Federal Aid


Federal Pell Grant

This federally funded grant is awarded on the basis of financial need. This grant is the foundation upon which all other aid is based.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant

This federally funded grant is awarded to students based on financial need. Limited funds are available, and priority is given to Pell Grant recipients.

Federal Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant

Students who intend to teach in a public or private elementary or secondary school that serves students from low-income families may be eligible for this grant. In exchange for receiving a TEACH grant, students must agree to serve as a full-time teacher in a high-need field in a school that serves low-income families. 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. Failure to complete this service obligation will result in the grant being converted to a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan.

Students have the right to cancel the TEACH Grant after the funds were disbursed to their account. See the Right to Cancel section below.

Federal Direct Subsidized Loan

This need-based program enables students to borrow a student loan. The loan is insured by the federal government, and the federal government pays the interest while the borrower is enrolled in school at least half-time, during a grace period, and during authorized periods of deferment. Interest will begin to accrue from the beginning of the repayment period.

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan

This is a non-need-based loan. This loan is insured by the federal government. Interest begins accruing when the loan is disbursed. The interest rate is determined annually by the federal government. The student is responsible for the interest during in-school, deferment, and repayment periods.

Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan

The Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan is an unsubsidized loan for graduate and professional students. The program allows a graduate student to borrow up to the cost of attendance, minus any other financial aid received. Graduate or professional students must be enrolled at least half-time at an eligible school in a program leading to a graduate or professional degree and must meet the eligibility requirement established by the U.S. Department of Education. Interest is determined annually by the federal government.

Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan

This loan program enables parents with approved credit to borrow for each child who is enrolled at least half-time and who is a dependent student. There is no grace period for these loans. Interest is determined annually by the federal government.

Note: Direct Loan Right to Cancel Students and parents have a right to cancel Federal Direct Loans after the funds are disbursed. See the Right to Cancel section below.

Right to Cancel

Students have a right to cancel a Direct Loan or a TEACH Grant after the funds were disbursed to their account. The Financial Aid office will notify students via email of their cancellation right after the disbursement. Students have 30 days from the disbursement to complete and submit a Direct Loan and TEACH Grant Cancellation form to the Financial Aid office. Students who cancel this aid will be responsible for returning any funds to the college for which they received a refund and for paying any balance created on the student account.

Work Study Program

Federal and institutional aid are available for part-time employment opportunities for students who need financial assistance. Employment in the college’s work study program takes place mostly on campus and is based on need. Students may not work during scheduled class times.

Iraq & Afghanistan Service Grant

This federally funded grant is for students whose parent or guardian died as a result of military service in Iraq or Afghanistan. The grant amount is equal to the maximum Federal Pell Grant for the award year and cannot exceed cost of attendance. Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and meet the eligibility requirements below to qualify:

  • Student is not eligible for a Federal Pell Grant on the basis of expected family contribution, but
  • Student meets the remaining Federal Pell Grant eligibility requirements; and
  • Student's parent or guardian was a member of the U.S. armed forces and died as a result of the military service performed in Iraq or Afghanistan after the events of 9/11; and
  • The student was under 24 years old, or was enrolled in college at least part time at the time of the parent or guardian's death.
Once the student has earned a bachelor's degree or first professional degree or has used up all 12 semesters of eligibility, s/he is no longer eligible to receive an Iraq & Afghanistan Service Grant.