UK Home Academics Athletics UK's Chandler Medical Center Research Site Index Search MC

University of Kentucy College of Dentistry 
Building a Foundation for the Future
 
DMD Program

Financial Aid FAQ

Q. Can I ever be turned down for financial assistance?

A. All students receiving financial assistance must meet certain standards of academic progress. If an academic suspension occurs, eligibility for financial aid ceases. Upon a return to the College, the student will not be eligible for financial aid until satisfactory academic progress has been demonstrated (a minimum of one semester). You may also be denied financial assistance if you have defaulted on a student loan or if you owe a refund on a federal or state grant.

Q. I received a scholarship from my church. How will this affect my other aid?

A. You are required to report to the financial aid office any source of financial assistance you will receive during the school year. This would include scholarships, and assistance from vocational rehabilitation and veteran's benefits. If the sum of your financial aid from all sources exceeds your Cost of Attendance, you are obligated by law to repay the excess if you were awarded any federal funds. Higher interest loans will be repaid first.


Q. Can I pick and choose which loans I want and decline others?

A. Yes, to a certain extent. It is the policy of the College of Dentistry that all students applying for the school-managed, low-interest loans obtain the William Ford Subsidized Direct Loan. School-managed funds are not sufficient to meet the financial needs of all students without the use of this loan source. (See the loan descriptions at "Loan Programs at A Glance.") Then you may accept or decline any other loans at your discretion.


Q. How long does it take to receive my aid?

A. If you meet all deadlines and submit the promissory note in a timely manner, you can usually expect to have your check on the first day of class each semester or in two weeks if you are borrowing during the school year. Sometimes, however, circumstances beyond the control of the school may delay your check. You should plan to have enough money to cover rent deposits and food for at least the first couple weeks of school just in case.


Q. When do I have to start repaying my student loan, and what if I am not practicing when repayment begins?

A. Each loan has a specific grace period before repayment begins, from six months for the Direct Loans to twelve months for the Health Professions Loan. There are many options for borrowers who need help during repayment. The financial aid office and your student loan lender will provide you with information on a variety of options that will ease the burden of repayment.

Q. What if I discover that the amount of money I borrowed is not enough?

A. You may borrow additional funds once in the Fall and once in the Spring provided you still have eligibility remaining. In other words, your financial awards have not equaled the Cost of Attendance. Sometimes emergencies occur when money is needed quickly, i.e. car repairs, medical treatment, etc. The University of Kentucky College of Dentistry maintains some short-term emergency loan accounts to help in these situations.


Q. How can I become a Kentucky resident?

A. Generally, you are considered to be a resident of Kentucky if you have lived in the state in a non-academic setting for at least one year prior to enrollment. If you enroll as a non-resident, it is a safe assumption that you will remain a non-resident for the rest of your dental school career. If you feel that you have circumstances that may alter your non-resident status, you may apply for residency.

Q. Why should I include my parents' income & asset information on the FAFSA?  I do not live with them and they don't contribute to my support.

A. It is true that parent information DOES NOT HAVE to be reported on the FAFSA of a dental student, regardless of your age or dependency status.  Just by being enrolled in a post undergraduate program such as professional school makes you an independent in the eyes of the federal government for financial aid purposes.  However, some loan programs such as the Health Professions Student Loan administered by the Department of Health and Human Services and managed by the school, require parental information be included on the application for consideration of funding.  Likewise, other aid that is managed by the school and limited in the amount available requires parental information per school policy to determine eligibility purposes, but only for these  funds.  The Stafford Loans, both subsidized and unsubsidized, are awarded based on the student's (and spouse's) income and asset information only.  Remember that providing parental information will never hinder your chances of receiving aid; it may help you get some of the more lucrative aid.