal Work-Study opportunities
  • Scholarships

Graduate/Professional students may apply for:

  • Federal Family Educational Loan Programs (Stafford and PLUS)
  • Federal Perkins Loan
  • Federal Work-Study opportunities
  • Certain scholarships

WHAT IS NEED?

Federal financial aid is awarded on the basis of need. Need is the difference between the cost of attendance (tuition, fees, room, board, books and supplies, and other educational expenses) and the amount the student and his/her family can afford to pay, known as the Expected Family Contribution (EFC). The EFC is determined by the federal processor after evaluating the information you provide on the FAFSA. The federal processor considers factors such as income, assets, family size, and number of students in college when determining a family's ability to contribute to the cost of attendance. If you feel that your family has unusual circumstances which may affect your ability to meet college expenses, you should discuss the matter with a financial aid counselor.