FAQs

It’s the estimated total cost of attending OLLU for one academic year (Fall and Spring semesters). It includes direct and indirect costs such as:

• Tuition – Charges assessed for classes and/or other coursework
• Fees – Charges for various student services (e.g. technology, library, rec center, etc.)
• Housing and food – Everyone needs to sleep and eat.  Expenses vary depending whether you live, on campus or off, and your meal plan.
• Personal expenses, such as transportation and parking costs (on-campus parking is free at OLLU)
• Costs for books and supplies (OLLU provides free textbook rental)
• Student health insurance cost

Direct costs are charges that you/your family pay directly to the university, like tuition and fees. Indirect costs are not paid directly to the institution. These include cost of living expenses such as dining out, a new pair of sneakers, and shampoo, etc.

Your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) is an index number used to determine your eligibility for federal student financial aid. This number results from the financial information you provide in your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form. It's reported to you on your Student Aid Report (SAR).

It’s the amount that’s left for you/your family to pay after financial aid has been applied to your cost of attendance.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the free form you need to fill out to receive any aid from the federal government to help pay for college. 

View Steps for Applying for Financial Aid 

An independent student is at least 24 years old, married, a graduate or professional student, veteran, member of the armed forces, an orphan, ward of the court, someone with legal dependents (not a spouse), an emancipated minor, or someone at risk of being homeless.

It’s a process meant to confirm the accuracy of information which was included in the FAFSA. To complete the verification process, the student and/or their parent(s) is required to provide certain documents to the school for review. 

Educational Loan: A form of aid that must be repaid. Loans have varying fees, interest rates, repayment terms, and/or borrower protections. Borrow Wisely – borrow only what you need to assist with education expenses. Do the research.

• Federal Direct Subsidized Student Loan: A federal loan program in which the borrower is not responsible for paying the interest while in an in-school, grace, or deferment period. 
• Federal Direct Unsubsidized Student Loan: A federal loan program that offers a low, fixed interest rate and flexible repayment terms. However, interest does accrue while you are in school.  It is not based on financial need. 
• Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan (PLUS): Credit-based loan funds provided to the parents of the dependent student by the federal government, through the school. 
• Private Loans: Provided by a commercial or state-affiliated lender and can be used to pay up to the annual COA, minus any financial aid received.  Private loans have varying interest rates, fees and repayment options and require the applicant to be creditworthy or have a creditworthy cosigner.  

Yes! Below are some other types of financial aid that do not have to be repaid:

• Grants - A variety of federal and state grants are available including: 
  • Federal Pell Grant: Provided by the federal government to students who demonstrate exceptional financial need and have an EFC below a certain threshold. 
  • Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG): Awarded by the institution to qualified undergraduates who demonstrate exceptional financial need. 
  • Tuition Equalization Grant (TEG): Awarded by the institution to qualified undergraduates who demonstrate financial need and are Texas residents.

• Scholarships - Scholarships are financial gifts that don’t have to be repaid and are intended to help you pay for your degree. They can be a one-time gift or renewable for more than one year.

It’s a program that enables you to earn money to pay for educational expenses by working part-time. Working while in school is a great way to learn time management skills.