Applying for Financial Aid

Your Guide to Federal Financial Aid

Applying for financial aid doesn’t have to be complicated. At UNE Online, most students fund their education through federal student loans — and the process starts with the FAFSA. Below, you’ll find what you need to apply, how awards are calculated, and how to maintain your eligibility once you’re enrolled.

FAFSA Eligibility

UNE Online accepts the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Completion of the FAFSA is required to determine eligibility for federal student aid, including loans for online programs.

UNE FAFSA School Code: 002050

FAFSA Filing Timeline

  • FAFSA opens annually on October 1
  • UNE’s academic year begins with the Summer Term
  • FAFSA processing typically requires 5–7 business days

Students may complete the FAFSA before registering for classes.

Financial Aid Awards

Most UNE Online students are awarded Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans, which include a modest allowance for required course materials. If educational costs exceed annual loan limits, students may utilize private loans. For more information on loan options, please visit UNE’s Recommended Lender List.

Initial awards are based on enrollment in six credits per semester.

Accepting Financial Aid

Students are notified by email when their financial aid award is available. At that time, students must accept either the full award or a partial amount.

First-time borrowers at UNE are required to complete a Master Promissory Note (MPN) for each loan and Entrance Counseling for Graduate Students.

Enrollment Changes

Students who enroll in fewer than or more than six credits per semester should contact Student Financial Services to review and complete any necessary adjustments to their financial aid award and discuss potential impacts. Financial aid awards are adjusted following the Add/Drop period.

Living Expense Funding

Students may request additional loan funding for living expenses, up to $1,000 per month during periods of enrollment. Requests require submission of the Living Expense Request Form through UNE Compass, and annual reapplication. Students are encouraged to borrow conservatively to limit long-term debt.

Satisfactory Academic Progress

To remain eligible for financial aid, students must meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards: a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, completion of at least 67% of the total attempted credits and program completion within 150% of the published program length. Students who do not meet SAP standards are notified by email.

The information on this page is subject to change. For the most up-to-date details, please visit UNE’s Online Education Student Financial Services.