LIFE Financial Aid Information

Undergraduate Student Aid

Financial aid is available to eligible LIFE students. Registration for a minimum of half-time (6) credits per semester is required for the William D. Ford Federal Direct (Direct Loan) Loan Program, and a minimum of three credits for the Federal Pell Grant.

Students must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.fafsa.ed.gov to determine eligibility for federal financial assistance.

State of Iowa Grants

The Iowa Tuition Grant is a need-based grant for Iowa residents, the amount is dependent on enrollment status and funding of the program by the state. A FAFSA must be received by the processing center by the deadline of July 1 for eligibility beginning the next fall semester.

Federal Financial Aid

Federal Grants

The Federal Pell Grant is awarded to U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens who demonstrate exceptional need as demonstrated by filing the FAFSA. The awarded amounts is based on individual student eligibility and the number of credit hours a student is registered for.

Federal Direct Loan

A fixed interest rate loan, with the specific rate established annually, made by the U.S. Department of Education to students. Annual Direct Subsidized Loan limits are: freshmen ($3,500), sophomore ($4,500), juniors and seniors ($5,500). The Subsidized loans are need-based with interest paid by the federal government while the student is enrolled at least half-time per semester.

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan

A fixed interest rate loan, with the specific rate established annually, made by the U.S. Department of Education to students. Loans are based on cost of attendance less any other financial aid (dependent students). Dependent students are eligible for $2,000 in Unsubsidized Loan per year for four years. For independent students, loan maximums are $6,000 per year for first-year students and sophomores and $7,000 for juniors and seniors. Students have the option to pay the interest while in school or allow it to accrue.

Graduate Student Aid

For graduate level coursework, the annual amount available is $20,500, or the total cost of attendance, whichever is less. Students must be registered for 3 or more credits per semester to qualify. Full-time level is considered to be 6 hours per semester.

Veteran's Benefits

Veteran's benefits, including educational tuition assistance, GI Bill®, Post 9/11 GI Bill® (Yellow Ribbon*), and other chapters, are certified by the University of Dubuque Registrar's Office. For more information on this process see the Veterans Benefits page.

GI Bill®, is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education and benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website.

Need Assistance?

Contact the Office of Student Financial planning at 563.589.3170 or finaid@dbq.edu.

*Students enrolled at the Meridian campus are not eligible for the Yellow Ribbon program.