Financial Aid Programs

Our list may look a bit overwhelming, but you deserve an overview of the major kinds of financial aid available. When you're ready to do more research, check out our listing of online financial aid resources and look at our scholarship opportunities. Remember, you can always email specific questions to our Financial Aid Office.

Federal Pell Grants
The Pell Grant Program is a federal program providing grant assistance to low-income students. Grants for the 2007-08 academic year range from $400 to $4310, with the student's eligibility being determined by the U.S. Department of Education.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG)
SEOG is a federal program to provide additional grant assistance to Pell eligible students. Students are selected by the University to receive this grant.

Federal Academic Competitiveness Grant  (ACG)
First and second year students who have completed a rigorous high school program, are Pell eligible U.S. citizens, and are attending full time may be eligible for the ACG. Students who qualify for the ACG receive $750 in their first year and $1300 in the second academic year provided they have achieved a 3.00 cumulative G.P.A.

Federal National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent Grant (SMART Grant)
The SMART Grant is available to third and fourth year students who are Pell eligible U.S. Citizens and are attending full time. Additionally, to receive a SMART Grant students must be majoring in physical, life, or computer sciences, mathematics, technology, engineering or in a foreign language determined critical to national security. Qualifying students are awarded a $4000 SMART Grant provided they maintain a 3.00 G.P.A. and are enrolled in at least one SMART related course each semester.

Connecticut Independent College Student Grant Program (CICSG)
Funds provided by the Connecticut General Assembly are awarded to Connecticut residents attending the university who demonstrate financial need.

Capitol Scholarship Program
Connecticut students who have finished in the top 20 percent of their high school class or who have scored 1800 or higher on their combined Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) scores and demonstrate financial need may be eligible for the Capitol Scholarship. Students must obtain an application from their high school guidance office or at www.ctdhe.org. Eligible students may receive up to $3000.

University Grant-in-Aid
The University grant-in-aid is awarded on the basis of need.

Athletic Grant-in-Aid
Athletic grants are provided to students for participation in sports, with recipient selection made by the Athletic Department based on students' athletic ability. Awards can range up to a full scholarship (tuition, room, and board). Athletic grants are available in the following sports:

Men

• Baseball
• Basketball
• Cross Country
• Football
• Golf
• Soccer
• Track and Field

Women

• Basketball
• Cross Country
• Lacrosse
• Soccer
• Softball
• Tennis
• Track and Field
• Volleyball

Federal Loan Programs

Federal Perkins Loan Program
The Perkins Loan Program is a low interest (fixed 5%) federal loan program awarded to needy students. Loan amounts can range from $1,000 to a maximum of $4,000 per year. New borrowers are required to complete an entrance counseling session and a Perkins Master Promissory Note (MPN) prior to receiving their first disbursement. Repayment on Perkins Loans begins nine months after a recipient leaves school. Students are selected by the university to receive Perkins Loans.  

Federal Stafford Student Loan

Subsidized Stafford Loans are low interest rate federal loans made to undergraduate students attending accredited colleges and universities. There are two types of Stafford Loans: Subsidized and Unsubsidized.

The Subsidized Stafford Student Loan is a federally subsidized loan program available on the basis of financial need to students enrolled at least half-time. For students who are eligible for a subsidized Stafford Loan, the U.S. Department of Education pays the interest while you're enrolled at least half time, for the first six months after you leave school (your grace period), and during periods of deferment (a postponement of loan payments). A FAFSA must be completed to qualify for a Stafford Loan.

Unsubsidized Stafford Student Loans do not require a student to have financial need. The U.S. Department of Education does not pay interest on the loan. The interest rate is fixed at 6.8% as of July 1, 2006 and the interest will start accruing on the date of your first disbursement. The student has the option to pay the interest while in school. A FAFSA must be completed to qualify for a Stafford Loan.

Federal Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students (PLUS)

The PLUS Loan is a financing option available to parents of a dependent undergraduate student enrolled in school at least half time and be making satisfactory academic progress. The interest rate on a PLUS Loan is fixed at 8.5% as of July 1, 2006. Parents who do not have adverse credit histories may borrow up to the annual total cost of education less other financial aid received.   

Click here for information on other University payment options.