What Is Gift Aid?

Gift aid is a form of financial aid that is free to the student. Unlike student loans, the student does not later repay gift aid or perform work in exchange for the aid (as is the case with a work-study job).

Types and Sources of Gift Aid

Some gift aid is merit-based, such as scholarships. Other gift aid is need-based, and eligibility is determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Gift aid can be funded by the University of Evansville, state or federal sources, or outside agencies, such as civic organizations and churches.

University of Evansville Policy Regarding Maximum Gift Aid

We encourage students to seek out all types of financial aid aggressively. Some students are fortunate to receive gift aid from a variety of sources. The maximum amount of gift aid that a student may retain during a single academic year is:

• Student resides on campus: Total gift aid is limited to an amount equal to the sum of tuition, fees (activity, technology, health and wellness), room, board, and a $2,500 allowance for books or other expenses.
• Student commutes from parents’ home: Total gift aid will be limited to an amount equal to tuition, fees (activity, technology, health and wellness), and a $2,500 allowance for books or other expenses

If a student earns gift aid in excess of the amount outlined above, UE will reduce one or more forms of University-funded gift aid by the amount of the excess.

Unless otherwise directed by the donor, the scholarships are divided equally between the fall and spring semesters.

Coordination of Federal Aid and Gift Aid

Students are required to report the receipt of scholarships and if at all possible, outside scholarships will be added to other financial aid awarded for the academic year. However, if any part of the financial aid award is federal, we are required to comply with the federal regulation, which says we must not exceed financial need as demonstrated on the FAFSA. If something must be reduced (so as not to exceed need), it will be done in the following order: loans, work, Federal SEOG, and University of Evansville grants. Under no circumstances is the sum of all financial aid allowed to exceed the cost of education.

Full-tuition Program Policies

The University of Evansville has a customized policy for the administration of gift aid in conjunction with the following programs: Lilly Foundation Community Scholarship, Tuition Exchange Scholarships, National Merit Finalist Scholarships, and Employee Dependent/Employee Tuition Benefits. Please request copies of specific policies from the UE Office of Student Financial Services. The total of all UE scholarships will not exceed the equivalency of full-time tuition (12-18 credit hours/semester).

Return to Student Financial Services Policies