The Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) Financial Aid Office is committed to providing students with the financial support they need to achieve their academic goals. With a comprehensive range of aid options, the office assists students in navigating the complex world of financial aid and ensuring they have the resources to thrive at RIT.
Types of Financial Aid Available
The RIT Financial Aid Office offers a wide range of financial assistance, including:
- Grants: Free money that does not have to be repaid.
- Scholarships: Merit-based awards that recognize academic achievement or other accomplishments.
- Loans: Funds that must be repaid, typically with interest.
- Work-Study: Part-time employment on campus that allows students to earn money while completing their studies.
Eligibility for Financial Aid
To be eligible for financial aid, students must:
- Be enrolled at RIT as a degree-seeking undergraduate or graduate student.
- Demonstrate financial need (for need-based aid).
- Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen.
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress.
Applying for Financial Aid
To apply for financial aid, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is used to determine a student’s financial need and eligibility for federal and RIT financial aid.
The FAFSA deadline for the academic year is March 1st. However, students are encouraged to submit their application as early as possible, as aid is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
Awarding Financial Aid
The RIT Financial Aid Office awards financial aid based on a student’s financial need and availability of funds. The office considers various factors when determining award amounts, including:
- Expected Family Contribution (EFC): The amount of money that the student and their family are expected to contribute towards their education.
- Cost of Attendance (COA): The total cost of attending RIT, including tuition, fees, room and board, and other expenses.
- Other Financial Aid: Any other financial aid that the student is receiving, such as scholarships or grants.
Managing Financial Aid
Once students receive financial aid, they must manage their funds wisely to ensure they have enough to cover their expenses. The RIT Financial Aid Office provides resources and support to help students develop a budget and plan for their financial future.
Students can also apply for financial aid revisions if their financial situation changes during the academic year. Revisions may be granted for changes in income, family circumstances, or other unexpected events.
Contact the RIT Financial Aid Office
The RIT Financial Aid Office is located in the Student Services Center at 100 Lomb Memorial Drive. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Students can also contact the Financial Aid Office by phone at (585) 475-2263 or by email at [email protected].
Additional Resources
In addition to the information provided above, the RIT Financial Aid Office offers a variety of resources to help students understand and maximize their financial aid, including:
- Financial Aid website: https://www.rit.edu/finaid/
- Financial Aid Portal: https://portal.rit.edu/finaid/
- Financial Aid counseling: https://www.rit.edu/finaid/finaid-counseling/
The RIT Financial Aid Office is committed to helping students succeed financially. By providing comprehensive support and resources, the office empowers students to reach their academic goals and achieve their full potential.