Types of Federal Student Aid

Most JIU students who are U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens admitted to a JIU degree program and attending at least half-time may be eligible to receive student loan assistance across the years of their academic programs. Click here to find out if you are eligible to receive Federal Student Aid.

The following are the types of aid that JIU offers to its students through participation in the Federal Student Aid Program:

 

Federal Pell Grant

A Federal Pell Grant, unlike a loan, does not have to be repaid. You may receive a Pell Grant if you are pursuing your first baccalaureate degree and can demonstrate financial need by filing a federal student aid application.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

Students eligible for the Federal Pell Grant are also eligible for FSEOG. However, funds are limited and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until all funds have been awarded for the academic year.

Award Selection

Financial aid at JIU is awarded in the following order based on a review of your eligibility. We award first any federal grants including the Pell Grant, then any outside grants or scholarships, then any tuition discounts followed up with student loans. A students total financial aid package cannot exceed the cost of attendance.

Federal Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant Program

The TEACH Grant provides grants of up to $4,000 per year to students that intend to teach in a high need field of math, science, reading foreign language or special education. TEACH grant recipients must also teach in a public or private elementary or secondary school that serves students from low-income families.

Direct Stafford Loans

These low-interest loans are not based on income and do not require credit checks or collateral. The amount you may borrow is determined by your financial need (for subsidized loans), cost of attendance and federal loan maximums. Click here for the annual loan limits for subsidized and unsubsidized Stafford loans.

  • Direct Stafford Loan (subsidized)

    A subsidized loan is awarded on the basis of financial need. While you are in school and during grace and deferment periods, the federal government pays the interest on this loan. If you maintain half-time enrollment, you can defer repayment until you complete your JIU program. The 2010-2011 interest rates for subsidized Stafford Loans are 4.5% for undergraduate students and 6.8% for graduate students.

  • Direct Stafford Loan (unsubsidized)

    An unsubsidized loan is not awarded on the basis of need. If you maintain half-time enrollment, you can defer repayment of principal and interest until you complete your JIU program; however, interest begins accruing while you are in school. The 2010-2011 interest rate for the unsubsidized Stafford Loans is 6.8%.

Direct PLUS Loan

If you are a dependent, undergraduate student, your parents may borrow an unsubsidized PLUS Loan at 7.9% for 2010-2011 to cover educational costs not covered by Pell Grant, Direct Stafford Loans or other financial aid. You do not have to demonstrate financial need to receive this loan.

Direct Grad PLUS Loan

These loans are available to graduate or professional students that wish to borrow up to their cost of attendance. This loan is not based on financial need, however, students must not have an adverse credit history. The 2010-2011 interest rate for Grad PLUS Loans is 7.9%.

How to apply for FSA:

  1. Visit our Financial Aid Advising Center to learn more about Federal Student Aid.
  2. Apply for admission to JIU.
  3. Obtain an estimate of your aid eligibility. While you are in the applicant portal, click on the Federal Student Aid link to access the FSA application process.
  4. Apply for Federal Student Aid.