Federal Selection Criteria

How recipients are selected to receive a financial aid award varies from program to program. Below are listed the major considerations for each program. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is required of all applicants seeking federal aid. Federal aid applicants must meet all federal aid requirements and provide requested documentation when asked to do so. For more detail, please use the links to other sources or contact a financial aid adviser in our office by phone at 307-766-2116 or by email at finaid@uwyo.edu.

Federal Aid

Upon receipt of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) data from the federal processor for an applicant, that person's information is included in a computerized need analysis and financial aid allocation process called "packaging." This process looks at the applicant's need, the applicant's qualifications (class level, residency status, etc.) and the remaining funding available for each program. The process then develops a "package" of financial aid containing a possible mixture of scholarships, grants, work-study allotment, and student loans.

A separate award package is created for those attending summer session once the Office of Scholarships & Financial Aid has received the Application for Summer Financial Aid.

Federal Pell Grants

Awarded to individuals with significant financial need, as reflected by the FAFSA data, who have not earned a first bachelor's degree. The amount of an individual's award is determined by a federal formula based on the individual's Student Aid Index (SAI) (formerly Estimated Family Contribution).

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG)

FSEOG funds are awarded on a first-come basis to Pell eligible undergraduate students on the basis of financial need.  These funds are limited to the funds allocated to the University by the U.S. Department of Education.

Federal Teacher Education Assistance For College and Higher Education Grant (TEACH Grant)

The U.S. Department of Education's TEACH Grant Program provides funds to students who are completing or who plan to complete coursework that is required to begin a career in teaching, and who agree to teach full-time for at least four years as a highly qualified teacher; at a school servicing low-income students; and in a high-need field.  A student must complete entrance counseling and an Agreement to Serve each year to be considered for this award.

Federal Work-Study Program (FWS)

FWS are awarded on a first-come basis to qualified students who demonstrate need on the FAFSA.  These funds are limited to the funds allocated to the University by the U.S. Department of Education.

Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans

The Federal Direct Loan program enables students to borrow money directly from the federal government. The U.S. Department of Education is the lender and delivers the loan money to you through the University of Wyoming. Federal Direct Loans are made to students attending school at least half-time. Annual and aggregate loan limits vary depending on a student's grade level and dependency status.

A student qualifies for a Federal Direct Subsidized Loan based on financial need, as determined under federal regulations. A student's need is not a factor in determining eligibility for a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan. It is possible for a student to have a Direct Subsidized and Direct Unsubsidized Loan for the same award year. A student can borrow a combination of loans based on the cost of education minus other financial aid up to maximum annual loan limits and/or cost of education.

A student will be offered Federal Direct Loans as part of their financial aid package.  A student must accept the loan as a form of direct confirmation before processing will begin with the U.S. Department of Education.

Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loans

The Federal Direct PLUS Loan Program assists eligible parents in meeting a dependent undergraduate student's educational expenses. The Federal Direct PLUS Loan allows parents to borrow up to the cost of attendance minus other resources. The U.S. Department of Education is the lender and delivers the loan money to you through University of Wyoming. Students must be attending school at least half-time to be eligible. 

Federal Direct Grad PLUS Loans

The Federal Direct PLUS Loan Program assists eligible graduate and professional students in meeting educational expenses. The Federal Direct PLUS Loan allows students to borrow up to the cost of attendance minus other resources. The U.S. Department of Education is the lender and delivers the loan money to you through University of Wyoming. Students must be attending school at least half-time to be eligible.