FAQs

Do you have questions about the financial aid process at UH? Check here for answers. If your question isn't addressed here, feel free to contact the Financial Aid Office.

FAFSA Verification

I've been selected for verification. What does this mean?
Verification is a random quality-control method used by the U.S. Department of Education to check the accuracy of information submitted on the FAFSA. All schools that disburse Federal Title IV Funds are required to participate in the verification process. The verification process is a manual review of your application and requires a minimum of 2-3 weeks for processing. For more information on the verification process, please contact your Financial Aid Advisor or the myUH Enrollment Services Call Center at 713-743-1010, option 5.
What information is subject to verification?
  • Household size
  • Number in college
  • Receipt of food stamp benefits
  • Child support paid
  • For tax filers
  • Adjusted gross income (AGI)
  • Income tax paid
  • Untaxed IRA distributions
  • Untaxed pensions
  • Education credits
  • IRA deductions
  • Tax-exempt interest
  • For non filers
  • Income earned from work
What additional application requirements might be requested if I am selected for verification?
Once your FAFSA is submitted, your information will be verified by matching the information on your FAFSA with a series of federally mandated data (Social Security Number, date of birth, name, selective service status, citizenship status, and default status). You may also be selected for the verification process by the U.S. Department of Education, which is a random quality control method used to check the accuracy of information submitted on the FAFSA.
What is the difference between a tax transcript and a tax return?
Any request for taxes beginning 2012/2013 school year will now have to be an IRS tax transcript. The University of Houston will no longer accept 1040, 1040A, 1040EZ or 1040X tax documents. The IRS provides additional information on the difference between a tax transcript and tax return.
How can I request a tax transcript?
You may contact the IRS using one of the below methods to request a tax transcript. Please allow 7-10 business days for delivery.
Online: www.irs.gov
Telephone: (800) 908-9946
IRS Form: 4506T-EZ (Short Form Request for Individual Tax Return Transcript)*

*Transcripts requested via IRS Form 4506T-EX can be sent directly to the University of Houston.
How soon after I file my tax return can I request a tax transcript?
You can request a tax transcript as soon as your return is processed. For online returns, the processing time is usually three weeks. For paper returners, the processing time is six to eight weeks.

Funds Disbursement

What does "Disbursement" mean?
Financial aid disbursement is a process that takes place on or after the first class day of each term. Financial aid is defined as “anticipated or pending aid” until it actually "disburses" into a student’s account.
When will financial aid disburse to my student financial account?
Financial aid is posted to students' accounts as pending/anticipated aid prior to the start of each semester. Beginning Fall 2012, financial aid funds will disburse into students' financial accounts in myUH based on the following schedule. All Federal Loans and Scholarships will begin disbursing the first week of classes. All Grants will disburse immediately after the 12th class day of the term (the university's Official Reporting Day). This allows students to make changes to their enrollment status prior to the Official Reporting Day without adversely affecting their financial aid status.
Spring 2013 Disbursement Schedule
Disbursement Date Refund Generation Date
Loans & Scholarships Week of January 14 Week of January 21
Grants Beginning January 31 Beginning February 1

How do I calculate how much I owe to secure my classes for each term based on my pending/anticipated Financial Aid?
Once financial aid funds are posted to your myUH account (and you have accepted the aid offer) as pending/anticipated aid, you can subtract the semester's aid amount from your semester's "Charges Due." The calculated difference is either the amount you owe the university or the amount the university will refund to you. This difference is shown in your myUH account under "Account Summary." For example, let's say you have semester "Charges Due" due of $2,000. Your accepted pending/anticipated financial aid amount is $1,000. At that time, the amount you would need to pay in order to secure your classes would be $1,000, therefore your "Account Summary" would show $1000. Students are always advised to check their myUH financial accounts daily during the start of each term as balances and Financial Aid is subject to adjustment at any time.
What can I do if I do not have enough funds to cover my total term balance?
Prior to the university payment due date, students can select one of three payment plans offered by the university in order to secure enrollment: 90-Day Emergency Deferment Plan, Short-Term Tuition Deferment Plan (45 Day), or Installment Pay Plan.
After my university debts are paid, when will I receive any remaining financial aid funds?
Once financial aid funds are disbursed to a student's account and all university debts are paid, UH will release any remaining funds (refund) to Higher One. All UH student refunds are then distributed by Higher One. These funds will be sent to Higher One within 24 hours of appearing on a student's account. Thereafter, refund processing times are determined by a student's refund preference in Higher One. Visit cougarone.com to select your method of refund processing (direct deposit to bank account of choice or deposit into a Higher One Account).

Loans

I'm not eligible for a Federal Direct or Perkins loan. What are my options?
Many banks and other private lenders offer educational loans to help you pay for your education. Interest rates may not be as low as the federal programs can offer, but some lenders are able to offer attractive loan options.
What is the difference between subsidized and unsubsidized Federal Direct loans?
Subsidized Federal Direct Loans are based on financial need, and the government pays the interest to the lender while you are in school at least half-time, as well as during any deferment periods. Unsubsidized Federal Direct Loans, on the other hand, are not based on need, and borrowers are responsible for all interest accrued on the loan. Interest payments can be deferred until graduation and then will be capitalized and added to the principal of the loan. You also can make payments on the interest while in school by contacting your lender.
How will I receive my loan?
Your funds will be received electronically and will be applied to your myUH student account. Any remaining funds will be credited and distributed to you by Higher One. Visit cougarone.com to select your method of refund processing (direct deposit to bank account of choice or deposit into a Higher One Account).
I have accepted my Federal Direct Loan. Why has it not disbursed?
If you are waiting for your Federal Direct Loan from financial aid, please make sure you have completed your Master Promissory Note and Entrance Counseling at www.studentloans.gov. Everyone receiving a direct loan must complete a MPN and Entrance Counseling.
What are the consequences of default?
  • You may be subject to court action requiring total repayment of your loan.
  • Your credit rating can be severely damaged, making it difficult to borrow money for a car or home, or to receive credit cards.
  • The default status can remain on your credit report for several years after you pay the loan in full.
  • Your federal Treasury payments (including federal tax refunds) and state income tax refunds may be withheld.
  • Up to 15% of your disposable income can be garnished (administrative wage garnishment) without a court order.
  • You won't be eligible to receive any more federal financial aid (and possibly state aid) unless you make acceptable arrangements to repay what you already owe.
  • You may be ineligible for assistance under most federal benefit programs.
  • You'll be ineligible for deferments or forbearance.
  • You'll be liable for the costs associated with collecting your loan up to 24% of your principal and interest balance, plus court costs and attorney fees.
  • You may not be able to renew a professional license you hold or may jeopardize your chances for certain types of employment.
  • Your loan may be assigned to a professional collection agency.
What is an incentive repayment plan?
Most lenders offer an incentive plan for borrowers who make timely payments (i.e. interest rate and/or fee reductions for borrowers who make 48 consecutive on-time payments). Check with your lender for available options.

Scholarships

How do I apply for a scholarship at the University of Houston?
For most UH-funded scholarships, your application for admission serves as your scholarship application as well. Others require that you submit the FAFSA and provide additional documentation. Check our Scholarships page for detail.
How do I send a private scholarship to the Financial Aid Department?
Full detailed instructions can be found on the Private Scholarship Processing Guide.

Proof of Course Completion

Why am I being asked to turn in a Proof of Course Completion Form (PCCF)?
If a student who began attendance fails to earn a passing grade in at least one course during the semester, the institution must assume that the student has unofficially withdrawn, unless the institution can document that the student completed the period. In the absence of evidence of a last day of attendance at an academically related activity, the school must consider a student who failed to earn a passing grade to be an unofficial withdrawal and subject to returning 100% of financial aid received for the semester.
Can you accept late submissions of the PCCF?
The Department of Education has a strict deadline for reporting withdrawal dates within 30 days of the closing of the semester. A submission past the institutional deadline is still considered late for processing purposes and a review is not guaranteed. This includes any necessary supporting documentation submitted after the deadline.
What if I am having a hard time getting in contact with my instructor?
Ideally, it is best to contact the instructor for the course in which you participated the longest. Although only one submission from one instructor is required, you can contact any of your instructors by phone, email, or in-person. If you are unsuccessful, seek assistance from the instructor's department. Failure to contact your instructor does not waive you of this requirement.
Will the PCCF be denied if it is incomplete? What makes a complete submission?
Yes, an incomplete PCCF submission will be denied. A complete submission is essential and it is your responsibility to ensure that the form is complete and all necessary supporting documentation submitted. Examples of academically related activities are examinations or quizzes, tutorials, computer-assisted instruction, academic conferences, completing an academic assignment, paper, or project, and attending a study group required by the institution where attendance is taken. (34 CFR 668.22(c)(3)) Correspondence regarding your inability to complete assignments or lack of attendance are NOT considered academically related activities.
I am considering a medical withdrawal, do I still need to complete a PCCF?
Yes. The medical withdrawal review process can take longer and although it can result in an official withdrawal, it is still subject to financial aid withdrawal guidelines. Any student who officially or unofficially withdraws from the university or fails to earn a passing grade in any class, federal regulations require a return to Title IV calculation for all students receiving Federal Title IV Funds. The calculation of the return of those funds may result in your owning a balance to the university. This calculation occurs within 45 days of the closing of the semester.
What happens once the PCCF is processed?
A date of withdrawal will be determined according to the documentation provided. This date will be used to determine whether the aid you received was earned, according to the last day your documentation shows attendance or that you participated in an academically related activity. The calculation of the return of those funds may result in you having a balance with the university. Students owing a balance to the university will not be allowed to register for subsequent semesters until balance is paid.
What happens if I never turn in a PCCF?
If you do not submit the PCCF form by the deadline, the institution must assume, for Title IV purposes, that you have unofficially withdrawn. 100% of aid received for the semester will be returned. Official correspondence from the university is sent to the e-mail address provided by the student to the Registrar's Office. If the student has failed to correct his or her contact information, they will not be relieved of the responsibility on the grounds that the correspondence was not received.