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 types of aid offered at JIU can be divided into one of the following categories: need-based and non-need-based. Your needs is determined by the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) and by the information provided on the free application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

AWARD SELECTION

Financial aid at JIU is awarded in the following order based on a review of your eligibility. JIU awards first any federal grants including the Pell Grant, then any outside grants or scholarships, and then any tuition discounts followed by federal student loans. A student's total financial aid package cannot exceed the cost of attendace, as described here.

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

Federal Pell Grant (need-based)

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 FAFSA and completing the steps in JIU's Virtual Financail Aid Office. Undergraduate students who are eligible for a Pell Grant can receive a Book Voucher from JIU to purchase books and supplies.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) (need-based)

Students eligible for the Federal Pell Grant may also be eligible for the FSEOG; however, funds are limited and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis to Pell eligible students first or until all funds have been awarded for the academic year.

Federal Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant Program (non-need-based)

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 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)(need-based)
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 at least a half-time enrollment per term of study, you can defer repayment until you complete your JIU program; however, interestbegins accruing while you are in school. The 2011 - 2012 interest rate for subsidized Stafford Loans are 3.4% for undergarduate students and 6.8% for graduate students.
Direct Stafford Loan (unsubsidized) (non-need-based)
An unsubsidized loan is not awarded on the basis of need. If you maintain at least a half-time enrollment per term of study, you can defer repayment of principal and interest until you complete your JIU program; however, interest begins accruing while you are in school. The 2011-2012 interest rate for the unsubsidized Stafford Loans is 6.8%.

Direct PLUS Loan (non-need-based)

If you are a dependent, undergraduate student, your parents may borrow an unsubsidized PLUS Loan at 7.9% for 2011-2012 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.This loan is based on the credit score of a parent. If, however, the aprent's application is denied based upon a low credit score, additional Stafford Lloans would be available to the dependent student.

Direct Grad PLUS Loan (non-need-based)

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 2011-2012 interest rate for Grad PLUS Loans is 7.9%.

Veteran's Affairs Educational Benefits

Veterans, active servicepersons, reservists, dependents and survivors of veterans of the Armed Forces may qualify for financial assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill, the Dependents' Educational Assistance Program and the Veterans' Educational Assistance program. To determine eligibility for VA educational benefits, students should visit the Department of Veteran Affairs website or call the Veterans' Education Office at 888.442.4551.

Once eligibility status has been determined, students should submit the proper forms to JIU for processing. To receive a formal decision of eligibility for benefits from VA, students must file a claim for benefits. The amount of educational assistance students receive is based on their full- or part-time registration status in undergraduate or graduate degrees.

Bureau of Indian Affairs

The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) has the responsibility to adminster and manage the 55.7 million acres of land held in trust by the United States for American Indians, Indian tribes and Alaska natives. In addition, the BIA provides educational services to approximately 48,000 students.

To be eligible for a Higher Ed grant through the BIA, a student must:

Be a member of, or at least one-quarter degree Indian blood descendent of a member of, an American Indian tribe who is eligible for the special programs and services provided by the United States through BIA to Indians because of their status as Indians.
Be accepted for admission to a nationally accredited institution of higher education.
Demonstrate financial need as determined by the Financial Aid Officer of the post-secondary institution.

The grant application is available from the education office of the Tribe in which you are affiliated or possess membership.