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SOURCES OF FINANCIAL AID

The sources of financial aid at Unity College fall into two major categories: noncollege programs controlled or administered by outside agencies and college programs directly administered by Unity College.

Federal Pell Grant
An entitlement grant provided by the federal government for students enrolled in a degree program, who demonstrate financial need as determined by the Department of Education. All Unity College financial aid applicants are required to apply for this grant. Any amount received will be included in the total award from Unity College.
Application procedure Complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

State Scholarships
Students from all New England states and Pennsylvania are required to apply for a grant under their own state scholarship program. Any amount received from a state grant program will be included in the total award from Unity College. Amounts and eligibility requirements vary depending on the state.
Application procedure Contact your high school guidance counselor or state higher education agency for information. If you encounter any difficulty contact the Unity College financial aid office for help.

Private Scholarships
Financial aid recipients are encouraged to apply for aid which may be available from hometown community organizations such as the Lions, Kiwanis, and Rotary Clubs. High school guidance offices are good sources of information on local programs. —

Federal Stafford Student Loans
Students are eligible to apply for these loans whether or not they are receiving other forms of financial assistance. Students must be enrolled at least half time to receive a loan. The loans are long-term and have a low interest rate, which is deferred while the student remains in school on at least a half-time basis. The maximum loan amounts are $2,625 for first-year students, $3,500 for second-year students, and $5,500 for third, fourth-, and fifth-year students, up to a maximum of $23,000 toward a bachelor’s degree.
Application procedure The student must use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and complete the normal financial aid application process in order to apply for a Stafford Loan.

Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Student Loans
Federal loan program open to students who do not qualify for Federal Stafford or who qualify for only a partial Stafford. Students can borrow up to the maximum with either a Stafford, an unsubsidized Stafford, or a combination of the two. 
Independent students are allowed to use this federal loan program to apply for up to $4000 annually for the first two undergraduate years, $5000 annually upon attaining third-year status, up to a maximum of $23,000.
Application procedure Same as Stafford Loan.

Federal Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students (PLUS)
A federal loan program which is available only to parents of dependent students. Parents may borrow up to the annual cost of attendance minus other aid per eligible student.
Application procedure Applications available at the Unity College financial aid office, or your local bank or credit union.

Veterans Benefits These benefits provide funds to veterans as well as to active duty military personnel, reservists, the National Guard, widows and widowers of veterans, and war orphans.
Application procedure Contact your local Veterans Administration Office.

Unity College Financial Aid
Application for financial assistance at Unity College assures consideration for all college-administered funds available to students. The following college-administered aid programs are available at Unity College.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (SEOG)
Funds provided to Unity College by the federal government provide aid to undergraduate students with financial need. These grants range from $200 to $3,000 a year, depending on financial need and availability of funds.
Application procedure Your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), combined with all other required application material, serves as your application for SEOG.

Federal College Work Study Jobs (FWS)
Funds provided to Unity College by the federal government help to provide on-campus and off-campus jobs for students who have financial need. Employment is part-time during the academic year. Preference is given to students with the greatest financial need. Most FWS awards at Unity College range from $500 to $2,500.
Application procedure Your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), combined with all other application materials, serves as your application for FWS.

Federal Perkins Loans
Provides long-term loans to students with financial need but is limited by federal funding. Undergraduates are limited to $4,500 for the first two years and $9,000 total. The loans are interest-free while the borrower remains in school on at least a half-time basis. The borrower has up to 10 years to repay the loans, beginning nine months after the student is no longer enrolled on at least a half-time basis. Application procedure Your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), combined with all other required application materials, serves as your application for a Perkins Loan.

Unity College Grant-in-Aid
Is an institutionally funded grant program available to students with financial need. A student’s need will determine the amount awarded.
Application procedure Your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), combined with all other required application materials serves as your application for GIA. Note:

Federal rules are revised frequently.