How Does My Aid Apply?

Federal Pell Grant

• May be applied to study abroad costs, including tuition, housing, meals, and other approved expenses (as determined by UC’s Financial Aid Office).
• Amount is based on your enrollment level (full-time, three-quarter, half-time).
• If using your Pell Grant for a third semester in the same academic year (typically for summer semester students), you must be enrolled at least half-time.
• Note: Check with Student Financial Aid (SFAO-STAB@ucmail.uc.edu) to confirm eligibility for a third disbursement.

Federal Direct Subsidized & Unsubsidized Loans

• You must be enrolled at least half-time in an eligible program for federal loan funds to disburse.
  • Undergraduate students: 6 credit hours minimum
  • Graduate students: 5 credit hours minimum

• Loan eligibility is based on your program, grade level, and remaining annual/aggregate loan limits.
• For undergraduate students nearing completion of their program, federal loan amounts may be prorated in accordance with federal regulations, which can reduce eligibility even if enrolled full-time.

Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan / Graduate PLUS Loan

• PLUS loans may help cover up to the full cost of attendance for study abroad, minus other financial aid received.
• You must be enrolled at least half-time for loan funds to disburse.

TEACH Grant

• May apply if your study abroad coursework is required for a TEACH Grant–eligible program of study.
• Maintain all TEACH Grant eligibility requirements.
• Note: Not all study abroad programs qualify. Confirm with your academic advisor.

Ohio College Opportunity Grant (OCOG)

• May be used while abroad if you maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP).
• Eligibility is based on enrollment level and FAFSA information.
• Additional documentation is required – including a broken-down tuition bill from your host institution. This can be submitted with your documentation in the Student Financial Aid portal on Student Forms.
• Note: Submit documentation early to avoid delays in disbursement.

Bearcat Affordability Grant (BAG)

• The Bearcat Advantage Grant applies only to UC tuition and mandatory fees for courses taken at UC.
• Because study abroad involves costs billed by external providers, BAG does not apply to study abroad. Program fees and other non‑UC charges are not included in BAG eligibility or award calculations.

Tuition Remission

• Eligible students may receive tuition remission equal to UC’s instructional fee.
• Tuition remission does not cover 100% of tuition and fees charged by your host institution.
• Note: Contact the Office of the Bursar (bursar@ucmail.uc.edu) with your completed contractual agreement to receive an estimate on anticipated tuition remission.

Cincinnatus Scholarship

• Must be enrolled full-time while abroad (at least 12 credit hours)
• Must maintain a 3.0 GPA.
• Must have completed the required service hours per semester in the prior academic year.
• Note: Service hours must be documented and submitted prior to departure. Contact scholarships@ucmail.uc.edu for questions regarding renewal.

National Outreach Award & International Outreach Award

• Typically, not applicable while abroad.
• These awards only apply to the non-resident surcharge on your UC bill. If you are not taking additional UC courses while abroad, you will likely not have this charge.
• Note: More details can be found here
• Contact scholarships@ucmail.uc.edu for questions.

Darwin T. Turner Scholarship

• Must be enrolled full-time while abroad (at least 12 credit hours)
• Must maintain a 3.0 GPA.
• Students must participate in all program seminars and activities (meetings, events, community service, etc.) held throughout the year. 
• Students must complete a minimum of thirty (30) community service hours. 
• Note: Review your award agreement for full details. Contact the Scholarships Team (scholarships@ucmail.uc.edu) with any questions. 

• All aid requires you to maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP).
• Most aid requires you to be enrolled at least half-time in UC-approved, degree-applicable coursework.
• Aid may not cover all program costs. Please budget for travel, visas/passport, and personal expenses.
• Note: Aid disbursement timelines may vary for study abroad programs. Plan accordingly.
• Note: Students with external scholarships should consult who gave them the award (on-campus office or off-campus agency) to see how their scholarships work with study abroad.