Student Financial Services

Wahlstrom Library, Garden Level
126 Park Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06604
Phone: 203-576-4568
Fax: 203-576-4570

Financial aid

The Office of Student Financial Services helps provide access to the educational opportuni­ties available at University of Bridgeport. Since students are admitted solely on the ba­sis of their academic and personal qualities, without regard to their financial circumstanc­es, the University offers a variety of financial aid and scholarship programs to provide fi­nancial assistance to qualified students.

University of Bridgeport subscribes to the policy that eligibility for scholarship aid should depend on the student’s achievement and promise, but that the amount of aid should depend on the relative financial need of the student and his or her family.

The financial need of most students at the University can be met in the form of scholar­ships, grants, loans, and student employment. Funds are available to the student through University of Bridgeport from federal and state governments, private foundations, and University resources.

University of Bridgeport awards merit scholarships recognizing outstanding aca­demic achievement and student leadership. In addition, there are a number of other pay­ment assistance programs that include non-University tuition plans.

Students enrolled in tuition discounted pro­grams and online programs are not eligible to receive institutional scholar­ships or grants.

The Office of Student Financial Services de­termines the amount and combinations of aid for which the student is eligible. Finan­cial aid decisions are made after a student has been admitted and requests for financial assistance will not influence a candidate’s consideration for admission. Financial aid is awarded on an annual basis and continuing students must apply each year for aid.

Application procedures

New domestic students are encouraged to begin to apply for financial aid at the same time they are seeking admission. Applicants for financial aid need to:

1. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by going to www.studentaid.gov. Be sure to include the University’s school code, 001416, on the FAFSA.
2. Submit copies of the student’s and parents’ federal tax transcript or signed federal tax returns and other verification documents upon request from the Office of Student Financial Services.
3. Upon request from the Office of Student Financial Services, if you are a non-US citizen applying for need-based financial aid, submit immigration documentation certifying permanent resident status.

Continuing students must reapply for finan­cial aid each year no later than March 1 to be given full consideration for aid for the fol­lowing academic year. Students must:

1. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by going to www.studentaid.gov. Be sure to include the University’s school code, 001416, on the FAFSA.
2. Submit copies of student’s and parents’ federal tax transcript or signed tax returns and other verification documents upon request from The Office of Student Financial Services

Students and parents are encouraged to call or visit the Office of Student Financial Ser­vices if they have any questions or would like assistance with the application process. For further information call or write:

The Office of Student Financial Services
126 Park Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06604
Email: SFS@Bridgeport.edu
Phone: 203-576-4568
Toll-free: 1-800-243-9496
Fax: 203-576-4570

Satisfactory Academic Progress

In order to maintain eligibility for financial aid, a student must maintain satisfactory aca­demic progress. Financial aid recipients are expected to make reasonable progress as a condition of receiving and continuing to receive aid. Students’ academic progress is assessed according to qualitative and pace measures as they apply. The qualitative measure (i.e., grades) is similar to the academic standards applied to all UB students. The pace measure (i.e., number of credit hours com­pleted successfully/maximum time-frame) is used to monitor progress toward degree completion. For a student to be making satis­factory academic progress, the student must meet the following qualitative GPA standards and have completed, with a passing grade, at least 67% of the cumulative attempted cred­its.

Undergraduate Minimum Cumulative GPA & Pace of Progression

*Important: Pace of progression includes transfer credits that have been applied to a student’s degree plan.

Graduate Minimum Cumulative GPA & Pace of Progression

*Important: Pace of progression includes transfer credits that have been applied to a student’s degree plan. Minimum GPA and pace of progression must be maintained for every semester attended.Note: Chiropractic students’ minimum cumulative GPA is 2.5. Students who do not meet the GPA eligibility requirement will be notified via UB email and may also be notified by postal mail to the permanent address on file. Failure to meet minimum cumulative standards will result in loss of financial aid eligibility for the next term following the last term enrolled, unless eligibility continues under Warning status or is reinstated through an approved appeal.

Quantitative Measure of Progress (Pace and Maximum Time Frame)

1.Pace of Progression / Completion Rate

To remain eligible for financial aid, undergraduate students must earn credits (receive passing grades) for at least 67% of the courses they attempt and graduate students must earn credits for at least 68% of the courses they attempt. Pace is calculated by dividing the cumulative number of credit hours successfully completed by the cumulative number of credit hours attempted.

All undergraduate students regardless of classification must earn at least 67% of all credit hours attempted and all graduate students must earn at least 68% of all credit hours attempted. This includes credit hours attempted at all schools before and while attending the University of Bridgeport. Credits accepted toward the student’s current educational program and applied to the degree plan count as both attempted and completed for pace.

2.  Maximum Time Frame

The maximum time frame for students to complete their degree cannot exceed 150% of the published length of the academic program. For example, if an undergraduate program requires 120 credits earned, a student cannot exceed 180 credits attempted. If a graduate program requires 60 credits earned, a student cannot exceed 90 credits attempted. Credit hours are counted from the first term the student entered school, including semesters in which the student did not receive financial aid.

How Often We Evaluate and Notify Students

Financial Aid evaluates academic progress at the end of every registered term. Students who do not meet minimum SAP requirements will be notified via UB email and may also be notified by postal mail. At the end of every term, students must meet the guidelines for minimum cumulative GPA, minimum pace of completion, and maximum time frame.A student who has not met SAP at the end of a term will be placed on Warning status for the next academic term and may receive Title IV aid for that Warning term. Students who do not meet SAP standards at the end of the Warning term will be placed in Unsatisfactory / Financial Aid Suspension and will lose eligibility for subsequent terms unless they regain eligibility by meeting SAP standards or eligibility is reinstated through an approved SAP appeal resulting in Probation status.

SAP Statuses

• Passing / Satisfactory (S): Student is meeting all SAP standards and remains eligible for financial aid.
• Warning (WG, WC, WB): Student failed SAP for the term and is granted one additional term of Title IV aid to meet standards.
• Unsatisfactory / Not Meeting SAP - Financial Aid Suspension: Assigned when a student fails to meet SAP after the Warning term (or upon evaluation if Warning does not apply). Student is not eligible for federal, state, or institutional aid unless reinstated through an approved SAP appeal resulting in Probation status or by meeting SAP standards without aid.
• Probation (PG, PC, PB): Assigned after a SAP appeal is approved. Student may receive Title IV aid for one payment period and must meet SAP or comply with an academic plan.

Financial SAP Appeals (Online Submission, Disclosure & Consent, and Electronic Signatures)

If extenuating circumstances prevented a student from meeting SAP requirements, a SAP appeal may be filed. Examples include death of a close relative, medical condition, injury or illness of the student, or other special circumstances. The appeal must explain why the student failed to make SAP and what has changed that will allow the student to demonstrate SAP at the next evaluation.

How to Submit a SAP Appeal (Webform)

Effective Spring 2026, the SAP appeal process has moved to an online webform to facilitate submission for on-campus and online students, including those residing outside Connecticut. Students can access the SAP Appeal Webform by logging into the UB Portal, selecting Forms, Choosing the Financial Aid department section, and selecting the SAP Appeal Webform. Paper/PDF SAP appeal forms are no longer accepted.

Disclosure & Consent and Electronic Signature Requirement

Submission of a SAP appeal through the webform requires the student to review and affirm a Disclosure & Consent statement and provide an electronic signature/acknowledgment. The electronic signature is used to authenticate the student as the submitter and to indicate the student’s approval of the information provided and the terms of the appeal submission.

What the Appeal Must Include

A student’s appeal must address the following:

• What was the problem/situation?
• When did the problem/situation occur?
• How long did the problem/situation last?
• How did this affect the ability to complete coursework?
• What has changed in the student’s situation or what steps have been taken to ensure SAP standards will be met at the next evaluation?

If a student cannot meet SAP standards within one term, the appeal may not be approved without a completed academic plan. If the student deviates from the academic plan, Title IV eligibility will be suspended.

Appeal Timing, Decisions, and Student Responsibility

In accordance with federal Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) regulations under 34 CFR 668.34, students may submit an appeal when they fail to meet the required standards of GPA, pace of completion, or maximum timeframe. Appeals must be submitted prior to or during the semester for which reinstatement of financial aid eligibility is requested. Appeals will not be considered for any semester that has already finished.

Students are responsible for paying all outstanding balances while an appeal is under review, including any late fees or additional charges incurred. To be eligible for appeal review or approval, students must have no outstanding past-due balances from any prior term. Appeals may be denied or rescinded if a past-due balance exists at the time of review.

Submitting an appeal does not guarantee approval. All appeal decisions will be communicated to the student via UB email (and/or in writing). Appeal decisions are final.

Record Keeping, Audit Readiness, and Retention

Appeal submissions, supporting documentation, academic plans, and electronic acknowledgments/signatures are retained in the student’s financial aid record to support compliance, audits, and program reviews. Records may be maintained electronically provided they are systematically organized, readily retrievable, and capable of reproducing accurate and legible copies when required.

Incomplete (I) Grades and SAP Re-Assessment Requests

An Incomplete (I) grade is considered attempted but not earned until the incomplete is remedied. If the incomplete is remedied with a passing grade, credit hours are earned; if the final grade is failing, credits are not earned and pace may be reduced.If an incomplete grade is resolved and the final grade is posted (or successfully changed) and may affect SAP standing, the student may request a SAP re-assessment to determine whether the SAP status should be updated. The student must email finaidsap@bridgeport.edu from the student’s UB email account and include: student name, UB ID, term, and course(s) updated. Financial Aid will re-evaluate SAP within 10 business days after the grade is posted and the request is received.

Program Changes, Double Majors, Minors, and Additional Degrees

Change of Academic Program / Change of Major

Federal regulations require that SAP be evaluated using the student’s cumulative academic history. Changing a major or academic program does not reset SAP. All attempted credits are considered in qualitative (GPA) and quantitative (pace and maximum time frame) measures, including terms in which the student did not receive financial aid. Credits accepted toward the student’s current educational program and applied to the degree plan count as both attempted and completed for pace

Double Major

Students pursuing a double major are monitored under the same SAP standards. All attempted credits are included in SAP calculations, including coursework taken to satisfy either major. Because double majors may require additional coursework, students may reach maximum time frame before completing all requirements. In such cases, the student may appeal and must submit an academic plan outlining remaining required coursework for completion.

Minor

Coursework attempted to complete a minor counts in SAP calculations. Financial aid eligibility may not be extended solely to complete a minor after the student has met all course requirements for the primary program.

Second Degree (Additional Undergraduate Degree)

Students pursuing an additional undergraduate degree must meet SAP standards for the new program. Maximum time frame is evaluated based on the published length of the additional degree program. Eligibility is monitored consistently in accordance with federal regulations and institutional academic policy.

Pertinent Information About SAP Calculations

• All attempted credits are considered for SAP, even if the student was not receiving financial aid when the credits were attempted.
• Earned credit hours are gained by receiving a “passing grade” as defined by the academic program or University policy.
• Transfer credits accepted by UB and applied to the student’s program of study are included as attempted and earned credits for pace.
• Dropping or withdrawing from a course after the add/drop deadline counts as attempted credits but not earned credits.
• Repeating a course may reduce pace because credits are attempted more than once; repeated credits count toward maximum time frame. A previously passed course may be repeated once with financial aid; failed courses may be repeated until passed.
• Remedial courses are counted as attempted and earned credit hours at the time of evaluation, consistent with institutional policy.

Financial aid provisional status

Students not meeting satisfactory academic standards for a given academic term, as out­lined above, are notified in writing and will be placed on financial aid probation/warn­ing for one semester for which they may re­ceive their aid. At the end of the probation­ary/warning semester, satisfactory academic progress will be reviewed. If the student meets the minimum standards as outlined, the probationary status will be lifted. If mini­mum standards are not met, the student will be ineligible for future financial aid and will be notified in writing.

Students who are reinstated after academic dismissal but have not met the federal sat­isfactory academic progress requirements remain ineligible for financial aid. Reinstate­ment to attend the University does not auto­matically include reinstatement of aid.

Students who have not maintained eligibil­ity to receive financial aid due to unsatisfac­tory academic progress may appeal for one additional semester of probationary eligibility. The student must also sign an Academic Plan Agreement with Student Financial Ser­vices outlining what is needed to meet SAP. Appeals must be submitted to the Office of Student Financial Services within 10 calendar days of receipt of notice of action taken for committee review. The decision on the ap­peal is final. Late or incomplete appeals will not be accepted or reviewed.

Reinstatement of aid

If a student is readmitted, the University will consider the student’s application for finan­cial aid. Reinstatement of aid is not automatic and the student must submit a letter to the Office of Student Financial Services request­ing a reinstatement. In order to remain eligi­ble for aid, students must meet the minimum academic progress standards as outlined or lose eligibility for the following semester.

Financial Aid Return Policy

Students withdrawing from all courses should see financial aid as it is important to discuss withdrawal and refund as it pertains to the individual student, as well as implications for balances owed to the University, federal student loan repayment, and future eligibility for financial assistance.

Return of institutional aid

Students withdrawing within the Univer­sity’s Tuition Refund Schedule (see Tuition, fees and other expenses) will have the same schedule applied to their University of Bridgeport aid.

Return of federal aid

If you have been awarded federal (Title IV) aid and you withdraw before completing 60% of the semester, your financial aid award will be recalculated according to the per­centage of the semester you have completed. The formula for calculating this percentage is:

(Days enrolled - Official breaks of five days or longer) divided by (Total number of days in the semester).

Students who plan to withdraw from classes are advised to speak with a Financial Aid ad­visor prior to doing so to ensure they are aware of the ramifications to their financial aid.

Financial assistance programs

University of Bridgeport believes that a student’s achievements should be recog­nized and rewarded. Our scholarships and grants enable students who have potential and want to benefit from a high quality aca­demic program. Students who qualify must enroll as and maintain full time traditional status. Undergraduate awards are renew­able for up to four years based on satisfac­tory academic progress and good standing at the University. Students who are enrolled in accelerated/professional courses are not eli­gible for these awards.

Graduate assistantships

Graduate assistantships are available.

University of Bridgeport merit award

Financial need is not required for merit based scholarships which are awarded at time of admission based on criteria set forth by the Office of Admissions.

University of Bridgeport grant

Awarded to undergraduates with financial need. University of Bridgeport’s merit and need-based awards, combined with federal and state grants, are limited to tuition and fee charges. Resident assistants and athletes may receive designated funds to go toward housing charges.

Federal Title IV programs

Federal Pell Grant

Pell Grants are awarded to undergraduate students who have not earned a bachelor’s or professional degree. Pell Grant awards are based upon the student’s Estimated Family Contribution (EFC), enrollment status, cost of attendance, and the number of credit hours in which the student is enrolled. The maxi­mum grant a student can receive for the year is determined by the government.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

The FSEOG is a grant that does not have to be repaid. Priority is given to the neediest students with the lowest EFC’s who are Pell Grant eligible. Students who have submitted their financial aid applications by the University’s deadline will be given first priority. All oth­er students will be given consideration for FSEOG funds on a first come first serve ba­sis pending the availability of funds. FSEOG awards vary based on need and US Depart­ment of Education allocation to the Univer­sity.

Federal Work-Study (FWS)

The Federal Work-Study (FWS) Program provides jobs for undergraduate students who demon­strate financial need. The amount of the FWS award is based on both the student’s need and the availability of funds at the University. While there are several FWS jobs available on campus, students are also encouraged to work in community service related jobs. Fed­eral Work Study does not get deducted from student’s direct costs.

Federal Direct Loans (subsidized and unsubsidized)

All student loans will now be originated in the Direct Loan Program, in which the Fed­eral government makes loans directly to stu­dents. Both Direct Loan programs require the borrowers to complete Entrance Counsel­ing and the Master Promissory Note. To ob­tain more information about the Federal Di­rect Loan programs, you can visit the website at: www.studentaid.gov.

The Direct Subsidized Loan is awarded to undergraduate students who demonstrate fi­nancial need. The federal government pays all interest costs for Direct Subsidized bor­rowers while the borrowers are attending school at least half-time and during defer­ment periods.

The Direct Unsubsidized Loan is awarded to students who do not meet financial need, need to supplement their Direct Subsidized Loans, or are Graduate students. Borrowers may defer payment of interest during school, grace, and deferment periods, but remain responsible for all interest that accrues. Any interest accrued and not paid by time repayment period begins will be capitalized. A small origination fee will be charged by Direct Lending for each loan. The amount is determined each year by the government.

Undergraduate dependent students may bor­row up to $5,500 as freshman (including up to $3,500 Subsidized) per year, sophomores up to $6,500 (including $4,500 Subsidized) per year, and $7,500 as juniors and seniors (including up to $5,500 Subsidized) per year.

Undergraduate independent students may borrow up to $9,500 as freshman (including up to $3,500 Subsidized), sophomores up to $10,500 (including up to $4,500 Subsidized), and juniors and seniors may borrow up to $12,500 (including up to $5,500 Subsidized).

Students start repayment of the loan(s) (plus interest) six months after completion of the degree program, withdrawal, or change to less than half-time enrollment status. The government offers different repayment plans and the most frequent is the standard repay­ment which spreads out over the course of 10 years (principal and interest amounts). Important to know: Dependent students whose parents get DENIED a Federal Direct PLUS Loan can receive an additional $4,000 for the freshman and sophomore years and $5,000 for juniors and seniors years.

Graduate/professional students can borrow up to $20,500 per award year. Chi­ropractic and Naturopathic students have increased eligibility in Direct Unsubsidized loans.

Interest rates on Federal Direct Loan pro­grams get established every year, starting on/ after July 1st of the current year and carries out to the following calendar year ending June 30th.

Federal Direct Plus Loans

The Federal Direct PLUS Loan programs are available to parents of dependent students and graduate and professional degree stu­dents. The amount that could be borrowed is up to the cost of attendance, minus finan­cial aid from other sources. Interest Rates are determined each year. An origination fee will be charged by Direct Lending. The amount is determined each year by the government.

Federal Direct Parent Plus Loan

Parents of dependent students may apply for a parent PLUS loan to help their child’s educational expenses. The parent must be the student’s biological or adoptive parent. The parent must not have an adverse credit history (must be credit worthy). The parent must complete the plus loan application and sign the Master Promissory Note (MPN).

Federal Direct Graduate Plus Loan

Graduate/professional seeking degree students can borrow a Direct PLUS Loan to help them cover their educational expenses. The amount of loan they can borrow is up to their cost of attendance minus the Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans for the award year. The student must com­plete the Direct PLUS Loan application and sign the Master Promissory Note every aca­demic year.

State programs

Financial assistance programs are available to qualified students from the state of Connecti­cut, including the Connecticut Independent College Student Grant. Many other states also have scholarship programs for residents of their state. For more information, contact your state’s agency for higher education.

Institutional Aid and Donor Scholarships

The University reserves the right to exercise full discretion in awarding, adjusting, or reallocating institutional financial aid. Institutional aid may be funded directly by the University or by external donor contributions, including endowments. Such aid is interchangeable and may be designated, substituted, or combined with donor-funded scholarships at the University’s discretion. Receipt of institutional aid does not guarantee a specific funding source, and the University may reassign awards between institutional and donor scholarship funds without reducing the overall value of the student’s financial aid package for that academic year.

Roberta B Willis Need-Based Grant Program

As an independent University, University of Bridgeport participates in the Governor’s Scholarship Grant Program. Connecticut un­dergraduate students who enroll on a full-time basis at the University and who meet the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) requirements are considered for this grant. Funding is limited. Students who file their fi­nancial aid applications by the priority dead­line will be considered first.

Roberta B Willis Need-Merit Scholarship Program

Connecticut residents who are undergradu­ate students can apply to the Connecticut Board of Higher Education for consider­ation. High school seniors who ranked in the top 20th percentile of their high school junior year class or college undergradu­ates who ranked in the top 20th percentile of their high school senior year class and/ or have a combined score on the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) of 1200 or higher or an ACT score of 25 or higher. Financial need is also a criterion. Applications are available at high schools or at www.ctdhe.org and must be submitted by February 15. Students who are recipients of CSP awards must follow the state renewal process each academic year.

Awards and prizes

Harvey Herer Memorial Fund 

Awarded to a women’s basketball team junior with the highest GPA at the Spring Sports Banquet.

Dr. George B. Blake, Jr. Memorial Fund

George Blake was an extraordinary individual who served his students at University of Bridgeport as an associate professor of Eng­lish as well as the director of the School of General Studies until his untimely death in 2001. The subsequent outpouring of grief by students, faculty, and administration led to the establishment of the Memorial Fund, used to date to establish a gathering place in his name outside of the west entrance to Charles Dana Hall. The remaining proceeds will fund the stipend associated with the Dr. George B. Blake, Jr. Humanities Award.

William E. Laur Achievement Award 

The will of William E. Laur specifies that the award to be known as the William E. Laur Achievement Award for a student in the graduating class of the Elementary Education section of the graduate School of Education, who ranks at or near the bottom of his graduating class and receives his/her MS in Elementary Edu­cation and who is a deserving student.

Charles E. Reed Science Award

Established by the Board of Trustees of University of Bridgeport to honor Dr. Charles E. Reed for his distinguished leadership as Chairman of the Board from 1978 through 1983, and in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the field of science. The award will be presented annually to an undergraduate stu­dent who has achieved the highest level of excellence in scientific and/or engineering studies at University of Bridgeport.

Graduate scholarships

Applications are available in January of each year for the following year’s graduate schol­arships.

School of Business & School of Engineering

Kiran Kumar R. Gopu Memorial Scholarship 

Es­tablished by the family & friends of Kiran Kumar R. Gopu, who was lost in the terrorist attack on the New York World Trade Center on 09/11/01, while he was on a co-operative education assignment at Marsh & McLennan, Inc, and working for an MS degree in Com­puter Science. This scholarship is for full-time international students in the School of Engineering majoring in Computer Science with at least a 3.50 GPA.

School of Education

Lauren Rousseau Elementary Education Memorial Scholarship

The Lauren Rousseau Elementary Education Memorial Scholarship, established to honor the memory of Lauren Ga-brielle Rousseau, a 30-year old teacher, who was one of the 26 individuals who lost their lives in the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School on December 14, 2012, will be awarded to an applicant seeking certification in elementary education who is a highly motivated, passionate, strong individual with a desire to make a meaningful contribution to the lives of young children through their teaching.