Making Sense of
Government Aid - To apply for any of the aid options below, you
must complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student
Aid (FAFSA).
Federal Pell Grant - Generally awarded only to undergraduate
students who have not yet earned a bachelor's or professional
degree. The maximum award in 2001-2 was $3,750. You can find the
amount you are eligible to receive by submitting your Student Aid
Report (SAR) to your college's financial aid office. You receive the
SAR after submitting the FAFSA.
Federal State Grants - The FAFSA is used to apply for most
state loan, grant and scholarship programs. The US Department of
Education forwards your FAFSA information to the state student
assistance agency.
Federal Work Study - Jobs reserved for Federal Work Study can
include working for your school, in a project related to your major
or community service work.
Perkins Loan - The Perkins Loan is awarded to college
students with exceptional financial need. This is a campus-based
loan program. The amount you receive is determined by your school's
financial aid office. Your school also acts as the lender.
Stafford Loan - The federal loan for students is called the
Stafford Loan and has two variations. Federal Family Education Loan
(FFELP) loans are provided by private lenders (such as banks and
credit unions). Federal Direct Student Loan Programs (FDSLP) loans
are provided by the US government directly to students and their
parents. Both loans are guaranteed against default by the federal
government.
Talk to your guidance counselor and/or visit
