Richard L. Woodland, M.A., Director of Financial Aid

Sherri M. Wolfinger, Associate Director of Financial Aid

Cynthia Davidson, M.A., Assistant Director of Financial Aid

The Office of Financial Aid is concerned with students` educational expenses. The impact of educational expenses upon the student and his or her family is sizable, although tuition at Rutgers covers only a portion of the actual cost of instruction for each student. In order to allow students with limited financial resources to attend college, every effort is made to assist these students in finding alternatives in financing their education. The student and his or her family are expected to assume the primary responsibility for meeting educational costs. The amount that the student and his or her family are actually expected to contribute is determined from the information submitted on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Each year, more than half the number of the Rutgers students who apply for financial aid receive some form of assistance. Although most financial assistance processed through the Office of Financial Aid is available only to students who demonstrate need and who are enrolled in a degree program, other forms of assistance also are available. In 2001-02, undergraduate students attending the university received more than $20.7 million in financial aid in the form of federal and state grants, loans, work-study jobs, and university scholarships for both academic achievement and financial need. The average aid package was $7,437.

Rutgers participates in the full range of state and federal financial aid programs and has a large number of university-supported programs. A brief description of each program follows. All students and parents are encouraged to file an application for financial aid.

Students with complex problems or who need additional assistance should request an appointment with an aid counselor. Generally, a student can expect to see a counselor within a day of making an appointment. All information is kept confidential.

Financial aid is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis to admitted students; the amount is dependent upon the availability of funds and is based on the student`s financial need as determined by federal and state guidelines. Assistance is generally offered in a "package," a combination of grants and scholarships, loans, and campus employment. Continuance of all awards is dependent upon the student`s filing a renewal application, continued financial need, satisfactory academic progress, and the availability of funds. Financial aid is available to all students, including first-year and transfer students.