Federal Aid Programs

* Filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) determines your eligibility for the following types of assistance:

Federal PELL Grant

• Money that does not have to be paid back to the federal government

• Determined by an Expected Family Contribution (EFC), an analysis conducted on information provided on the FAFSA

PELL Grants must be awarded in two equal amounts. The amount per semester students may be eligible for are as follows (all reference to number of credits refer to total number of credits for the semester, including Semester, Block, Modular, and Fusion classes):

Full-time (12+ credits) = 100% of PELL for term
3/4-time (9 to 11 credits) = 75% of PELL for term
1/2-time (6 to 8 credits) = 50% of PELL for term
1/4-time (1-5 credits) = 25% (Not all eligible for 1/4-time payment)

Year Round Pell

Beginning summer 2018, Pell Grant eligible students can receive up to 150% of their scheduled Pell award each year. Click here for more information.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

• Money that does not have to be paid back to the federal government.
• Awarded on a first come, first serve basis.
• Awarded to PELL Grant eligible students.

Federal Direct Loans

• Federal Direct Stafford Loans
• Federal Direct Parent Loans (FPLUS)

Federal Work-study Program

The FWS Program provides funds that are earned through part-time employment to assist students in financing the costs of postsecondary education. Hourly wages will not be less than the federal minimum wage.

State of Delaware Support

Funds appropriated by the General Assembly of the State of Delaware and the federal government are combined to assist Delaware residents who are, or will be, full-time students at colleges in Delaware or in certain out-of-state college programs which are not offered at state-supported Delaware institutions. These funds are administered by the Delaware Higher Education Commission which determines eligibility and makes awards.

Financial need is the primary criterion for assistance. The priority application deadline is April 15 of each year.

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

The Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant Program provides annual grants to undergraduate and graduate students who are enrolled in eligible degree programs. TEACH Grant recipients have special teaching service requirements upon acceptance of a TEACH Grant, so understanding these obligations is paramount.

TEACH Grants Can Convert Into Loans

If a TEACH Grant recipient does not meet the requirements of their service obligation, all TEACH Grants received will be converted to Direct Unsubsidized Loans. These loans must be repaid in full, with interest charged from the date of each TEACH Grant disbursement.