Federal Government Financial Aid Programs

You may be eligible for federal aid from the Department of Education if you:

• Are enrolled in a degree or certificate program
• Are a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen
• Have a high school diploma or GED, or demonstrate ability to benefit from the education at Cayuga by earning a qualifying score on a federally approved test administered by the College
• Demonstrate Satisfactory Academic Progress
• Are not in default on a Perkins Loan, Stafford Loan, PLUS or SLS Loan at any institution
• Do not owe a refund of any Federal Title IV aid at any institution
• Are registered with Selective Service, if required
• Have never been convicted of a drug related offense

Federal Pell Grant

• Based on college costs and your family's expected contribution
• Apply on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA); http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/
• No repayment required

This program, through which eligible undergraduate students may receive grants ranging up to $4,050 a year, is based on college costs and your family's expected contribution. The index is determined by factors such as family income and assets, size of family and number of post-secondary students in the family.You can apply on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

You will receive a Student Aid Report, which you should review and keep for your records. No repayment is required.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG)

• Grants from $100-$4000 per year
• Based on exceptional need and circumstances
• No repayment required

As an undergraduate student, you may receive federal grants ranging from $100-4,000 per year. These grants are awarded based on exceptional need and circumstances. Application is through campus aid procedures. No repayment is required.

Federal Work-Study (FWS)

• Available for enrolled students who demonstrate financial need
• Employment may be either on or off campus
• Earnings must be used solely for educational purposes

This program, supported through federal and college funds, is available to you if you are enrolled and can demonstrate financial need. Awards vary according to need and available funds. You may be employed either on or off campus with public or nonprofit agencies. Earnings must be used solely for educational purposes. Application is through campus aid procedures. Biweekly payment is made directly to you based on wage and hours worked.

Ford Federal Direct Loan

• Available if you are attending at least half time
• Borrow up to $3,500 the first year; $4,500 afterward
• Must demonstrate financial need
• Promissory note is required
• Repayment required

This loan is available if you need financial assistance and are attending Cayuga at least half time (six credits or more). You may borrow up to $3,500 for the first year of a program and $4,500 after the first year is completed. An applicant must have submitted the Student Aid Report from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. An origination fee and insurance premium is deducted from the amount disbursed. Loans are disbursed in two separate checks over the period of the loan. All first-time borrowers must complete entrance counseling online at http://www.dl.ed.gov (click on Entrance and Exit Counseling). First-time, first-year borrowers will not have their checks disbursed until 30 days after classes begin and their attendance is checked. Repayment at a variable interest rate, not to exceed 8.25%, begins six months after termination of study or if the student drops below six credits. Loan applications are available in the Financial Aid Office. A promissory note is required of the student.

Ford Federal Unsubsidized Direct Loan

• Same terms and conditions as the Ford Federal Direct Loans except eligibility is based only on the cost of education less other financial aid

Veterans' Benefits

The College is approved for full Veterans Administration educational benefits. If you're a veteran attending Cayuga for the first time, you should complete VA application forms at any local VA Office. If you're a re-enrolling veteran, complete registration certification forms in the Registrar's Office.

Additional Aid Programs

Information on other aid programs is available in the Financial Aid Office. A partial list of these programs includes U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs Aid to Native Americans, Regents Awards for Children of Deceased or Disabled Veterans, Regents Awards for Children of Deceased Police Officers and Firemen, State Aid to Native Americans.