Overview

When you apply for financial aid, the Office of Financial Aid will consider you for all aid sources. Due to a high volume of calls, we encourage you to review your Banner Web account periodically. It is helpful to review each aid program to know what is available and to learn more about specific awards once you receive an award offer.

Cost of Attendance

The budget components are ESTIMATED averages and may not reflect your actual expenses. They are used solely for calculating financial aid eligibility. The tuition and fees component is based on 15 credit hours and average costs in the fall and spring semesters. The room and board component for residents varies depending upon housing location and meal plan.

Grants

Grants are “free money” that is not paid back and are awarded based on need and merit. The Federal Pell Grant is a federally awarded grant based on financial need. The amount of this grant ranged from $400 to $5550 for 2010-2011 academic year. This award will be adjusted for students who attend part time, less than 12 hours. The Federal Supplemental Opportunity Grant is awarded by the Office of Financial Aid. Students must be Pell Grant eligible generally with a zero Estimated Family Contribution (EFC).

Grants are considered “gift aid” and therefore do not need to be repaid. They are intended to assist students who have not yet earned or met the requirements for a first bachelor’s degree (with the exception of the TEACH Grant) and who are attending school at least part time.

The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG)

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG) are for undergraduates with exceptional financial need. Pell Grant recipients with the lowest EFCs will be the first to get FSEOGs. Just like Pell Grants, FSEOGs don’t have to be paid back.

Georgia Grant

State grant programs are awarded to residents of the State of Georgia who are enrolled as undergraduate students working on a degree at a public or private college or university. For more information visit:https://www.gafutures.org/.

Federal work Study

Federal Work Study is a federally subsidized employment program awarded by the Office of Financial Aid. This award is based upon financial need. Work-study funds are not credited to your account. A bi-weekly paycheck is received based on hours worked.

Loans

Low interest student and parent loans are borrowed money that must be repaid. Loans are a large part of many students’ aid package. Borrow only what you need. Always remember that you will pay back what you borrow. Fort Valley State University participates in the Federal Direct Student Loan Program to offer Stafford loans and Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students (PLUS). A limited amount of funds is available through the Perkins Loan Program for students with exceptional need. Additional information is located under the Loan Applications Link.

Eligibility

Eligibility for federal student aid is based on financial need and on several other factors. The Office of Financial Aid will determine your eligibility. View eligibility requirements here.