This grant program is designed to assist needy undergraduate students who desire to continue their education beyond high school. Every student is entitled to apply for a Federal Pell Grant.

Eligibility is determined by a standard U.S. Department of Education formula, which uses family size, income and resources to determine need. The actual amount of the award is based upon the cost of attendance, enrollment status, and the amount of money appropriated by Congress to fund the program. The Federal Pell Grant makes it possible to provide a foundation of financial aid to help defray the cost of a postsecondary education. Unlike loans, the Federal Pell Grant does not have to be paid back.

The FSEOG is a grant program for undergraduate students with exceptional need with priority given to students with Federal Pell Grant eligibility. Students who are unable to continue their education without additional assistance may qualify for this program.

The federal government allocates FSEOG funds to participating schools. This is a limited pool of funds and the College will determine to whom and how much it will award based on federal guidelines. Often, due to limited funding, grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

Federal Stafford loans, available through the Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP), are low-interest loans that are made to the student by a lender, such as a bank, credit union, or savings and loan association. The loan must be used to pay for direct and/or indirect educational expenses.

Subsidized loans are need-based, while unsubsidized loans are not. Repayment begins six months after the student graduates, withdraws from school, or falls below half-time enrollment status.

The Federal PLUS loan, another FFELP loan program, is available to parents of dependent undergraduate students. These loans are not based on need but when combined with other resources, cannot exceed the student's cost of education.

A credit check is required and either or both parents may borrow through this program. Repayment begins within 60 days of final disbursement of the loan within a loan period.

FWS is a financial aid program designed to assist students in meeting the cost of their education by working part-time while attending school. Positions may either be on-campus, off-campus, or community service related.

A candidate must demonstrate need to be awarded FWS. The number of positions available may be limited depending upon the institution's annual funding allocation from the federal government.

Various lending institutions offer loans to help cover the gap between the cost of education and the amount of federal eligibility. A co-signer may be required to meet the program's credit criteria.

Interest rates are variable and are typically based on the prime rate or the Treasury Bill. Contact the Financial Aid office for more information.