Federal Grants
Graduate students and students holding baccalaureate degrees are not eligible for the Federal Pell Grant or Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG).
Federal Loans
Federal Direct (Unsubsidized) Student Loans
A federal loan program available to graduate students; there is no requirement to demonstrate financial need. The loan amount that may be borrowed is based on the student's cost of attendance minus any other financial aid the student receives.
Interest Payment: Students must pay all interest that accrues on unsubsidized loans during the time of enrollment in school, during the grace period, and during any periods of deferment or repayment. There are two ways students may pay the required interest:
- Make monthly or quarterly payments to the lender,
OR
- Reach an agreement with the lender to add interest to the principal of the loan, but no more frequently than quarterly; this is called capitalization. If students do not make interest payments as scheduled while in school, in grace period, or during a period of authorized deferment, the lender may automatically capitalize the interest every three months. During other periods, students must pay this interest to the lender, unless the lender agrees to grant forbearance, as explained in the promissory note.
Federal Direct PLUS Loans for Graduate Students
The federal government sponsors PLUS loans for students needing additional loan assistance. The maximum PLUS loan amount that may be borrowed is the student's cost of attendance minus any other financial aid the student receives.
Alternative Loans
Alternative education loans are created and offered by private lenders. They are credit-based loans that help students "bridge the gap" between the financial aid they have been awarded and any additional amount they feel may be needed to help achieve their educational goals. The lender sets the terms and conditions of the loan. Unlike Federal Direct loans which are created and guaranteed by the federal government, alternative education loan terms vary from lender to lender. All students are advised to utilize all federal financial aid, including Federal Direct loans, before borrowing an Alternative Education Loan.
Federal Work Study
This program is designed to provide students with an opportunity to pay part of their educational expenses by working at a part-time job. To be employed under this program, students must show evidence of financial need each semester, and maintain good academic standing while employed under this program. Preference will be given to students with exceptional financial need.
Under the Federal Work Study Program students are given the opportunity to work approximately 16 hours per week depending on the award. These funds must be earned. Students must arrange their employment schedule with their assigned supervisors.
Student Assistant Program
This program, sponsored entirely by Middle Georgia State University, employs students on a part-time basis on campus. Financial need is not a determinant. Students must be enrolled for at least 4.5 hours to be employed as a student assistant.
Under Student Assistant programs, students are given the opportunity to work approximately 15 to 19 hours per week depending on the award. These funds must be earned. Students must arrange their employment schedule with their assigned supervisors.