Non - need - based aid is financial aid that is not based on your EFC. What matters is your COA and how much other assistance you ve been awarded so far. For instance , if your COA is $16,000 and you ve been awarded a total of $4,000 in need - based aid and private scholarships , you can get up to $12,000 in non - need - based aid.


The following are the non - need - based federal student aid programs : Direct Unsubsidized Loan Federal PLUS Loan Teacher Education Access for College and Higher Education TEACH Grant


The Graduated Repayment Plan starts with lower payments that increase every two years.


Payments are made for up to 10 years between 10 and 30 years for consolidation loans.


If your income is low now, but you expect it to increase steadily over time , this plan may be right for you.


Eligible Federal Loans


The following loans from the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Direct Loan Program and the Federal Family Education Loan FFEL Program are eligible for the Graduated Repayment Plan : Direct Subsidized Loans Direct Unsubsidized Loans Direct PLUS Loans Direct Consolidation Loans Subsidized Federal Stafford Loans Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loans FFEL PLUS Loans FFEL Consolidation Loans


Monthly Payments for Federal Education Loans Except Consolidation Loans


Under this plan , your monthly payments start out low and increase every two years , are made for up to 10 years for all loan types except Direct Consolidation Loans and FFEL Consolidation Loans , will never be less than the amount of interest that accrues between your payments , and won t be more than three times greater than any other payment.


Monthly Payments for Consolidation Loans


Under this plan , your monthly payments start out low and increase every two years , are made for a period of between 10 and 30 years for Direct Consolidation Loans and FFEL Consolidation Loans , will never be less than the amount of interest that accrues between your payments , and won t be more than three times greater than any other payment.


If you have a Direct Consolidation Loan or FFEL Consolidation Loan , the length of your repayment period will depend on the amount of your total education loan indebtedness. This total education loan indebtedness includes the amount of your consolidation loan and your other student loan debt. Other student loan debt includes any federal student loans that are not included in the consolidation loan, as well as private education loans that are not eligible for consolidation. The maximum amount of other student loan debt that may be considered in determining your repayment period may not exceed the loan amount you are consolidating.


To include other student loan debt in the determination of the repayment period for your Direct Consolidation Loan , be sure to list those loans on your consolidation application in the section for listing loans that you do not want to consolidate, but want considered in the determination of your repayment period.


The chart below shows the maximum repayment period for a Direct Consolidation Loan or FFEL Consolidation Loan under the Graduated Repayment Plan depending on total education loan indebtedness.


Using Loan Simulator to Estimate Your Eligibility and Payment Amount Under the Graduated Repayment Plan


Your loan servicer, the company that handles the billing and other services on your federal student loan, can help you choose a loan repayment plan that s best for you. Before you contact your loan servicer to discuss repayment plans , use our Loan Simulator to get an early look at what repayment plans you may be eligible for and to receive a comparison of estimated monthly payment amounts for all federal student loan repayment plans. This comparison is important because the Graduated Plan may not provide you with the lowest payment amount based on your individual circumstances. You may find that your payment will be lower under another repayment plan.


A school aid offer (sometimes called an award letter) tells you what financial aid you can receive at a particular college or career school.


If you ve applied to several schools , be sure to compare aid offers to see which school will be the most affordable.


If you listed a school on your Free Application for Federal Student Aid FAFSA


You might get a tentative aid offer from a school and then find that it changes later. This could happen for a variety of reasons, such as if you indicated that you plan to live on campus when you submitted your FAFSA form but then later decided to live off campus or if you are selected for verification.


Because your financial aid package is created for you and is based on the cost of attending a particular school , your aid amounts will vary from school to school.


Figuring Out Net Price


Follow these easy steps to figure out your net price, or net cost, for each school, and find out which school will be most affordable for you. First , find the cost of attendance for your program on the aid offer. If the school doesn t list the cost of attendance on the aid offer , ask the financial aid office for this figure. Make sure it includes amounts you will pay to the school directly such as tuition and fees as well as other costs such as living expenses, books and supplies, and transportation. Next , subtract the grant and scholarship amounts on your aid offer from the cost of attendance amount. Also subtract any savings you have available to put toward your school costs for the school year. The remaining amount is your net or out - of - pocket cost. Compare the net costs for the schools you are considering. The net cost is the amount you will have to pay out of your pocket, using earnings from work or loan funds that you borrow.


If you have any questions or don t understand what s in your aid offer , contact the financial aid office at the school. They re there to help!


For instance , it s important to understand what you re being offered e.g., which items in the offer are grants and which are loans. You also need to think about which aid to accept.


Also , because your aid offer might include student loans , it s important for you to compare the amount of debt you would be taking on at the schools you are considering.


If you find that you ll need to take out a larger amount in private loans at one school than at another , you should pay special attention to the terms and conditions of the private loans so you understand what your obligations would be. Read about federal versus private loans.


If your federal student loan payments are high compared to your income, you may want to repay your loans under an income-driven repayment plan.


Most federal student loans are eligible for at least one income - driven repayment plan. If your income is low enough , your payment could be as low as $0 per month.


An income - driven repayment plan sets your monthly student loan payment at an amount that is intended to be affordable based on your income and family size. We offer four income - driven repayment plans : Revised Pay As You Earn Repayment Plan REPAYE Plan Pay As You Earn Repayment Plan PAYE Plan Income - Based Repayment Plan IBR Plan Income - Contingent Repayment Plan ICR Plan


If you d like to repay your federal student loans under an income - driven plan , you need to fill out an application.


Why pay for help with your federal student loans when your loan servicer will help you for FREE? Contact your servicer to apply for income - driven repayment plans, student loan forgiveness, and more. Learn more about loan servicers.


If you're seeking Public Service Loan Forgiveness , you should repay your federal student loans under an income - driven repayment plan.


Try This Resource Federal Student Loans : Repaying Your Loans Provides information about federal student loan repayment plan options, finding loan history and loan servicers, and making payments.


How is my monthly payment amount calculated under an income-driven repayment plan?


Generally , your payment amount under an income - driven repayment plan is a percentage of your discretionary income. The percentage is different depending on the plan. The chart below shows how payment amounts are determined under each income - driven plan. Depending on your income and family size , you may have no monthly payment at all.


* For the IBR Plan , you're considered a new borrower on or after July 1 , 2014, if you had no outstanding balance on a William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Direct Loan Program loan or Federal Family Education Loan FFEL Program loan when you received a Direct Loan on or after July 1 , 2014. Because no new FFEL Program loans have been made since June 30 , 2010, only Direct Loan borrowers can qualify as new borrowers on or after July 1 , 2014.


How do I estimate my payment amount?


Use our Loan Simulator. Loan Simulator provides a comparison of estimated monthly payment amounts for all federal student loan repayment plans, including income - driven plans. This comparison is important because the income - driven plans may not provide you with the lowest payment amount based on your individual circumstances. Your payment may be lower under another repayment plan.


How long will I be in repayment under each plan?


Income - driven repayment plans have different repayment periods.


Under all four plans , any remaining loan balance is forgiven if your federal student loans aren't fully repaid at the end of the repayment period. For any income - driven repayment plan , periods of economic hardship deferment , periods of repayment under certain other repayment plans , and periods when your required payment is zero will count toward your total repayment period. Whether you will have a balance left to be forgiven at the end of your repayment period depends on a number of factors, such as how quickly your income rises and how large your income is relative to your debt. Because of these factors , you may fully repay your loan before the end of your repayment period. Your loan servicer will track your qualifying monthly payments and years of repayment and will notify you when you are getting close to the point when you would qualify for forgiveness of any remaining loan balance.


If you re making payments under an income - driven repayment plan and also working toward loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness PSLF Program , you may qualify for forgiveness of any remaining loan balance after you've made 10 years of qualifying payments, instead of 20 or 25 years. Qualifying payments for the PSLF Program include payments made under any of the income - driven repayment plans.


Am I eligible for income-driven repayment?


Defaulted loans are not eligible for repayment under any of the income - driven repayment plans. Find out how to get out of default.


REPAYE Plan


Any borrower with eligible federal student loans can make payments under this plan.


PAYE and IBR Plans


Each of these plans has an eligibility requirement you must meet to qualify for the plan. To qualify , the payment you would be required to make under the PAYE or IBR plan based on your income and family size must be less than what you would pay under the Standard Repayment Plan with a 10-year repayment period. If the amount you would have to pay under the PAYE or IBR plan based on your income and family size is more than what you would have to pay under the 10-year Standard Repayment Plan , you wouldn't benefit from having your monthly payment amount based on your income , so you don't qualify. Generally , you'll meet this requirement if your federal student loan debt is higher than your annual discretionary income or represents a significant portion of your annual income.


In addition to meeting the requirement described above , to qualify for the PAYE Plan you must also be a new borrower. This means that you must have had no outstanding balance on a Direct Loan or FFEL Program loan when you received a Direct Loan or FFEL Program loan on or after Oct. 1 , 2007, and you must have received a disbursement of a Direct Loan on or after Oct. 1 , 2011.


ICR Plan


This plan is the only available income - driven repayment option for parent PLUS loan borrowers. Although PLUS loans made to parents can t be repaid under any of the income - driven repayment plans including the ICR Plan , parent borrowers may consolidate their Direct PLUS Loans or Federal PLUS Loans into a Direct Consolidation Loan and then repay the new consolidation loan under the ICR Plan though not under any other income - driven plan.


Will I always pay the same amount each month under an income-driven repayment plan?


No. Under all of the income - driven repayment plans , your required monthly payment amount may increase or decrease if your income or family size changes from year to year. Each year you must recertify your income and family size. This means that you must provide your loan servicer with updated income and family size information so that your servicer can recalculate your payment. You must do this even if there has been no change in your income or family size.


Your loan servicer will send you a reminder notice when it s time for you to recertify. To recertify , you must submit another income - driven repayment plan application. On the application , you ll be asked to select the reason you re submitting the application. Respond that you are submitting documentation of your income for the annual recertification of your payment amount.


Although you re required to recertify your income and family size only once each year, if your income or family size changes significantly before your annual certification date for example, due to loss of employment , you can submit updated information and ask your servicer to recalculate your payment amount at any time. To do this , submit a new application for an income - driven repayment plan. When asked to select the reason for submitting the application , respond that you are submitting documentation early because you want your servicer to recalculate your payment immediately.


You re not required to report changes in your financial circumstances before the annual date when you must provide updated income information. You can choose to wait until your loan servicer tells you that you need to provide updated income information at the normally scheduled time. If you choose to wait , your current required monthly payment amount will remain the same until you provide the updated income information.


Under these plans , your monthly payment amount will be based on your income and family size when you first begin making payments, and at any time when your income is low enough that your calculated monthly payment amount would be less than the amount you would have to pay under the 10-year Standard Repayment Plan.


If your income ever increases to the point that your calculated monthly payment amount would be more than what you would have to pay under the 10-year Standard Repayment Plan, you ll remain on the PAYE or IBR plan , but your payment will no longer be based on your income. Instead , your required monthly payment will be the amount you would pay under the 10-year Standard Repayment Plan, based on the loan amount you owed when you first began repayment under the PAYE or IBR plan. Even if your income continues to increase , your monthly payment will never be more than the 10-year Standard Repayment Plan amount.


During any period when your monthly payment is not based on your income , you still have the option of recertifying your income and family size. If you recertify and your income or family size changes so that your calculated monthly payment would once again be less than the 10-year Standard Repayment Plan amount , your servicer will recalculate your payment and you ll return to making payments that are based on your income.


REPAYE and ICR Plans


Under the REPAYE and ICR Plans , your payment is always based on your income and family size, regardless of any changes in your income. This means that if your income increases over time, in some cases your payment may be higher than the amount you would have to pay under the 10-year Standard Repayment Plan.


What will happen if I don t recertify my income and family size by the annual deadline?


It s important for you to recertify your income and family size by the specified annual deadline. If you don t recertify your income by the deadline , the consequences vary depending on the plan. Under the REPAYE Plan , if you don t recertify your income by the annual deadline , you ll be removed from the REPAYE Plan and placed on an alternative repayment plan. Under this alternative repayment plan , your required monthly payment is not based on your income. Instead , your payment will be the amount necessary to repay your loan in full by the earlier of a 10 years from the date you begin repaying under the alternative repayment plan, or b the ending date of your 20- or 25-year REPAYE Plan repayment period. You may choose to leave the alternative repayment plan and repay under any other repayment plan for which you are eligible. Under the PAYE Plan, the IBR Plan, or the ICR Plan, if you don t recertify your income by the annual deadline , you ll remain on the same income - driven repayment plan , but your monthly payment will no longer be based on your income. Instead , your required monthly payment amount will be the amount you would pay under a Standard Repayment Plan with a 10-year repayment period, based on the loan amount you owed when you initially entered the income - driven repayment plan. You can return to making payments based on income if you provide your servicer with updated income information, and if your updated income still qualifies you to make payments based on income.


In addition to the consequences described above , if you don t recertify your income by the annual deadline under the REPAYE, PAYE, and IBR plans , any unpaid interest will be capitalized added to the principal balance of your loans. This will increase the total cost of your loans over time, because you will then pay interest on the increased loan principal balance.


Under all of the income - driven repayment plans , if you don t recertify your family size each year , you ll remain on the same repayment plan , but your servicer will assume that you have a family size of one. If your actual family size is larger, but your servicer assumes a family size of one because you didn t recertify your family size , this could result in an increased monthly payment amount or for the PAYE and IBR plans loss of eligibility to make payments based on income.


What types of federal student loans can I repay under an income-driven repayment plan?


The chart below shows the types of federal student loans that you can repay under each of the income - driven repayment plans.


* If a loan type is listed as eligible if consolidated , this means that if you consolidate that loan type into a Direct Consolidation Loan, you can then repay the consolidation loan under the income - driven plan. For example , only Direct Loans can be repaid under the REPAYE, PAYE, and ICR plans. However , if you consolidate a FFEL Program Loan or Federal Perkins Loan into a Direct Consolidation Loan , you may then be able to repay the Direct Consolidation Loan under the REPAYE, PAYE, and ICR Plan depending on the type of loan that you consolidate. Note that consolidation is not the right choice for all borrowers or all loan types. In particular , you may lose certain loan benefits if you consolidate a Federal Perkins Loan. Find out more about loan consolidation.


Only federal student loans can be repaid under the income - driven plans. Private student loans are not eligible.


Is an income-driven repayment plan right for me?


Income - driven repayment plans usually lower your federal student loan payments. However , whenever you make lower payments or extend your repayment period , you will likely pay more in interest over time sometimes significantly more. In addition , under current Internal Revenue Service rules , you may be required to pay income tax on any amount that's forgiven if you still have a remaining balance at the end of your repayment period.


How do I decide which income-driven repayment plan to choose?


If you ve decided that an income - driven repayment plan is right for you , you ll want to choose the plan that provides the most benefit to you based on your individual circumstances. Although all four income - driven plans allow you to make a monthly payment based on your income , the plans differ in terms of who qualifies, how much you have to pay each month, the length of the repayment period, and the types of loans that can be repaid under the plan.


If you have only Direct Loans , you can choose from all four income - driven repayment plans. If you re not sure which plan to choose , you have the option of requesting the income - driven plan that provides the lowest payment amount. Your servicer will determine which plans you qualify for and will then place you on the plan with the lowest monthly payment.


If you have FFEL Program loans , your only income - driven repayment plan option is the IBR Plan. However , if you consolidate your FFEL Program loans into a Direct Consolidation Loan , you ll then have access to the REPAYE, PAYE, and ICR plans. Find out more about loan consolidation.


How do I apply for an income-driven repayment plan?


Before you apply for an income - driven repayment plan , contact your loan servicer if you have any questions. Your loan servicer will help you decide whether one of these plans is right for you.


To apply , you must submit an application called the Income - Driven Repayment Plan Request. You can submit the application online or on a paper form, which you can get from your loan servicer. The application allows you to select an income - driven repayment plan by name, or to request that your loan servicer determine what income - driven plan or plans you qualify for, and to place you on the income - driven plan with the lowest monthly payment amount.


Note: If you have more than one servicer for the loans that you want to repay under an income - driven plan , you must submit a separate request to each servicer.


When you apply , you ll be asked to provide income information that will be used to determine your eligibility for the PAYE or IBR plans and to calculate your monthly payment amount under all income - driven repayment plans. This may be either your adjusted gross income AGI or alternative documentation of income.


Your AGI will be used if you filed a federal income tax return in the past two years , and your current income isn t significantly different from the income reported on your most recent federal income tax return.


You can provide your AGI in one of the following ways : Apply using the online Income - Driven Repayment Plan Request and use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool in the application to transfer income information from your federal income tax return. Use the paper Income - Driven Repayment Plan Request and provide a paper copy of your most recently filed federal income tax return or IRS tax return transcript.


If you haven t filed a federal income tax return in the past two years, or if your current income is significantly different from the income reported on your most recent federal income tax return for example, if you lost your job or have experienced a drop in income , alternative documentation of your income will be used to determine your eligibility and calculate your monthly payment amount. You can provide alternative documentation in one of the following ways : If you currently receive taxable income , you must submit a paper Income - Driven Repayment Plan Request with alternative documentation of your income, such as a pay stub. If you currently don t have any income or if you receive only untaxed income , you can indicate that on the online or paper application. In this case , you re not required to supply further documentation of your income.


Depending on whether you applied electronically or submitted a paper request form and whether you ve submitted all required documents , it may take your servicer a few weeks to process your request, because they will need to obtain documentation of your income and family size. If you are currently repaying your loans under a different repayment plan , your loan servicer may apply a forbearance to your student loan account while processing your request for an income - driven repayment plan.


What other options do I have if I need help repaying my student loans?


If an income - driven repayment plan isn t right for you , contact your loan servicer to discuss other repayment options. You may be able to extend your repayment period through the Extended Repayment Plan or through loan consolidation. You may also be able to temporarily suspend repayment through a deferment or forbearance.


Where can I learn more about the income-driven repayment plans?


Want more information about the income - driven repayment plans? Browse our Income - Driven Plans Questions and Answers page.


Exit Counseling


What is Exit Counseling?


Exit counseling provides important information to prepare you to repay your federal student loan.


If you have received a subsidized, unsubsidized or PLUS loan under the Direct Loan Program or the FFEL Program , you must complete exit counseling each time you : Drop below half - time enrollment Graduate Leave school


Note: The FFEL Program ended June 30 , 2010 and no new loans have been made under the FFEL Program after that date.


Complete Exit Counseling


Students who have received a subsidized, unsubsidized or PLUS loan under the Direct Loan Program or the FFEL Program, must complete exit counseling each time they drop below half - time enrollment, graduate, or leave school.


The entire counseling process must be completed in a single session. Most people complete counseling in 20 - 30 minutes.


Return to the Counseling selection page


TEACH Grant Exit Counseling


How Financial Aid Works


For most students planning to attend college or career school , financial aid is essential. We ll walk you through how financial aid works, resources to pay for college, and loan repayment options.


Plan how to pay for college before you start. Ask school counselors and the college financial aid office about state, college, and nonprofit grants and scholarships you can apply for. Be sure to meet application deadlines. Start saving before you get to college. Consider prepaid tuition and education savings 529 plans.


Before each year of college , apply for federal grants, work - study, and loans with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid FAFSA form. Your college uses your FAFSA data to determine your federal aid eligibility. Many states and colleges use FAFSA data to award their own aid. After submission , you ll receive your Student Aid Report.


Your aid offer explains the types and amounts of aid a college is offering you, and your expected costs for the year. If you ve been accepted to multiple colleges , compare the costs and aid offers. Accept the aid from the school that's best for you and inform them of other sources of aid such as scholarships you expect to receive.


Time to go to school! Your financial aid office will apply your aid to the amount you owe your school and send you the remaining balance to spend on other college costs. One of the requirements to maintain financial aid eligibility is that you must make satisfactory academic progress. And don t forget to complete a FAFSA form each year!


Graduate and Start Repayment


As you prepare to graduate , get ready to repay your student loans. Good news! Federal student loan borrowers have a six - month grace period before you begin making payments. Use this time to get organized and choose a repayment plan. If you start falling behind on your payments , contact your loan servicer to discuss repayment options.


Wondering whether you can get your federal student loans forgiven for your service as a teacher?


Learn about the forgiveness program to see whether you qualify.


Under the Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program , if you teach full - time for five complete and consecutive academic years in a low - income school or educational service agency, and meet other qualifications , you may be eligible for forgiveness of up to $17,500 on your Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans and your Subsidized and Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loans.


If you have a Direct Consolidation Loan or a Federal Consolidation Loan , you may be eligible for forgiveness of the outstanding portion of the consolidation loan that repaid an eligible Direct Subsidized Loan, Direct Unsubsidized Loan, Subsidized Federal Stafford Loan, or Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loan.


What are the eligibility requirements?


You must not have had an outstanding balance on Direct Loans or Federal Family Education Loan FFEL Program loans as of Oct. 1 , 1998, or on the date that you obtained a Direct Loan or FFEL Program loan after Oct. 1 , 1998. You must have been employed as a full - time, highly qualified teacher for five complete and consecutive academic years , and at least one of those years must have been after the 1997 98 academic year. You must have been employed at an elementary school, secondary school, or educational service agency that serves low - income students a " low - income school or educational service agency ". The loan for which you are seeking forgiveness must have been made before the end of your five academic years of qualifying teaching service.


Teaching for Less Than a Complete Academic Year


If you were unable to complete a full academic year of teaching , that year may still be counted toward the required five complete and consecutive academic years if you completed at least one - half of the academic year ; and your employer considers you to have fulfilled your contract requirements for the academic year for the purposes of salary increases, tenure, and retirement ; and you were unable to complete the academic year because you returned to postsecondary education, on at least a half - time basis, in an area of study directly related to the performance of the teaching service described above ; you had a condition covered under the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 FMLA ; or you were called or ordered to active duty status for more than 30 days as a member of a reserve component of the U.S. armed forces.


Who is considered a teacher?


A teacher is a person who provides direct classroom teaching, or classroom - type teaching in a nonclassroom setting. Special education teachers are considered teachers.


Am I a highly qualified teacher?


There are basic requirements that all teachers must meet to be considered highly qualified. There are also additional requirements that you must meet depending on whether you re an elementary or secondary school teacher, and whether you re new to the teaching profession.


Basic Requirements for All Teachers


To be a highly qualified teacher , you must have attained at least a bachelor s degree ; received full state certification as a teacher ; and not had certification or licensure requirements waived on an emergency, temporary, or provisional basis.


You re considered to have received full state certification even if you received your certification through alternative routes to certification or by passing the state teacher licensing examination.


If you re a teacher at a public charter school , you are considered to have received full state certification as a teacher if you meet the requirements set forth in the state's public charter school law.


Additional Requirements for Elementary School Teachers Who Are New to the Profession


To be considered highly qualified as an elementary school teacher who is new to the profession , you must also have demonstrated subject knowledge and teaching skills in reading, writing, mathematics, and other areas of the basic elementary school curriculum by passing a rigorous state test.


The rigorous state test may be a state - required certification or licensing test or tests in reading, writing, mathematics, and other areas of the basic elementary school curriculum.


Additional Requirements for Middle or Secondary School Teachers Who Are New to the Profession


To be considered highly qualified as a middle or secondary school teacher who is new to the profession , you must also have demonstrated a high level of competency in each of the academic subjects in which you teach.


To demonstrate a high level of competency , you may either pass a rigorous state academic subject test in each of the academic subjects in which you teach or successfully complete an academic major, a graduate degree, course work equivalent to an undergraduate academic major, or an advanced certification or credential in each of the academic subjects in which you teach.


The rigorous state test may be a state - required certification or licensing test or tests in each of the academic subjects in which you teach.


Additional Requirements for Elementary, Middle, or Secondary School Teachers Who Are Not New to the Profession


To be highly qualified as an elementary, middle, or secondary school teacher who is not new to the profession , you must also meet the applicable requirements for an elementary, middle, or secondary school teacher who is new to the profession or demonstrate competence in all the academic subjects in which you teach based on a high, objective, uniform state standard of evaluation.


The uniform state standard of evaluation may involve multiple, objective measures of teacher competency and must be set by the state for both grade - appropriate academic subject matter knowledge and teaching skills ; be aligned with challenging state academic content and student academic achievement standards and developed in consultation with core content specialists, teachers, principals, and school administrators ; provide objective, coherent information about your attainment of core content knowledge in the academic subjects in which you teach ; be applied uniformly to all teachers in the same academic subject and the same grade level throughout the state ; take into consideration, but not be based primarily on, the time you have been teaching in the academic subject ; and be made available to the public upon request.


How do I know if I m teaching at a low-income school or educational service agency?


The school or educational service agency must be listed in the Teacher Cancellation Low Income TCLI Directory, which is published by the U.S. Department of Education ED each year. To find out if your school or educational service agency is classified as low - income , search the directory database for the years you have been employed as a teacher. If the TCLI Directory is not available before May 1 of any year , the previous year s directory may be used for that year.


Any questions about the inclusion or omission of a particular school must be directed to the state education agency contact in the state where the school is located and not to ED. State education agencies are responsible for determining which schools or educational service agencies are eligible to be reported to ED for inclusion in the TCLI Directory.


If your school or educational service agency is included in the TCLI Directory for at least one year of your teaching service, but is not included during subsequent years , your subsequent years of teaching at the school or educational service agency will still be counted toward the required five complete and consecutive academic years of teaching. For example , if you taught at the same school for five complete and consecutive academic years from 2011 12 through 2015 16, but the school was included in the TCLI Directory only for the 2011 12 academic year , your subsequent four academic years of teaching at that school can still be counted toward the required five complete and consecutive academic years.


Teaching service performed at an educational service agency may be counted toward the required five years of teaching only if the consecutive five - year period includes qualifying service at an eligible educational service agency performed after the 2007 08 academic year.


All elementary and secondary schools operated by the Bureau of Indian Education BIE or operated on Indian reservations by Indian tribal groups under contract with BIE qualify as schools serving low - income students. These schools are qualifying schools for the purposes of this loan forgiveness program, even if they are not listed in the TCLI Directory.


How much loan forgiveness can I receive?


The maximum forgiveness amount is either $17,500 or $5,000, depending on the subject area taught. If you have eligible loans under both the Direct Loan Program and the FFEL Program , $ 17,500 or $5,000 is a combined maximum forgiveness amount for both programs.


You may receive up to $17,500 in loan forgiveness if you were a highly qualified full - time mathematics or science teacher who taught students at the secondary school level ; or a highly qualified special education teacher at either the elementary or secondary level whose primary responsibility was to provide special education to children with disabilities , and you taught children with disabilities that corresponded to your area of special education training and demonstrated knowledge and teaching skills in the content areas of the curriculum that you taught.


If you didn't teach mathematics, science, or special education , you may receive up to $5,000 in loan forgiveness if you were a highly qualified full - time elementary or secondary education teacher.


Can I receive loan forgiveness under both the Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program and the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program?


You can potentially receive forgiveness under both the Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program and the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program, but not for the same period of teaching service. For example , if you complete five consecutive years of qualifying teaching and receive forgiveness of your Direct Loans under the Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program , any payments you made on your Direct Loans during that five - year period cannot be counted toward the required 120 monthly payments for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. To receive Public Service Loan Forgiveness , you would need to make 120 more qualifying monthly payments.


Teacher Loan Forgiveness and AmeriCorps Program Benefits


If you re an AmeriCorps Program volunteer , a period of teaching that qualifies you for a benefit through the AmeriCorps Program cannot be counted toward the required five consecutive years of teaching for the Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program.


Can I receive teacher loan forgiveness on my PLUS loans or Federal Perkins Loans?


PLUS loans for parents and graduate or professional students aren t eligible for this type of forgiveness.


Federal Perkins Loans aren t eligible for this type of forgiveness. However , you may be eligible to have all or a portion of your Federal Perkins Loan canceled based on your employment or volunteer service or discharged under certain conditions.


Am I eligible for teacher loan forgiveness if I m in default on a loan?


If you re in default on a loan , you are not eligible for forgiveness of that loan unless you have made satisfactory repayment arrangements with the holder of the defaulted loan.


How and when do I apply for teacher loan forgiveness?


You apply for teacher loan forgiveness by submitting a completed Teacher Loan Forgiveness Application to your loan servicer after you have completed the required five consecutive years of qualifying teaching.


The chief administrative officer of the school or educational service agency where you performed your qualifying teaching service must complete the certification section. If you are applying for forgiveness of loans that are with different loan servicers , you must submit a separate form to each of them.


Understand Financial Aid


As you prepare for college or career school , explore how financial aid works, learn about the types of aid, and find out if you re eligible. You can also estimate what aid you may be eligible for when you check out FAFSA4caster.


Estimate Your Aid


Types of Aid


that's typically based on need and doesn't typically have to be repaid Financial aid


that is based on academic or other achievements, or on financial need, to help pay for school Free money


A way to earn money to help you pay for school


Money you borrow to pay for college or career school ; you must repay your loans and the interest that accrues


More Resources for Aid


Federal government besides Federal Student Aid


State government


College or career school


Nonprofit or private organizations


Who Gets Aid


Learn how the following situations could affect your eligibility for aid


Military family members


who are homeless Students


Students enrolled at international schools


Students with a parent killed in Iraq or Afghanistan


who are or have been in foster care Students


Non-U.S. citizens


Students with intellectual disabilities


Students with criminal convictions


Get Aid Estimate


Master Promissory Note (MPN)


The Master Promissory Note MPN is a legal document in which you promise to repay your loan and any accrued interest and fees to the U.S. Department of Education. It also explains the terms and conditions of your loan .You may receive more than one loan under an MPN over a period of up to 10 years to pay for your or your child s educational costs, as long as the school is authorized to use the MPN in this way and chooses to do so . The school will tell you which loans, if any, you are eligible to receive.


Choose the Direct Loan MPN you want to preview or complete


I'm an Undergraduate Student


Use this MPN for Direct Subsidized Loans or Direct Unsubsidized Loans available to eligible undergraduate students.


View Demo


I'm a Graduate/Professional Student


Find and use the MPN that you need as a graduate or professional degree student to borrow federal student loans. Graduate / professional students can be eligible for Direct Unsubsidized Loans, Direct PLUS Loans, or both. You need to complete an MPN for each loan type you intend to receive. You should request Direct Unsubsidized Loans up to your full eligibility before borrowing Direct PLUS Loans.


Log In to Select MPN Type


I m a Parent of an Undergraduate Student


Use this MPN for Direct PLUS Loans available to eligible parents of eligible dependent undergraduate students.


Close


Yes


Information About the Gainful Employment Downloadable Spreadsheet


The 2011 Gainful Employment Downloadable Spreadsheet provides the public with information about educational programs that prepare students for gainful employment in a recognized occupation GE Program. Under the regulations that go into effect on July 1 , 2012, the US Department of Education calculates metrics for GE Programs each year. These metrics include a Repayment Rate, two Debt - to - Earnings Ratios, and three student loan medians.


The 2011 GE Informational Rate information included on the downloadable spreadsheet was produced for the purpose of providing institutions with preliminary information they can use to assess their GE Programs in preparation for the official gainful employment metrics that will first be calculated in 2013. These FY 2011 GE Informational Rates are for informational purposes only and, as such, do not invoke any regulatory requirements, sanctions, or other adverse action. These informational rates were prepared in advance of the years in which programs that fail the debt measures will be required to provide debt warnings and may lose eligibility after failing three out of four consecutive years.


The 2011 GE Informational Rates were not calculated for a GE Program if the program had 30 or fewer former students in the relevant two - year period. Beginning next year , official gainful employment debt measures will include small programs using a four - year period if that four - year period results in more than 30 former students for the GE Program.


After publishing the informational rates , the Department determined that the posted Median Title IV Loans amount reflected student debt information from the most recent loan award year, but did not include debt information from previous years. On October 25 , 2012 , the Department posted an updated spreadsheet. Column V reflects the median loan debt over the course of enrollment in a program. Column W reflects the one - year median loan debt. The Median Private Loans, Median Institutional Loans, and Median Title IV Loans were calculated for disclosure purposes and are NOT the medians that were used in the Repayment Rate or Debt - to - Earnings Ratio calculations.


IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER : The 2011 Gainful Employment Informational Rates were prepared to provide institutions with preliminary data about the performance of their GE Programs. The calculation of the 2011 Gainful Employment Informational Rates did not include a process for institutions to receive draft debt measures and to submit challenges, as the institutions will for official rate calculations. For these reasons , the 2011 Informational Rates are not intended to form a basis for making any general or specific assumptions or determinations about specific GE Programs, or in making projections about future years' rates. Glossary of Spreadsheet Fields Downloadable Spreadsheet GE Operations Manual GE Information Page


How to Correct or Update Your FAFSA Application


Learn what types of corrections and updates you may make and how to make them.


Most of the questions on the FAFSA form want to know your situation as of the day you sign the application. However , there are some instances in which you ll want to or be required to change the information you reported.


What kinds of changes can I make to my FAFSA form once it s been processed?


Corrections: If You Filed a FAFSA Form Using an Incorrect Social Security Number (SSN)


If you made a mistake in what you reported on the FAFSA form , you ll need to make a correction. Find out how to make changes to your FAFSA information.


If you filed a FAFSA form using an incorrect SSN , you can correct your SSN by doing one of the following : Recommended method : You can submit a new online FAFSA form. In many cases , this is the easiest and fastest option. Note: Submitting a new FAFSA form will change the date your FAFSA form was submitted and processed. Be sure to check your state or school deadlines, because your FAFSA submission date must meet those deadlines in order for you to qualify for state or school aid. You can ask the financial aid office at one of the schools listed on your Student Aid Report SAR to change your SSN for you. Least efficient method: You can change your SSN on your paper SAR, sign it, and mail it to the address provided on the SAR. This can take two to three weeks to process. Note: The SSN can t be changed through the paper SAR more than once.


Updates: If Your Situation Has Changed


Most information cannot be updated because it must be accurate as of the day you originally signed your FAFSA form. For example , if you spent some of your savings after filing the FAFSA form , you may not update your information to show a change in that amount. You should speak to the financial aid office at the school you plan to attend if there will be a significant change in your or your parent s income for the present year or if your family has other circumstances that cannot be reported on the FAFSA form.


You may update your mailing address, email address, and other contact information if it has changed.


There are certain items that you must update : You must update anything that changes your dependency status for instance, you are now pregnant or are now in legal guardianship except a change in your marital status. If your marital status changes , you must speak to the financial aid office to determine whether you may update the FAFSA form. If and only if you are selected for verification , you must update your FAFSA form if there is a change in the number of family members in your parents household or in your household. If the number of family members changes as a result of a change in your the student s marital status , you must speak to the financial aid office at the school you plan to attend to determine whether you may update the FAFSA form. If and only if you are selected for verification , you must update your FAFSA form if there is a change in the number of people in your parents household who are in college or the number of people in your household who are in college. If the number of people in college changes as a result of a change in your the student s marital status , you must speak to the financial aid office at the school you plan to attend to determine whether you may update the FAFSA form.


Changes to Federal School Codes: If You Want to Add or Delete a School


If you want to make your FAFSA information available to an additional school after filing the FAFSA form , you may add that school s Federal School Code.


Note: No more than 10 schools may be listed on your FAFSA form at one time. The FAFSA PDF has space for only four schools, while the online FAFSA form and the myStudentAid mobile app allow 10 to be listed. If you add an eleventh school , the new school code overwrites a previous school code. You may choose which school to replace with the new school. The school removed from the list will not have automatic access to any new information you provide after you ve removed that school.


How do I make changes to my FAFSA form?


You can make changes in one of the following ways : Make changes at fafsa.gov :


Select the " LOG IN button and enter your FSA ID.


On the " My FAFSA " page , select " Make FAFSA Corrections.


Create a save key.


Change your information.


Submit your new information. Write in the corrections or updates on your paper SAR, sign it, and mail it to the address provided on the SAR. Check with the financial aid office at the school you plan to attend ; the school might be able to make changes for you electronically.


Note : Tax return information you transfer via the Internal Revenue Service Data Retrieval Tool cannot be changed on your online FAFSA form. If you filed a 1040X amended return , contact your school s financial aid office to discuss whether it would be appropriate for the school to adjust the information on your FAFSA form.


Link to us and help spread the word about the availability of federal student aid for college or career school.


Share our information with potential college students, their parents, counselors, or other mentors.


If potential college students, their parents, counselors, or other mentors frequently visit your website , you can help us share information about federal student aid with your audiences.


Below you can select text or web banners to put on your site to make your visitors aware of the following resources : StudentAid.gov provides in - depth information on federal student aid programs, applying for financial aid, and repaying student loans. fafsa.gov is the official site of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid FAFSA form.


Disclaimer


StudentAid.gov and fafsa.gov are registered domain names of the United States government. The inclusion of the enclosed banners on websites maintained by other public and private organizations is not intended to endorse any views expressed, or products or services offered, on those outside sites.


Please note: The Department of Education's link cannot appear on a web page with the primary purposes of marketing or ordering a product or service or on a web page urging readers to contact Congress or state legislators about pending legislation.


StudentAid.gov Banners


These StudentAid.gov banners, available in English and Spanish, can be used to link directly to StudentAid.gov, where students can learn about planning and paying for college.


For each of the banner ads below , highlight the text of the HTML, copy it, and paste it into the HTML document for your page. Then download the image. The exact method of saving these pictures to a disk or to your hard drive will vary depending on your operating system, choice of browser, and other factors. In general , however , if you right - click on an image you will see an option to " save " or " download " the " image " or " picture. " If you are displaying the StudentAid.gov static banners , remember to include the HTML codes see chart below which link to StudentAid.gov.


There are also four text options available for linking to StudentAid.gov :


For information about federal student aid from the U.S. Department of Education s office of Federal Student Aid , visit StudentAid.gov.


Federal Student Aid The U.S. Department of Education s office of Federal Student Aid provides more than $120 billion in grants, loans, and work - study funds each year to help pay for college or career school.


Get in - depth information on federal student aid programs, applying for financial aid, and repaying student loans at StudentAid.gov.


Federal Student Aid for College or Career School The U.S. Department of Education s office of Federal Student Aid provides grants, loans, and work - study opportunities to eligible students attending participating colleges or career schools. Federal Student Aid is the largest source of financial aid in the U.S. For further information and an online application, visit StudentAid.gov or call the Federal Student Aid Information Center toll - free : 1 - 800 - 4-FED - AID 1 - 800 - 433 - 3243. TTY for the hearing - impaired : 1 - 800 - 730 - 8913.


FAFSA Banners


These FAFSA banners, available in English and Spanish, can be used to link directly to fafsa.gov, where students can complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid FAFSA form.


For each of the banner ads below , highlight the text of the HTML, copy it, and paste it into the HTML document for your page. Then download the image. The exact method of saving these pictures to a disk or to your hard drive will vary depending on your operating system, choice of browser, and other factors. In general , however , if you right - click on an image you will see an option to " save " or " download " the " image " or " picture. " If you are displaying the fafsa.gov static banners , remember to include the HTML codes see chart below which link to fafsa.gov.


Apply for Financial Aid


The most vital step in applying for federal grants, work - study, and loans for college is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid FAFSA form.


Learn About the FAFSA Form


Aid Application Process


Get Prepared


Gather the documents you ll need.


Apply early to maximize your aid.


Respond to Aid Offer


Review Student Aid Report


Make corrections, if necessary.


Accept the aid you want.


Receive Aid


Get your aid from your school.


Renew Your FAFSA Form


Reapply each year.


Explore Info About the FAFSA Form


The FAFSA form allows students to request federal grants, work-study, and loans, all in one application.


The FAFSA form allows students to request federal grants, work - study, and loans, all in one application.


Frequent Topics


Go to the FAFSA Form


Other Financial Aid Resources


Explore Other Aid Options


Applying for a PLUS Loan


An Extra Option for Parents and Graduate Students


Apply for a Grad PLUS Loan


Apply for a Parent PLUS Loan


Third-party Servicer Program Reviews


The Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended HEA, allows institutions of higher education to outsource any aspect of the institution s participation in federal student aid programs, including, but not limited to, services and functions necessary for the institution to remain eligible to participate in the federal student aid programs , to determine a student s eligibility for federal student aid , to account for federal student aid funds , to deliver federal student aid to students , or to perform any other aspect of the administration of the federal student aid programs.


A third - party servicer may be an individual, a state, or a private, profit or non - profit organization that enters into a contract with an eligible institution to administer, through manual or automated processing, any aspect of the institution s participation in any federal student aid programs. When contracting with an institution , a third - party servicer and/or its contractors must comply with the various Title IV requirements applicable to its servicing agreement with the school. A third - party servicer is jointly and severally liable with the institution for any violation of Title IV requirements resulting from the functions performed by the third - party servicer.


The Title IV regulations authorize the U.S. Department of Education ED to provide oversight of third - party servicers. As part of its oversight duties , Federal Student Aid FSA routinely conducts program reviews to confirm that third - party servicers and the schools that they contract with meet FSA requirements for institutional eligibility, financial responsibility, and administrative capability. During program reviews , reviewers evaluate the third - party servicers and schools compliance with FSA requirements, assess liabilities for errors in performance, and identify actions the third - party servicers and their partner schools must take to improve future administrative capabilities.


After completing a program review , FSA issues a Final Program Review Determination FPRD, which is a report that includes each specific finding, the third party servicer s response, and ED s final determination.


The FPRD also identifies liabilities, if any, calculated based on the findings of the program review ; provides instructions for the payment of liabilities, as appropriate ; notifies the third - party servicer of its right to appeal the existence and amount of any liabilities identified, as appropriate ; and closes the program review, if appropriate.


The FPRD may or may not require additional action by the third - party servicer.


Below are the FPRDs issued to third - party servicers by ED : Commerce Bank : issued February 2016 US Bank : issued May 2017 Wells Fargo : issued June 2017 Nelnet Business Solutions, Incorporated : issued September 2017 Student Aid Administrators : issued August 2018 Educational Management Services, Incorporated : issued August 2018 Alliance Aid for Student Aid Processing : issued September 2018 Higher One / Customers Bank : issued September 2018


Federal grants are money to help pay for college or career school.


Learn about the grant programs that are available from the U.S. Department of Education.


The federal government provides grants for students attending college or career school. Most types of grants , unlike loans , are sources of free money that generally do not have to be repaid.


Grants can come from the federal government, your state government, your college or career school, or a private or nonprofit organization. Do your research, apply for any grants you might be eligible for, and be sure to meet application deadlines!


Certain scenarios may require that a portion or all of the grant funds be repaid: for example, if you withdraw from school before finishing an enrollment period such as a semester, or if you receive a TEACH Grant and do not complete your service obligation.


Types of Grants


The U.S. Department of Education ED offers a variety of federal grants to students attending four - year colleges or universities, community colleges, and career schools. Check out the grant programs for more details and to learn how to apply : Federal Pell Grants Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants FSEOG Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grants Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education TEACH Grants


Try This Resource Federal Student Grant Programs Lists details and award limits for different federal student grant programs.


Grant Eligibility


Most of our grants listed above are awarded only to students with financial need.


If you are interested in our grants , or in any federal student aid , start by submitting a Free Application for Federal Student Aid FAFSA form. To continue receiving federal student aid , fill out the FAFSA form every year you re in school.


Visit the individual pages for each of the grants listed above to learn about additional eligibility and application requirements.


Once you ve submitted a FAFSA form , your college or career school will let you know how much you may receive and when you may receive it.


Maintaining Eligibility for Grants


The requirements for remaining eligible to receive a grant vary from program to program. Please visit the individual page relevant to your specific grant to ensure that you meet the requirements for maintaining eligibility for that program.


When You May Have to Repay a Grant


Here are some examples of why you might have to repay all or part of a federal grant : You withdrew early from the program for which the grant was given to you. Your enrollment status changed in a way that reduced your eligibility for your grant for instance, if you switch from full - time enrollment to part - time, your grant amount will be reduced. You received outside scholarships or grants that reduced your need for federal student aid. You received a TEACH Grant , but you did not meet the requirements of your TEACH Grant service obligation.


Grant Repayment


Your school will notify you if you must repay part of your grant. From that point , you will have 45 days to either pay that portion of the grant back in full or enter into a satisfactory repayment arrangement.


If you enter into a satisfactory repayment arrangement , the school may assign the debt to ED for collection or may keep the debt and allow you to make payments directly to the school.


If you do not carry out one of the options described above , you will lose your eligibility for further federal student aid.


Note: If you do not fulfill your service obligation for a TEACH Grant , your TEACH Grant servicer will notify you if your grants are converted to Direct Unsubsidized Loans. You must then repay the loans to ED, with interest charged from the date the TEACH Grant was disbursed.


William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan ProgramFederal Direct PLUS Loan Request for Supplemental Information


The Direct PLUS Loan Request allows you to authorize the school to use your loan funds to satisfy other educationally related charges after tuition and fees, and room and board have been paid. You are not required to provide this authorization.


If you are a parent borrower , the Direct PLUS Loan Request also allows you to : Designate whether the school pays any credit balance to the student or to you. Request a deferment while the student is in school. Request an additional deferment for 6 months after the student ceases to be enrolled at least half time.


Select the type of Direct PLUS Loan Application you would like to complete


Students must be logged in using their own.


Direct PLUS Loan Application for ParentsWilliam D. Ford Federal Direct Loan ProgramFederal Direct PLUS Loan Request for Supplemental Information


Parents must be logged in using their own.


Some schools may have a different process for obtaining the additional information needed to process your Direct PLUS Loan application. You may verify that your school participates in this process after you select a borrower type below or by contacting the school's financial aid office.


Your school will tell you what loans, if any, you are eligible to receive. If you have questions regarding your loan eligibility, the next steps in the processing of your loan, when the loan will be disbursed paid out, or no longer wish to receive the loan , contact your school's financial aid office.


Many non-U.S. citizens qualify for federal student aid.


Don t assume you can t get aid just because you re not a citizen.


The most common category of eligible noncitizen is that of permanent resident someone with a green card , but there are other categories as well.


I am a non-U.S. citizen. Can I get federal student aid?


Check with your college or career school s financial aid office for more information. You are considered an eligible noncitizen if you fall into certain categories, such as the ones listed below :


You are a U.S. national includes natives of American Samoa or Swains Island or U.S. permanent resident with a Form I-551, I-151, or I-551C Permanent Resident Card, Resident Alien Card, or Alien Registration Receipt Card, also known as a " green card. "


You have an Arrival - Departure Record I-94 from U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services USCIS showing * Refugee, Asylum Granted, Cuban-Haitian Entrant, Conditional Entrant valid only if issued before April 1 , 1980 , or Parolee you must be paroled for at least one year, and you must be able to provide evidence from the USCIS that you are in the United States for other than a temporary purpose with the intention of becoming a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.


You hold a T nonimmigrant status " T - visa " for victims of human trafficking or your parent holds a T-1 nonimmigrant status. Your college or career school s financial aid office will ask to see your visa and/or certification letter from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.


You are a battered immigrant - qualified alien who is a victim of abuse by your citizen or permanent resident spouse , or you are the child of a person designated as such under the Violence Against Women Act VAWA.


You are a citizen of the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, or the Republic of Palau. If this is the case , you may be eligible for only certain types of federal student aid : Citizens of the Republic of Palau are eligible for Federal Pell Grants, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, and Federal Work - Study. Citizens of the Federal States of Micronesia and the Republic of the Marshall Islands are eligible for Federal Pell Grants only.


* To qualify for federal student aid , certain eligible noncitizens must be able to provide evidence from the USCIS that they are in the United States for other than a temporary purpose with the intention of becoming a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.


Certain Native American students born in Canada with a status under the Jay Treaty of 1789 may also be eligible for federal student aid.


If I have been granted Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), am I eligible for federal student aid?


Undocumented students, including DACA recipients, are not eligible for federal student aid , but you may still be eligible for state or college aid, in addition to private scholarships. Check with your college or career school s financial aid office for more information.


If I have been granted DACA, should I still complete a FAFSA form?


You should check with your high school counselor or financial aid office to see whether completing the FAFSA form is the way to apply for state and college student aid. To begin your FAFSA form , you must enter your Social Security number. While completing the FAFSA form , you must answer the Are you a U.S. citizen? question as No , I am not a citizen or eligible noncitizen. After submitting your FAFSA form , you should check with your college s financial aid office to see what types of financial aid you may be eligible to receive.


Our fact sheet about undocumented students and financial aid provides more details and tips for DACA recipients filling out the FAFSA form.


Does my parents citizenship or immigration status affect my eligibility for aid?


No , your parents citizenship or immigration status does not affect your eligibility for federal student aid. In fact , the Free Application for Federal Student Aid FAFSA form doesn t even ask about your parents status. Learn about filling out the FAFSA form.


What if the expiration date on my documents has passed?


If your green card has expired , it doesn t necessarily mean that your status as a legal permanent resident has expired. You might just need to renew the card. Be sure to do so promptly! If your permanent residence status has in fact expired , you are no longer eligible for federal student aid. If your documentation shows that you are a Cuban - Haitian Entrant , you are still an eligible noncitizen even if the expiration date has passed. For all other documents listed in 1 3 above , if the expiration date has passed , you are not an eligible noncitizen and cannot receive federal student aid.


For more information about eligible noncitizen status , contact your college's or career school's financial aid office.


What if I have documentation that isn t listed above?


You are NOT an eligible noncitizen and cannot receive federal student aid if you have only a Notice of Approval to Apply for Permanent Residence I-171 or I-464 , you are in the U.S. on an F-1 or F-2 nonimmigrant student visa, or on a J-1 or J-2 nonimmigrant Exchange Visitor Visa, or you hold a G series visa pertaining to international organizations.


If I m not an eligible noncitizen, can I get any type of financial aid to study in the U.S.?


Yes , there may be some scholarships and other aid you can get. Check with your country s embassy or a consulate here in the U.S. or with the appropriate government office back in your country to see what they offer. Try the U.S. Department of Labor s free online scholarship search. Ask the college or career school you plan to attend whether they offer any aid for students like you. Check out the Education USA website.


Read our fact sheet about undocumented students and financial aid.


The Income-Sensitive Repayment Plan is available to low-income borrowers who have Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program loans.


The payments under this plan increase or decrease based on your annual income.


If you need to make lower payments on your FFEL Program loans , this plan may be for you.


Eligible FFEL Program Loans


The following loans are eligible for the Income - Sensitive Repayment Plan : Subsidized Federal Stafford Loans Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loans FFEL PLUS Loans FFEL Consolidation Loans


Loans That Are Not Eligible


William D. Ford Federal Direct Loans


Monthly Payments


Under this plan , your monthly payments increase or decrease based on your annual income and are made for a maximum period of 10 years.


Get More Information About This Plan


If you have FFEL Program loans owned by the U.S. Department of Education ED , contact your loan servicer.


If you have FFEL Program loans that are not owned by ED , contact your lender.


Visit My Federal Student Aid to view information about all of the federal student loans you have received and to find contact information for the loan servicer or lender for your loans.


Accepting Financial Aid


First , accept the financial aid funds you don t have to pay back.


When your school financial aid office sends you an aid offer , they ll ask you to indicate which financial aid you want. Look carefully at your options and make an informed decision.


Choosing the Best Financial Aid to Accept


Keep the following in mind when you get an aid offer and are deciding which aid is the best to accept : Free money first e.g., scholarships, grants Earned money second e.g., work - study Borrowed money last e.g., federal student loans


Start from the top of this table and work your way down :


Many schools also offer tuition payment plans a monthly interest - free payment toward tuition. This type of plan may help reduce the amount you need to take out in loans. Ask your financial aid office if such a plan is available.


Deciding Which Student Loans to Accept


If you must accept loans , accept the ones with the most favorable terms and conditions. Usually , that means choosing the federal student loans offered to you. If you are considering getting a state loan, school loan, or private student loan , you should learn about the differences between federal and other loans.


If you have any questions or don t understand what types of loans are in your aid offer , contact the school. Make sure you understand what you re accepting and the repayment terms.


Borrow only what you need! If your living expenses are not going to be as high as the amount estimated by your school , you have the right to turn down the loan or to request a lower loan amount. In the aid offer , your school will tell you how to do this.


To determine how much loan money to accept, make a list of your college and living expenses and the resources you ll have available to pay them ; in other words, make a budget to help ensure you borrow only what you need.


Remember: If you don t accept the full amount of the loan you re eligible for , you can increase the amount later.


Informing Your School About Aid You ll Accept


Your student aid offer will include directions on accepting aid. Follow those directions carefully. You might have to enter the amounts you re accepting in an online form and then submit the form. If you receive a paper aid offer , you might have to sign it and mail it back to the school.


Accepting a loan or grant listed in the aid offer may involve additional steps, which vary depending on the type of loan or grant you re receiving. Saying yes may be as simple as signing a promissory note a contract between you and the lender * that specifies the terms and conditions of the loan or it may include entrance counseling if this is your first federal loan.


By signing the promissory note , you are promising to repay your student loan. The financial aid office will guide you through the paperwork or direct you to the online Master Promissory Note if appropriate.


* If you take out a loan from the Direct Loan Program , the U.S. Department of Education will be your lender.


Entrance Counseling


What is Entrance Counseling?


If you have not previously received a Direct Loan or Federal Family Education Loan FFEL , the Federal Government requires you to complete entrance counseling to ensure that you understand the responsibilities and obligations you are assuming.


If you are completing entrance counseling to borrow a loan as an undergraduate student , then the entrance counseling will fulfill counseling requirements for Direct Subsidized Loans and Direct Unsubsidized Loans.


If you are completing entrance counseling to borrow a loan as a graduate or professional student , the entrance counseling will fulfill counseling requirements for Direct Subsidized Loans, Direct Unsubsidized Loans, and Direct PLUS Loans.


Your school may have alternate entrance counseling requirements. Check with your school's financial aid office to be sure that the counseling available on this Web site satisfies its requirements for entrance counseling.


Complete Entrance Counseling


Verified FSA ID School Name


Get Temporary Relief


Sometimes , you just need to suspend your student loan payments for a short period.


If you re in a short - term financial bind , you may qualify for a deferment or a forbearance. With either of these options , you can temporarily suspend your payments.


When it comes to deferment and forbearance , however , there are two important things to consider : In most cases , interest will accrue during your period of deferment or forbearance except in the case of certain forbearances, such as the one offered as a result of the COVID-19 national emergency. This means your balance will increase and you ll pay more over the life of your loan. If you re pursuing loan forgiveness , any period of deferment or forbearance likely will not count toward your forgiveness requirements. This means you ll stop making progress toward forgiveness until you resume repayment.


Consider Another Repayment Plan First


Because of the impact on interest and potential loan forgiveness , it might be worth exploring another repayment plan before you consider deferment or forbearance. For example , your payments could be more affordable if you change to an income - driven repayment plan.


Contact your loan servicer to find out if another repayment plan might be the best option for you.


Discuss obtaining a deferment or forbearance with your loan servicer. Our goal is to keep you on the path to successful repayment of your federal student loan. We want you to avoid delinquency and default.


Explore Student Loan Deferment and Forbearance


If you re eligible for a deferment or forbearance , you can temporarily suspend your payments.


If you choose to use a deferment or forbearance , consider paying the interest that accrues during that period, so that you can avoid some of the consequences.


Here is an example of the impact of forbearance :


If you have a loan balance of $30,000 and an interest rate of 6% and you are in forbearance for a year right after you enter repayment , $ 1,800 in interest will accrue on your loans. If you do not pay that interest , it will capitalize be added to your principal balance.


Because interest accrues on your principal balance , capitalization will cause more interest to accrue over time than if you had paid the interest. It will also increase your monthly payment under most repayment plans. In this example , if you were on the Standard Repayment Plan , interest capitalization would increase your monthly payment by $20 per month and increase the total amount that you would pay by about $600.


Learn more about the variety of deferments and forbearances available and how to request a deferment.


Because of the impact of deferment and forbearance on interest and loan forgiveness , it might be better to consider a different repayment plan such as an income - driven repayment plan. These plans base your monthly student loan payments on your income and family size. In some cases , your payment could be as low as $0 per month. You can also qualify for loan forgiveness on your remaining balance if your loan is not paid in full after 20 or 25 years. Be aware, however, that you may have to pay taxes on the amount forgiven , and if you were making payments of $0 per month, that could be a significant amount of money.


Be sure to talk to your loan servicer about the best way to stay on track toward successful repayment of your federal student loan.


If you are not logged in , you cannot complete the TEACH Grant requirements.


What is a TEACH Grant?


The Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education TEACH Grant Program provides funds to students who are completing or who plan to complete coursework that is required to begin a career in teaching, and agree to teach full time for at least four years at an elementary school, secondary school, or educational service agency that serves students from low - income families and to meet other requirements.


Before receiving a TEACH Grant , you must complete : TEACH Grant Initial and Subsequent Counseling and An Agreement to Serve ATS.


You must complete TEACH Grant Initial and Subsequent Counseling and a new ATS each year that you receive a TEACH Grant.


TEACH Grant Initial and Subsequent Counseling


Complete TEACH Grant Initial and Subsequent Counseling


Students who are receiving a TEACH Grant.


TEACH Grant Initial and Subsequent Counseling must be completed in a single session. Most people complete counseling in 20 - 30 minutes.


Verified FSA ID TEACH Grant - eligible School Name


TEACH Grant Agreement To Serve (ATS)


Preview a read - only version of the ATS


Students who are receiving a TEACH Grant, and who have completed TEACH Initial and Subsequent Counseling for the same Award Year.


The ATS Process must be completed in a single session. Most people complete the ATS in 20 - 30 minutes.


Many students get federal student aid to help pay for their study at international schools, either at the undergraduate or graduate level.


Whether you plan to study abroad for a semester or get your entire degree outside the United States , you may be able to use federal student aid to pay your expenses. The type of aid you can get and the process you must follow will depend on the type of program study - abroad or full degree you plan to enter. Your status as an undergraduate or graduate student also affects the type of aid for which you re eligible , just as it does at schools in the U.S.


Study Abroad for a Semester or Year


You may receive federal student aid for a study - abroad program, if you meet the aid eligibility criteria. If you aren t already in the habit of filling out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid FAFSA form each year for college , be sure to learn about the federal student aid programs and the FAFSA process. You ll need to fill out a FAFSA form before you can receive federal student aid to study abroad.


To determine which types of aid you ll be able to use for your study - abroad program , contact the financial aid office at your American school. If your American school doesn t participate in the federal student aid programs, then you won t be able to get federal student aid to help pay for your study abroad. Start early, because it s important to get all necessary paperwork done on time, both at your American school and at the international school.


The rest of the information on this page below this section does not apply to you if what you re interested in is doing a study - abroad program.


Get a Degree From an International School


If you ve decided to get your degree from a school outside the U.S. , congratulations. Now let us help you find out which international schools participate in the federal student aid programs and guide you through the process of getting federal aid to make a dent in that tuition bill.


How can I research schools and their requirements?


First , don t panic. You re on your own , but if you re organized and determined, you ll be okay. In this section , we ll share some tips about preparing to study at an international school and some resources to help you learn about schools that participate in the American federal student aid programs.


Here are general tips : Start early. You ve got more to do than your friends who are going to American schools, so don t think you can apply for financial aid this month and use it to pay your tuition next month. If you re interested in a particular school, check its website to find out about program availability (does it offer the degree you want? ), cost, enrollment policies, and resources and programs for international students. Do your research and keep a to - do list. For instance , what paperwork needs to be done? (Visas? Housing forms? Registering with the police? Valid passport? Emergency contacts? Medical insurance?) Create a file to organize your documents and information from your school. Find out who at the school will be processing your financial aid. Get their email address, and contact them when you have questions. If you re not sure where to start, try the school s office for international students. Don t forget that you can get help filling out the FAFSA form either within the form itself at fafsa.gov or by phone at 1 - 800 - 4-FED - AID 1 - 800 - 433 - 3243; TTY for the deaf or hard of hearing 1 - 800 - 730 - 8913.


Here are resources you can use as you decide which school to attend : International Schools in General International Schools That Participate in the Federal Student Loan Programs this list is updated quarterly, so check with your intended school to be sure it currently participates International Medical Schools for each school, find pass rates on the United States Medical Licensing Examinations, student loan debt for American medical students, and completion rates for American medical students, among other information Note : International medical schools must annually report and meet certain eligibility requirements to remain as participants in the federal student loan programs. Additionally , an international school may be eligible to participate in the federal student loan programs , but the school s medical program may be ineligible to participate. This list is a resource only and you MUST contact your intended school to confirm that its medical program is currently eligible and participates in the loan program. Important: The data contained in each Foreign Medical School Consumer Information page below, with the exception of loan default rates, is self - reported and self - certified by the institution. American University of Antigua American University of the Caribbean Flinders University Jagiellonian University Medical College Masarykova Univerzita McGill University Medical University of Bialystok Medical University of Lublin Medical University of the Americas Ross University , School of Medicine Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland Saba University School of Medicine St George's University , School of Medicine St. Matthew s University School of Medicine Technion - Israel Institute of Technology Tel Aviv University Sackler School of Medicine Universidad Autonoma de Guadalajara University College Cork University College Dublin University of Queensland The Univerzita Karlova v Praze , First Faculty of Medicine The


What federal student aid can I receive for my degree at an international school?


At many schools around the world , you can receive a federal student loan from the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Direct Loan Program. Find out which international schools participate in the Direct Loan Program. You may receive a Direct Subsidized Loan or Direct Unsubsidized Loan for your undergraduate education. Direct Unsubsidized Loans and Direct PLUS Loans are available to graduate students. Your parent also might be able to borrow on your behalf ; he or she should ask about getting a Direct PLUS Loan for parents. International schools do not participate in the U.S. Department of Education s grant programs , so you will not be able to obtain a Federal Pell Grant to get your degree at an international school.


How much can I receive in federal student loan funds?


The annual limit for Direct Subsidized Loans plus Direct Unsubsidized Loans varies from $5,500 to $20,500 , depending on a variety of factors year in school, status as a dependent or independent student, etc . . Direct PLUS Loan amounts are determined by subtracting any other financial aid you re receiving from your total cost of attendance at the school.


How do I apply for a federal student loan to use at an international school?


Apply for student loans at your international school using the same process you use to apply for aid in the U.S. Fill out a FAFSA form at fafsa.gov as early as possible. The FAFSA form is available on Oct. 1 for school attendance that begins any time from July 1 of the following year through June of the year beyond that. There is no special FAFSA form for students planning to attend international schools. Learn how to fill out the FAFSA form. Make sure the school you plan to attend has your FAFSA information. International schools have the ability to access your FAFSA information electronically. When you fill out the FAFSA form , list the school you plan to attend in the question about Federal School Codes. The FAFSA site has a tool to let you search for your school s Federal School Code. Once it s listed on your FAFSA form , your school will then download your data. Find out the next steps from your chosen school. Different schools proceed differently at this stage of the process. Ask your school how you will get your loan money what paperwork do you need to fill out, what are the deadlines, etc. Keep track of everything that is required of you ; make copies of paper documents or scan them and file them safely; and meet those deadlines! And if your parent plans to get a Direct PLUS Loan , he or she should keep a close eye on required documents and deadlines as well. If you are a first - year student borrowing federal funds for the first time , you will have to complete entrance counseling. This means you ll be required to read text or watch a video online, or attend an in - person presentation, in order to learn about the responsibilities of taking out a loan. Your entrance counseling might happen before you leave the U.S. or after you arrive at your school ; it depends on the school.


Your loan funds will be electronically transmitted from the U.S. Treasury to the international school s designated bank. First the school will put the funds toward anything you owe them tuition, fees, etc . . If there is any money left over after the funds are applied to your account at the school , the extra money will go to you.


Your funds might not be disbursed paid out before you leave the U.S. , so you will most likely have to come up with your travel expenses yourself.


When and how do I repay the loan?


That depends on whether it s a subsidized or unsubsidized loan versus a PLUS loan. Repayment of a loan used to pay for international study works the same way as repayment of a loan used to pay for an American school. Get information about repaying federal student loans.


Have you been told you can t get federal student aid any longer?


In most circumstances , there are things you can do to get back your eligibility for financial aid.


You might lose federal student aid eligibility for a number of reasons. For instance , you might no longer meet one of the basic eligibility criteria , or you might have changed majors and no longer be enrolled in a program that makes you eligible to receive a specific type of funding for instance, a Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education [TEACH] Grant. We recommend you talk to your financial aid office about those and any other circumstances that cause you to lose eligibility.


Meanwhile , below we provide some tips on how to get your eligibility back if you find yourself in one of the following situations :


What if I defaulted on my student loan but now I want to get more federal student aid?


You ll need to get out of default before you can receive aid again.


What if my grades slipped, or I haven t completed enough credits, and my financial aid office told me I can t get federal student aid?


You need to make satisfactory academic progress in college or career school in order to keep getting federal student aid. Talk to your school about whether you can appeal the decision that made you ineligible to continue receiving federal student aid.


What if I was an eligible noncitizen but my status expired or was revoked?


You ll need to reinstate the status that made you an eligible noncitizen, or become a citizen or permanent resident, before you can receive federal student aid. For information about reinstating your status or becoming a citizen , contact U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.


What if I was convicted of a drug offense but now I want to get more federal student aid?


If you ve lost eligibility due to a conviction for a drug offense , and you are not scheduled to regain eligibility this academic year , it is possible to regain eligibility early.


What if I m incarcerated?


Your incarceration affects your eligibility for different types of aid in different ways. If you are ineligible for a particular type of student aid due to your incarceration , you ll need to wait until you re released before you can get that type of aid.


What if I accidentally received more federal student loan or grant money than I was supposed to?


In certain cases , you ll need to repay the amount that was beyond the maximum that you were allowed to receive. You can either repay the excess all at once , or you can make arrangements to repay it a bit at a time. Once you ve repaid or made arrangements to repay the excess , you ll be able to receive additional federal student aid assuming you haven t reached the maximum amounts for all programs for which you are otherwise eligible. In other cases , your financial aid office might be able to adjust the amount of money you ll be getting from another federal student aid program to make up for the excess you received. If you have questions about repaying aid or getting additional aid , talk to the financial aid staff at your school.


What if I thought I had a high school diploma, but it turns out that I actually don t?


This situation might arise if, for instance, your high school is a diploma mill a school that charges a student a fee and requires him or her to complete little or no course work to get the diploma. If you don t have a high school diploma or an equivalent such as a General Educational Development GED certificate , you ll need to talk to the financial aid office at your school to find out what to do.


What if I was convicted of, or pled nolo contendere or guilty to, a crime involving fraud to obtain federal student aid funds?


You ll need to repay the funds to the U.S. Department of Education or in the case of a federal student loan to the holder or servicer of the loan.


What if I have property subject to a judgment lien?


If you have property subject to a judgment lien for a debt owed to the United States , you will have to pay your debt in full or make arrangements to pay the debt.


Choose the federal student loan repayment plan that s best for you.


To make your payments more affordable , repayment plans can give you more time to repay your loans or can be based on your income.


Although you may select or be assigned a repayment plan when you first begin repaying your student loan , you can change repayment plans at any time for free.


Contact your loan servicer if you would like to discuss repayment plan options or change your repayment plan. You can get information about all of the federal student loans you have received and find the loan servicer for your loans by logging in to " My Federal Student Aid. "


Use Loan Simulator


Before you contact your loan servicer to discuss repayment plans , you can use our Loan Simulator to get an early look at which plans you may be eligible for and see estimates for how much you would pay monthly and overall.


Repay Your Direct Loans and Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program Loans


Consolidate Your Loans


Perkins Loan repayment plan options are not the same as those for Direct Loan Program or FFEL Program loans. Check with your school for more information on Perkins Loan repayment plans.


If you have multiple federal student loans , you can consolidate them into a single Direct Consolidation Loan. This may simplify repayment if you are currently making separate loan payments to different loan holders or servicers, as you'll only have one monthly payment to make. There may be tradeoffs, however , so you'll want to learn about the advantages and possible disadvantages of loan consolidation before you consolidate.


Student Loan Delinquency and Default


Loans must be repaid.


If you ve missed a payment or are having trouble making payments , immediately contact and discuss options with the organization that handles billing and other services for your loan to avoid defaulting on your loan. For the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program or the Federal Family Education Loan Program , contact your loan servicer. For the Federal Perkins Loan Program , contact the school where you received the loan for details. If you know that your Perkins Loan has been assigned to the U.S. Department of Education , contact the ECSI Federal Perkins Loan Servicer.


If you don t know who your loan servicer is , call the Federal Student Aid Information Center FSAIC at 1 - 800 - 433 - 3243.


LOG IN


Automatic Administrative Forbearance and Temporary 0% Interest as a Result of the COVID-19 National Emergency


To provide relief to student loan borrowers during the COVID-19 national emergency , federal student loan borrowers are automatically being placed in an administrative forbearance, which allows you to temporarily stop making your monthly loan payments. In addition , interest is being temporarily set at 0% on federal student loans. This 0% interest and suspension of payments will last from March 13 , 2020, through Sept. 30 , 2020 , but you can still make payments if you choose.


Have questions? Find out what loans qualify, and get additional information about the 0% interest period, administrative forbearance, and other student loan flexibilities due to the COVID-19 national emergency.


Understanding Delinquency


It's important to pay the amount shown on your bill and to pay by the due date.


The first day after you miss a student loan payment , your loan becomes past due, or delinquent. Your loan account remains delinquent until you repay the past due amount or make other arrangements, such as deferment or forbearance, or changing repayment plans.


If you are delinquent on your student loan payment for 90 days or more , your loan servicer will report the delinquency to the three major national credit bureaus. If you continue to be delinquent , your loan can risk going into default. Don t ignore your student loan payments defaulting on your loan can have serious consequences. Learn more on how to avoid default.


Note : Credit bureaus may be called " consumer reporting agencies " on the promissory note you signed before receiving your loan.


If you have a poor credit rating , it can be difficult for you to obtain credit cards, home or car loans , or other forms of consumer credit.


Note: You may also be charged a higher interest rate than someone with a good credit rating.


You also may have trouble signing up for utilities , getting homeowner's insurance, getting a cell phone plan, or getting approval to rent an apartment credit checks usually are required for renters.


Understanding Default


If your loan continues to be delinquent , the loan may go into default. The point when a loan is considered to be in default varies depending on the type of loan you received.


For a loan made under the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program or the Federal Family Education Loan Program , you re considered to be in default if you don t make your scheduled student loan payments for at least 270 days.


For a loan made under the Federal Perkins Loan Program , the holder of the loan may declare the loan to be in default if you don t make your scheduled payment by the due date. Find out where to go for information about your Perkins Loan.


If you defaulted on any of your federal student loans , contact the organization that notified you of the default as soon as possible so you can explain your situation fully and discuss your options. If you make repayment arrangements soon enough after your loan has gone into default , you may be able to resolve the default quickly. Learn more about getting out of default.


Consequences of Default