Financial aid consists of both federal and institutional programs. Federal programs consist of the Federal Pell Grant , Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant , and Federal Work-Study programs.
Institutional programs consist of scholarships and departmental assistantships.
To be considered for financial aid, students should apply as early in the year as possible, since financial aid is generally awarded on the basis of need and in the order of application. Merit scholarships are available. The University is particularly sensitive to the financial needs of its student body. Operating on the premise that no student should be denied an education solely because of a lack of financial resources, the University Financial Aid office renders assistance to as many students as possible in the form of employment , scholarships , University endowed scholarships , grants and student loans . Qualifying students may receive funds from one or more of the programs administered by the University and funded from federal, state, and institutional sources .