Reviewing and accepting University of Massachusetts Boston (UMass Boston) financial aid awards online is a straightforward process that can be completed through the university's online portal, WISER (Web-based Interface for Student Electronic Resources). To begin, students must first ensure they have completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and have received an email notification from the UMass Boston Financial Aid Office indicating that their award package is available for review.
Step-by-Step Guide to Reviewing Financial Aid Awards
To review and accept financial aid awards online, follow these steps:
- Log in to WISER: Navigate to the UMass Boston website and click on the WISER link. Enter your UMass Boston ID and password to access your account.
- View Your Award Package: Once logged in, click on the “Financial Aid” tab and select “Award Package” from the drop-down menu. Your award package will be displayed, including the types and amounts of aid you are eligible for.
- Review and Accept Awards: Carefully review each award and decide which ones you wish to accept. You can accept or decline each award individually. Be sure to review the terms and conditions of each award, including any requirements or deadlines.
- Submit Your Decision: After reviewing and accepting your awards, click the “Submit” button to confirm your decisions. You will receive an email confirmation of your award acceptance.
Understanding Your Award Package
Your award package may include a combination of grants, loans, and work-study awards. It’s essential to understand the differences between these types of aid and the terms and conditions associated with each.
Grants are a type of gift aid that does not need to be repaid. Examples of grants include the Federal Pell Grant and the Massachusetts State Grant. Loans, on the other hand, are a type of self-help aid that must be repaid with interest. Federal Direct Loans and Federal Perkins Loans are examples of loan programs. Work-study awards provide students with the opportunity to earn money through part-time employment on or off campus.
| Award Type | Description | Terms and Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Grants | Gift aid that does not need to be repaid | No repayment required, may have eligibility requirements |
| Loans | Self-help aid that must be repaid with interest | Repayment required, interest rates and fees apply |
| Work-study | Part-time employment on or off campus | Earned through employment, may have hourly limits and wage requirements |
Additional Tips and Reminders
When reviewing and accepting your financial aid awards online, keep the following tips and reminders in mind:
- Review deadlines: Be aware of any deadlines for accepting awards or completing additional requirements, such as loan entrance counseling or promissory notes.
- Understand award conditions: Review the terms and conditions of each award, including any requirements for maintaining eligibility, such as GPA requirements or enrollment status.
- Seek help if needed: If you have questions or concerns about your award package, contact the UMass Boston Financial Aid Office for assistance.
What if I have questions about my award package?
+Contact the UMass Boston Financial Aid Office for assistance. They can help answer questions about your award package, including eligibility requirements, award amounts, and deadlines.
Can I appeal my financial aid award if I feel it's not sufficient?
+Yes, you can appeal your financial aid award if you feel it's not sufficient. Contact the UMass Boston Financial Aid Office to discuss your options and provide any additional documentation to support your appeal.
By following these steps and tips, you can easily review and accept your UMass Boston financial aid awards online. Remember to carefully review your award package, understand the terms and conditions of each award, and seek help if you need it. With careful planning and management, you can make the most of your financial aid package and achieve your academic goals at UMass Boston.
