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FAFSA Communication

This message is being sent to all currently enrolled UHD students and applicants. 

Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid


Greetings,

As we approach the start of the fall term, we're reaching out with updates regarding tuition and financial aid.

Please be aware that Financial aid processing for Fall 2026 is taking longer than usual due to new federal financial aid regulations and system updates. These changes require additional review to ensure awards are accurate and comply with federal requirements.

Our Financial Aid Office is working to process awards as quickly as possible. Please continue to check myUHD and UHD GatorMail for updates or any additional information.

What’s Changing?
Starting with the 2026-2027 academic year, new federal financial aid rules will impact Pell Grant eligibility, student loans, repayment options, and FAFSA calculations.

Key Updates

  • Pell Grant: Students may receive a Pell Grant only if they still have financial need after eligible non-federal aid (such as scholarships) is applied. Pell Grants cannot exceed a student’s remaining Cost of Attendance (COA).
  • Loans: Federal student loan amounts are prorated for students enrolled less than full-time. Full-time enrollment is defined as at least 12 credit hours for undergraduate students and 8 credit hours for graduate students. Loan eligibility is based on actual enrolled credit hours, so students taking fewer than full-time hours will receive a reduced loan amount. Initial loan offers are based on full-time enrollment and will be adjusted if enrollment is less than full-time.

What You Should Know

  • If scholarships or other non-federal aid cover your full Cost of Attendance, you may no longer qualify for a Pell Grant during that enrollment period.
  • If your total financial aid exceeds your Cost of Attendance, federal loans may be adjusted before Pell Grant eligibility is affected.

Examples

  • Your financial aid exceeds your Cost of Attendance:
  • Your federal loans may be reduced to help maintain your Pell Grant eligibility.
  • You receive an additional scholarship:
  • Your loans may be reduced, while your Pell Grant may remain the same if you still have financial need.
  • Your scholarships or grants exceed your Cost of Attendance:
  • Your Pell Grant eligibility may be reduced or eliminated to keep your aid within federal limits.

What You Can Do

  • Your Fall 2026 Tuition and Fee bill is available by clicking on the Finances title in myUHD.
  • Review your financial aid award carefully.
  • Understand how scholarships and other aid may impact your remaining financial need.
  • Reach out to our office with questions about your specific situation.

For more information about these changes, please visit our website.

Sincerely,

Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid

University of Houston-Downtown 
One Main Street
Houston, TX 77002

*The 2026-2027 FAFSA application is for the Fall 2026, Spring 2027, and Summer 2027 terms.