How do I get Financial Aid?
All students must fill out the Free Application For Student Aid (FAFSA) form. This can be filled out online. The FAFSA form will determine your eligibility for loans and grants.
Loans
Student Loans are guaranteed by the U.S. Government and provided by national banks. Loans must be eventually be re-paid, but arrangements may be made to delay re-payment while enrolled. Loans come in two forms: Subsidized and Unsubsidized.
Subsidized Loans
When the loan accrues interest while you are enrolled in school at least half-time (6 credits or more per semester), the government will pay that interest. Subsidization is not available on all loans.
Unsubsidized Loans
With these loans, the interest will accrue as normally and be compounded into the loan, even while you are attending classes. You may optionally pay this interest each month to prevent compounding, however.
Scholarships
Scholarships are awarded to qualifying students by private individuals, often on academic or other merits. Read more about scholarships.
Grants
Grants are similar to scholarships in that you do not need to ever be re-pay them. However, unlike scholarships, which are generally awarded based on merit or other qualifications, grants are awarded based on financial need. Depending on your "Expected Family Contribution", you may receive one or both of Federal or State grants.
Federal Pell Grants
These grants are commonly awarded to students in financial need and vary in size based on the number of credit hours enrolled (full-time receives more than half-time). These are granted on a first-come first-serve basis.
State SSACI Grants
To receive these grants, you must be enrolled full-time (12 credit hours) or more. These are granted on a first-come first-serve basis as well.
