Pell Grant
The Pell Grant is a federal grant that is given based on the need of the student. To determine if you are eligible for this grant you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The maximum amount you may be eligible for as a full-time student is $6,895 during 2022-23, for example. This figure is dependent upon need and the number of hours in which you are enrolled. Eligibility is limited to 12 semesters or the equivalent. Since this is a need-based grant, not everyone who applies will be eligible.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
A federal grant for students with exceptional financial need and low family contribution (priority given to Pell recipients). To apply you must complete the FAFSA. Funds are limited and awarded on an availability basis. Priority consideration is February 1.
Federal Direct Loans
Federal Direct Loans are long-term, need-based loans for eligible students or it can non-need based. These loans are funded by the government to students for the purpose of aiding in the education process. If you are a student enrolled in an eligible program of study at least half-time, you may receive a Direct Loan. To determine eligibility you must complete the FAFSA and meet other general eligibility requirements. Eligibility is limited to $31,000 for dependent students and $57,500 (only $23,000 may be subsidized) for independent students. In addition, an Entrance Counseling and Master Promissory Note must be completed. Direct Loans are either subsidized or unsubsidized.
Subsidized Direct Loan
Subsidized Direct Loans are awarded on the basis of financial need. You will not be charged any interest before you begin repayment or during authorized periods of deferment. The federal government “subsidizes” the interest during these periods.
Unsubsidized Direct Loan
Unsubsidized Direct Loans are not awarded on the basis of need. You will be charged interest from the time the loan is disbursed until it is paid in full. If you allow the interest to accumulate, it will be capitalized — that is, the interest will be added to the principle amount of your loan and additional interest will be based upon the higher amount. You may receive a subsidized loan and an unsubsidized loan for the same enrollment period.
Federal Parent Loan (PLUS)
A long-term, non-need based loan for parents of dependent students. To apply, complete the FAFSA and parents must complete a Parent PLUS application and a PLUS promissory note.
Federal Work-Study
Eligibility for the Federal Work-Study (FWS) program is based on financial need. Students must complete the FAFSA. The FWS program allows students to work part-time on campus in specified positions to earn money to help pay for educational expenses. If you are awarded work-study, you will be responsible for finding and applying for an on-campus position. If you are interested in applying for a position on-campus, then you can view and apply for open student worker positions.
Federal TEACH Grant
The Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant Program provides grants of up to $4,000 per year to students who intend to teach in a public or private elementary or secondary school that serves students from low-income families and teach in a high-need field. TEACH Grant recipients must teach for at least four academic years within eight calendar years of completing the program of study for which you received a TEACH Grant. If a recipient fails to complete the service requirements, all amounts of TEACH Grants received will be converted to a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan that requires repayment to the U.S. Department of Education. Interest will be charged from the date the grant(s) was disbursed. To learn more about the TEACH Grant click on the TEACH Grant Fact Sheet. If you are interested in applying for the TEACH Grant then complete the TEACH Grant Initial and Subsequent Counseling online or complete the paper TEACH Grant Application.