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Federal Financial Aid for UK Online Social Work Students

Tuition and Aid

How to Apply for Financial Aid at UK

Federal financial aid can make education more affordable and support your path toward an advanced degree. As you consider ways to pay for your program, it’s helpful to understand the options that may be available and how they can fit into your overall budget.

On this page, you can review federal financial aid options such as grants and loans. Discover important details about when and how to apply, so you can prepare.

How Can I Use My Financial Aid?

  • Pay for tuition
  • Pay any university or program fees
  • Pay for books, technology, or other course supplies
  • Pay additional expenses related to your education

Federal Financial Aid Options

Federal financial aid provides options to help you cover educational costs, including grants with no repayment obligation and loans that require repayment over time. By learning how each option works, you can better understand the short- and long-term impact of your financial choices and create a plan that supports your budget.

Direct Federal Loans

Direct Federal Loans are government-funded loans available to eligible students who complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), including Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans, as well as Direct PLUS Loans. Subsidized loans are based on financial need and only available to undergraduate students, while unsubsidized and PLUS loans are available to graduate students and do not have income requirements. Learn more about loans on the official Federal Student Aid website.

Federal Grants

Federal grants are need-based aid that generally do not require repayment and may be available to eligible students who complete the FAFSA. Common options include the Pell Grant and the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant for students with exceptional financial need.

Additional Financial Aid Options

You may have access to additional aid sources beyond standard federal options, depending on your background, future goals, and degree program.

  • Military Families: If you serve in the military or are the spouse or child of a veteran, you may be eligible for special aid programs or added financial support.
  • Other U.S. Federal Programs: You may also find support through other federal programs, including education tax benefits, AmeriCorps awards, foster youth vouchers, and health service scholarships or loan repayment programs.
  • State Government Aid: Your state may offer grants or other financial assistance that can help reduce your educational costs. Students with residency in Kentucky may be eligible for tuition waivers through the state. You can learn more about state government aid here.
  • Institutional Aid: University of Kentucky may offer grants, scholarships, or department-based funding opportunities for eligible students.

Apply for Financial Aid

To be considered for federal student aid, you must complete and submit the FAFSA for the specific award year in which you plan to receive aid. The FAFSA is the starting point for federal grants and loans, and your submitted information is used to determine what types of aid you may be eligible to receive.

Many UK students qualify for at least one form of federal aid. Eligibility is based on several factors, which can include your citizenship or eligible noncitizen status, personal or family income, enrollment in an eligible program, and other federal aid requirements.

To better understand your qualifications, review the current eligibility requirements on the Federal Student Aid website before you apply.

Complete FAFSA

UK FAFSA Code

F A F S A Federal Student Aid, An Office of the U.S. Department of Education

Federal Student Code is 001989 for the University of Kentucky

Important Financial Aid Application Dates

Federal Award YearFAFSA Open DateFAFSA DeadlineTax Year to Use in FAFSA
2025-2026December 4, 2024June 30, 20262024
2026-2027September 24, 2025June 30, 20272025

FAFSA Quick Steps

The FAFSA process is simpler than you might think. The application is required for any student who wants to be considered for federal financial aid, so it’s important to fill it out as soon as possible. If you have questions as you complete it, UK’s enrollment team is available to provide support.

You can fill out the FAFSA application on the Federal Student Aid site. Only fill out the FAFSA from the official studentaid.gov website. You must list University of Kentucky’s school code (001989) on the FAFSA to receive financial aid for UK tuition.

Apply by June 30, 2026, if you would like to use financial aid for the 2026-2027 academic year.

Once your application is completed, you’ll receive notification from the Office of Student Federal Aid. Review their offer and what it lists in terms of your financial aid package, grants, scholarships, loans, etc.

If you accept federal loans, you must complete Entrance Counseling and a Master Promissory Note. These steps help you understand your loan terms, repayment responsibilities, and your agreement to repay what you borrow.

If you have questions about completing the FAFSA or understanding your next steps, reach out to our enrollment team for support throughout the process. You can contact us by email at OSFAS@uky.edu or call us at 859-257-3172.

Get Funded and Get Started – Talk to Financial Aid Today!

Financial Aid Office

Have questions about tuition and financial aid, or ways to make your UK online degree more affordable? We can help you find the right support for your education journey. Reach out to our financial aid team for more information on program costs and funding resources, including federal student aid, military education benefits, employer tuition reimbursement, and scholarships. Our Tuition FAQs will also help you navigate your options with confidence.

Call Us 859-217-3172

Email Us OSFAS@uky.edu

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If you need additional information about UK online social work programs or have questions about a specific degree, we’re here to help. Choose “Get Started” below to connect with an enrollment advisor for one-to-one support.

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Explore UK Online Social Work Funding Pathways

Social Work Scholarships

Military & Employer Tuition Assistance

Discover additional pathways for funding your online BASW, MSW, or DSW degree, including scholarships for social work students, military education benefits, employer tuition reimbursement, and other forms of financial assistance.

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Frequently Asked Questions: UK Tuition

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Financial Aid

Visit our Tuition FAQ page to find answers to questions you may have about costs and financial aid for UK online social work programs, or how to use military education benefits and employer tuition reimbursement to pay for your education.

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Request more information or a consultation

You’re likely to have questions as you make your decision about pursuing an online degree. From program information to application process details, we’re here to help you find the answers you need.