P: 804-257-5882 E: finaid@vuu.edu
The Financial Aid application process is a lengthy, and at times, complicated procedure. However, if your follow the five-step process below you will be successful.
Step 1 – Create your Federal Student Aid ID (FSA ID)
You can create your FSA ID at www.studentaid.gov. You will need your FSA ID to electronically sign your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). If you are a dependent student for FAFSA purposes, one of your parents will also need to create a FSA ID at www.studentaid.gov to electronically sign the FAFSA. This will ensure the quickest, most accurate filing process. In addition, your FSA ID will allow you to:
Write your FSA ID down in a safe place as you will need this information in order to access any Federal Student Aid information.
Step 2 – File the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
To be considered for any type of financial aid (grants or loans), all students must file the FAFSA. Remember to include Virginia Union University’s school code on the FAFSA; if you do not include our school code, we will not receive your application. Virginia Union University’s school code is 003766.
There are two ways to complete the application:
The Virginia Union University Office of Financial Aid recommends that applicants file the FAFSA online as it is the fastest, most efficient, and most accurate application method. Your results will be sent to you and the university about a week after completing your application if it is electronically signed with your FSA ID.
Please note that you must apply once every school year. You must also be accepted into a degree program by Admissions and be in good academic standing to receive financial aid.
Step 3 – The Student Aid Report (SAR)
After your FAFSA is processed, you will be sent a Student Aid Report (SAR). Electronic filers who provide an email address will be sent an email providing an electronic link to their SAR. Electronic filers who do not provide an e-mail address and those who complete a paper FAFSA will be sent a paper SAR in the mail.
Once you receive your SAR, you should review it for accuracy. Students who receive their SAR electronically can make any necessary corrections online at www.studentaid.gov. Processing of your award may take three to four weeks after we have received your accurate application record and all other documentation. Please check your Virginia Union University email or MyVUU account regularly to see if we are requesting any additional information.
To get an early start on the financial aid process, visit FAFSA4caster at www.fafsa4caster.gov .The FAFSA4caster website provides information about the financial aid process and can help you become familiar with the various types of federal student aid that are available.
Step 4 – Additional Information
After your FAFSA is processed, Virginia Union will be sent the information electronically. For electronic filers, the data is usually received in 3-5 business days. For those who completed a paper FAFSA, the data is usually received in about 4-6 weeks.
Once your FAFSA data is received, you may be required to submit additional information to the Virginia Union University Office of Financial Aid. One third of all federal aid applicants are randomly selected for a process called "verification." Please check your Virginia Union University email or MyVUU account to see if any additional documentation is needed to complete the processing of your financial aid application.
Step 5 – Award Notification
After your FAFSA is processed and all required information has been reviewed, you will receive your financial aid award package in the mail. Please review all information in your award package and follow the instructions in your award package to complete the financial aid process. You can also view your awards on myVUU. Logon to you MyVUU and click “My Financial Aid” under “Student Finances.”