FAQ - What is an overaward?

An overaward (OA) is when:

1. A student's total need-based awards* exceed their calculated Financial Need, as determined by the FAFSA using a student's Cost of Attendance (COA) and Student Aid Index (SAI). This is called a Need-Based Overaward, OR
2. A student's total awards exceed their estimated Cost of Attendance (COA). This is called a COA Overaward.

 *Need-based awards include all free money that does not need to be paid back. This can include any scholarships, grants, stipends, etc. offered to the student.

Students could have one or both types of overawards. 

Federal Regulations require the university to resolve all overawards before additional financial aid can be released. For more information please visit our overaward policy page.