* Any loans disbursed on, or after July 1, 2015, interest rates for Direct Loans will be 4.29% and Parent Plus Loans will be 6.84%
 

Federal Pell Grant

• Does not have to be repaid
• Available almost exclusively to undergraduates
• Total amount may not exceed the equivalent of six years of Pell Grant funding

Learn more here
 

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

• Does not have to be repaid
• For undergraduates with exceptional need
• Federal Pell Grant recipients take priority
• Funds depend on availability at school
• $100-$4,000

Learn more here.

Federal Work-Study

• Money earned while attending school
• Does not have to be repaid
• For undergraduates and graduate students
• Jobs can be on campus or off campus
• Students are paid at least federal minimum wage
• No annual minimum or maximum amounts

Learn more here
 

Direct Subsidized Loan

• Must be repaid with interest
• For undergraduates students
• U.S. Department of Education pays interest while borrower is in school and during grace and deferment periods (if you receive a Direct Subsidized Loan that is first disbursed between July 1, 2012 and July 1, 2014, you will be responsible for paying any interest that accrues during your grace period)
• Student must be at least half-time
• Student must have financial need
• 4.29% rate
• $3,500-$4,500 depending on grade level

Learn more here

Direct Unsubsidized Loan

• Must be repaid with interest
• For undergraduate and graduate students
• Borrower is responsible for all interest
• Student must be at least half-time
• Financial need is not required
• 4.29 % rate
• $2,000 depending on grade level (more can be available with a written request)

Learn more here

Direct PLUS Loan

• Must be repaid with interest
• For parents of dependent undergraduate students and for graduate or professional students
• Must be enrolled at least half-time
• Financial need is not required
• Borrower is responsible for all interest
• 6.84% rate
• Maximum amount is cost of attendance minus any other financial aid student receives
• No minimum amount

Learn more here

Alternative/ Private Student Loans

• These loans are nonfederal loans, made by a lender such as a bank, credit union, or a state agency.
• The federal government does not fund alternative (or private) loans, which are credit-based loans approved based on the good credit history of the student and/or a co-signer.
• Because alternative loans are funded and administered by private lenders, each has its own unique terms and conditions. You must obtain details about specific loans from the lender.

For a list of private student loan lenders, click here.
Please be sure to research lenders and choose the one that best fits your situation.