Pell Grants are awarded only to those who have not earned a bachelor’s degree that demonstrate high financial need to be eligible for this aid program.

Only awarded to undergraduate students who are Pell eligible and exhibit exceptional need as determined by the FAFSA.

  • Awarding of FSEOG funding is contingent upon available federal funds within this program if you are seeking your first bachelor’s degree.
  • If you have an exceptional need but are not a Pell Grant recipient, you may be considered for FSEOG funding.

The Federal Direct Loan is an affordable, low-interest loan designed for undergraduate students as a means to supplement your educational expenses.

  • You must be enrolled at least half-time (6 credits), per term and complete the FAFSA.

The two types of Direct Loans are available to undergraduate students:

  • Direct Subsidized:
    • This loan is interest-free while you are enrolled in at least 6 credits or more
    • You must begin repaying this loan 6 months after you graduate, withdraw from school, or drop below 6 credits.
      • Once you begin repayment the interest on your loan will begin to accrue. At the time of disbursement, your lender will charge you an origination fee that is deducted prior to the disbursement of the loan. Interest rates and origination fees are subject to change, as mandated by federal law. Visit studentaid.gov for current interest rates and origination fees.
  • Direct Unsubsidized:
    • This loan accrues interest throughout the lifetime of the loan, even while you are enrolled in school.
    • You must begin repaying this loan 6 months after you graduate, withdraw from school, or drop below 6 credits.
    • You have the option of making ‘interest only’ payments while enrolled in school to receive additional savings.
      • Once you begin repayment the interest on your loan will begin to accrue. At the time of disbursement, your lender will charge you an origination fee that is deducted prior to the disbursement of the loan. Interest rates and origination fees are subject to change, as mandated by federal law. Visit studentaid.gov for current interest rates and origination fees.
    • NOTE: The amounts you can borrow depend on your current grade level in school and student status: dependent undergraduate or independent undergraduate (or a dependent undergraduate whose parents are unable to get a PLUS – Parent Loan).
      • The aggregate Direct loan limit for a dependent student is $31,000 (up to $23,000 may be subsidized) and for an independent student (or dependent students whose parents cannot borrow PLUS) is $57,500 (up to $23,000 may be subsidized). The aggregate loan limit does not include Parent Plus Loans.

Loans to parents of ‘dependent’ undergraduate students

  • These are loans the student’s parent can get to assist with paying for educational expenses if you are a dependent undergraduate student enrolled at least half-time (6 credits).
  • This loan accrues interest throughout the lifetime of the loan, even while enrolled in school and your parent(s) begin repaying the loan 60 days after the loan is fully disbursed.
  • This is a credit-based loan.
  • Visit studentaid.gov for current interest rates and origination fees.