FSA ID/GUIDE

Federal Direct Subsidized Loans (DSL):

• Based on financial need, as determined by your cost of attendance minus expected family contribution and other financial aid (such as grants or scholarships). 
• Subsidized Loans do not accrue interest while you are in school at least half-time or during deferment periods.

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan (DUL):

• Not based on financial need. Eligibility is determined by your cost of attendance minus other financial aid (such as grants or scholarships).
• Interest is charged during in-school, deferment, and grace periods. Unlike a subsidized loan, you are responsible for the interest from the time the unsubsidized loan is disbursed until it’s paid in full. 
• You can choose to pay the interest or allow it to accrue (accumulate) and be capitalized (that is, added to the principal amount of your loan).

Federal Direct PLUS Loans (DPLUS):

• The U.S. Department of Education is your lender.
• You must not have an adverse credit history. A credit check will be conducted. If you have an adverse credit history, you may still be able to receive a PLUS loan if you meet additional requirements.
• The maximum PLUS loan amount you can receive is the cost of attendance (determined by the school) minus any other Financial Aid received.

Federal Pell Grants:

• Students who display exceptional financial need and have not earned a bachelor's, graduate, or professional degree. 
• A Federal Pell Grant, unlike a loan, does not have to be repaid, except under certain circumstances. 

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG):

• To get an FSEOG, you must fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form so your college can determine how much financial need you have
• The financial aid office will award FSEOGs to students that have the most financial need. The FSEOG does not need to be repaid, except under certain circumstances