Post-Secondary Planning Guide
Download a PDF of the Post-Secondary Guide
A Look at Your Post-Secondary Options
 
Tips on . . .
Taking a Break After High School
 
The College Search
 
College Entrance Examinations & SATs
 
The College Application Process
 
Financial Aid: Sources and Programs
  Financial Aid 2
  Financial Aid 3
 
Second Semester Senior Year Issues
 
The Wait List
 
Vocabulary
 
Rights and Responsibilities
 
Policy of Non-Discrimination
 

 

Financial Aid: Sources and Programs
Subsidized Stafford Loan
Subsidized loans have their interest paid by the federal government while a student is in school at least half-time and for a six-month period after graduation. Eligible students (based on FAFSA) can borrow up to $2625 in their freshman year, $3500 in their sophomore year, and $5500 in their junior and senior years to a maximum of $23,000.
 
Unsubsidized Stafford Loan
If a student still requires additional aid after receiving all other forms of aid, or does not qualify for any aid, a student may seek financial help from this low interest, non-need-based program. With this unsubsidized loan, interest begins to accrue as soon as the loan is disbursed. Amounts offered under this program exceed those offered under the subsidized loan program and can not exceed $46,000.
 
Perkins Loan (Formerly called National Direct Student Loan)
This federal loan program, administered by the individual colleges, provides low interest educational loans for qualified students who are enrolled at least half-time. Students can borrow up to $3000 per year up to a maximum of $15,000.
 
Pell Grants
These need-based federal grants are awarded to eligible full and part-time undergraduate students. The amounts range from $400 to $2340 per year.
 
Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant Program (SEOG)
These federal grants which range from $100 up to $4000 yearly are offered to students with exceptional need with priority given to Pell Grant recipients.
 
College Work-Study Program
College work-study provides federally subsidized jobs on campus and in the community. Employment offers included in financial aid packages range up to $1400 for about 10-15 hours of work per week. Students are paid minimum wage
 
Massachusetts State Scholarship
Eligible students can receive from $200 to $3800 in grants from the state.
 
PLUS Loan (Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students)
Through a local bank, parents may borrow up to the full cost of an education minus any financial aid received. Interest is one-year T-bill rate plus 3.1% adjusted yearly, not to exceed 9%. Repayment begins 60 days after loan disbursement. Many colleges and universities have their own loan programs and/or tuition plans. For information contact their financial aid offices.
 
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