Federal Financial Aid Programs

Federal Direct Loan Program

The Federal Direct Loan Program comes in two types: Subsidized Direct Loans, and Unsubsidized Direct Loans.

Subsidized

Amount

Up to $3,500 for first year, $4,500 for second, and $5,500 for each year thereafter. Additional unsubsidized loan money may also be available.

Eligibility

Students with financial need as demonstrated by the FAFSA.

Unsubsidized

Amount

The maximum award is $5,500 per year for the first year. (If the student receives a Subsidized Direct Loan, that amount is deducted from the $5,500.) Second-year students can receive a total of $6,500, and a maximum of $7,500 for each year after. Additional unsubsidized loan money is also available for a student if a parent does not meet the requirements of the Federal PLUS Loan program.

Eligibility

Students do not have to demonstrate financial need.

Federal Pell Grant Program

A Federal Pell Grant, unlike a loan, does not have to be repaid. Pell Grants are usually awarded only to undergraduate students who have not earned a bachelor’s or a professional degree. (In some cases, however, a student enrolled in a post-baccalaureate teacher certification program might receive a Pell Grant.) Pell Grants are considered a foundation of federal financial aid, to which aid from other federal and nonfederal sources might be added.

Amount

Amounts can change yearly. The maximum Federal Pell Grant award is $7,395 for the 2023–24 award year (July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024).

Eligibility

Federal Pell Grants usually are awarded only to undergraduate students who display exceptional financial need and have not earned a bachelor’s, graduate, or professional degree.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG) are for undergraduates with exceptional financial need. Pell Grant recipients with the lowest EFCs will be the first to get FSEOGs. Just like Federal Pell Grants, FSEOGs don’t have to be paid back.

Amount

Students are able to receive between $100 and $4,000 a year, depending on when the student applies, financial need, and available funding.

Eligibility

Your eligibility for federal student aid, including the FSEOG, is determined by completing the FAFSA form on an annual basis.

Federal Work-Study Program

Federal Work-Study (FWS) provides part-time jobs for undergraduate students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to help pay education expenses. The program encourages community service work and work related to the recipient’s course of study.

Amount

Varies; no repayment required.

Eligibility

Students with financial need as demonstrated by the FAFSA.

PLUS Loan Program

The PLUS Loan is a way for parents to help pay educational expenses for their dependent undergraduate student that is enrolled at least half time at Brescia University.

Amount

Up to the total cost of education less other financial aid.

Eligibility

To be eligible, parents must complete and submit a PLUS Loan application available in the Financial Aid Office.