Financial Aid Programs

Southern Connecticut State University participates in the following financial aid programs:

GRANTS

A grant is a form of aid based on need. It does not have to be repaid. Students must demonstrate financial need to be considered for the following grants:

Federal Pell Grant (PELL) may be used at any college or university you attend as a matriculated undergraduate. It serves as the foundation of all financial aid and is available for full-time, three-quarter-time, half-time, and less than half-time study leading to a first undergraduate degree. Grants range from $400 to $4,731 per academic year, depending on your and/or your parents' financial resources.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG) is a federal grant program available to matriculated full-time undergraduate students who demonstrate extreme financial need, with priority to Pell recipients. First-year grants at Southern range from $200 to $4,000 per academic year. Funds are limited and depend on Southern's yearly allocations.
Connecticut Aid to Public Schools (CAPS) is a state grant available to matriculated full-time undergraduate students who are Connecticut residents and demonstrate exceptional financial need. The range of awards at Southern is from $200 up to the cost of In-state tuition.
Connecticut State University Grant (CSUG) is authorized by Connecticut statute and allows the university to award grants to Connecticut resident and non-resident students. Grants are given to matriculated full-time students on the basis of demonstrated financial need. The range of awards at Southern is from $200 to $8,550 per academic year.
Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG) is a federal grant available for matriculated full-time undergraduate students who are a U.S. citizen, federal pell grant recipient, enrolled in the first or second academic year of a program and have successfully completed a rigorous secondary school program of study. The first year award is $750 and the second year award is $1,300.
National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent Grant (SMART) is a federal grant available for matriculated full-time undergraduate students who are a U.S. citizen, federal pell grant recipient, enrolled in the third or fourth academic year of a program. Students must have a GPA of at least 3.0 and majoring in physical, life or computer science, engineering, mathematics, technology, or a critical foreign language. The award is $4,000 for each of the third and fourth year.

LOANS

Loans are funds that must be repaid with interest. Students must demonstrate financial need to be considered for the following loans:

Federal Perkins Loans are available to matriculated full-time students; preference is given to students with exceptional need.

Undergraduates may borrow a maximum of $4,000 per year, with the total borrowed for undergraduate study not to exceed $15,000.
For new borrowers, interest and repayment are deferred until nine months after the student ceases to be enrolled at least half-time.
Minimum repayment for new borrowers is $120 quarterly.
Interest is five percent on the unpaid balance.
Ten years is the maximum time allowed to complete payment, except for low-income students who can have an extension of up to another ten years.
Repayment may be deferred or cancelled under certain conditions.
Funds are limited and borrowers are required to sign a promissory note payable to Southern.
Upon making a properly documented written request, Federal Perkins borrowers are entitled to have up to 100 percent of the amount of their loan, plus interest thereon, cancelled if they perform qualifying service after the period for which they received the loan. Qualifying service cancellation includes: Teaching Cancellation; Head Start Cancellation; Law Enforcement or Corrections Officer Cancellation; Nurse or Medical Technician Cancellation; Child or Family Service Cancellation; and Disability Cancellation. Borrowers should refer to their promissory note for specifics of each qualifying service cancellation.

Federal Stafford Loans (Subsidized and Unsubsidized) are loans available to matriculated graduate and undergraduate students, students earning a second degree, education certification students, and qualified special students.

To be eligible, students must be citizens or permanent residents of the United States and must comply with the Selective Service Regulations.
Students must also demonstrate financial need.
Loans are available through participating private lenders, such as banks, credit unions, or savings and loans. These loans are insured by a guarantee agency and reinsured by the federal government.
Under the subsidized Federal Stafford Loan program, eligible undergraduates at the freshman level are allowed to borrow up to $3,500 annually; sophomores may borrow up to $4,500; juniors and seniors may borrow up to $5,500; and graduate students may borrow $8,500.
The total dependent undergraduate aggregate limit is $23,000.
A graduate student's aggregate limit is $65,500, including amounts borrowed as an undergraduate. For periods of undergraduate study that are shorter than an academic year, the amounts one can borrow will be less than those indicated.
As of July 1, 2007, the interest rate for the subsidized Federal Stafford Loan program is 6.8% fixed rate on new loans disbursed on or after July 1, 2006. The interest for the subsidized Federal Stafford loan is paid on the borrower's behalf by the Federal Government while the student is continuously enrolled at least half -time and during the grace period.
The grace period begins when the student graduates or ceases to be enrolled at least half-time.

The unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loan Program has additional limits available to graduate and independent undergraduate students.

Dependent undergraduate students whose parents are denied for a PLUS Loan may also borrow from this program.
Eligible undergraduates at the freshman level are allowed to borrow up to $7,500 (at least $4,000 of this amount must be in unsubsidized Stafford Loan); sophomore level $8,500 (at least $4,000 of this amount must be in unsubsidized Stafford Loan); juniors and seniors, up to $10,500 (at least $5,000 of this amount must be in unsubsidized Stafford Loan).
For periods of undergraduate study that are shorter than an academic year, the amounts one can borrow will be less than those indicated.
Graduate students may borrow up to $20,500 a year (at least $12,000 of this amount must be in unsubsidized Stafford Loans).
The total independent undergraduate aggregate limit is $46,000. The total debt allowed for graduate or professional study is $138,500 ($65,000 in subsidized Federal Stafford Loans and $73,000 in unsubsidized Staffords). The graduate debt limit includes any Federal Stafford Loans received as an undergraduate.
The interest rate for the unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loan is the same as the subsidized Federal Stafford Loan. However, the Federal Government does not pay the interest during in-school grace and deferment periods for unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loans. The borrower is responsible for making interest-only payments while attending school or must request to have the loan capitalized.

Some properties shared by both subsidized and unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loans are as follows:

A loan origination fee will be waived for SCSU preferred lenders. The current interest rate is 6.8% fixed.
The Federal Stafford Loan amount shown on your award screen in Banner is the student's eligibility as certified by OFAS.
Aggregate limits will be assessed prior to certification of approved loan amounts.
Your lender is responsible for the electronic transfer of funds to OFAS.
Please read and fully understand the Borrower Certification and Authorization Section on the Master Promissory Note.
Loans approved for the full academic year (fall and spring terms) will be transferred in two disbursements: one in the fall and one in the spring.
Loans approved for one semester will also be transferred in two disbursements; one half at the start of the semester and one half at the mid-point of the semester.
Federal Stafford borrowers who serve as an enlisted person in certain selected specialties of the United States Army Reserves, the Army National Guard, or the Department of Defense will, as an enlistment incentive, have a portion of their loan(s) repaid.
Total cancellation of the Federal Perkins (PNDSL) or Federal Stafford Loans is granted in the event of one's death.

Federal Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS) are loans available to the parents of dependent students.

The student must be enrolled at least half-time as a matriculated student and maintain satisfactory academic progress, as determined by the university.
The student and the borrower must be United States citizens or permanent residents, may not be in default on an educational loan, or owe a refund for Federal PELL, SEOG, or state grants.
The annual amount a family may borrow, based on credit approval, is the estimated cost of attendance minus any financial aid.
As of July 1, 2007, the interest rate is 8.5 percent fixed rate for new loans that are disbursed on or after July 1, 2007.
Plus Loan funds are sent by EFT to the school twice a year.
Repayment of the loan begins 60 days after the first disbursement and may extend over 10 years.

Federal Graduate Plus loans are available to graduate students.

The student must be enrolled at least half-time as a matriculated student and maintain satisfactory academic progress, as determined by the university.
The student must be United States citizens or permanent residents, may not be in default on an educational loan, or owe a refund for Federal PELL, SEOG, or state grants.
The annual amount a student may borrow, based on credit approval, is the estimated cost of attendance minus any financial aid.
As of July 1, 2007, the interest rate is 8.5% fixed rate for new loans that are disbursed on or after July 1, 2007.
Graduate Plus Loan funds are sent by EFT to the school twice a year.
Repayment of the loan begins 60 days after the first disbursement and may extend over 10 years.

OTHER SOURCES OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

Federal Work-Study Program (FWS)

FWS is a federal program that provides part-time employment opportunities for undergraduate or graduate full-time matriculated students. Eligibility is based on need as determined by OFAS. Employment opportunities on campus include jobs in the university library, laboratories, facility operations, health service, and various campus offices. Southern also places students in local, off-campus nonprofit agencies. Employment opportunities are numerous and can provide career-related experience. Students may work up to 20 hours a week while classes are in session, and 35 hours a week during holiday breaks and vacation periods. Award amounts vary and once the aid is awarded students are required to arrange an appointment with the OFAS. Students are paid bi-weekly at an hourly wage for work performed.

Scholarships

Effective July 1, 2003. The Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships is responsible for receipt and disbursement of all student scholarships, institutional as well as private. Many students attending the university hold scholarships awarded directly by local community organizations. A Resource Bulletin Board has been established by OFAS where students can research non-university scholarship opportunities, secure applications, and receive general information. Prospective students are advised to investigate non-university possibilities through high school guidance counselors, employees, and fraternal or community organizations. Scholarships are based on any one or several of the following criteria: major, ethnic origin, financial need, gender, place of residence, academic performance, etc.

AMERICORPS

AmeriCorps is a network of national service programs created by Congress and President Clinton as part of the National and Community Service Trust Act of 1993. It was designed to address the nation's critical human, educational, environmental, and public safety needs. The program provides tangible benefits to the communities in which national service is performed, and it offers educational opportunities for individuals who participate in national service.

The Corporation for National Service administers the program at the federal level. In Connecticut, the Department of Higher Education has been appointed as the State's lead agency. Eligible entities include city or state governments, Indian nations, nonprofit organizations, institutions of higher education, and federal agencies. Eligible entities compete at the state or federal level for program funds and approved national service positions.

Applicants may consider three programs within AmeriCorps National Service: AmeriCorps, AmeriCorps*VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America), and AmeriCorps*NCCC (National Civilian Community Corps). AmeriCorps members serve through national and community-based private and public organizations. AmeriCorps*VISTA places volunteers with private and public nonprofit agencies to address issues specific to poverty. AmeriCorps*NCCC is a 10-month residential service program. Members serve in teams on one of four regional campuses to meet a variety of needs in urban and rural communities. Eligibility and skill requirements vary with each program. As of October 1998, there have been more than 100,000 participants in the AmeriCorps National Service programs.

There are numerous benefits for those who serve. Participants may serve before, during, or after their post-secondary education. Members may receive a modest stipend for living expenses as well as room and board while participating in the program. Participants also receive health benefits and a child care allowance if needed. The education allowance for full-time service is $4,725 (limit two) or $2,363 for part-time service (limit two). Education allowances must be used for post-secondary education or to repay education loans within seven years from the time earned. Ultimately, service provides an individual with special skills while contributing to the national movement to help others with critical needs. To request an application, call 1-800-942-2677, TDD 1-800-833-3772 or log-on to www.americorps.org.

VETERANS' BENEFITS

The Connecticut Department of Higher Education has approved SCSU's programs for the training of veterans. Educational assistance is provided by the Veterans Administration under Chapter 31 (vocational rehabilitation act for disabled veterans), Chapter 35 (dependents educational assistance act -- children of deceased veterans and of totally disabled veterans), Chapter 32 (post-Vietnam G.I. Education Bill), Chapter 1606 and 1607 (Reserve & National Guard Educational Assistance), and Chapter 30 (New G.I. Bill, effective July 1, 1985).

Veterans, children of veterans, and wives and widows of veterans seeking approval for training under these chapters should apply to the Veteran's Office, Engleman Hall, Room B 018A, for application procedures and qualifications. All veterans' benefits are considered a financial resource.

Tuition Waiver for Veterans

For the purpose of granting a tuition waiver, a veteran is anyone who served on active duty in the United States Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, or Air Force, and has been released from active duty under honorable conditions. Eligibility for the G.I. Bill is not a determining factor in granting a tuition waiver to a veteran in Connecticut.

To be eligible a veteran must be a Connecticut resident, matriculated and have served during the following periods:

Active duty for at least 90 days during:

World War II ( 12/7/41-12/31/46)
Korean Hostilities (6/27/50-1/31/55)
Vietnam Era (12/22/61-7/1/75; any child of a Vietnam-era veteran who has been declared a MIA/POW also is eligible, provided the parent entered the service after 1/1/60.)
Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm (8/1/90 to present).

Engaged in combat or in a combat-support role:

Peacekeeping Mission in Lebanon (9/29/82-3/30/84)
Grenada Invasion (10/25/83-12/15/83)
Operation Earnest Will (Escort of Kuwaiti oil tankers) (2/1/87-7/23/87)
Panama Invasion (12/20/89-1/31/90)

Persons who served during any other period are not eligible for a tuition waiver. To qualify, bring your DD214 to the Veteran's Office, Engleman Hall, Room B 018A.

Connecticut National Guard Tuition Waiver (Full-Time Students)

Connecticut state residents who are members of the Connecticut Army or Air National Guard and are enrolled as full-time, undergraduates are eligible for a tuition waiver. The tuition waiver does not apply to other costs and fees, such as student activity fees and laboratory fees. It covers tuition only. Part-time or summer enrollment does not qualify students for this waiver.

Eligible full-time undergraduates must obtain a Certificate of Eligibility from their National Guard Unit and submit it to the Bursar's Office with their tuition bill each semester. For more information, contact the Veterans Office located in Engleman Hall, Room B 018A, (203) 392-6822.