Federal Financial Aid
Federal Financial Aid is available for undergraduate and graduate students. Students currently in one of our degree programs or who are about to apply, should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) after submitting an application for admission. Completing the FAFSA form is your first step in seeking financial aid. The FAFSA determines your eligibility for Federal Financial Aid and must be completed, along with any necessary paperwork, by Day 8 of the session.
- Pell Grants. The Federal Pell Grant Program provides need-based grants to low-income undergraduate and certain postbaccalaureate students to promote access to postsecondary education. Grant amounts are dependent on: the student's expected family contribution score (EFC); the cost of attendance (as determined by the institution); the student's enrollment status (full-time or part-time); and whether the student attends for a full academic year or less. Students may not receive Federal Pell Grant funds from more than one school at a time.
- Stafford loans. The Stafford Loan may be subsidized (government pays the loan interest while you are in school) or unsubsidized (loan interest accrues while you are in school). Loan amounts vary.
Federal Student Aid Criteria
In order to be eligible to receive financial aid from federal and state student aid programs, the following general criteria must be met:
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Demonstrate financial need, except for some loan programs
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Be admitted as a regular student working toward a degree in an eligible program
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Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
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Have a valid Social Security Number
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Meet satisfactory academic progress
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Be enrolled at least half-time each semester for students loans (6 credits per semester is equivalent to half time)
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Certify that student aid will be used for educational purposes only
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Certify that you are not in default on a federal student loan and that you do not owe money on a federal student grant
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Comply with the Selective Service registration, if required