Federal Financial Aid

A. 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. Amounts vary by year and are based on a student’s SAI (Student Aid Index), enrollment status and are determined by the U.S. Department of Education.

B. 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.

C. Federal Work Study Program (FWS)

The Federal Work-Study Program is used to provide part-time employment to students with financial need. Recipients must be enrolled at least half-time to participate. Students are paid at least the minimum wage and are paid twice a month. The Financial Aid Office will determine the earnings limit for each student.

Employment opportunities exist in most campus departments. In addition, work opportunities are available in off-campus community service sites. A listing of all job openings is available online at Student Employment & Cooperative Education. For more information visit the Student Employment Office located on the first floor of the Student Services Center (SSC).

D. Federal Loan Programs

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 period¹) 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.