Federal Grants

more information from Dept. of Ed.

(PDF file)

4 types of Federal Grants:

1. Federal Pell Grant
2. Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
   
   and two new grants:
   
3. Academic Competitiveness Grant
4. National SMART Grant

These grants are available to continuing students in undergraduates programs only. These grants do not have to be repaid. Special provisions are required to receive these grants.

See our FREE money section more more information

Up to $4,000 annually

Student must file the FAFSA form.

see FAFSA links

Grants awarded based on financial need.

School acts as the U.S. Department of Education's agent.

Submit your application for grants through your school.

Work-Study Programs

more information from Dept. of Ed.

(PDF file)

Student will work a set number of hours for the school or approved public-service related company.

Money is earned: does not have to be repaid. Undergraduates paid on a hourly basis.

See our FREE money section more more information

Student must file the FAFSA form.

see FAFSA links

School disburses earned funds to students.

Submit your application for work study through your school.

Federal Perkins Loans

more information from Dept. of Ed.

(PDF file)

Loan: must be repaid.

These are low-interest rate loans (5%) available to students with exceptional financial need.

The loan does not charge origination fees.

See our Aid Section for information

Annual Amount:$4,000 for undergraduate students

Maximum amount:
$20,000

Student must file the FAFSA form.

see FAFSA links

Your school becomes the lender using funds shared by the federal government.

You must repay this loan to your school.

Submit your application for Perkins Loans through your school.

State Agencies

link to your individual state for information

Individual states offer financial aid programs for state residents and in some cases out-of-state residents attending in-state schools.

Financial aid may include grants, scholarships, financial aid assistance, and some loan programs.

Financial assistance may vary by state.

Federal Stafford Loans

see Stafford Loans

apply now

2 types of Federal Stafford Loans:

1. subsidized loans:
   the Federal Government pays interest while the student is in school and during grace and deferment periods.
   
   
2. unsubsidized loans:
   the borrower is responsible for interest during the life of the loan.
   
   the type of loans awarded depends on financial status.

Loan funds will be sent to the school and disbursed in at least two installments.

The funds will first be applied to pay tuition, fees, room and board, and other school charges. Any remaining funds must be used for paying education-related expenses.

undergrad:
$2,625 to $10,500, depending on grade level

see loan chart

Student must file the FAFSA form.

see FAFSA links

Loan restricted to education-related expenses only.

Student must be enrolled at least half-time in a degree or certificate program at an approved school.

Direct Stafford Loans: The federal government provides funds to schools.

FFEL Stafford Loans: private lenders provide funds to schools to disburse to students.

Private Student Loans

see Private Loans

apply now

or dial
1-866-230-4578
for questions on how this loan program can work for you

Private student loans are used to make up the difference between total cost of school and any financial aid received.

These loans are not guaranteed by the government so the interest rate and origination costs may be higher.

Most private loan programs have higher borrowing limits than federal loan programs.

Funds can be used for any education-related expenses, including a new personal computer for school use.

From $1,500 to $30,000 annually; the aggregate program maximum is $130,000

You must have a satisfactory credit history.

Learn about building and maintaining a good credit history

You must meet the credit guidelines for employment and residency.

If you can't meet these guidelines, you may request your parent or another to co-sign for the loan.

Undergraduate and Graduate students must be enrolled at least half-time in a degree or certificate program at an approved school.

Less than half-time attendance are considered under the continuing education program.

Home Equity Financing

see Alternative Aid

apply now

Private loan program where the lender opens a credit line on your behalf (or your parent), which credit line is secured by the equity value of your or your parent's home.

You will use equity line checks or online transfer capabilities to pay for education or other expenses.

The line of credit can be used at any time and for any expense up to your approved credit line balance.

No annual limit restrictions.

Your amount is subject to your approved equity line balance.

You must have equity value in your home.

Calculate your equity value.

You must meet the lenders credit criteria and credit check.

There is no limitation or restrictions on the use of the funds.

Investment
Financing Options

see Alternative Aid

State529 Plans

Qualified investment plans that can be used to pay education expenses. Contributions are after-tax, but earnings in the fund are tax exempt.

Funds are available to any named beneficiary. The beneficiary can be the contributor.

Two types of plans:
(view our State529 Center)
(links to our site at: sayplanning.com)

1. Prepaid College Tuition Plans
2. College Savings Plan

Education IRAs

IRA plans that can be setup for education. Contributions are after-tax, but earnings in the fund are tax exempt.

The IRA can be used to pay for higher education and K-12 education expenses.

Limitations subject to the available amount in the plan.

Plan must be setup in the name of the beneficiary.

Withdrawals are tax-exempt if the funds are used to pay for education-related expenses.

Penalties may apply for payment of non-education expenses.

view plans
(links to: sayplanning.com)

IRA Plans

More information from the IRS:
http://www.irs.gov

You can make withdrawals from your IRAs for qualified higher education expenses without having to pay the 10% penalty tax.

Limitations subject to the available amount in the plan.

You will owe income tax on at the amount withdrawn from the plan.

Scholarships

see scholarship info

start scholarship search

Scholarships are available from many private and educational institutions. This type of financial aid does not have to be paid back.

The more common form of scholarships are athletic and academic. However, there are a number of scholarships awarded for other achievements.

Limits subject to scholarship award and program.

Scholarships may require an essay, written exam, or some demonstration /document of your eligibility.

get some help

Most scholarships (including athletic) will require a minimum GPA.

Scholarship funds will be sent to the college directly on your behalf.

Other Financial Aid

See our Financial Aid Note:
types of financial aid available