Information for Parents and Families

It has been our experience that students and families who take the time to understand the financial aid process benefit by receiving the maximum amount of aid for which they are eligible. Our team is here to help you and your student understand and complete the financial aid process as seamlessly as possible. Contact our office by phone, email, or in person whenever you have questions.

Your student has certain rights regarding their education records when beginning attendance at a post-secondary institution, or upon reaching the age of 18. Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) transfers the rights to the student. Limitations are placed on student record information that may be released to third parties (which includes parents, guardians and/or caregivers) without the student’s written permission unless it is considered directory information.

Directory information includes a student’s name, address, telephone number, date and place of birth, honors and awards, and dates of attendance.

Students have the option of allowing the Offices of Financial Aid, Registrar, Student Accounts, Exploratory and Pre-Professional Advising Center and 1Capen to discuss specific academic and/or financial information with one or more identified individuals. Students must complete and submit the FERPA Information Disclosure Consent form) (UBIT name and password required) to one of the above referenced offices to allow for the disclosure of their personal information. The student may revoke this access at any time by submitting a new form.

Faculty and staff are required to protect the privacy of student information. Faculty and staff may not discuss any information about a student with a parent or a spouse without written permission from the student. If a student has requested that their information not be listed, then faculty and staff may not acknowledge that the student attends UB. It is important to verify that communication with the student remain protected and thus using the email and home address of the student, as noted on MyUB, is preferred for communication.

Private scholarship applications are available on an ongoing basis throughout your student’s college career. Many students only apply for them leading up to the first year in college; however, it is worth the time and effort to do so on an annual basis. Please encourage your student to search for scholarships from the following sources:

• UB academic departments
• Banks and federal credit unions
• Place of worship/religious affiliations
• Employers (both student and parent/family member)
• Community organizations

There are times when your family may experience special circumstances, such as loss of employment, separation or divorce, etc., that significantly reduces family income. This may warrant a special review of the student’s financial aid package. Contact your student’s financial aid advisor for more information.

Financial aid offer letters are calculated for an entire academic year; however, student bills are generated by semester. Approved financial aid for the semester should appear as a credit on the bill.

After all financial aid has credited to the account; other options may be available to assist with a remaining balance:

• Payment plan (available for fall and spring semesters only)
• Federal Parent PLUS Loan
• Alternative/private loan

Help your student choose meal plans wisely and know the differences between Meal Plans, Dining Points, Campus Cash and FlexiBULL Bucks.

The University at Buffalo participates in CashCourse. It is a free, online, noncommercial financial education resource that was designed for enrolled and college-bound students. The site is sponsored by and hosted by the Higher Education Financial Wellness Alliance (HEFWA).

Stay informed by checking UB’s parent website often. Enroll to receive the Parent e-BULLetin and newsletter which will send important information right to your inbox!