Types of Federal & State Aid

Federal and State Grants

Grants are awarded to students with significant financial need in combination with work and loans as part of an aid package. Normally, financial need is determined from information provided on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid or FAFSA.

Federal Pell Grant

• Annual award of $672 to $6495 per 2021-2022 year
• Open to US Citizens or eligible non-citizens
• File FAFSA online by March 31 (SUBR preferred filing date).
• Available to Undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need based on the Federal Methodology Formula.

NOTE: Effective 2012-2013, no student will be eligible to receive more than 12 semester sor its equivalency of Federal Pell Grant. The Pell Lifetime Eligibility Usage for qualifying, undergraduate students is 600%.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG)

 Annual award of $200-$4,000.

• Open to U.S. Citizens or eligible non-citizens with exceptional financial need.
• Basis for award: need as defined in federal formula.
• Primary consideration will be given to Pell Grant Recipients

 

Federal TEACH Grant Program

NOTE: For the TEACH Grant Fact Sheet, click here.

Through the College Cost Reduction and Access Act of 2007, Congress created the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant Program that provides grants of up to $4,000 per year to students who intend to teach in a public or private elementary or secondary school that serves students from low-income families. If, after reading all of the information on this fact sheet, you are interested in learning more about the TEACH Grant Program, you should contact the financial aid office at the college where you will be enrolled.

Conditions of receiving TEACH Grant

In exchange for receiving a TEACH Grant, you must agree to serve as a full-time teacher in a high-need field in a public or private elementary or secondary school that serves low-income students (see below for more information on high-need fields and schools serving low-income students). As a recipient of a TEACH Grant, you must teach for at least four academic years within eight calendar years of completing the program of study for which you received a TEACH Grant. IMPORTANT: If you fail to complete this service obligation, all amounts of TEACH Grants that you received will be converted to a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan. You must then repay this loan to the U.S. Department of Education. You will be charged interest from the date the grant(s) was disbursed. Note: TEACH Grant recipients will be given a 6-month grace period prior to entering repayment if a TEACH Grant is converted to a Direct Unsubsidized Loan.

Student Eligibility Requirements

To receive a TEACH Grant you must meet the following criteria:

• Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), although you do not have to demonstrate financial need.
• Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen.
• Be enrolled as an undergraduate, post-baccalaureate, or graduate student in a postsecondary educational institution that has chosen to participate in the TEACH Grant Program.
• Be enrolled in course work that is necessary to begin a career in teaching or plan to complete such course work.
• Such course work may include subject area courses (e.g., math courses for a student who intends to be a math teacher).
• Meet certain academic achievement requirements (generally, scoring above the 75th percentile on a college admissions test or maintaining a cumulative GPA of at least 3.25).
• Must complete TEACH Grant Initial and Subsequent Counseling each year before completing your Agreement to Serve (ATS) for that year at https://teach-ats.ed.gov.
• Sign a TEACH Grant Agreement to Serve (see below for more information on the TEACH Grant Agreement to Serve).
• Potential Awardees will be selected and forwarded via the SUBR College of Education.  For more information on this process, please contact them at (225) 771-2290.
• Must complete TEACH Grant Exit Counseling prior to leaving the Institution at www.nslds.ed.gov

 High-Need Field

High-need fields are the specific areas identified below

• Bilingual Education and English Language Acquisition.
• Foreign Language.
• Mathematics.
• Reading Specialist.
• Science.
• Special Education.
• Other identified teacher shortage areas as of the time you begin teaching in that field. These are teacher subject shortage areas (not geographic areas) that are listed in the Department of Education's Annual Teacher Shortage Area Nationwide Listing.

To access the listing, please go to http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ope/pol/tsa.doc.

 

Schools Serving Low-Income Students

Schools serving low-income students include any elementary or secondary school that is listed in the Department of Education's Annual Directory of Designated Low-Income Schools for Teacher Cancellation Benefits.

To access the Directory, please go to https://www.tcli.ed.gov/CBSWebApp/tcli/TCLIPubSchoolSearch.jsp.

TEACH Grant Agreement to Serve

• Each year you receive a TEACH Grant, you must sign a TEACH Grant
• Agreement to Serve that is available electronically on the TEACH Grant Agreement to Serve Web site. The TEACH Grant Agreement to Serve
• specifies the conditions under which the grant will be awarded, the
• teaching service requirements, and includes an acknowledgment by you
• that you understand that if you do not meet the teaching service
• requirements you must repay the grant as a Federal Direct Unsubsidized
• Loan, with interest accrued from the date the grant funds were disbursed. Specifically, the TEACH Grant Agreement to Serve will require the following:
• For each TEACH Grant-eligible program for which you received TEACH Grant funds, you must serve as a full-time teacher for a total of at least four academic years within eight calendar years after you completed or withdrew from the academic program for which you received the TEACH Grant.

You must perform the teaching service as a highly-qualified teacher at a low-income school. The term highly-qualified teacher is defined in section 9101(23) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 or in section 602(10) of the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act.

• Your teaching service must be in a high-need field.
• You must comply with any other requirements that the Department of Education determines to be necessary.
• If you do not complete the required teaching service obligation,
• TEACH Grant funds you received will be converted to a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan that you must repay, with interest charged from the date of each TEACH Grant disbursement.

IMPORTANT REMINDER

If you receive a TEACH Grant but do not complete the required teaching service, as explained above, you will be required to repay the grants as a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan, with interest charged from the date of each TEACH Grant disbursement.

 

 

Louisiana "Go Grant" Program

SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY AND AGRICULTURAL & MECHANICAL COLLEGE

AMENDED COVID-19 LOUSIANA GO GRANT PACKAGING POLICY

(EFFECTIVE MARCH 25, 2020)

 

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for a Louisiana Go Grant, a student MUST:

• Be a Louisiana Resident;*
• File a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA);
• Receive a federal Pell grant (in the same semester as the Go Grant);
• Have remaining financial need after deducting Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) and all federal/state/institutional grant or scholarship aid ("gift aid") from student's Cost of Attendance (COA);
• Be enrolled as a regular student enrolled in an eligible program on at least a halftime basis (minimum 6 hours)
• Be meeting SUBR's Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements for receipt of Title IV aid; or be approved through the Appeals Process

COVID-19 Amended Award Amounts

Award amounts to eligible students are based on the institution's allocation and their packaging policy. The number of students awarded varies each academic year due to limited funding for the Louisiana Go Grant. All eligible students will not receive this grant, students are awarded in priority of the packaging policy listed below. Student Awards will not be paid for summer sessions, quarters or terms.   

Maximum and minimum annual award amounts for the 2019-2020 Academic Year:

• Maximum Annual Award $3000
• Minimum Annual Award $1000

SUBR will award the Max. Annual Award ($3000) to students enrolled in twelve (12) or more hours. Students with less than six (6) hours are not eligible for disbursement. Disbursement amounts to students with less than twelve (12), but greater than five (5) enrolled hours will receive a maximum amount of $500 per term/$1,000 per year.

 

Award Calculations

Southern University and A&M College will make a good faith effort to distribute LA Go Grant funding in a manner that reaches students with the most financial need to bring their maximum financial need met with gift aid to 60%.

Example:

COA = $17,500

EFC = 1,500

Need 16,000

60% of need (16,000) = $9,600

Gift aid, inclusive of the Go Grant amount should not exceed $9600 for this student. Examples of gift aid include Federal Pell Grant, Federal SEOG, TOPS, TOPS stipends and institutional scholarships.

 

COVID-19 AMDENDED PACKAGING POLICY

Southern University and Agricultural & Mechanical College will package LA Go Grant awards in accordance with the following provisions:

• Active Enrolled student for the Spring 20 semester that has been awarded SLAGO and still has a balance.  Increase the SLAGO allocation to cover the remaining balance if there is still a COA need. We will honor giving students the max in the amount of $3000 for the year, which will allow an additional $2000.00 to be awarded.  The additional funds will only be applied to the Spring 20 Semester.
• Award additional funds to existing Go Grant recipients
• Award new potential SLAGO recipients for Spring 20 term.
• Priority will be given to students who are 25 years or older;
• Eligibility for and awards to transfer and re-entering students will be made on the same basis as continuing students;
• SUBR will award LA Go Grant funding in a manner that allows the institution the opportunity to reach and assist the largest population of its "Needy" students.

Awards will be made until all allocated funds have been exhausted.

 

Renewal Requirements

• Must file a FAFSA or the Renewal FAFSA at least annually
• Continue receiving a Federal Pell Grant
• Have remaining financial need after deducting Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) and all federal/state/institutional grant or scholarship aid ("gift aid") from student's Cost of Attendance (COA);

• The award can be renewed for subsequent years to a maximum Lifetime award that correlates to that of the Federal Pell Grant.

 

•  

Residency:  Louisiana resident as of the day the FAFSA is filed and Louisiana is the student's true and fixed domicile as reported on the FAFSA. If student's state of residence on the FAFSA is not reported as LA, but a dependent student claims that a non-custodial parent is a Louisiana resident, or whose parents are Louisiana residents living out of state, LOSFA will determine residency based on the completion, by the parents, of a residency affidavit.

 

For additional information on the LA Go Grant and other State Aid Programs, please visit www.osfa.state.la.gov.

 

Louisiana National Guard Program

• Up to full Louisiana tuition/fees.
• Open to Louisiana residents after one full year of service in the
• Louisiana National Guard as an enlisted person or company grade officer up to the rank of captain.

     Apply through your local Louisiana National Guard Recruiting Officer.

 

 

Tuition Opportunity Program for Students

Louisiana’s Tuition Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS) is a comprehensive program of state scholarships and one of the most innovative and progressive student assistance programs in the nation TOPS has four award components. Click here for further details on TOPS.

 

Federal Work-Study

The Federal Work-Study (FWS) Program provides part-time, on and off campus employment, as well as Community Service employment opportunities to students with financial need. FWS employment may be awarded to both undergraduate and graduate students during periods of enrollment.

This award, usually made to students in combination with other forms of financial aid, enables them to meet their educational expenses without incurring burdensome indebtedness. The program is also intended to broaden the range of job opportunities for qualified students.

Federal Work-Study positions are available for on and off campus employment, as well as community service positions.

FWS Application Process

 

Step 1. Apply for Financial Aid

Step 2. Indicate "yes" to Question 28 on step one if interested in Federal Work-Study. FWS funds are awarded on a first-come, first serve basis to students who are eligible for Title IV funds.

Step 3. The priority deadline for Federal Work-Study is Mach 31st.

Step 4.  Once awarded, students must report to the Financial Aid Office to complete a Work-Study Packet

FWS Placement

Step 1. Students awarded Federal Work-Study should report to the Office of Career Services for Assignments

Step 2. All participants must provide documents which establish identity and employment eligibility.

Step 3. Federal Work -Study earnings are taxable income, therefore, students must complete the following forms  (.pdf) I-9, L-4 and W-4

Step 4. Students must also obtain and return a contract which is signed by both the student and supervisor. Students may not work until this process has been completed.

FWS Assignments

FWS assignments are intended to complement and reinforce educational programs to the maximum extent possible. Students are encouraged to maintain employment positions which can broaden the range of job opportunities.

FWS Payroll

Each FWS student must have a completed time sheet submitted to the Office of Student Financial Aid prior to 5:00 p.m. on the last business day of each month. The time sheets must be submitted to this office to ensure payment according to the pay schedule. FWS students working on campus earn $10.00 per hour. FWS students working Off-campus (Community Service Programs) earn $12.00 per hour. Federal Work-Study students are paid monthly on the 15^th day of the following month. Student payroll funds are paid via Direct Deposit to the lending institution of their choosing.

William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program

Federal Direct Subsidized Loan Programs

This program is available to students who are enrolled for at least half-time (6 hours for undergraduates and Post Baccalaureate students) each semester at the time of disbursing of funds. Students borrow from the U.S. Department of Education and may apply for a maximum loan according to the following schedule:

• $5,500 for students who have earned less than 30 hours (freshmen).
• $6,500 for students who have earned at least 30 hours but less than 60 (sophomores).
• $7,500 for students who have earned at least 60 hours, but have not completed the requirements for a baccalaureate degree (juniors, seniors and graduates not pursuing a graduate degree).
• $8,500 for graduate students pursuing a graduate degree and enrolled in at least 5 hours of graduate-level courses.

The total of a Federal Direct Subsidized Loan award and a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan award may not exceed the above annual award limits. The U.S. Department of Education will deduct an origination fee of up to 3% and up to 1 % default fee of the principal amount of the loan from each disbursement received by a student. These fees are used to offset the costs of default claims and special allowances.

A first year, first time Federal Direct Loan borrower cannot receive a Federal Direct Loan disbursement(s) until 30 days after the first day of class.

Loans of this type are repaid over a period of 10 years, excluding periods of deferment and/or forbearance.

For Federal Subsidized Loans, the interest does not accrue while the student is enrolled at least half time (6 hours). Repayment of principal and interest commences 6 months after the day on which the student ceases to be enrolled at least half-time (6 hours).

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan Program

This loan program is available to all students, regardless of family income, who are enrolled at least half-time (6 hours for undergraduates and Post Baccalaureate students and 5 hours for Graduate Students) credit hours each semester at the time of awarding and disbursing of funds. Students borrow from the U.S. Department of Education and loan limits are the same as for the Federal Direct Stafford Loan Program.

The total of a Federal Direct Stafford Loan award and a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan award may not exceed the above annual award limits. The U. S. Department of Education will deduct an origination fee of up to 3%and up to 1% default fee of the principal amount of the loan from each disbursement received by a student. These fees are used to offset the cost of default claims and special allowances.

A first year, first time Federal Direct Loan borrower cannot receive a Federal Direct Loan disbursement(s) until 30 days after the first day of class.

Loans of this type are repaid over a period of 10 years, excluding periods of deferment and/or forbearance.

Students must pay interest during in-school, grace and deferments. These interest payments may be made monthly, quarterly, or be added to the principal amount of the loan (i.e. Capitalized). Repayment of principal commences 6 months after the month in which the student ceases to be enrolled at least half-time. The interest rate is fixed at 6.8% effective July 1, 2006.

Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students (PLUS)

PLUS loans are for parents of dependent students. Parents who do not have adverse credit history may borrow from the U.S. Department of Education, and may borrow an amount equal to the cost of education minus estimated financial assistance for each dependent student who is enrolled at least half time.

The interest rate is fixed at 7.9 % effective July 1, 2006. The U. S. Department of Education will deduct an origination fee of 3% and 1% default fee of the principal balance of each disbursement. These fees are used to offset the cost of default claims and special allowances.

Repayment of PLUS loans begins immediately and are repaid over a period of 10 years, excluding periods of deferment/forbearance.

Borrower should contact the U.S. Department of Education to obtain information regarding possible deferment/ forbearance options.

 

***** Direct Student Loan Changes *****

Federal Direct Subsidized Loans

Direct Subsidized loans will not be eligible for an interest subsidy during the six-month grace period.  Subsidized loans are loans for which the borrower is not responsible for the interest while the student is enrolled in college on at least a half-time basis when the loan is in the six-month grace period after the student is no longer enrolled at least half time, or if the loan is in a deferment status. This provision eliminates the interest subsidy provided during the six-month grace period for subsidized loans for which the first disbursement is made on or after July 1, 2012, and before July 1, 2014. If you receive a subsidized loan during this timeframe, you will be responsible for the interest that accrues while your loan is in the grace period. You do not have to make payments during the grace period (unless you choose to) but the interest will be added (capitalized) to the principal amount of your loan when the grace period ends. This provision does not eliminate the interest subsidy while the borrower is in school or during eligible periods of deferment.

All subsidized loans made to undergraduate students will have a fixed interest rate of 6.8%. Subsidized loans for which the first disbursement is on or after July 1, 2012, will have a 6.8% fixed interest rate. Note: In the President's FY2013 budget request, the Administration has proposed maintaining the interest rate on subsidized loans at the current rate of 3.4% for the 2012-2013 school year.

Effective for loans made for payment periods that begin on or after July 1, 2012, Graduate and Professional students are no longer eligible to receive subsidized loans. However, if you are a graduate or professional student, you may still qualify for up to $20,500 in unsubsidized loans each year.

The U.S. Department of Education can no longer offer borrowers repayment incentives.  Effective for loans first disbursed on or after July 1, 2012, the Department of Education is prohibited from offering any repayment incentives to Federal Direct Loan borrowers, except interest rate reductions to borrowers who agree to have payments automatically electronically debited from their bank account.

Benefits of Direct Lending

The Federal Direct Loan Program offers numerous borrower benefits including:

• There is a .25% interest rate reduction for automatically debiting your payment from your checking account.
• Repayment options include Standard, Extended, Graduated, Income Contingent, Income-Based, Income-Sensitive, and Pay as you Earn Plan.