Frequently Asked Questions

Q:  Will my financial aid cover the cost of books, tuition and fees, plus living expenses?
A:  You will be awarded the amount of financial aid you qualify for based on need and availability of funds. If your award does not cover the 9 month cost of education, a grad plus may be required, which is credit based (up to the COE).  Relying on financial aid without any personal resources will make your financial situation very difficult.

Q:  What if I miss the April 1st priority date that financial aid has been emphasizing?
A:  Missing the priority date of April 1st means you will not have first consideration for grants or Perkins loans.  It also means you may not have your financial aid processed by the time tuition and fees are due.  (see question above for details)

Q:  What if my financial aid is not in when my tuition and fees are due?
A:  If your financial aid has been processed, the aid will show up as “anticipated financial aid” and should be reflected on your fee bill as such.  If you have not yet been awarded or you have not completed the financial aid process, you will need to make payment by check, credit card or take out an emergency tuition loan on-line or on the VIP to cover tuition and fees until your financial aid arrives.

Q: What is EFT?
A:  EFT is the abbreviation for Electronic Funds Transfer.  The primary advantage of EFT is your funds will come in more quickly. The participating EFT lenders will transmit the funds electronically to the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid (OSFA).  The amount you owe to the University, if any, will be deducted and all remaining funds will be refunded to you.  EFT funds are only received for Stafford loans guaranteed by the Texas Guaranteed Student Loan Corporation. Non-EFT lenders will mail a check to the University (as well as private loans) for you to pick up in person at the central campus Financial Aid Office.

Q: How does the university refund the remainder of any financial aid after the tuition/fee bill is paid?

A: Refund checks will automatically be generated and mailed to the student or refunded via electronic fund transfer if you have selected this option with your Cougar One Card.

Q: What is the Cougar 1 Card?

A: The Cougar 1 Card serves as the official University of Houston (UH) identification card and much more. You now have a choice of how you receive financial aid refunds from UH. Choices include direct deposit to a 3rd party bank, instant refund to your One Account (this allows you to use the Cougar 1Card like a debit card (within 48 hours), or receipt of a paper check mailed to you (5-7 working days).

Q:  If I only qualify for a loan, why does it take so long to get the money?
A:  The government has many regulations with which the financial aid office must comply.  To ensure we are in compliance with each regulation, the process of approving a loan is broken down into stages performed by different departments.  The money you borrow is government guaranteed and must go thorough the process which the University has established.

Q:  Is there financial aid for foreign students?
A:  To receive financial aid benefits you must be an eligible non-citizen or U.S. citizen.  International student may contact the Office of International Student Services for more information.  Also, some private loans may permit borrowing with a credit worthy U. S. citizen as a cosigner.

Q:  Do I need to apply for financial aid once or do I reapply each year?
A:  When you apply for financial aid, you are applying for funds during that academic year only (fall, spring, summer).  If you wish to receive financial aid each year, you must file a new or renewal FAFSA each year after January 1.

Q:  Will my financial aid transfer with me to another school?
A:  NO - Regulations will not allow aid to transfer from one institution to another.  You will have to start the process over with the school you intend on transferring to. Each school will determine your eligibility for assistance.

Q: What is the difference between subsidized and unsubsidized Stafford Loans?

A: Subsidized Stafford loans are based on financial need. The government will pay the interest to the lender while you are in school at least half time (6 hours), as well as during the six month grace and any deferment periods.

Unsubsidized Stafford loans are a non-need based form of aid. The interest rate on this type of loan is set by the federal government. The borrower is responsible for all interest accrued on the loan. Interest payment can be made while in school or deferred until graduation or when the student drops below half time (6 hours). At the end of the 6 month grace period, the interest will capitalized and be added to the principal of the loan.

Q: Do you have a detailed breakdown of the tuition and fees that are charged?

A: Yes, see the detailed charts below.

Fall 2009-Spring 2010 Proposed Tuition and Fee Schedule for JD Students

Fall 2009-Spring 2010 Proposed Tuition and Fee Schedule for LLM Students

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