Federal Financial Aid

This federal program provides grants to eligible undergraduate students and does not require repayment. The amount received depends upon the SAI. Students attending full time receive one half of their Pell eligibility in the fall semester and one half in the spring semester. Students attending less than full time receive pro-rated awards in the same manner as full-time students.

These federal grants are limited in number. Like the Pell Grant, they need not be repaid. FSEOG awards will be made to applicants with the greatest financial need (as determined by the federal processor). Priority in awarding FSEOG funds will be given to Pell-eligible students who have submitted and completed their financial aid paperwork and is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. FSEOG funds that have been awarded to students who do not complete the enrollment process and do not attend, will later be awarded to the next eligible applicant for the upcoming semester.

Student Loans must be repaid. Avoid unnecessary debt, borrow only what you need.

A Federal Stafford Loan is a loan, not a grant. Before you borrow, make sure you can afford the monthly payments. You must repay the funds you borrow, plus interest and fees.

In order to receive a Federal Stafford Loan, you must have already completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You must also accept your loans in Net Partner, complete entrance counseling and have a master promissory note on file with the Department of Education.

Upon completion of the FAFSA, you may qualify for either a subsidized or unsubsidized Stafford Loan, or a combination of both. When your loan has been processed in the Financial Aid Office, you will receive an email letting you know if your loan is subsidized, unsubsidized, or a combination of both.

· Subsidized Loans: Based on certain need criteria, the federal government will pay the interest on this loan while you are enrolled at least half time, and during grace and any periods of authorized deferment.

· Unsubsidized Loans: Students not meeting the criteria to qualify for a subsidized Stafford Loan may still apply for an unsubsidized Stafford Loan. The borrower is responsible for the interest on this loan. The interest may either be paid on a quarterly basis or added to your principal balance through a process called capitalization.

Federal Stafford Loan Program Annual Maximums

0-29 Credit Hours Complete***

Dependent*: $3,500 + $2,000

Independent**: $3,500 + $6,000

30-59 Credit Hours Complete***

Dependent*: $4,500 + $2,000

Independent**: $4,500 + $6,000

60 or more Credit Hours Complete***

Dependent*: $5,500 + $2,000

Independent**: $5,500 + $7,000

*Dependent: Students who were required to use parent’s income tax information to complete the FAFSA

**Independent: Students who needed only their own and/or spouse’s income tax information to complete the FAFSA or dependent students whose parents have been denied a PLUS Loan.

***Credit Hours Complete must count towards your degree.

1. Sign in to your Net Partner account to accept your awards.
2. E-sign a Direct Master Promissory Note (MPN). You will need your
3. Department of Education FSA ID to Create An FSA ID.
4. Complete Entrance Counseling for a Federal Direct Loan.

Note: You must be enrolled in at least 6 credit hours in order to be eligible for a Loan.

Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students

The US Department of Education has announced that beginning March 29, 2015, a new PLUS Counseling module will be added to the StudentLoans.gov Website in English only. This counseling must be completed by Direct PLUS Loan applicants (by parents of dependent undergraduate students) who are determined to have an adverse credit history, but qualify for a Direct PLUS Loan by obtaining an endorser or by documenting extenuating circumstances.

The PLUS Loan is a fixed interest rate loan made available to creditworthy parents of a dependent undergraduate student. The loan is intended to cover the remaining cost of attendance.

The interest rate is fixed under current regulations at 6.84%. Interest is charged from the date of first disbursement. Repayment on both interest and principal begins 60 days after the final disbursement of the loan. (Parents can request a delay in payments from the Department of Education).

The loan funds will be sent to the school in two disbursements. The funds will first be applied to tuition, fees, room and other school charges. If any loan funds remain, the parent borrower (or student if parent authorizes) will receive the balance from the Business Office.

In order to receive a Federal PLUS Loan, the student’s financial aid file must be complete. A complete file includes the results of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Check out Direct Loan Basics For Parents for more information.

Apply for a Parent Plus Loan

Complete the Federal Direct PLUS Loan application, which includes a Master Promissory Note. You will need your Department of Education FSA ID. To Create An FSA ID. Note: If your loan is not approved, the OCC Financial Aid Office will notify the student of additional unsubsidized loan eligibility.

Private loans may be available. Contact the Financial Aid Office for more information.