Types of Financial Assistance

• Federal Pell Grant: The largest and best-known source of grants, Federal Pell Grants are awarded based on need and do not have to be repaid. Initial Pell Grant awards are predicted at full-time enrollment status but disbursement will be prorated if student's actual enrollment is below full-time enrollment after student’s census date.  A student may receive up to 12 full-time semesters (or their equivalent) of Pell Grant and Pell Grant usage. Students are able to manage their balance and accounts at the National Student Loan Data System website by logging in to their Federal Student Aid (FSA ID) account. Contact Student Services concerning eligibility with less than half-time enrollment.
• Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant: This grant is awarded to undergraduate and vocational students who demonstrate exceptional financial need. Funds are limited and awards are made based on the priority consideration deadline.
• Florida Student Assistance Grant: This grant is awarded to students with financial need, based on state criteria. Recipients must have been a Florida resident for the previous 12 months, be enrolled at least half-time (six or more credits within a term), meet the financial aid standards of academic progress and complete all attempted hours for each term during the prior year that the grant has been received for renewal.
• Federal Work-Study Program: This need-based program awards a maximum of 20 hours of employment per week based on the availability of funds.
• Federal Direct Loan:This loan is available for undergraduate students who enroll at least half time (six or more credits within a term). Academic year maximums are determined by federal regulations. Repayment begins six months after the student graduates, withdraws or drops below half-time enrollment.  Loans are classified as subsidized or unsubsidized:
  • Subsidized loans are contingent on a student having financial need. Interest does not accrue on subsidized loans until the student enters repayment.
  • Unsubsidized loans are available as determined by federal regulations for students reaching subsidized eligibility limits or for those with less financial need. For the unsubsidized loan, the student is responsible for repaying all interest, which begins accruing immediately following disbursement.
• Federal Direct PLUS Loan: This loan is available for parents of dependent students. Maximum eligibility is equal to the cost of education minus other aid. Repayment of principal and interest usually begins within 60 days of the disbursement of the loan, unless in-school repayment relief is granted.