The Financial Aid Notification letter is an official notification that the University has received and evaluated students' Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). It lists the types of financial aid for which students are eligible and includes information on financial aid budgets, expected family contribution, and unmet need. It also includes information on how to apply for Parent PLUS Loans.

The financial aid budget appears on the Financial Aid Notification.  Many students and their parents confuse the financial aid budget with total direct educational costs. The financial aid budget includes allowances for indirect costs such as travel, personal expense, and food. Even for students who do not live in University housing, there is an allowance for room and board. Examples of a nine-month (academic year) financial aid budgets appear below. Below the financial aid budget is  an estimated freshman's fall semester bill (Indiana resident living in University housing) for comparison.

Financial Aid Annual Budget for Living in University Housing (Indiana Resident) 

The costs above are direct costs and are billed by semester by the University.

*Costs above are indirect costs, with the possible exception of food in cases where students choose the University's meal plan.

Estimated Freshman Bill for Fall Semester (Indiana Resident) 

Note that this sample one-semester bill does not contain laboratory fees.  There are two semesters in a regular academic year.

Please read your Financial Aid Notification carefully and respond appropriately if required.  Contact your financial assistance counselor if you have questions.

In mid-April each year, a preliminary Financial Aid Notification mailed to students (Currently attending students receive this letter at their temporary address. For other students the mailing or permanent address is used.)  Your Stafford Loan eligibility will be automatically calculated if you indicate a preference for loans on your FAFSA. Parent PLUS Loans will not appear on the Financial Assistance Notification until your parent or parents apply and receive approval for a PLUS Loan.

In late June or early July, official Financial Aid Notifications are mailed to the mailing address. These notifications will include official State of Indiana grants such as the Higher Education Award.

Throughout the year, additional Financial Aid Notifications may be sent if awards or award amounts change. Do not be surprised to receive a second, third, or even fourth notice. This is enables the student to ask questions as soon as changes are made in financial aid awarded.