Common Questions About Financial Aid

By Brandon Swenson February 11, 2023

Paying for college can be one of the biggest factors students face when deciding to advance their education. Whether they are looking to get an associate or master’s degree, or it’s their first or fourth degree, financial aid can help students make that goal a little more attainable. The month of February has been designated Financial Aid Awareness Month, and University of Arkansas Grantham wants to help you better understand Financial Aid and how it applies to student success.

Here’s what to know when navigating the financial aid process.

Q: When it comes to financial aid, where do I start?

A: Most students start with the FAFSA: Free Application for Federal Student Aid. This will determine your Federal Student Aid eligibility, including whether you qualify for certain grant funding as well as how much you can borrow through federal student loan programs.

The key to successfully completing your FAFSA is having several pieces of information at your fingertips—including government-issued identification, tax records, and other financial records. Review this list of important information before you start.

To apply for financial aid from University of Arkansas Grantham: Use the UA Grantham school code—041223—during the FAFSA application process.

Q: How do I set myself up for financial aid success?

A: At UA Grantham, we strive to make the financial aid process as quick and seamless as possible. Still, it can take time to finalize all the details needed. University of Arkansas Grantham doesn’t have a priority date deadline—which means you can submit your FAFSA application at any time—but the process still takes a while. Start as early as you can! This can help you determine your eligibility before classes start. (At UA Grantham, we are normally able to help students within 2 weeks of receiving their FAFSA, and can usually enroll them in the next available term.)

You can also learn the financial aid basics—and receive UA Grantham financial aid answers—to ensure you have everything you need to get started. And don’t forget to check out Financial Aid TV, our video portal! It is full of handy video answers (plus their transcripts) to your financial aid questions, as well as 24/7 help provided through the chatbot.

Q: How much will my education cost?

A: This answer can vary widely from person to person, but it is important to have a good understanding of your education costs before you take out any loans.

At UA Grantham, we make sure that starts with one of the lowest tuition rates in the nation for our top-tier online degree programs.1 We are also proud to offer our Heroes Program, which provides a special tuition rate and complimentary textbooks for members of all military ranks and branches, and veterans.

Plus, UA Grantham streamlines textbook and technology costs with a single resource fee. That means you do not have to worry about a ton of extra fees and charges piling up to increase the total cost of attendance.

Q: What other costs should I consider?

A: Take a minute to ensure you understand all your school-related expenses, including tuition, books, and equipment, as well as school supplies (don’t forget your laptop, notebooks, and even highlighters). If you need a laptop, you can ask your Financial Aid representative how you can use your funds to get a laptop, or if you are looking to start a degree program with UA Grantham, we can help provide one for you through our laptop offer.

But be sure to consider the additional, often less-tangible costs you may incur, too. This could be childcare expenses or extra takeout meals to free up time for studying over lunch or in the evenings. Start with your current monthly expenses and/or budget and consider what might change once you are back in school.

Q: What about scholarships?

A: Read this article to learn about other options, such as scholarships designed specifically for military families and nontraditional students. You can also check with faith-based organizations, civic groups, and even your employer for scholarship and grant opportunities to help fund your degree program.

Q: What if I need help navigating the financial aid process?

A: At University of Arkansas Grantham, we have a knowledgeable team of financial aid professionals who are eager to answer your questions, assist with applications and forms, and provide guidance for every step of the process.

If need help or have additional questions, call (866) 850-2980 to speak with a UA Grantham financial aid advisor or ask our 24/7 chatbot.

About the Author

Brandon Swenson
Brandon Swenson, communications manager, is on University of Arkansas Grantham’s editorial board. A veteran and college graduate himself, he understands the benefits and intricacies of government education programs, such as veteran education benefits. Brandon earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City toward the end of his nearly two-decade tour in the United States Marine Corps.
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