FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

To assist you in your college planning, we've answered some of the top questions families ask about our financial aid opportunities. We hope they provide some of the answers you need, too!

1) What kind of financial assistance is available?
2) Must I file a FAFSA to be eligible to receive scholarships at CUA?

3) What is the cost to attend CUA?
4) When do students receive notification of their financial aid awards?

5) What is the deadline for applying for financial aid?
6) Can I work on campus?
7) If I have a sibling already attending CUA, can I qualify for additional assistance?

1) What kind of financial assistance is available?
At Catholic University of America, we offer several forms of financial assistance to qualifying students. Because we are interested in attracting students of strong ability and character to the university, many of our programs feature generous scholarships based on academic merit, leadership qualities or a combination of both these strengths.

Catholic University also offers need-based financial aid to eligible students and families. To be considered for these awards, students are strongly encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which determines the contribution you and your family can afford to pay toward your education. The FAFSA is available from your high school guidance office or online. Once this form is completed and your family's need is assessed, you can be considered for university, state and federal need-based grants (that do not require repayment), low-interest loans, and work-study opportunities.

2) Must I file a FAFSA to be eligible to receive scholarships at CUA?
A FAFSA is not required for scholarships based upon academic ability. Some of our scholarships and grants, however, do have a need component. For this reason, we encourage all prospective students - even those who do not think they may qualify for need-based aid - to file a FAFSA to take full advantage of our scholarship and grant opportunities.

3) What is the cost to attend CUA?
Tuition and fees can be found on the Registrar's website.

It is important to realize most families pay far less than this "sticker price," thanks to the many scholarship and financial aid programs offered at Catholic University. These programs - funded by private, university, federal and state sources - are making financial aid available to more students than ever before, even those from middle- and higher-income families.

4) When do students receive notification of their financial aid awards?
Financial aid packages for admitted students with a valid FAFSA will be mailed in late March

5) What is the deadline for applying for financial aid?
For award notification by late March, undergraduate applicants should file FAFSA by February 1. We strongly suggest that you submit the application electronically at www.fafsa.ed.gov. The Catholic University of America's Federal Title IV School Code is 001437.

6) Can I work on campus?
There are two ways to seek employment on campus. If you qualify for need-based financial aid (as determined by the FAFSA), you may qualify for a work-study grant. In this program, you may work in an office on campus and collect paychecks up to the amount of your award. Your financial aid package will indicate if you qualify for work-study.

If you do not qualify for a work-study position, you can still find employment on campus. Many departments offer jobs to students in a part-time capacity. At the beginning of the fall semester, the university sponsors a campus job fair where you can speak with representatives from offices that are seeking student workers to fill both work-study positions, as well as part-time positions.

There is a large job fair during the first week of the fall semeter so that students can find on-campus employment immediately.

7) If I have a brother or sister already attending CUA, can I qualify for additional funding?
CUA has a special Family Grant for families with more than one child attending The Catholic University of America. The older sibling receives a $2,000 Family Grant while both students are attending CUA. In order to qualify for this grant, both students must be dependent, undergraduate, full-time students pursuing a first bachelor's degree. Additional criteria and the form that needs to be completed and submitted, can be found online.

Visit the Office of General Counsel's website for information about Catholic University's compliance with disclosure requirements under Title IV.