For undergraduate students, the base of funding begins with the Federal Pell Grant Program. For graduate students, the Federal Stafford Loan usually is the first source of funding. The Federal SEOG Program is a direct grant to undergraduate students demonstrating exceptional financial need. Eligibility is determined by the Office of Student Financial Aid. The Federal College Work Study Program allows students to defray part of their cost of education through work experience.
Many job placements are career related, offering both valuable experience and income to the student.
The Federal Pell Grant Program is funded by the federal government in order to provide primary access for students for their undergraduate degrees. Eligibility is established by the federal government and students are funded appropriately to their dependency status, living accommodations, and enrollment. This Program is available to both graduates and undergraduates to meet educational expenses. Loans are made by local lending institutions, including banks, credit unions, and other financial institutions. The loans are federally insured for repayment and lenders are paid a subsidy on the interest rate as long as the student is enrolled in school.