FEDERAL PELL GRANT
A Federal Pell Grant, unlike a loan, does not have to be repaid. Generally, Pell Grants are awarded only to undergraduate students who have not earned a bachelor’s or professional degree. For many students, Pell Grants provide a foundation of financial aid to which other aid may be added.

FEDERAL SUPPLEMENTAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY GRANT
A Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant is for undergraduates with exceptional financial need – that is, students with the lowest Expected Family Contributions (EFCs)- and gives priority to students who qualify for Federal Pell Grants. An FSEOG does not have to be repaid.

FEDERAL WORK STUDY
The Federal Work Study Program provides jobs for undergraduate and graduate students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to help pay educational expenses. The program encourages community service work and work related to the student's course of study.

ACADEMIC COMPETITIVENESS GRANT
The Academic Competitiveness Grant is an award available to students who complete a rigorous secondary program of study; are U.S. citizens; are eligible for the Pell grant; and are enrolled in at least a two-year academic program acceptable for full credit toward a Bachelor’s degree.   Students may become eligible for the National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent Grant (National SMART Grant) in their third or fourth academic years.

FEDERAL FAMILY EDUCATION LOAN PROGRAM
Stafford Loans are the Department of Education’s major form of self-help aid for students. Under the FFEL program, the funds for your loan are lent to you from a private lender (a bank, credit union, or other lender that participates in the FFEL program).

Types of FFELP loans available are:

• Subsidized Stafford Loan
  A subsidized loan is awarded on the basis of financial need. You will not be charged interest before you begin repayment or during authorized periods of deferment. The federal government “subsidizes” the interest during these periods.
• Unsubsidized Stafford Loan
  An unsubsidized loan is not awarded on the basis of need. You will be charged interest from the time the loan is disbursed until it is paid in full. If you allow the interest to accumulate, it will be capitalized – that is, the interest will be added to the principal amount of your loan and additional interest will be based upon the higher amount.
• PLUS Loan
  Federal PLUS loans are for parent borrowers to assist the dependent student with educational expenses. PLUS loans are unsubsidized. The interest rate varies but cannot exceed 9 percent. Repayment of principal and interest begins within 60 days of disbursement. The yearly loan limit is the cost of attendance minus any other financial aid the student receives.

Students are encouraged to apply for one type or a combination of the types of financial aid available.

OTHER FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE