FINANCIAL AID

Financial aid will be processed through the Office of Financial Aid. Financial aid counseling and assistance are provided to optometry students in regard to all aspects of financial aid and options available to help fund the cost of their education.

Although the Office of Financial Aid assists KYCO students with funding for their education, the student is primarily responsible for securing this financing. This means such things as supplying personal or family documentation and ensuring that a student qualifies for loans by having a favorable credit report. All documents requested must be received before financial assistance will be processed.

Upon admission to KYCO, all students should contact the Office of Financial Aid. The office will assist students with their borrowing needs, advise them of the financial aid application process, and familiarize them with the types of assistance available. Financial aid and debt counseling information designed specifically for optometry students will be shared periodically by the Office of Financial Aid. Students may also schedule an appointment to meet individually at any time to review these items.

During schooling, most students are required to live at a modest level. The federal agencies that make funds available for borrowing do so with the understanding that students who receive financial loans should maintain modest living costs. Financial aid that is offered under federal programs cannot exceed the KYCO standardized student budget. Funds are allowed for a student’s educational costs and for reasonable, approved personal living costs while he or she receives an education. Students must manage their financial aid funding prudently to make it work comfortably.

Every student applying for federal financial aid must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) so that the Office of Financial Aid can assess aid eligibility. The FAFSA should be filed as soon after October 1st as possible each academic year. Additional documents may be required as determined by the Office of Financial Aid. Students may complete the Master Promissory Note and Entrance Counseling as well as check the status of their loans through UPIKE Self-Service.

The University of Pikeville - Kentucky College of Optometry students will be kept informed of any changes or updates regarding financial aid through their university email, printed materials, and/or the financial aid website for the University of Pikeville.