Federal Pell Grant - This is a need-based award available only to undergraduate students who have not earned a bachelor's or professional degree. Pell grants provide a foundation of financial aid to which other aid may be added. If your expected family contribution (EFC) is below a certain amount, you'll be eligible for a Federal Pell grant, ranging from $400 to $4,310 based upon your financial need as determined by the information on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Federal Direct Loan Student Program - This program is for undergraduate, graduate, and professional students who must be enrolled at least part-time in an eligible program. There are two forms of student loans, Direct Subsidized and Direct Unsubsidized Loans. You must have financial need to receive Direct Subsidized loans. There is no financial need for Direct Unsubsidized loans. The current interest rate for Direct Loans is 6.8%. The maximum loan debt for Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized loans is $46,000.

Direct PLUS Loan - This program is geared for parents of dependent undergraduate students. This program is not based on need. The terms and conditions are a credit history check and a repayment period which begins on the date of the last disbursement of the loan. The current interest rate is 7.9%. Parents can apply for the full amount of tuition through Parent PLUS loans.