HOW FINANCIAL AID IS DETERMINED

The federally mandated formula used to determine financial aid eligibility is based on the premise that students are expected to contribute toward the cost of their education since they are the primary beneficiary of that education.  Based on the information that the student (and spouse) provide on the FAFSA, the Central Processor will determine an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) and indicate this figure on the SAR.  Financial aid is to assist you and relying on financial aid without any personal resources will make your financial situation very difficult.

The Cost of Education (COE) or budget is determined by the SFA office each spring. This budget is developed based on the cost of living in this geographic area. Plan ahead for a successful budget.  Be aware of your available resources. The decision to take on debt will affect your lifestyle during law school as well as the years that follow.  Many students are limited to the funds they receive with financial aid and have no savings or personal resources on which to fall back.  This will make your financial situation very difficult. 

To reduce the stress and aggravation often associated with being a student on financial aid, plan your own personal budget by charting your expenses. Keep a journal. If your expenses seem to leave you with minimal discretionary income, make adjustments accordingly.

The amount of financial aid a student is eligible to receive is based on the COE which includes:

• Tuition and Fees - The average cost of tuition and fees for a typical student is based on enrolling for 31 hours for fall/spring.
• Room and Board - A reasonable estimate of what it would cost to live in Houston while attending school. Actual costs may vary by individual choices related to location and circumstances.
• Books and Supplies - The average cost of books and supplies for a an incoming student for fall and spring.
• Transportation - Represents travel to and from parent's residence and transportation costs to and from class and work.
• Personal - Personal items not included in room and board expenses.

Below is the fall 2013-spring 2014 COA based on 9 months. If you attend summer classes, financial aid is a separate process with a separate COE. To receive financial aid you must be in a minimum of 6 hours in any given semester.

• The COE minus the EFC equals financial need.  The types and amounts of financial aid that UH can award is based upon this figure.
• The difference between the COE and the amount on your award notice from the Financial Aid & Scholarship Office must be done in a Grad Plus loan or a private loan, both of which are credit based.
• All need based aid is awarded on a first come-first served basis to accepted applicants beginning the first of April. Once your award is processed, any unmet need will have to be through personal resources, a federal Grad Plus loan or private loan, both of which are credit based. Instructions on how to apply for additional loans will be e-mailed in early summer.
• The SFA office will begin notifying accepted students of their financial aid award package by e-mail sometime in early May. The award notification will be sent to you with instructions on how to accept your award(s) on line. Financial aid funds will be applied to your student account no sooner than the first day of class. Financial aid will pay your tuition and fee bill and the difference will be refunded to you for your living expenses.

 

University of Houston Law Center
Financial Aid & Scholarship Office
100 Law Center
Houston, Texas 77204-6060
(713) 743-2269
School code 003652
lawfinaid@uh.edu