UCF Office of Student Financial Assistance - Orlando, Florida

Patrick McGloin

Extremely Disappointing Experience - Week 7 with No Aid Disbursement.

I am extremely frustrated with the Financial Aid Department at UCF. It’s been 7 weeks, and I have yet to receive my financial aid disbursement, which is supposed to cover my $300 monthly commuting expenses, rent, and books that I’ve had to pay out-of-pocket. Despite signing my necessary documents (including my past P Note) over 4 weeks ago, I’ve received no communication about when my disbursement will be processed. Tomorrow is the first of the month, and I’m struggling.

On top of that, I’ve sent two emails, each two weeks apart, and neither has been answered. This complete lack of communication and support is unacceptable. UCF needs to step up and provide students with timely assistance, especially when financial aid is such a critical part of our ability to succeed in school.

Amanda M.

One of the worse colleges I have dealt with. They charged me a late fee because the department did not review my account in time (They literally just had to review transcripts that were readily available) and now I have to apply for a waiver and told to wait for reply which could take at MINNIUM 4-6 weeks . There are too long wait times for any resolutions. I should have known this school was a red flag when they initially closed out my first application because no one reviewed it in time. I was just told be patient--- there is no time frame. Apparently there was a deadline because I had to reapply because they took so long my application was no longer valid. They should use some of the federal funding they receive to put into the student services because the experience is terrible, especially for lower income students. I have made a report with FAFSA.

Daniela M

Wish I could go lower than 1 star. Dealing with financial aid at this school has been a complete nightmare. I went through and made an appointment to get advice that would deeply impact my financial aid and was given the wrong information and lost everything. I had another experience before due to lack of information that also put me in this same situation. I will be leaving this school and urge anyone who isn’t paying out of pocket or through other means that isn’t to do with financial aid to STAY AWAY. I’m not someone who ever posts reviews or complains when things aren’t ideal but this is too much.

Layla May

Awful service no support to students. Been waiting 6 weeks for disbursement with no help and was just hung up on. Have called 5 times over the past week with NO help. Thousands and thousands of dollars spent for education with no support is crazy. Reading these reviews is utterly disappointing and honestly a disgrace to the state of FL. We can do and deserve better, come on UCF.

Chrissy Patterson

I hope you everyone gets Ric Colón. He was funny and knew the answers to our very niche situation. Genuinely helped relieve the tension and answer all our questions in a way that left me satisfied.

Jonathan

I spoke with Representative Chris, I believe, a couple weeks ago, very fast, and understood what he was doing and gave me some knowledge about UCF and their loan disbursement that I didn't know.

Brittany S

I’m shocked at the service I’ve received from the UCF financial aid office. For a school as large as this, and with such a high reputation, I expected MUCH more. I spoke with a financial aid employee this afternoon on the phone whose attitude was less than appealing and less than engaged. I am an adult transfer student (34), and I thankfully graduated debt free with an associates degree from a previous community college. My tuition was paid by my union while employed at my previous job for 10 years. However, I have had to speak with the financial aid office there numerous times and UCF makes me miss the quality level of service and care I received previously. This afternoon’s conversation was like pulling teeth trying to get the answers I need to be properly informed of my options and procedure when it comes to loans and aid. I am well aware that I will be in student loan debt however as someone taking out thousands of dollars in loans and spending my money and time at UCF you would think the level of customer service and care received would be better. It is absolutely horrible. The rep I spoke to sounded extremely bothered right away. I regret applying here and I hope that my academic experience from staff is elevated because my financial aid experience was TERRIBLE. I have been completely in the dark regarding aid. I expected better from UCF.

Truth Wave

Visited UCF as a prospective student for open house.
No free water or coffee. There is a starbucks on campus for purchase. Having no free water is unacceptable. During a mayor event like open house, the school should provide water dispensers. I understand the green movement to reduce plastic, but offer paper cups. Sell UCF logo cups for refills and procive free water refills, with dispensers through out the campus route during this event.