The University of the District of Columbia's Office of Financial Aid is committed to providing you with the resources you need to cover the cost of pursuing your journey in higher education. At UDC, we strive to maintain the highest standards of customer service for you, our staff, administration and community. To ensure this, our services are available 24/7, every day of the year!
For assistance, please contact our help hub at 202-274-5941, visit us at studentservices.udc.edu, or email us at finaid@udc.edu. If you choose to reach out through email, make sure to include your full name and student ID# in addition to your question(s).
FAQs
To apply for financial aid, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is available each year starting on October 1st. The application determines federal, state and institutional aid. When applying at studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa, please use our School Code 007015 to ensure that we receive your application electronically.
Yes, you should regularly review your myUDC portal at my.udc.edu for additional information and/or document requests. We encourage you to submit supporting documents through your StudentForms account, which you may access through your myUDC portal. ALL documents must be submitted by the priority deadline.
While processing times vary, all applications are reviewed in the order they are received. If your documents are submitted prior to the application deadline, they will generally be processed before the start of classes.
You can view the reason your document is incomplete by signing into your StudentForms Account and clicking on the Tasks. You can also view additional messages under the "Important Messages" tab in your myUDC account. Completed documents may be returned by fax to 202-274-6060 or emailed to fadocs@udc.edu. Still have questions? Contact our office at 202-274-5157 or finaid@udc.edu.
Yes, you may still apply. However, if you do not meet the priority application deadline, you are strongly encouraged to make payment arrangements to ensure your classes aren't dropped for non-payment. Visit the Student Accounts page to make payment arrangements.
After you have successfully completed your MPN(s) and EC online at studentaid.gov, UDC will receive an electronic confirmation of completion within 48 hours, or once your loan is originated.
Each semester, financial aid is applied after the 100% withdrawal refunds period, and once instructors have verified attendance.
Please allow 14 days from the date your refund is reflected in your student account (myUDC portal). If you have a bank account, we recommend you set up direct deposit for your refund. For more information on direct deposit contact the office of student accounts.
You must ensure that your bank account information and/or mailing address are correct in your myUDC account before your funds are disbursed. If you need to update your address, please complete a Change of Address Request Form and return it to the Registrar's Office.
If you have additional questions about the status of your refund once it is reflected in your account, please contact the Student Account's Office at 202-274-5168.
You are automatically charged for health insurance at the time of your registration. Visit firststudent.com to opt out of the UDC plan. Visit our Student Health Insurance Plan page to confirm the opt-out deadline. To learn more about the status of removing this charge from your account after approving your health insurance waiver, contact Student Accounts at 202-274-5168.
UDC has transformed the process of delivering course materials. Through the Follett ACCESS Textbook Program, you don't have to worry about the hassle of buying course materials, because the materials are covered as part of the Follett All-Access fee ($34 per credit hour). Through this program, you will have access to all required materials by the first day of classes.
You are automatically opted into the program, but that doesn't mean that you have sufficient aid to cover the charge. Financial aid will cover the fee if the following student requirements are met:
Financial aid amount awarded/accepted exceeds your tuition/fees (credit balance). You may view your balance by signing into your myUDC portal at my.udc.edu.
A Title IV Authorization Release for Non-Institutional Charges has been completed, authorizing UDC to utilize your credit balance to pay for charges incurred at the bookstore. This can be completed through your myUDC portal.
The Follett ACCESS Program is available to all enrolled students, but the Financial Aid Materials and Supplies Authorization is only available to eligible students. You are automatically opted into the Follett ACCESS Program at the time of your registration, regardless of your financial aid eligibility, and will be charged $34 per credit hour for participation in the program. This charge will appear under "Follett All-Access Bookstore" on your student account at myUDC portal. Visit the Follett ACCESS Program to learn more!
As an eligible student, you may purchase additional materials and supplies at the bookstore through Financial Aid Materials and Supplies Authorization, much like the previous Financial Aid Book Authorization. You will receive an approval notice from udcfinaid@udc.edu that will include next steps and a time frame for authorization.
Note: Purchases may be made online by eligible students through their Financial Aid Materials and Supplies Authorization.
While you automatically opt into the program each semester, you may also opt-out each semester. Visit accessportal.follett.com/0742 to opt out before the specified deadline.
Follett All-Access is not a mandatory fee. The DCUP (presidential-level scholarship) only covers tuition and required fees. If you choose to participate in the program, you will be responsible for covering the Follett All-Access Bookstore fee. However, other sources of aid aside from your scholarship may cover this charge.
Transfer Applicants Seeking Financial Aid
Transfer applicants who have or will request financial aid via FAFSA must submit verification of high school completion– either a high school or GED transcript– in addition to college transcripts.
Note: This applies to transfer applicants who intend to request UDC Financial Aid. You will be denied packaging for financial aid if your high school transcript is not on file.
Please schedule an appointment with our community partner, The Educational Opportunity Center. Leave a voicemail message, and a representative will answer your call.