Financials & FERPA
Financial Aid
The University Bursar and Student Financial Services is available to answer any questions related to paying for college. The following types of financial aid resources may be available to you, depending on your circumstances:
Grants
Aid that you do not have to repay; usually need-based.
- Federal Pell Grant
- Federal ACG and SMART Grants
- Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
- State Grants
- Widener Grant-In Aid
Scholarships
Aid that you do not have to repay; usually merit-based.
- Widener Academic Scholarships
- Widener University Endowed Scholarships
- Other University Scholarships
- Private Scholarships
Loans
Borrowed money that you must repay with interest.
- Federal Direct Loans
- Federal Direct Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS)
- Federal Perkins Loan
- Alternative Loans
Work-Study & Other Student Employment
Funds you earn by working.
- Federal Work-Study
- Institutional Employment
The FERPA Act: What Rights Do I Have to Information?
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974 (Buckley Amendment) was enacted to assure parents of students and the students’ themselves if they are over age eighteen, or attending a post-secondary educational institution, access to student records and to protect rights to privacy by limiting the sharing and disclosure of their records without their consent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How can I get a copy of my student’s grades?
A: The quickest, easiest way for parents to receive information about their child’s
grades, financial statement, or other student information is for the student to provide
it. Students can look up information online, print it off, and give or email a copy
to their parents.
Q: Isn’t there a FERPA provision that colleges and universities can contact parents
if a student violates alcohol or drug policies?
A: FERPA regulations allow, but do not require, higher education institutions to
provide notice to parents when a student violates federal, state or local laws related
to alcohol or drugs.
Q: Where can I find out more about FERPA?
A: The U.S. Department of Education is responsible for overseeing FERPA. See their
website for additional information. More information can also be found at www2.ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/fpco/ferpa/parents.html
