Frequently Asked Questions

How will a private or outside scholarship be credited to my account?

Outside scholarships are typically credited in their entirety to the Fall semester.  However, if the scholarship sponsor specifies that the scholarship should be distributed over two semesters, this request is granted.

How will a private or outside scholarship affect the financial aid that I have been awarded?

By federal law, the financial aid office is required to take into consideration any outside financial assistance that the student may be awarded.  We evaluate your financial aid package.  If you have already been awarded enough financial aid to meet your need (as determined by the federal processor), we adjust loans initially, work secondly, and grants as a last resort.

Can I use my financial aid to live off-campus?

Yes, if you have been awarded financial aid that exceeds your university charges.  An allowance for living expenses is included in the cost of attendance (regardless of where you live).

Why does the Stafford or PLUS loan arrive in two disbursements? 

By federal law the Federal Stafford and Federal PLUS loan funds must be disbursed in two disbursements.  If your financial aid is set up for the entire academic year, then your loan will be disbursed in the Fall and in the Spring.  However, if you are only going to be at RU one semester or if you applied for these funds for only one semester, the funds still have to be disbursed in two equal disbursements.  For loans that are processed for only one semester or term, one disbursement will be made at the beginning of the term and the second half will be disbursed half-way through the semester or term.

Why can't I be considered Independent? My parents refuse to help me. They don't pay for anything and they don't claim me on tax returns.

Federal law determines the eligibility criteria for dependency status.  You will see these questions as part of the FAFSA that you are required to file.  To be independent the student must meet at least one of the following criteria:

be born before January 1, 1985 (for the 2008-2009 academic year);  be married;  be enrolled working on a Master's or Doctorate program (such as an MA, MBA< MD, JD, PhD, EdD, or graduate certificate, etc.);  have dependents (other than your children or spouse) who live with you and who receive more than half of their support from you, now and through June 30, 2008 (for the 2008-09 academic year); have children who receive more than half of their support from you;  be an orphan  or you were a ward/dependent of the court until age 18; or be a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces ("veteran" includes a student who attended a U.S. military academy who was released under a condition other than dishonorable).

Exceptions can only be made if there is court intervention in a student's relationship with their family.   The philosophy behind the federal financial aid programs is that it is the parent's responsibility to finance the student's education to the extent that is possible.  A formula has been developed by the federal government (federal methodology) to assess a family's ability to contribute toward the student's education.  Families who have a low income will show need through this formula.

Why isn't financial aid awarded to students who have been readmitted to RU conditionally?

Students must be accepted into degree programs before financial assistance can be awarded to them.  Conditional admission to students can be rescinded.  If the student is denied admission, he/she is not eligible for financial assistance.  Students must be finally admitted to the university prior to financial aid awarding.

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