Federal Aid

Federal Student Aid

Federal assistance to pay for college or graduate school is available from several different programs. These include need-based grants, subsidized and unsubsidized loans, parent (PLUS) loans and federal work-study programs. 

Federal Loans

Eligibility for federal loans requires that you enroll at least half-time, seek a degree in an eligible degree or certificate program and take courses that are required for your degree. If you are awarded a loan, you must accept the award and complete entrance counseling and the master promissory note.

You have the option of paying interest while in college or deferring it. Loans are available for undergraduate as well as graduate and seminary students.

Federal Grants

Unlike a loan, grants do not have to be repaid. The government offers two federal grants to qualified undergraduate students – the Federal Pell Grant and the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant.

You must demonstrate financial need, based on the information you or your parents provide on the FAFSA. Only students who are eligible to receive a Federal Pell Grant may qualify to receive the Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant.

Federal Work Study

The Federal Work-Study Program allows you the opportunity for part-time employment on or off campus. Work-study awards are based on financial need. 

Undergraduate Federal Aid Options

 
Award Eligibility Requirements Award Amount Renewal Policy
AwardFederal Direct Loan Subsidized/Unsubsidized (dependent student) Eligibility RequirementsFor students with demonstrated need. U.S. government pays the interest while student is in school; unsubsidized loan is awarded if need is met. Award AmountLoan Limits:
$5,500 freshmen $6,500 sophomores $7,500 juniors and seniors
Renewal PolicySubmit FAFSA annually
AwardFederal Direct Loan Subsidized/Unsubsidized (independent student) Eligibility RequirementsFor students with demonstrated need. U.S. government pays the interest while student is in school; unsubsidized loan is awarded if need is met. Award AmountLoan Limits:
$9,500 Freshman $10,500 Sophomore $12,500 Junior and Senior
Renewal PolicySubmit FAFSA annually
AwardFederal Direct Loan of Undergraduate Student (PLUS) Eligibility RequirementsParents of dependent undergraduate students Award AmountCost of attendance minus other financial aid Renewal PolicySubmit FAFSA annually
AwardFederal Pell Grant Eligibility RequirementsBased on financial need; awarded based on the financial information provided on your FAFSA. You cannot already have a bachelor's degree. Award AmountMaximum of $6,095 Renewal PolicySubmit FAFSA annually
AwardFederal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG) Eligibility RequirementsPell grant recipients with exceptional financial need Award AmountVaries Renewal PolicySubmit FAFSA annually
AwardFederal Work-Study Program Eligibility RequirementsBased on financial need Award AmountVaries Renewal PolicySubmit FAFSA annually

 

Graduate Federal Loan Options

 
Award Eligibility Requirements Award Amount Renewal Policy
AwardFederal Direct Loan Unsubsidized (Low-interest federal loan. Interest begins accruing immediately. Repayment is deferred for one-time, six-month grace period after graduation or dropping below half-time enrollment.) Eligibility RequirementsStudent must be enrolled at least half-time. Interest accrues during all periods. Award AmountLoan Limits:
Up to $20,500 per year
Renewal PolicySubmit FAFSA. Complete master promissory note and entrance counseling. Must maintain satisfactory academic progress.
AwardFederal Direct Loan PLUS Loan (Available to eligible students after unsubsidized loans have been exhausted.) Eligibility RequirementsStudents must be enrolled at least half-time. Interest accrues during all periods. Additional application required. Credit check required. Award AmountCost of attendance minus other financial aid. Renewal PolicySubmit FAFSA. Complete PLUS loan application, PLUS loan promissory note, and PLUS loan entrance counseling. Must maintain satisfactory academic progress.
       

Helpful Loan Repayment Information