Financial Aid

Partner programs

• If you currently receive financial aid, you can still get it while studying abroad.
• If the cost of your program is lower than studying at Rochester, your need-based aid will go down accordingly but merit awards won’t change.
• Talk to your financial aid counselor to understand how this applies to you.

Non-partner programs

If you decide to study abroad with a program that isn’t partnered with us, you won’t get the same financial help. This means you won’t be eligible for any financial aid from the University of Rochester. A small number of study abroad programs have their own financial aid available, so you can ask them for more information.

It’s really important to talk with your financial aid counselor before you go so you can figure out what types of aid you can get while you’re abroad—and to make sure you can continue to get aid when you return.

Federal grants and loans

Federal Direct Loans and Federal Pell Grants can be used if you’re on a program not sponsored by Rochester, but you need to complete an agreement with us first. The Financial Aid Office needs to confirm if the program sponsor is eligible. If you’re from New York State, you might be able to use TAP awards—but only if the program is sponsored by a New York college or university.

To get these federal and/or NYS funds (or a Parent PLUS or alternative loan(s)) for the semester you’re abroad, you have to fill out a consortium/contractual agreement. You can get it from the Financial Aid Office website. It’s important not to wait on this requirement. The consortium/contractual agreement involves multiple steps and requires several signatures. Your courses need approval before the agreement can be signed.