Federal Student Aid Programs

Federal Programs

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All students are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Students who submit a FAFSA expand their financial aid opportunities, regardless of their demonstrated financial need.

Eligibility for grants, loans, and student employment further reduce your costs. The types of federal aid programs are listed below.

Federal Pell Grant

Amount: Up to $7,395 for the 2024-2025 academic year; no repayment required.
Eligibility: Complete the FAFSA, have financial need and have an Student Aid Index (SAI) determined Pell eligible.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant

Amount: Varies - typical Bellarmine award is $500; no repayment required.
Eligibility: The FSEOG program provides assistance to exceptionally needy undergraduate students.  Awarding priority is given to Pell Grant Recipients.

Federal Work-Study

Amount: Varies; no repayment required.
Eligibility: Students with financial need as demonstrated by the FAFSA.

Federal Direct Subsidized Loan Program

Amount: Up to $3,500 for first year, $4,500 for second, and $5,500 for each year thereafter. Additional unsubsidized loan money may also be available.
Eligibility: Students with financial need as demonstrated by the FAFSA.

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan Program

Amount: Maximum award is $5,500 per year for first year. (If the student receives a Subsidized Direct Loan, that amount is deducted from the $5,500.)  Second-year students can receive a total of $6,500, and a maximum of $7,500 for each year after. Additional unsubsidized loan money is also available for a student if a parent does not meet the requirements of the Federal PLUS Loan program.

Eligibility: Students do not have to demonstrate financial need.

Federal Parent PLUS and Graduate PLUS Loans

Amount: Up to total cost of education less other financial aid.
Eligibility: Graduate and professional students and parents of dependent undergraduate students.

Federal TEACH Grant Program

Amount: Up to $4,000 per year for Juniors/Seniors admitted in the Teacher Education Program or MAT or MAEd students. Please note that due to the Federal sequestration for the 2024-2025 year, the maximum TEACH grant that can be disbursed is $3,772 per year.

Eligibility: Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), be a US citizen or eligible non-citizen, enrolled in coursework that is necessary to begin a career in teaching or plan to complete such course work, meet certain academic achievement requirements, and sign a TEACH Grant agreement to serve. Learn more about TEACH Grant Program.