College Financial Aid
The United States Department of Education, also known as the ED for Education Department, is a Cabinet-level department of the United States government and the largest source of financial aid in the United States for scholarships, grants, and loans.
WHAT IS THE FAFSA?
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (known as the FAFSA) is a form that can be prepared annually by current and prospective college students (undergraduate and graduate) in the United States to determine their eligibility for student financial aid.
You must fill out the FAFSA form in order to apply for federal and state student assistance. Many colleges and universities, especially public institutions, also require the FAFSA. Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
WHAT IS A PELL GRANT?
A Federal Pell Grant, unlike a loan, does not have to be repaid. Pell Grants are usually awarded to only undergraduate students who have not earned a bachelor’s or a professional degree. Federal Pell Grant
WHAT IS FSEOG?
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
You must be eligible to receive a Pell Grant and have exceptional financial need. Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG) are for undergraduates with exceptional financial need. Pell Grant recipients with the lowest EFCs will be the first to get FSEOGs. Just like Pell Grants, FSEOGs don’t have to be paid back. Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant
WHAT IS THE TEACH GRANT?
Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education Grant (TEACH Grant)
For undergraduate, post-baccalaureate, or graduate students who are or will be taking coursework necessary to become elementary or secondary teachers. You must be enrolled at a school that participates in the TEACH Grant Program, agree to meet specific requirements, and sign the TEACH Grant Agreement to Serve. Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education Grant
What Is The Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant?
The Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant provides money to college or career school students to help pay their education expenses. However, Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grants have special eligibility criteria. Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant
WHAT IS FEDERAL WORK-STUDY?
Federal Work-Study (FWS) provides part-time jobs for undergraduate and graduate students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to help pay education expenses. The program encourages community service work and work related to the recipient’s course of study. Federal Work Study
WHAT IS A FEDERAL PERKINS LOAN?
A Federal Perkins Loan is a low-interest (5 percent) loan for both undergraduate and graduate students with exceptional financial need. Federal Perkins Loans are made through a school’s financial aid office. Your school is your lender, and the loan is made with government funds. You must repay this loan to your school. Federal Perkins Loan
WHAT ARE DIRECT STAFFORD LOANS?
Direct Stafford Loans, from the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan (Direct Loan) Program, are low-interest 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. Eligible students borrow directly from the U.S. Department of Education (the Department) at participating schools. Direct Stafford Loans
WHAT IS THE BOG WAIVER?
The Board of Governors Fee Waiver was created to provide access for California residents to Community Colleges so that the cost of enrollment would not be a barrier. Bog Waiver
WHAT IS EOP?
The Educational Opportunity Program is designed to improve access and retention of historically low-income and educationally disadvantaged students.
WHAT ABOUT LOANS?
There are private loans and parents of dependent students may apply for a Direct PLUS Loan to help pay their child’s education expenses as long as certain eligibility requirements are met. Direct Plus Loans
What About Individuals With Criminal Convictions?
Individuals with criminal convictions have limited eligibility for federal student aid. Make sure you understand your status, and don’t assume you can’t get aid. If you are on probation or parole or living in a halfway house, you may be eligible for federal student aid. Criminal Convictions
What About Individuals With Intellectual Disabilities?
Individuals with intellectual disabilities may be able to get certain types of federal student aid. If you have an intellectual disability, you may receive funding if certain eligibility requirements are met. Intellectual Disabilities
Remember financial aid is money to help pay for college or career school. Aid can come from
- the U.S. federal government,
- the state where you live,
- the college you attend, or
- a nonprofit or private organization.
In addition to financial aid, you also should think about what you can do to lower your costs when you go to college.