Office of Financial Aid

Financial Aid Information

Financial Aid is awarded according to an individual’s financial need and/or academic potential. Financial Aid comes in the form of loans, grants, scholarships or part-time on campus employment to be used solely for school related expenses. The University expects students and parents to assume the primary responsibility for financing university costs. Students whose family resources are insufficient to meet the cost of attending the University are encouraged to apply for aid from the University and from federal/state-supported programs administered by the Financial Aid Office.

How Soon to Apply for Financial Aid

Applications are available beginning October 1 of each year and families are encouraged to apply early for financial aid at www.fafsa.gov. Some programs handled by the Financial Aid Office have very early priority dates. Students applying on or before these dates are given top consideration for the programs. Those who apply after these dates will receive aid pending availability.

Priority Processing Deadline

Meeting the priority deadline entitles you to ‘priority treatment’, which means that you will be considered for all aid (including grants and work-study) that is available. All students who meet the priority deadline will be grouped together and awarded financial aid based on eligibility and available funds. Students who do not meet th March 24th priority deadline may only be considered for a PELL Grant and student loans.

Note: Bethune-Cookman University cannot consider you for aid until you have been officially accepted for admission. Until our office receives an accepted decision from the Office of Admissions, we cannot process your financial aid application.

Basis on Which Financial Aid is Granted

Based on the information provided to the processor by the student and parents, the processor will analyze the family’s financial situation and transmit that information to the Financial Aid Office, enabling it to determine the student’s financial need. Financial aid depends on the amount of federal, state, and institutional funds available at Bethune-Cookman University. To be awarded financial aid, an applicant must (1) show financial need, (2) be accepted or enrolled as a full-time student in an eligible program, (3) be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, (4) be capable of maintaining a satisfactory academic standing and normal progress toward a degree, (5) be registered with the Selective Service, if required to do so, and (6) have not defaulted on any previous aid.

Evaluation and Award Process

Personnel of the Student Financial Aid Office will determine the student’s allowable educational expenses and the expected family resources. The difference between the two is the demonstrated need. Bethune-Cookman University will try to provide financial aid for all or a portion of the demonstrated need in the form of an award package consisting of loans, grants, scholarships, and/or part-time employment. Selection of students, as well as the types of aid awarded, depends on one or a combination of the following: the demonstrated financial need, the student’s class level, academic promise, available funds, and the date a student’s forms are received by the awarding agencies and the Financial Aid Office.

Award Period

Awards are generally granted for an academic year of two Semesters, fall and spring. The summer session comes after the regular academic year. Aid for the summer session is applied for separately by those who expect to enroll for at least six Hours. Awards are made as funds permit. Students who attend the full academic year may be able to receive assistance from the Federal Direct Stafford Loan or Parent PLUS Loan for summer sessions.

Awards Announcements

For students whose financial aid documents are processed before March 1, efforts will be made to notify them of their financial aid awards beginning April.  Awards must be marked “ACCEPTED” by the students in the B-CU Online Financial Aid System at https://pfweb.cookman.edu/NetPartner/NetPartnerStudent.

Awards Disbursement

Funds will not be released until after the last day of Drop/Add per payment period.  The following must occur for funds to disburse:

• Academic Activity must be recorded by the instructor of each class the student is enrolled.  Academic Activity may occur prior to the first day of class.
• Classes must contribute towards the students’ chosen degree program and required for graduation.  Courses taken that are not a part  of the degree program will be taken at the student’s expense without the assistance of federal aid
• Classes taken more than twice must not be a grade of ‘D’ or better.  Repeat course with a grade of ‘D’ or better will be taken at the student’s expense without assistance of federal aid.

Single Term Award Disbursements

Students who are awarded for one term at a term will receive two disbursements per pay period, 30 days apart.

First-Time Enrolled Student Disbursements

Students attending BCU for the first time, will not receive a disbursement to their student account until at least 30 days after the first day of academic activity.  All awards must be ACCEPTED and documents received in Wildcat Web.

Returning Enrolled Student Disbursements

Students returning to BCU, may receive a disbursement 7-14 days after the last day of DROP/ADD period.  All awards must be ACCEPTED and documents received in Wildcat Web.

Satisfactory Performance Standards

If you receive Federal Title IV student financial assistance, you must demonstrate satisfactory academic progress. Federal Title IV funding includes: Direct Student Loans, Federal PLUS Loans (Parent’s Loan), Federal Work-Study Program, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (SEOG), Federal Pell Grants, and State Grants.

Satisfactory academic progress is defined as meeting or exceeding the minimum number of Semester Hours necessary for the timely completion of the program of study which students are pursuing. Each student must successfully pass a minimum of 67% of the credit hours attempted during the preceding fall and spring semesters to satisfy federal program requirements. Students must also pass 24 Semester Hours for Florida programs such as the Florida Student Assistance Grant (FSAG) and the Florida Resident Access Grant (FRAG) Programs. Additionally, a minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 2.0 for Undergraduate Program students and a 3.00 for Graduate Program students must be maintained for Federal programs. For Florida programs, all students must maintain a 2.0 cumulative GPA. Federal Aid will be provided for up to 150% of the credit hours required to complete an undergraduate or graduate degrees.

Students’ academic records will be reviewed at the end of each academic year by Academic Affairs. If a student does not achieve satisfactory academic progress, he/she will be notified of not being eligible for federal and/or state aid. The student will be responsible for full payment of the balance at the student’s own expense. Satisfactory Academic Progress Standards are available online at http://www.cookman.edu/financial_aid/Forms_folder/SAP_page/index.html.

Not Making Satisfactory Academic Progress:

At the end of each semester, the financial aid eligibility of each student is reviewed to ensure compliance with the guidelines as stated above.

Financial Aid Good

The student will receive all eligible aid.

Financial Aid Warning

If the student does not earn the minimum grade point average (quantitative) and/or earn the minimum number of credit hours required (qualitative), he/she is placed on financial aid warning for one semester.   The student is notified of this status from the Office of Student Financial Aid.  Financial aid eligibility continues during the warning period.  If, at the end of the warning period, the student meets both the quantitative and qualitative standards for eligibility, he/she will be returned to good standing and will be eligible for federally-funded financial aid the next semester.

Financial Aid Suspension - Not Making Satisfactory Progress (NMSP)

If the student is not meeting the minimum grade point average (quantitative) and/or has not earned the minimum number of credit hours required (qualitative) after the financial aid warning period (one semester), he/she is no longer eligible to receive financial aid; therefore, the student’s financial aid is suspended.  The student is notified of this status from the Office of Student Financial Aid.  The student must now pay for B-CU expenses out-of-pocket or successfully appeal for federal financial aid (see Appealing the Loss of Financial Aid Eligibility).

Appealing the Loss of Financial Aid Eligibility

Students whose aid eligibility has been suspended due to not meeting the satisfactory academic progress requirements (quantitative and/or quantitative) may appeal the decision. The student must show that extenuating circumstances negatively influenced his/her academic performance during the review period.

The following extenuating circumstances are considered legitimate reason(s) for appealing the loss of financial aid eligibility:

• Death of an immediate family member
• Serious illness or injury to yourself or immediate family member (if you are the primary caregiver)
• Emergency non-voluntary military activation
• Credit hours exceed 150% of degree program
• Other circumstances considered to be extenuating that occurred during the specific review period.

  A lack of focus, difficulty with transitioning into college life, or difficulties with school-work-life balance issues are not eligibility circumstances for appeal and will be denied.

Submitting an Appeal to Regain Eligibility to Receive Financial Aid

There are two types of appeals:

1. GPA and/or Pace of Progression Appeal
2. Maximum Time Frame Appeal (See “Defining/Calculating Satisfactory Academic Progress” for a detailed definition.  Can only be appealed once.  Only classes required to complete the degree program will be eligible.

Students are entitled to a maximum of two consecutive appeals when not meeting financial aid eligibility.  Second appeals must be based on a reason different from the first appeal in order to be considered. The appeal, submitted through Wildcat Web, must contain the following documents:

1. A typed statement that has been proofread and is free of grammatical errors, signed and dated, from the student, explaining in detail the reason for not meeting the minimum standards for Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP), the changes that have occurred, and what specific measures/behaviors/practices are being taken in order to improve academic performance and meet the minimum standards by the end of the review period.
2. Documentation of the extenuating circumstance(s) that occurred during the review period.  (Financial Aid/SAP Appeals with no documentation submitted will be considered incomplete and will NOT be reviewed).
3. A revised academic plan submitted with the assistance of your success coach, your academic advisor, your faculty advisor, or your graduate advisor that specifically indicates what courses (and the necessary grade(s)), and interventions the student is required to perform to be considered making progress toward regaining eligibility for financial aid.

4. Appeals that are incomplete, have missing signatures and/or lack proper documentation will not be considered and will be automatically denied. Students may resubmit by the appeal submission deadline or the next semester’s deadline. Awards cannot be paid retroactively for the semester(s) during which eligibility was lost. 

 Financial Aid Probation

An appeal to regain financial aid will result in either an approval or denial.  If approved, the student will be placed on Financial Aid Probation or Financial Aid Probation with an Academic Plan and will be awarded one semester at a time and in two separate disbursements, 30 days apart.

Approved:  Financial Aid Probation - Not Making Satisfactory Progress (NMSP)

Students who successfully appeal their financial aid eligibility may be placed on Financial Aid Probation without an academic plan if the student is close to meeting eligibility standards. Students placed on Financial Aid Probation without an academic plan are expected to move to good standing the next semester.

During the probationary period, the student must achieve a semester GPA of 2.5 (undergraduates) or 3.0 (graduates) to be considered in compliance.  If at the end of the probationary period (one semester), the student is still not meeting the established standards for making satisfactory academic progress, the student must submit another appeal before consideration will be given for one additional semester in which to comply with the standards.  If the student has met the standard, he/she will be considered in Good Standing and will continue to receive financial aid.

*Students will be notified of their status by the Office of Student Financial Aid.

Approved:  Financial Aid Probation Academic Plan - Not Making Satisfactory Progress (NMSP)

Students who successfully appeal their financial aid eligibility may be placed on financial aid probation with a plan; if it is determined that the student needs more than one semester to meet standards. Students placed on Financial Aid Probation with an academic plan must meet with an academic advisor to develop an Academic Plan (if one was not submitted with the appeal) before consideration will be given for one additional semester in which to comply with the standards.  Students can appeal to revise their Academic Plan during the probationary period.  The appeal must clearly explain the circumstances to make the change necessary.

During the probationary period, the student must achieve a minimum semester GPA of 2.5 for undergraduates and 3.0 for graduates - and successfully pass 100% of the hours attempted during this period to improve pace of progression.  Some plans may require a student to achieve a higher GPA each semester. 

Each semester, students who are on financial aid probation academic plans are reviewed for progression.  If, at the end of the probationary period (two or more semesters), the student is still not meeting the established standards for making satisfactory academic progress or has not met the conditions of the agreed upon Academic Plan (whichever is stricter), the student must have another appeal approved or lose financial aid eligibility.  If the student has met the standard, he/she will we considered in Good Standing and will continue to receive financial aid.

*Students will be notified of their status by the Office of Student Financial Aid.

Academic Plans (ACPL)

Academic Plans are designed to provide the student with the specific course outcomes (grades) necessary to meet the eligibility standards by the proposed review period, and the specific behaviors, practices, and activities, the student should engage in to achieve those outcomes.  While every ACPL is catered to the student, it could include stipulations to:

• Reduce the course load.  It is recommended that a student with a GPA less than 2.0 take the maximum of 13 hours until the GPA recovers.
• Repeat failed courses.
• Attend mandatory academic support services, academic advising appointments, and instructor office hours for the duration of the probationary period.  
• Participation in mandatory tutoring.
• Participation and completion of the U-Turn Program, SLS classes, and other programs.

Denied:

The student’s appeal may be denied due to insufficient documentation and/or missing signature, an insufficient case for extenuating circumstances, or the maximum number of appeals has been reached. If denied, the student will remain suspended and is responsible for all expenses incurred at B-CU.

Regaining Eligibility to Receive Title IV Funds

To regain eligibility, students should meet with a retention specialist or student success coach in the College of Undergraduate Studies for guidance on what courses at B-CU or another institution would be most appropriate to regain GPA or pace of progression to meet standards.  Students who are denied must be able to show that they can maintain at least a 2.0 or better GPA for two consecutive semesters before financial aid can be reinstated.

• Pace of progression:  The student should successfully pass transferable courses at an external institution and transfer those credits back to Bethune-Cookman University.  Transfer credits are included in the pace of progression calculation.
• GPA:  The student should re-take failed courses and pass additional courses at B-CU at their own expense.  Transfer hours are not included in the GPA calculations.
• SAP Re-admit:  The student must take six (6) credit hours at his/her own expense, either at B-CU or another institution for one semester showing an earned GPA of 2.0 or higher and 100% pace of progression (passing all courses), as documented in official transcripts.

SAP Notification         

Students are notified of their SAP status and appeals process at the end of each semester through the University and/or student provided email addresses.

SAP Missing Documents

All documents must be completed and submitted by the Priority Document Deadline Date of March 24^th annually.  Failure to submit all required documents will further reduce award amounts. 

SAP Awards

Students on SAP with an Appeal Approval will be awarded for the one semester at a time.  Students must be evaluated at the end of every semester for eligibility. If the deadlines for required documents are not met, aid will not be processed.

SAP Disbursement of Aid

Students on SAP with an Appeal Approval must submit all required documents before financial aid will be disbursed.  The Academic Recovery Plan must be completed and signed by the student and the academic advisor before awards will be released.  All financial aid will be processed in two disbursements 30 days apart. 

Code of Federal Regulation:

34 CFR 668.2, 34 CFR 668.2(b), 34 CFR 668.16, 34 CFR 668.16(e), 34 CFR 668.16, 34 CFR 668.32(f), 34 CFR 32, 34 CFR 668.34

Transfer Students

Students who have previously attended other colleges and post-secondary institutions must add the B-CU School Code 001467 on the FAFSA. Go to www.fafsa.gov to update the FAFSA.

Transferability of Financial Aid Awards

Awards such as the Federal Supplemental Grant (SEOG), Federal College Work Study Program (CWSP), Perkins Loan, and others cannot be transferred from one college to another. A separate application must be made to each college or university. Federal Pell Grant and Florida Student Assistance Grant (FSAG) awards are transferable, but the amount of the award may be different at other institutions.

International Students and Non-citizens

International students are expected to have full financial resources to pay tuition, fees, and room & board.  Federal and state financial aid programs are for United States citizens or for permanent residents of the United States only. International students are not eligible for federal and state aid. They may, however, qualify for college scholarships and may participate in the College Work Aid (CWA) Program. International students are warned that, in many instances, these programs provide only enough financial aid to cover some of the college expenses. The financial responsibility for attending the University will be on the student and his family.

Eligible non-citizens or U.S. permanent residents must provide copies of their Alien Registration ID cards to the Financial Aid Office.

Types of Available Aid

Grants

The following grant programs are available only to undergraduate students who are working towards their first bachelor’s degree. These grants do not have to be paid back by the student and, generally, require exceptional financial need.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG)

A very limited number of SEOG awards are made to those with exceptional financial need who are also Pell Grant recipients. A typical award ranges from $100 to $1500 per academic year.

To apply for this program, a student must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The online application should be completed at www.fafsa.gov.  To be given top consideration, the FAFSA must be received by the processor on or before the priority date of March 24^th.

Federal Pell Grant Program

This federally sponsored program provides financial aid to those who need it to attend approved colleges or universities. Awards range from $200 to $5,920 per academic year depending on a family’s financial situation.

To apply for this program, a student must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The online application should be completed at www.fafsa.gov.  There is no priority date for this program. The last day of submission is June 30 yearly.  The application should be completed far ahead of the start of a new academic year as possible. We recommend the IRS Data Retrieval option.

TEACH Grant Program

Through the College Cost Reduction and Access Act of 2007, Congress created the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant Program. The TEACH Grant provides up to $4,000 per year to students who intend to teach in a public or private elementary or secondary schools that serve students from low-income families.   In exchange for receiving a TEACH Grant, students must agree to serve as full-time teachers in a high-need field in a public or private elementary or secondary school that serves low-income students (See below for more information on high-need fields and schools serving low-income students). As a recipient of a TEACH Grant, students must teach for at least four academic years within eight calendar years of completing the program of study for which they received a TEACH Grant. IMPORTANT: If a student fails to complete this service obligation, the total amount of the TEACH Grants that the student received will be converted to a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan. The student must then repay this loan to the U.S. Department of Education. The student will be charged interest from the date the grant(s) was disbursed.

Note: TEACH Grant recipients will be given a 6-month grace period prior to entering repayment, if a TEACH Grant is converted to a Direct Unsubsidized Loan.

To apply for this program, a student must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The online application should be obtained at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Since there is no priority date for this program, the form should be completed far ahead of the start of a new academic year.

Florida Student Assistance Grant Program (FSAG)

This program is available only to full-time students with high financial need. Students and the parents of dependent students must also be Florida residents for at least one year prior to the beginning of classes. Awards range from $200 to $1000 per academic year.

To apply for this program, a student must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The online application should be completed at www.fafsa.gov. 

Florida Resident Access Grant (FRAG)

This program is available to full-time students who have been Florida residents for at least one year prior to the beginning of classes. The one-year Florida residency is also required for the parents of dependent students. Transfer students and renewals must have a 2.0 cumulative GPA on all previous college work. Awards may range up to $3,300 per academic year depending on state funding.

To apply for this program, a student must complete the Florida Resident Access Grant Application available at the Financial Aid Office. Since there is no priority date for this program, the FRAG application should be received by the Financial Aid Office as far ahead of the start of the academic year as possible.

Florida Academic Scholars Award, Florida Merit Scholars Award, and Florida Gold Seal Vocational Scholars Award

These scholarships are part of the Florida Bright Futures Program. The program rewards outstanding Florida public high school graduates for their academic and vocational achievements. The awards range up to $3200 per year, if sufficient funds are available.  Deadline is determined by the high school graduation date.  High school students should contact their school guidance office for information on eligibility criteria or visit the Florida Bright Futures Program website at http://www.floridastudentfinancialaid.org/SSFAD/PDF/bf_brochure.pdf.

Florida Mary McLeod Bethune Scholarship Fund

This program, offered by the State of Florida, provides financial assistance to Florida high school seniors with a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or above. An applicant must be a Florida resident and demonstrate financial need. Awards range up to $3000 annually depending on available funds.

To apply for this program a student must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). A student must also submit an application for this program to the Financial Aid Office, postmarked by March 24^th of the senior year of high school.

Air Force ROTC and Army ROTC

ROTC academic scholarships are offered to students who meet specific requirements. These scholarships cover the cost of the University’s tuition and books and provide the student with a tax-free subsistence allowance each month. For more information on ROTC scholarships, refer to http://www.cookman.edu/currentstudents/studdev/MilitaryServices/index.html.

Institutional Scholarships

Bethune-Cookman University scholarships recognize academic excellence. The major purpose of these scholarships is to encourage outstanding students and assist them along the path to leadership and service to humanity.  For more information refer to http://www.cookman.edu/financial_aid/Type_of_Aid/Scholarships/index.html

Who Can Apply?

Since most scholarship awards are merit awards, many require specific grade point averages as well as proof of financial need determined by the FAFSA and other supporting documents. When students are awarded institutional scholarships, they will be required to complete the Scholarship Acknowledgment Form and provide a Letter of Gratitude address to the donor the scholarship awarded, and a Digital Photograph. Students may be eligible for more than one scholarship, depending on their achievements and/or financial need. However, the total scholarship amount cannot exceed their financial need and most will not exceed the tuition and the on campus room/board expenses. In most cases, the specific requirements are set by the donors who provide the scholarship funds. Some of the scholarships are renewable over four years, if students continue to maintain the required grade point average, but are not guaranteed.

Categories of Scholarships

Most scholarships are awarded in one of six categories:

• Academic achievement
• General scholarships
• Scholarships for specific major areas
• Scholarships for students from specific geographical areas
• Scholarships for athletics and performing arts (band, concert chorale, etc.)
• Specific employer and labor union scholarships

How to Apply

Scholarship applicants should apply online at https://.cookman.scholarships.ngwebsolutions.com. Click the Apply Online Tab. For information on performing arts scholarships (e.g. band, concert chorale, etc.), students should contact the Music Department. Those interested in athletic scholarships should contact the Athletics Department.

Academic Scholarships

Bethune-Cookman University recognizes outstanding academic achievement in prospective and returning students by offering a range of scholarships to both freshmen and transfer students. For an incoming student, scholarship consideration is based on credentials submitted with the student’s Application for Admission. The University encourages academic excellence by recognizing and rewarding outstanding academic performance. The current academic criteria for each award are included in the Application for Admission. The criteria may also be obtained from the Office of Admissions and the Office of the Provost. For more detailed information visit our website at http://www.cookman.edu/financial_aid/Type_of_Aid/Scholarships/index.html.

Presidential Scholarships

The Presidential Scholarship is offered to high school graduates who will enter college for the first time. The award covers college expenses (full-time tuition, room, board, and books) that are not covered by federal and/or state financial aid and other non-institutional scholarships. Upon enrollment, students must register for at least 12 Semester Hours (college-credit courses) and maintain a 3.50 cumulative grade point average to renew the scholarship. Under special circumstances (e.g. educational travel abroad) awards may be renewed for a maximum of 2-3 academic years. Recipients of this award should expect to render a minimum of 45 Hours of peer tutoring per Semester.

Excelsior Scholarships

The Excelsior Scholarship is offered to high school graduates who will enter college for the first time. The award covers the cost of full-time tuition after all federal and/or state financial aid and other non-institutional scholarships have been applied. The award does not cover room and board or books. Students must register for at least 12 Semester Hours (college-credit courses) and maintain a 3.30 cumulative grade point average to renew the scholarship. Under special circumstances, awards may be renewed for a maximum of 4 academic years of study. Recipients of this award should expect to render a minimum of 30 Hours of peer tutoring per Semester.

Academic Merit Award

The Academic Merit Award provides scholarship aid for a) high school graduates entering college for the first time, b) transfer students with 24 college-credit Hours, and 3) matriculating students who have been enrolled at the University for at least one academic year and have earned at least 24 college credit Hours. Students must register for at least 12 Semester Hours (college-credit courses) and maintain a 3.25 cumulative grade point average to renew the scholarship. The Academic Merit Award is granted on an annual basis, and students must reapply each year. The Academic Merit Award application is available in the Office of the Provost.  Recipients of this award should expect to render a minimum of 20 Hours of peer tutoring per Semester.

Student Employment Programs

Federal Work Study Program (FWS)

This program provides jobs for a very limited number of students with financial need who must earn a part of their educational expenses. The Financial Aid Office arranges jobs on campus or off campus with public or private nonprofit agencies. Students work from 10 to 15 Hours per week, scheduled in a way that will not conflict with their classes. An average award is about $1600 per academic year. Paychecks are processed every two weeks for hours actually worked.  Students may request that his/her paycheck be placed on their account by completing an Authorization Form in the Financial Aid office.

To apply for this program, a student must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). On the FAFSA, a student must indicate his or her interest in a “part-time job” or “work-study.”  This application is available at www.fafsa.gov.  A separate application is required for open positions.  Applications will be reviewed and the supervisor will contact the student if selected.  For more information refer to: http://www.cookman.edu/financial_aid/Type_of_Aid/Student_Employment/index.html.   

Federal Community Service Program (FCSP)

The Federal Work Study Community Service Program (FWS-CSP) is a wonderful opportunity for students to gain real world career experience, positively impact the community, and earn money.  This opportunity seeks to connect Federal Work Study eligible students with community partners in accordance with Federal Work Study Community Service guidelines. You must be awarded Federal Work Study (FWS) to apply for a FWS Community Service job.  To apply for this program, a student must apply online at http://www.cookman.edu/financial_aid/Type_of_Aid/Student_Employment/Federal_Work_/index.html.

College Work Aid Program (CWA)

Departments may employ student workers who do not qualify for the Federal Work Study Program. To apply for this program, a student must contact the University Payroll office. The general policy requires university departments to hire student workers independently.

Florida Work Experience Program (FWEP)

The Florida Work Experience Program (FWEP) is a wonderful opportunity for students to gain real world career experience, positively impact the community, and earn money.  This opportunity seeks to connect Federal Work Study eligible students with community partners in accordance with Federal Work Study Community Service guidelines. You must be awarded Federal Work Study (FWS) to apply for a FWS Community Service job.

Loan Programs

To apply for the following programs, a student must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This application is available at www.fafsa.gov.

Federal Direct Subsidized

This is a low-interest loan made to students by the federal government “directly” or by a private lender (bank, credit union, etc.). Eligibility for a “subsidized” Federal Direct Loan is based on financial need as determined by a federally mandated formula. “Subsidized” means that the federal government will pay the interest on the loan while a student is in school and during specified deferments.

Eligible freshmen may borrow up to $3,500 per year, sophomores up to $4,500; and juniors and seniors may borrow up to $5,500 per year. The maximum allowable undergraduate indebtedness over five years is $23,000.

Federal Direct Loans are disbursed in two installments: one in the fall semester and one in the spring semester, after enrollment for each semester. When the loan is disbursed, a federally required origination fee of 1.069 percent (which is used to offset administrative costs of the program) is deducted from the loan by the government or bank, along with a nonrefundable insurance fee of up to 1 percent of the principal amount of the loan.

Repayment begins six months after the borrower’s last enrollment on at least a half-time basis.

To apply for this program, a student must complete the Master Promissory (MPN) on the Federal Student Aid Website (FSA). On the FSA site, a student must use the Federal Student Aid PIN to sign in and complete the process.  This MPN is available at www.studentloans.gov.

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan

The Higher Education Amendments of 1992 created a new program offering “unsubsidized” Federal Direct Loans to students who do not qualify in whole or in part for “subsidized” Federal Direct Loans.

A Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan is a low interest loan made to students by the federal government “directly” or by a private lender (bank, credit union, etc.). Under this program, the student borrower (and not the federal government) pays the interest that accrues on the loan while the student is in school. Eligibility for a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan is determined by the Financial Aid Office using a federally mandated formula.

Freshman, sophomores, juniors, and seniors that are dependent students are eligible for $2,000.00 in unsubsidized loans. A freshman and sophomores can receive an additional $4,000.00 unsubsidized loan with a Parent Plus loan denial. However, juniors and seniors can receive $5,000.00 with a parent plus denial. Independent student can receive (freshman and sophomores a total of $6,000.00 in unsubsidized loans) (juniors and seniors at a total of $7,000.00 in unsubsidized loans). *Please note all students are not to exceed $23,000.00 in subsidized loans. Students that are dependent can receive a total of combined loans (subsidized and unsubsidized) in the amount of $31,000.00, with Parent Plus denials the maximum allowance is $57,500.00 in a five year period. The maximum allowable for Independent undergraduate students is $57,500.00 in a five year period. 

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans are disbursed in two installments: one in the Fall Semester and one in the Spring Semester, after enrollment for each Semester. When the loan is disbursed, a federally required origination fee of 3 percent (which is used to offset administrative costs of the program) is deducted from the loan by the government or bank, along with a nonrefundable insurance fee of up to 1 percent of the principal amount of the loan.

To apply for this program, a student must complete the Master Promissory (MPN) on the Federal Student Aid Website (FSA). On the FSA site, a student must use the Federal Student Aid PIN to sign in and complete the process.  This MPN is available at www.studentloans.gov.

Federal Direct Stafford PLUS Loan (Parent’s Loan)

The Federal PLUS Loan is a federally insured loan made by private lenders or “directly” by the federal government. Repayment of principal and interest begins 60 days after the loan proceeds have been disbursed. Eligibility for this loan is based on credit-worthiness as determined by the Lender.

The interest rate for the Federal PLUS Loan varies annually (a new rate is effective each July 1), and the rate is based on the 52-week U.S. Treasury Bill rate plus 3.10 percent not to exceed 9 percent.

Federal PLUS Loans are disbursed to the college in two installments: one in the fall semester and one in the spring semester, after enrollment for each semester. When the loan is disbursed, a federally required origination fee of 3 percent (which is used to offset administrative costs of the program) is deducted from the loan by the government or bank, along with a nonrefundable insurance fee of up to 1 percent of the principal amount of the loan.

Parents of dependent students may borrow up to the cost of education minus any financial aid. These loans, in combination with all other aid (including loans), may not exceed educational costs. Financial need is not an eligibility factor.

To apply for this program, a parent must complete the Federal Direct PLUS Loan Application and the Master Promissory (MPN) on the Federal Student Aid Website (FSA). On the FSA site, a parent must use the parent’s Federal Student Aid PIN to sign in and complete the process.  The application and MPN is available at www.studentloans.gov.