How to not lose your financial aid

Financial aid programs have requirements that you need to meet in order to keep the aid. If you don't meet every requirement, even if you aren't aware of it, your aid money can be taken away. Don't let this happen. If you aren't sure where you stand, contact us and we will help.

  1. Keep your grades up.
  2. Check your scholarships for renewal criteria.
  3. Establish an academic plan toward graduation. Talk with your advisor.
  4. Talk with Career Services early in your schooling. Your Career Services counselor can help you develop a career plan.
  5. Complete your courses. Routinely withdrawing from courses will hurt your ability to keep your aid. If you have to withdraw from a course because of a family emergency or major life event, contact your advisor before you stop attending class.
  6. Let your advisor know if you are struggling. Your advisor can help you find tutors and others who can help.
  7. Watch your borrowing and spending. Contact your financial aid counselor for resources to help.
  8. If you want to change your program, talk with your advisor about how this might affect your financial aid.

COVID withdrawals

The U.S. Department of Education has asked schools to determine whether a student withdrew or stopped attending DU due to reasons related to COVID-19. 

Normally when you withdraw we are required to return any unearned Title IV funds (Pell Grant, FSEOG, TEACH Grants, Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans, PLUS loans) to the Department of Education.  If you withdrew or stopped attending due to COVID-19, the requirement may be waived.   According to the U.S. Department of Education, "Allowable circumstances include, but are not limited to, illness of the student or family member, need to become a caregiver or first responder, loss of childcare, economic hardship, inability to access wi-fi due to closed facilities, or an increase in work hours as a result of the COVID-19 emergency." 

Students who withdraw or stop attending DU will receive an email detailing the possible waiver.  In order to receive the waiver, students MUST respond to the email explaining how their withdrawal is related to COVID-19. Failure to submit the statement will result in funds being returned to the Department of Education.