Pell Grant – The Federal Pell Grant is based on financial need. This grant is part of the Title IV entitlement of the Higher Education Act of 1965. Since the Federal Pell Grant is an entitlement, it does not have to be repaid, if the student completes their program. The maximum pell amount changes yearly, please contact the Financial Services Office for the most up-to-date information.

Direct Student Loans - Subsidized and unsubsidized loans are federal student loans for eligible students to help cover the cost of higher education at a four-year college or university, community college, or trade, career, or technical school. The U.S. Department of Education offers eligible students at participating schools Direct Subsidized Loans and Direct Unsubsidized Loans. After you graduate, leave school, or drop below half-time enrollment, you will have a six-month grace period before you are required to begin repayment. During this period, you'll receive repayment information from your loan servicer, and you'll be notified of your first payment due date. Payments are usually due monthly. There are several repayment options available that are designed to meet the individual needs of borrowers. Your loan servicer can help you understand which repayment options are available to you. Generally, you’ll have 10 to 25 years to repay your loan, depending on the repayment plan that you choose.

Direct Subsidized Loan – Direct Subsidized Loans are available to undergraduate students with financial need. Your school determines the amount you can borrow, and the amount may not exceed your financial need. The U.S. Department of Education pays the interest on a Direct Subsidized Loan while you’re in school at least half-time, for the first six months after you leave school (referred to as a grace period), and during a period of deferment (a postponement of loan payments). Students who first borrowed subsidized loans after July 1, 2013 can only receive subsidized loans for 150 percent of the published length of their current program. The maximum amount is $3,500 (1st year) for both independent and dependent students.

Direct Unsubsidized Loan – Direct Unsubsidized Loans are available to undergraduate and graduate students; there is no requirement to demonstrate financial need. Your school determines the amount you can borrow based on your cost of attendance and other financial aid you receive. You are responsible for paying the interest on a Direct Unsubsidized Loan during all periods. If you choose not to pay the interest while you are in school and during grace periods and deferment or forbearance periods, your interest will accrue (accumulate) and be capitalized (that is, your interest will be added to the principal amount of your loan). The maximum amount is $9,500 (1st year) less any subsidized money for independent students, and $5,500 (1st year) less any subsidized money for dependent students.

For more information, visit https://studentaid.gov/h/understand-aid

Adult Education