Federal Pell Grant
Federal Pell Grants are awarded to eligible undergraduate students who display exceptional financial need and have not earned a bachelor's, graduate, or professional degree. Students can apply for the Pell Grant by completing the FAFSA.
Eligible students can receive the Pell Grant for no more than 12 full-time semesters or the equivalent (roughly six years). The award amount can change yearly. The maximum Pell Grant award for the 2025-2026 award year is $7,395. Award amounts are based on the Student Aid Index (SAI) determined by completion of the FAFSA and enrollment status (credit hours enrolled each semester).
Students may also be eligible for Year-Round Pell, in which they may receive up to 150% of their annual Pell Grant award. To take advantage of Year-Round Pell, students must be enrolled full time in the fall and spring semesters and enroll in at least one credit hour for the summer semester.
Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) program provides grants to students who demonstrate exceptional financial need to help meet postsecondary education costs. Students must be eligible for the Pell Grant. FSEOG recipients are eligible to receive awards from this program for the period required to complete their first undergraduate bachelor's degree. Students apply for FSEOG funds by completing the FAFSA. The awards are contingent on the availability of funds. Students who may be eligible for this program are encouraged to complete the FAFSA as early as possible each year to ensure full consideration.
Federal Work-Study Program
The Federal Work-Study (FWS) program allows eligible students to work and earn money while enrolled in college. FWS is awarded to students who demonstrate exceptional financial need as determined by the FAFSA. Award amounts can vary based on the availability of funds and a student's financial need, with a maximum of $8,500 for the 2025-2026 award year.
Students must be enrolled at least half-time (six credit hours), be selected for a position, and pass a background check to participate in the FWS program. Students who are not offered FWS on their financial aid award may check with the Student Financial Aid & Scholarships office to inquire about their eligibility for the program.
Federal Direct Student Loan Program
There are two types of Federal Direct Loans available to undergraduate students (subsidized and unsubsidized), each with individual eligibility requirements. In general, students must complete the FAFSA, be enrolled at least half-time (six credit hours), and maintain satisfactory academic progress in their course program of study. Loan repayment is not required until six months after a student graduates, leaves school, or drops below half-time enrollment.
Federal Direct Loans are awarded based on several factors, including dependency status, year in college, cost of attendance, and financial need. The maximum amount that first-year and second-year undergraduate students can borrow is $9,500 and $10,500, respectively. Third-year undergraduate students enrolled in a bachelor's degree program may be able to borrow up to $12,500. Eligible students may be able to receive a portion of their loans that are subsidized. Meaning, the interest is paid by the federal government while the student is in an in-school deferment or a grace period.
Students who are not offered Federal Direct Loans on their financial aid award may contact the Student Financial Aid & Scholarships office to inquire about their eligibility for the program.
Federal Direct PLUS Loans for Parents
Parents of eligible dependent undergraduate students may apply to borrow a Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan for by contacting the Student Financial Aid & Scholarships office. PLUS Loans are awarded based on an approved credit check, requested amount, and cost of attendance. Students must meet the general eligibility requirements for financial aid and be enrolled at least half-time (6 credit hours).