Distance & Off-Campus Education

Thinking about continuing your UNI education outside of Cedar Falls, but wondering about financial aid availability? UNI offers a variety of academic opportunities through distance education and off-campus coursework. Options include online and desktop video conferencing courses, Study Abroad, National Student Exchange and more.

Continuing Education

Study Abroad

Financial Aid Eligibility

Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Be admitted to UNI and enrolled in a degree-seeking program
Financial aid is NOT available for Guided Independent Study (GIS) courses, Camp Adventure, or audited coursework.
Be in compliance with financial aid satisfactory academic progress standards

‌State Authorizations: Prospective students who reside in any state except California and wish to pursue a UNI program entirely online, may submit an application to the Office of Admissions according to the instructions on the program's Next Steps page. Students from California interested in pursuing an online program may not be eligible receive federal financial aid (due to their home state's law) and are invited to consult their state's board of education to discuss their situation. An updated list of SARA States & Institutions can be found online: NC-SARA Institution Directory.

Distance Education Options through UNI

Online Classes

Financial aid is available for online (semester-based) courses, provided that the courses are scheduled to be completed within the standard semester (August-December, January-May, summer sessions). Registration for online courses can be completed as normal class registration is done, unless otherwise noted in the schedule of classes.

Online courses offered through UNI's Guided Independent Study (GIS) Program are not eligible for financial aid.

2+2 Programs

If you're thinking about changing jobs or careers, you can make a change AND stay in your home community. UNI partners with community colleges across Iowa to help educate students where they live. The UNI 2+2 program is for students who have family priorities and fixed job schedules. 2+2 students take two years of classes at their local community college and the equivalent of two years of UNI courses taught by UNI faculty at the community college or via distance education classes. 2+2 students earn a UNI bachelors degree.

Students who have completed an Associate of Arts (A.A.) degree are eligible for the UNI 2+2 program. If this describes you, the first step is to apply for Admission to UNI, indicating that you will be entering a 2+2 program. You can also check with your community college advisor for the on-location programs offered.

Students are only allowed to receive financial aid from one institution at a time, with your aid being administered by the college that you will ultimately receive your degree from. If you continue to enroll in community college coursework once you have been admitted into a 2+2 program, you may need to complete a consortium agreement through UNI to ensure proper disbursement of financial aid. The consortium agreement will allow UNI to count credit hours taken at another institution toward your enrollment status at UNI for financial aid purposes. Please review our consortium agreement website for more information.

Study Abroad

A world awaits you outside of UNI! The Study Abroad Office can provide you with all of the tools and information you need to get started. Financial aid for studying abroad is available, but you'll want to begin planning as early as possible.

Review the following tips to assist in planning your exchange:

Submit your FAFSA as soon as possible.
Review your financial aid offer closely. If you need additional financial aid to cover your Study Abroad costs, please contact our office to review your budget.
If you plan to use federal loans, you must accept them on your Student Center. You'll also need to make sure you have completed the following online loan requirements: Entrance Counseling and the Master Promissory Note (MPN).
Accepted financial aid will credit to your U-bill one week prior to the start of the semester. If you need assistance with program costs incurred prior to the disbursement of financial aid, please contact our office.
Sign up for Direct Deposit for refunds on your MyUNIverse account. This will allow you to receive your refund within 2-3 business days versus 2-3 weeks if you do not sign up for direct deposit.

National Student Exchange

This program allows students the opportunity to attend participating universities throughout the country while paying UNI tuition rates. You may use your financial aid for National Student Exchange.

Review the following tips to assist in planning your exchange:

Submit your FAFSA as soon as possible.
If you plan to use federal loans, you must accept them on your Student Center. You'll also need to make sure you have completed the following online loan requirements: Entrance Counseling and the Master Promissory Note (MPN).
It is very important that you meet the deadlines of your host school. If you need assistance with costs prior to the disbursement of aid, please contact our office.
Room and board will not be charged to your UNI bill; it will be charged at your host school.
Sign up for Direct Deposit for refunds on your MyUNIverse account. This will allow you to receive your refund within 2-3 business days versus 2-3 weeks if you do not sign up for direct deposit.
Check your U-Bill regularly on your Student Center.

National Student Exchange Website