Glossary

Financial aid terms

Estimated family contribution (EFC)

The EFC represents what financial aid formulas believe a family should be able to pay for one year of a child’s college education.

Fees

These are based on full-time status (12 or more credits). Read more information about fees.

Mandatory fees

Mandatory fees help support student-related activities, technology infrastructure, and educational environment. 

Additional fees

Additional fees are based on the college or program student is in. These fees are either optional or assessed on an individual basis.

One-time fees

One-time fees help support the continuation of student programs and provide student benefits such as lifetime transcripts, graduation, etc.

Federal and State Grants

By completing the FAFSA, you’ll automatically be considered for federal and state grants, which do not need to be paid back. If you are eligible for federal grants, state grants, and/or merit and need-based scholarships, it will be listed on your award letter.

Federal Direct Loans

Dependent undergraduates may borrow up to $5,500 the first year, $6,500 the second year, and $7,500 the third and fourth years. Independent undergraduates may borrow $9,500 the first year, $10,500 the second year, and $12,500 the third and fourth years.

Direct Subsidized Loans*

Direct Subsidized Loans are need-based and do not accrue interest until six months after you graduate, leave school, or your enrollment drops below half-time.

Direct Unsubsidized Loans*

Direct Unsubsidized Loans accrue interest while you are still in school.

*Repayment for both subsidized and unsubsidized loans isn’t required until six months after you graduate, leave school, or your enrollment drops below half-time. Go to studentaid.gov for more info on how the loan program works, including interest rates and repayment options.

Scholarships

After you have been accepted, apply for UMass Dartmouth scholarships at Financial Aid. We also recommend Collegeboard.org and Fastweb.org for private scholarships. If you receive a scholarship (such as John & Abigail Adams), provide a copy of the award letter to the Student Service Center by going to the Foster Administration Building, or submitting an inquiry via the Student Service Center.

Student employment

Eligibility for Federal Work-Study (FWS) is need-based and determined by the information on your FAFSA. There are also non-FWS positions available that all full-time students are eligible to apply for. For more info go to Student Employment.

Billing schedule

Bills for the fall semester will be sent in July and spring semester bills are sent in January. Payment is due within 30 days. Information regarding payment plans can be found at the Bursar.

Professional judgment

Our office has the ability to exercise professional judgement if there has been a change in circumstances. For example, we can reevaluate your financial aid award if you or a parent/guardian has lost a job or had a change marital status. Please submit an inquiry to the Student Service Center to see if you qualify.

Net price calculator

The Net Price Calculator is another tool you can use to estimate your expenses for an academic year. You enter information about yourself to find out what students like you paid to attend UMassD in the previous year.