Types of Aid Available
For those who qualify, there are several types of financial assistance available to help fund college expenses.
Grants
Grants are forms of financial assistance that do not have to be repaid. They are provided for students from limited-income families.
Please note: Students who have earned a Bachelor Degree or Professional Degree are not eligible for grants. Student loans are available after completing six credit hours at Prairie State College with a 2.0 cumulative grade point average.
Pell Grant
Federal Pell Grants are available from the federal government and are based upon calculated financial need.
MAP Grant
Available to Illinois residents who will attend approved Illinois colleges and demonstrate financial need based on the information provided on the FAFSA.
Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant
The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) program is for undergraduates with exceptional financial need. Pell Grant recipients with the lowest expected family contributions (EFCs) will be considered first for a FSEOG. Just like Pell Grants, the FSEOG does not have to be repaid.
Loans
Loans are federally or privately funded sources of assistance that must be repaid with interest. Student loans can be a useful tool in funding your education, but use them wisely. You should be aware of the responsibility of borrowing money to finance your education. Per the Federal Default Management Guidelines for student loans, all first time students must complete six credit hours at Prairie State College with a 2.0 cumulative grade point average.
Federal Stafford Loan Programs
These loans are low-interest loans to help you pay for your college education. There are two kinds of federal Stafford loans, Subsidized and Unsubsidized.
Subsidized
The subsidized loan is based on need, and the government pays the interest while the student is enrolled on at least a half-time basis.
Unsubsidized
The unsubsidized loan is a non-need-based loan for educational expenses. The student is responsible for the interest upon disbursement.
Federal PLUS Loan Program
The Federal PLUS Loan is a non-need-based federal program. Parents of a dependent student may borrow up to the cost of attendance minus any financial aid to help finance their student’s undergraduate education. The loan interest rate is fixed at 8.5 percent.
Employment
Work Study
The Federal Work Study program provides on-campus and nonprofit off-campus employment for students while they attend college. The number of hours worked weekly is determined by the amount of work-study dollars awarded and financial need.
Students who receive Federal Work Study funds must:
- Demonstrate need to be eligible for work-study funds.
- Be paid at least federal minimum wage.
- Perform work-study employment from 5-20 hours per week.
Scholarships
Scholarships are available both through the Prairie State College Foundation as well as several outside sources. Scholarships are a form of financial assistance that does not need to be repaid.
Veterans Benefits
Veterans may be eligible for certain education benefits administered by the US Department of Veterans Affairs and the Illinois Student Assistance Commission.