Types of Aid

The University of Louisville is committed to helping you navigate the investment in your future. We are here to help and offer financial support and details about the financial aid process.

Types of Aid

The are multiple opportunities to help financially subsidize your education through financial aid and scholarships. Below is further information about these funding types and how to apply for aid.
FAFSA
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a form to receive financial support from the government to help pay for college. The FAFSA for 2024-2025 is now available.
Scholarships
A form of gift aid that does not have to be repaid. Generally, they are awarded based on a set of criteria such as academic merit, financial need, inclusive excellence, etc.
Grants
Grants come from sources including the federal government, the state government, the university or outside sources such as nonprofit organizations.
Loans
When you submit the FAFSA, you will be considered for federal aid, which often includes loans. These loans are borrowed funds that you must repay with interest.
Federal Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans
Direct federal loans from the U.S. Department of Education (DoE) are the most common form of student loan. Undergraduate students (and their parents) and graduate and professional students can be eligible for subsidized or unsubsidized federal loans.
Parent PLUS Loans
Once the first financial aid award notification is delivered, parents of undergraduate dependent students can apply for the Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan to assist with education expenses.
Graduate/Professional PLUS Loans
Graduate and professional students have the option to apply for a direct federal PLUS Loan to borrow up to the total cost of attendance.
Private Alternative Loans
Alternative loans are borrowed from a private bank or other lending institution, not the federal government or the university.
Scholarships and Other Aid Resources
Scholarships are gift aid, typically not repaid. They can be sponsored by the university itself, a specific department or degree program or from outside sources, depending on either merit or financial need.
State Aid
University of Louisville students who are Kentucky residents may be eligible to receive state-funded financial aid managed by the Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA).
Work-Study
Undergraduate and graduate/professional students can earn money while studying by working part time on campus.

More Types of Aid

Summer Aid
Students who receive financial aid may be eligible to receive funding to cover summer course costs. Once you finalize enrollment in a summer term, you may submit a request on ULink that your current FAFSA on file be reviewed for summer financial aid.
Waivers
Tuition waivers are an avenue to reduce the amount of tuition posted to your account by the Bursar’s Office.
Metropolitan College
Through the Metropolitan College tuition benefit partnership program, undergraduate students at the University of Louisville can work the night shift at the UPS facility at the Louisville International Airport in return for fully paid tuition.
Build Financial Wellness
No matter what path you choose, the Student Financial Aid Office is here to help you and answer any questions you may have. If you take out loans, we can help make the entire process more transparent and feel manageable.

Apply for Financial Aid at the University of Louisville

The Student Financial Aid Office can clarify any questions about the different types of financial aid, if any, that you receive as a student at the University of Louisville, from application to repayment.