Types of Federal Aid

Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grants (FSEOG)

FSEOG are for the student with exceptional financial need who without the grant would be unable to continue his or her education. The grant is not a loan and need not be repaid. An FSEOG must be matched with an equal amount of other financial aid, i.e., Federal Student Loans, College Work-Study, and/or other qualifying aid. The grant may not exceed one-half of the student's financial need.

College Work-Study Program

The College Work-Study Program provides jobs for a student who has a financial need and wishes to work while in college. Earnings from these jobs are expected to be applied to the student's educational expenses. Job assignments will be at various campus work stations, and the type of work will vary with the needs of the college. A student is eligible to earn up to an amount specified by Financial Aid. In arranging a job and determining how many hours a week the student may work under this program, the financial aid officer will take into account:

1. the student's NEED for financial assistance
2. the student's class schedule
3. the student's declared major.

Students will receive the minimum wages set by federal regulation for the College Work-Study Program.

Federal PELL Grants

PELL Grants are intended to be the financial base for all students applying for federal financial aid. Other forms of aid may be added to the PELL Grant to meet a student's total financial need. Students wishing to apply for any form of aid must apply for the PELL Grant because it is the basis for determining all other aid awarded. The PELL Grant award is a grant and does not have to be repaid. No payment of a grant can exceed one-half of the cost of education and the student must be enrolled on at least a half-time basis (six credit hours or more). Eligibility and the actual amount of the student's award are determined by the U.S. Department of Education on the basis of the student's own financial resources coupled with the student's family's resources and the total appropriation allotted by the federal government for the program for each academic year.

Student Loans

The Stafford Student Loan Program enables students to borrow directly from a bank, credit union, savings and loan association or other participating lenders. The maximum amount for any student is set by federal law. Promissory notes are required, and eligible amounts are calculated by the Financial Aid Office. Students are only allowed to take out two loans at one grade level. Exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis.

Subsidized Stafford Loan: a loan based on financial need. The government pays the interest on this loan as long as you are enrolled at least half time. The maximum amount for a freshman is $3,500 and for a sophomore is $4,500.

Unsubsidized Stafford Loan: a loan that isn't based on financial need. You are responsible for the interest on the loan while you are in school.

You have six months from the time you leave school until your loan will go into repayment.