Financial REsources at UD
There are multiple sources for financial aid available to students through the university. Undergraduates are reviewed for merit upon admission, and are reviewed annually for any potential endowment fund eligibility. Any need-based aid is offered to both undergraduates and graduates after submitting the current year's FAFSA. Students must maintain certain eligibility requirements to keep their aid each year including a minimum GPA or remaining enrolled in a full-time credit load. For additional assistance with financial needs, please review the resources below.
Join SFS for a Virtual Town Hall
Our SFS Town Hall Tuesday presentation covering information on Financial Holds will be held October 13, 2026 at 7pm.
Education Aid Resources
Additional Student Resources
All U.S. citizens/permanent residents interested in exploring all types of financial aid should begin by filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). We recommend completing it as early as possible but no later than free add/drop for the fall semester. Delawareans can get free FAFSA filing assistance through Delaware's Stand By Me organization.
Different types of financial aid appeals are available for our students. If you have experienced a significant change in financial circumstances not captured on your FAFSA, you may pursue a FAFSA Adjustment Appeal to see if any additional aid may be available. Students who have encountered academic challenges impacting their aid eligibility may submit a Satisfactory Academic Progress appeal or University aid renewal appeal. Students no longer dependent on their parent/guardian can look into our dependency appeal process, and students whose families relocate to Delaware and meet residency requirements may appeal for in-state status. Please review the below appeals to see if you are eligible for further funding or reinstatment of your funding.
The University has a limited number of endowed funds that students who have filed the FAFSA are reviewed for annually. In addition, there are UD endowments and non-university funding students can explore. If you need additional asssistance covering educational costs, please refer to the resources below.
If you have remaining unmet education costs after merit aid, grants, and family contributions, student loan borrowing can help cover that remaining balance. By filing the FAFSA you become eligible to borrow federal student loans to help fund your degree. Additional parent federal loans and loans through private lenders are also options should you need to borrow larger amounts than your federal student loan eligibility will allow. The links below will provide information on multiple sources of loan borrowing.
For current loan borrowers entering into repayment, resources on forbearance and loan deferment may be helpful to you. Addtionally, you will also find information on canellation or discharge of your loans if you qualify. Meeting these qualifications could allow you to have all or some of your loan amounts discharged.
During your time at the university, there are many employement opportunities available that can help cover costs or provide you funding in the form of stipends. For those who have filed a FAFSA and meet certain need requirements, you may also be eligible for federal work-study, a form of employment where wages are paid through federally allotted funding. Check out the resources below for student employment information.
The University of Delaware through the Office of Student Life has organized Blue Hen Essentials, a home for resources aiding students who may be experiencing insecurity in various areas of their lives. If you are in need of clothing, food, child care, or housing/technology support, the University may be able to help. Follow the links below to learn more about assistance available through Student Life.
For our Delawareans, Delaware 211 is a service for Delaware residents that can connect you with esstienal resources throughout theh state. The service is free, confidential, and can help you find services ranging from mental health and food assistance to legal or tax guidance.
As part of your mandatory fees, the Office of Student Life funds student wellbeing services for those attending the University. If you are experiencing a medical or mental health issue, you can utilize the resources below.
If you'd like to learn more about budgeting while in college and beyond, the resources below provide information on how to manage your finances. Khan Academy will walk you through multiple interactive units on financial literacy and the ED Home Room is the official blog of the U.S. Department of Education. The site provides up-to-date information on higher education, student loans and policies that may affect you.
When planning for college, the choices you make regarding your academic path and your living situation can have major financial implications.
The Univeristy offers the Flex Pathway at a reduced tuition rate for residents of Delaware and neighboring counties of Maryland, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Students pursue the Associate in Arts degree for the first two years before having the option to complete their bachelor's degrees on Newark Campus.
Housing rates can also range from approximately $9,000/year in a shared dorm room to $16,000 or more in a shared aparment. Students in traditional dorms are required to have a food plan, while those in apartment-style housing may opt out of the meal plan. Upperclass students who choose to live off campus may have options to reduce housing costs. Finally, freshmen residing within 30 miles of campus and upperclassmen who live close to campus may choose to commute and save a significant amount.
Refer to the following links to explore academic and residence life options and pricing. Making budget-conscious decisions now can reduce college expenses now and loan borrowing extending into your future.