The first three weeks of the 2008-2009 academic year were record-breaking for UF.
"We have given out a record amount of money at this point of the semester than ever before in the past," said Rick Wilder, Student Financial Affairs associate director.
He said about $155 million has been disbursed for the fall term as of Monday.
About $400 million was awarded to students for the 2006-2007 school year, Wilder said, and he only expects that number to grow this year.
"This money comes from many sources such as institutions, states, private and federal funding," he said. "The four main forms of aid are loans, scholarships, grants and work study employment."
He attributed the increase in disbursed financial aid this semester to the new communication efforts through e-mail with the students about their aid opportunities.
"With electronic communication, we are able to give specific instructions on applying for aid, and therefore we have less students coming in to the office to apply and ask questions," Wilder said.
Karen Fooks, director of UF Student Financial Affairs, said this semester has been the smoothest she has seen in 20 years.
While much of the money for this semester has been disbursed already, she said students can still apply for financial aid for the fall, though they probably won't receive it until the end of the semester.
Most of the money goes out to students the week after drop/add so they are sure the amount of money given to each student corresponds with the number of credit hours the student is taking, Fooks said.
As of Monday, Cliff Wilson, a UF sophomore, said he still had not received his check.
"I have been waiting for my money, and my rent and other bills are coming up fast," Wilson said. "I am a little worried because everyone I know has already gotten their financial aid."
UF offers many alternative ways for students to have all of their expenses met, Fooks said.
"We have book deferments at the University of Florida Bookstore where students can pick up their books and pay for them when their financial aid kicks in," she said. "We also have deferment on housing in campus residence halls."
Additionally, she said short-term loans are available to those students who need to pay for off-campus expenses and other necessities.
