University of Florida College of Dentistry DMD Admissions: Financial Aid Frequently Asked Questions 

How do I apply for Financial Aid? 

There is one application that all schools use for financial aid purposes. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) must be filled out each year if students wish to receive financial aid. The FAFSA becomes available each January for the upcoming school year (Fall, Spring and Summer semesters). Incoming UF College of Dentistry (UFCD) must also complete a UFCD Scholarship Application which is sent to students after their acceptance. For more details, click here. 
 

How about scholarships? 

The College of Dentistry has limited scholarships available. All scholarships awarded by the Financial Aid Office are need based. By submitting the FAFSA form (with parent information) and a UFCD Scholarship Application (mailed to entering students), you are automatically considered for all possible school funding. This includes scholarships and low interest loans. 
 

Do you have merit-based scholarships? 

Although merit is often an additional factor in some awards, the financial aid office does not annually award solely merit-based aid. The financial aid office administers need-based funds only. We encourage students to seek out merit-based aid – here are some resources to help you in your search. 
 

When will I know if I qualify for Financial Aid and, if I do qualify, when will I be notified as to how much I can expect to receive? 

As long as you are either a citizen or an eligible non-citizen (see question 13 and 14 in the Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and have not defaulted on prior student loans, you should be eligible for Federal Financial Aid. Award notices will be sent to incoming first year students by mid-June. Typically, students are eligible to receive up to the Cost Of Attendance as determined by the school (see question below). 
 

Will I have enough money? 

Federal regulations state that students may receive financial aid covering up to the Cost Of Attendance as established by the school. The Cost Of Attendance for College of Dentistry students allows an individual to live comfortably in Gainesville. After deducting required fees, you should have approximately $1,100 per month for living expenses. It is strongly suggested that students construct a budget to ensure that they are living within the constraints of the UFCD Cost Of Attendance. 
 

Is there a limit to the amount of money that I can borrow through financial aid? 

Yes. The federal government states that students may borrow up to $38,500 per year, not to exceed the Cost Of Attendance (COA) as established by the school. Since COA for in-state students at the UFCD is less than $38,500, the amount borrowed by in-state students at UF is limited to current COA. To view a breakdown of student costs please see our costs of attendance page. 
 

Who determines the Cost Of Attendance? 

The UFCD Financial Aid Office along with Student Financial Affairs and University Financial Services (UFS) determine the total COA for students in the College of Dentistry . The costs are examined each year to determine any adjustments that need to be made. Tuition and cost of living increases are factored into the student's total COA. 
 

I am married and have a family. Will financial aid cover my costs? 

Financial aid is intended to cover required costs associated with receiving a dental education. With the exception of limited child-care allowances, married students are not entitled to any additional financial aid based on their family situation. Federal guidelines are very clear that financial aid covers only costs required by the school for a student to graduate. 
 

I am planning on having to take out loans to pay for dental school. Who exactly am I borrowing from? 

The main source of financial aid comes from the Stafford Loan. Since UF is a Direct Lending School, the lender (or agency that you are borrowing from) is the U.S. Department of Education. 
 

When is tuition due? 

Students who filed a FAFSA and are expecting financial aid will get a tuition deferment until either their financial aid is disbursed or until the fee payment deadline (typically three quarters into the semester). 
 

What is ISIS? 

ISIS (Integrated Student Information System) is a system used by University of Florida students to access their financial aid account and perform a number of different functions online. For instance, ISIS allows students to: Check their financial aid file, confirm Stafford loans, look for disbursed checks, view holds on their account, make payments, change their address, and view grades. 

As a result of electronic services available on ISIS, students may now view their University debts and fees. Therefore, they will not receive printed, tuition pre-term bills. Students may determine their tuition debt in two ways as follows:by accessing ISIS at the above link; or by using the self-serve personal computers in the University Financial Services lobby at S113 
Criser. 
 

Can I bring my own dental instruments? 

No. Students in the College of Dentistry are required to lease instruments from the school. Students are not allowed to bring their own dental instruments. Under the leasing program, students are supplied with all of the instruments they need for dental school, including replacement instruments, handpiece burs and a reasonable number of practice dentoform teeth. 
 

Do I have to purchase a laptop? 

No. Currently, University of Florida students must have access to a computer. The computer allotment in the Cost Of Attendance provides enough money for students to lease a computer. If this becomes a requirement, the Cost Of Attendance will be modified to reflect this additional cost. 
 

Can I work during dental school? 

Students are strongly advised not to work during dental school. Most dental students find that dental school is more rigorous and time consuming than previous academic programs. 
 

When will I receive financial aid? 

Financial aid is not disbursed until after the start of classes for each semester. Students are encouraged to have enough ‘start up' funds to cover the first several weeks of classes until financial aid is received. Students with Electronic Funds Transfer receive their funds more rapidly.
 

How will I receive financial aid? 

The University of Florida business office (University Financial Services or UFS) will either mail a check to your local address or will directly deposit the funds into your checking account if you have signed up for Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT). Students who choose to have their check mailed MUSTkeep their local address up to date through ISIS. If you do not keep your local address up to date, expect delays receiving your financial aid check. We strongly recommend Electronic Funds Transfer. 
 

How do I sign up for Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT)? 

EFT is a great way to ensure that your financial aid will arrive safely into your checking account within 24 to 48 hours from the time it is released by the university. To sign up, simply log on to ISIS and follow the links to EFT. Be sure to have checking account information available when signing up. 
 

Can I buy books prior to the start of classes? 

A book deferment is available for students receiving financial aid. Interested students should check with the UF Bookstore. 
 

What are the costs for a resident of a state other than Florida? 

Currently non-resident tuition is roughly an extra $15,000 per semester or $30,000 per year. Total COA for non-residents can be viewed our cost of attendance page. 
 

Can a resident of another state become a Florida resident for tuition purposes? 

UFCD does not make residency decisions – residency is a decision that is ultimately made by the UF Office of the Registrar. If you have questions regarding your residency status, it is advised that you visit the Registrar's web site at http://www.ufl.edu.

Are there any additional resources with information available?

The American Council on Education has published a new guide to federal financial aid programs, "What Every Student Should Know About Federal Aid".
Although designed for college students as the primary target audience, it contains information applicable to dental and allied dental students as well.

This new publication explains the basics of financial aid, with an overview of the major federal student aid programs, tax benefits available to students and families, and sample financial aid packages. It is an excellent guide for anyone looking for a plain language tutorial on most forms of federal aid. Additional sources of additional financial aid that may be available to students in the health professions are not necessarily addressed in this document.

To download a free copy of the guide, see
http://www.acenet.edu/bookstore/pdf/2005paying4college.pdf.