Catalog 2026–2027

Federal Financial Aid

Federal Pell Grant

The Federal Pell Grant is usually awarded only to undergraduate students who display exceptional financial need and have not earned a bachelor's, graduate, or professional degree. The maximum amounts are determined by the U.S. Department of Education. Amounts vary by year and are based on a student’s SAI (Student Aid Index) and enrollment intensity. A student's scheduled Pell Grant award is multiplied by the student's enrollment intensity percentage to determine the Annual Pell Grant Award.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant is for undergraduate students with exceptional need. Normally, the grant is awarded to students who are eligible for the Federal Pell Grant and have the lowest SAI (Student Aid Index). Depending on the availability of funds and a student’s demonstrated need, a FSEOG award for full-time enrollment can be as much as $2,000 per academic year.

Federal Work Study Program (FWS)

The Federal Work-Study (FWS) Program is used to provide part-time employment to students with financial need. Recipients must be enrolled at least half-time (CPOS eligible) to participate. The Financial Aid Office will determine the earnings limit for each student. Students who are offered FWS are not guaranteed a FWS position and must apply and go through the interview and hiring process.

Employment opportunities exist in most campus departments, however, funding is limited and offered on a first-come, first-serve basis. In addition, work opportunities are available at off-campus community service sites. A listing of all job openings is available online through the Student Employment & Cooperative Education website. For more information or assistance with applying for campus jobs, please visit the Student Employment Office.

Students who are hired in a FWS position will earn these funds in the form of wages (at least the federal minimum wage per hour). Work schedules are determined by the employer and are planned around the student's class schedule. Students are paid twice a month in the form of a paycheck. With that in mind, work-study funds are usually not available to pay for up-front expenses like tuition, fees or on-campus food and housing costs.

Federal Direct Loan Programs

Direct Loans are federal student loans offered by the U.S. Department of Education (ED) to help eligible students cover the cost of higher education. In order to receive these loans, you will be required to complete Loan Counseling and sign a Master Promissory Note (which is a binding contract and your promise to repay the loans). Annual and Aggregate Loan Limits apply, which vary based on loan type, borrower characteristics (e.g. dependency status, financial need, etc.), program level (e.g. undergraduate, graduate or professional), and class level (e.g. Freshman, Sophomore, etc.). Award amounts for subsidized, unsubsidized, and graduate PLUS loans will be reduced if students are enrolled for less than full-time enrollment.

Direct Subsidized Loans

Direct Subsidized Loans are available to undergraduate students with financial need. The Financial Aid Office will determine the amount you can borrow, and that amount may not exceed your financial need.

The U.S. Department of Education pays the interest on a Direct Subsidized Loan: - while you’re in school at least half-time - for the first six months after you leave school (referred to as a grace period) and - during a period of deferment (postponement of loan payments). Repayment begins six months after a student graduates, leaves school or drops below half-time enrollment.

Direct Unsubsidized Loans

Direct Unsubsidized Loans are available to undergraduate and graduate or professional students and there is no requirement to demonstrate financial need. The Financial Aid Office will determine the amount you can borrow based on your cost of attendance and other financial aid you receive.

  • You are responsible for paying the interest on a Direct Unsubsidized Loan during all periods.
  • If you choose not to pay the interest while you are in school and during grace periods and deferment or forbearance periods, your interest will accrue (accumulate) and be capitalized (that is, your interest will be added to the principal amount of your loan). Repayment begins six months after a student graduates, leaves school or drops below half-time enrollment.

Direct PLUS Loans

Direct PLUS Loans are federal loans that graduate or professional degree students and parents of dependent undergraduate students can use to help pay any education expenses not covered by other financial aid. Applications for these loans are subject to credit approval. The maximum loan amount is the student’s cost of attendance (determined by the school) minus any other financial aid received. *Graduate and professional students who do not qualify (or no longer qualify) for the limited exception on or after July 1, 2026, are not eligible to borrow Direct PLUS Loans.