Financial Aid Programs for Undergraduate Students

Our list may look a bit overwhelming, but you deserve an overview of the major kinds of financial aid available. When you're ready to do more research, check out our listing of online financial aid resources and look at our merit-based scholarship opportunities. Remember, you can always email specific questions to our Financial Aid Office.

Federal Pell Grants

The Pell Grant Program is a need based federal program providing grant assistance to low-income students. Grants for the 2023-2024 academic year range from $750 to $7,395 with the student's eligibility being determined by the U.S. Department of Education. For Pell Grant recipients, the University of New Haven has 7 days to issue a refund of a credit balance at the start of a term in order to assist with the purchasing of books and supplies. If a Pell Grant recipient does not wish to be refunded within 7 days, the refund will be processed under the standard refund policy. For additional information on the institutional refund policies click here.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG)

SEOG is a need based federal program to provide additional grant assistance to Pell eligible students. Students are selected by the University to receive this grant.

Roberta B. Willis Scholarship Grant Program

A need based program for Connecticut residents enrolled at least half-time at the university. Eligibility is based on the student's SAI (formerly EFC) as determined by the FAFSA. The annual grant amounts are set each year by the Connecticut Department of Higher Education.

Roberta B. Willis Scholarship Program

Connecticut students who have finished in the top 20 percent of their junior year high school class, or college undergraduates who ranked in the top 20th percentile of their senior year class and/or have scored 1200 or higher on their combined Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) scores or an ACT of 25 or higher, that are enrolled at least half-time in their first undergraduate program, and who have a Student Aid Index (SAI) (formerly EFC), as calculated by the FAFSA, equal to or below the eligible cutoff determined by the Connecticut Office of Higher Education, may be eligible for this award. Students should contact their high school guidance office or visit for more information. Eligible students may receive up to $5,250.

University Grant-in-Aid

The University grant-in-aid is awarded to full-time, matriculated undergraduate students on the basis of need.

Athletic Grant-in-Aid

Athletic grants are non need based grants provided to students for participation in sports, with recipient selection made by the Athletic Department based on students' athletic ability. Awards can range up to a full scholarship (tuition, housing, and food). Athletic grants are available in the following sports:


Men

  • Baseball
  • Basketball
  • Cross Country
  • Football
  • Golf
  • Soccer
  • Track and Field

Women

  • Basketball
  • Cross Country
  • Field Hockey
  • Golf
  • Lacrosse
  • Rugby
  • Soccer
  • Softball
  • Tennis
  • Track and Field
  • Volleyball

Federal Direct Student Loans

Federal Direct Student Loans are low interest rate federal loans made to undergraduate students attending accredited colleges and universities. There are two types of Federal Direct Student Loans: Subsidized and Unsubsidized. The Federal Direct Student Loans are loans the student borrows and they must be repaid. New loan borrowers are required to complete entrance loan counseling and sign a Master Promissory Note prior to receiving their first disbursement.

The Subsidized Student Loan is a federally subsidized loan program available on the basis of financial need to students enrolled at least half-time. For students who are eligible for a subsidized loan, the U.S. Department of Education pays the interest while you're enrolled at least half-time, and during other specified periods. A FAFSA must be completed to qualify for a Federal Student Loan.

Unsubsidized Student Loans do not require a student to have financial need. The U.S. Department of Education does not pay interest on the loan. The interest rate is fixed and the interest will start accruing on the date of your first disbursement. The student has the option to pay the interest while in school. A FAFSA must be completed to qualify for a Federal Student Loan.

Federal Direct Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students (PLUS)

The PLUS Loan is a financing option available to parents of a dependent undergraduate student enrolled in school at least half-time and is meeting the satisfactory academic progress requirements of the university. The interest rate on a PLUS Loan is fixed. Parents who do not have adverse credit histories may borrow up to the annual total cost of education less other financial aid received. A FAFSA form must be completed if you are applying for a PLUS loan.

Click here for information on other University payment options.