See the information and links below to help you better understand your financial aid offer and federal aid programs.
Student Aid Index (SAI)
The SAI is a number that is generated when a student completes the FAFSA form. The University of Oregon uses the SAI to determine how much federal student aid the student may receive if the student attends the UO.
Estimated Cost of Attendance (COA)
The COA is the estimated cost to attend the UO for the academic year. Actual costs may differ and will include your on-campus housing and food selections and your course registration and enrollment. COA also includes indirect costs that are not billed to your UO student billing account, such as books and supplies, personal expenses, transportation, and off-campus housing and food costs (if not owned or controlled by the UO). For further information related to cost of attendance please visit our cost of attendance page.
Grants and Scholarships
These funds do not need to be repaid provided you meet the terms of the award. The UO financial aid office automatically processes your grants and scholarships and adds them to your student account.
Federal Work–Study
Federal funds that allow students to earn money by working at the UO, for a government agency, or for select nonprofit organizations in the community. If you are offered Federal Work-Study, you will need to accept it on DuckWeb and then apply for and be hired in a work-study job. Your wages earned will be paid directly to you each month. This money is not paid to your UO student account. The UO Career Center can assist you with your job search.
Student Loans
These are funds that you will have to pay back. Each loan type has different conditions for repayment and interest accrual. For more information, visit the Department of Education’s website. Loans are offered as “pending.” If you wish to borrow them you will need to accept your student loans on DuckWeb. It is recommended accept your loans and review your financial aid requirements by August 1st prior to the start of fall term to assure your financial aid pays on time.
Parent PLUS Loans
Parent PLUS Loans are loans borrowed by the parents of dependent, undergraduate students where the parent is responsible for repayment. These loans are an option that may help bridge the gap between your financial aid offer and your cost of attendance. They are not guaranteed and require a credit check to ensure the borrower does not have adverse credit history. Parents may apply for the loan beginning July 1. Information on how to apply and upcoming changes to PLUS loans are found on our website.
Department of Education’s College Financing Plan
The college financing plan is a standard format prescribed by the U.S. Department of Education which allows you to easily compare your awards and costs between multiple higher education institutions (if applicable). You can view this, as part of your financial aid information in DuckWeb by clicking on the “College Financing Plan” tab.