Federal Programs

Federal funding for education consists of both loans and grants. This section is designed to help you become familiar with federal programs for student aid and assist you in understanding some of the terms and conditions of the Federal Stafford Loan. To qualify for the Stafford Loan, you must first complete the FAFSA application. Once your FAFSA has been processed and all necessary documentation has been collected, you will receive a financial aid award letter. The information is estimated and is subject to change based on your enrollment status.

Federal Pell Grants
The Federal Pell Grant is federal money that does not have to be repaid. Generally, Pell Grants are awarded only to undergraduate students-those who have not earned a bachelor's or graduate degree. In some limited cases, however, you might receive a Pell Grant if you are enrolled in a postbaccalaureate teacher certificate program.

Pell Grants are usually a foundation of federal student aid, to which aid from other federal and nonfederal sources might be added. If you are eligible for a Pell Grant, you will receive the full amount you qualify for.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
This grant is for undergraduates (with low Expected Family Contributions or EFCs). The amount of aid you receive depends on such factors as your financial need; the amount of other aid you will receive, and the availability of funds at your school. Unlike the Federal Pell Grant program which provides every eligible student with funds, each school participating in any of the campus-based programs receives a fixed amount each year from the federal government. When that money is exhausted, no further awards can be made from that program for that year.