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Sources of Financial Aid
Grants Grants - Financial aid that does not have to be repaid Federal Pell Grant - A grant awarded to undergraduate students who have not earned a bachelor's or professional degree and who have demonstrated adequate financial need through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. The Pell Grant provides the foundation of financial aid for many students. Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) - An additional campus-based grant awarded to highest-need students. Iowa Grant - Grant available to Iowa residents attending community colleges and other types of postsecondary schools throughout Iowa. Priority is given to students with the greatest financial need. The maximum grant at Kirkwood is $600 per year. Iowa Vocational-Technical Grant - Grant funding available to Iowa residents in Vocational-Technical programs. An application for financial aid must be received by the federal processor prior to the state deadline, and the expected family contribution must be within the parameters set by the state. Students can receive up to two years of Iowa Vocational-Technical Grant. Academic Competitiveness Grant - A federal grant awarded to students who have completed a rigorous secondary school program of study and have been awarded a Pell Grant. Federal Loans - Money that is loaned to students by the Department of Education. This is the Department's largest self-help program. As loans have to be repaid, it is important to only borrow what you need. This website offers more information about student loans. Kirkwood offers three types of federal loans: Direct Subsidized Stafford Loan - Because the student has demonstrated sufficient financial need, the government pays the interest while the student is enrolled at least half-time. The fixed interest rate depends on when the loan was disbursed.
Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan - The student does not qualify for the interest subsidy because he or she has not demonstrated sufficient financial need. The fixed interest rate is 6.8 percent. Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS) - This loan is made to parents of dependent students for their educational expenses. The fixed interest rate is 7.9 percent. Repayment begins 60 days after the final disbursement; however parents can request a deferment while the student is enrolled at least half time. To apply for a PLUS Loan, go here. As a parent, you will have to log in with your PIN and then you can complete the PLUS Loan application. Subsidized and unsubsidized loans have an origination fee of 1/2 of 1 per cent. The PLUS loan has a fee of 3 percent. These are deducted before disbursal. Federal Workstudy - This program provides jobs for students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to help pay educational expenses. The program encourages community service work - particularly literacy tutoring. Students at Kirkwood are paid $7.75 per hour, and receive a check once per month. Kirkwood publishes a Scholarship Opportunities booklet. This booklet contains a listing of all internal scholarships, an application form and instructions on how to complete the application process. For more information about Kirkwood Scholarship Opportunities, go here. Kirkwood also offers the Presidential and Leaders For Tomorrow scholarships. For more information about those programs, go here. For information about state of Iowa scholarship programs, go here. A good source to research scholarships is FinAid, The Information Page sponsored by the National Association of Financial Aid Administrators organization. Another good source of scholarship information is the website Financial Aid Tips. Check out their scholarship page here. In exchange for at least two years service at a health care facility with a critical shortage of nurses, the Nursing Scholarship Program pays tuition and certain other expenses. For more information, go here. Alternative Sources of Aid Non-Federal Student Loans - Commercial lenders have student loan programs available as well. These loans are generally offered at higher terms. The Financial Aid Office strongly recommends students exhaust all federal borrowing options first because the terms are generally superior to alternative loan options. You may receive benefits under only one VA education chapter at a time - even though you may have eligibility under more than one chapter. Education Fact Sheet for Guard and Reserve Members A short fact sheet for Guard and Reserve members called to active duty (in Adobe PDF Format). Visit the Questions and Answers section to see new information on military Call-up or activation. Use the “Search” feature to see all questions and answers or click on the following links to view benefit specific questions. Project Start - Project Start is funded by the Kirkwood Foundation. The purpose is to provide broad-based support to students. Participants are students who encounter barriers that might prevent them from enrolling or completing their academic goals. To be eligible for Project Start, an individual must meet financial guidelines, demonstrate academic promise and display the potential for success. Project Start services include financial assistance, among others. Participants are expected to be self-sufficient within one year. For more information, go here. Skills-to-Employment - Skills-to-Employment offers employment and training resources for Dislocated Workers and income-eligible adults and youth in Linn, Johnson, Jones, Cedar, Benton, Iowa, and Washington counties. Training sponsorships may be available for those who meet eligibility criteria and demonstrate financial need. Sponsorships can assist with the costs of training and related expenses, including:
Other Services include:
For more information, contact the Skills-to-Employment office at: (319) 398-5105 or 1-800-383-8451 Or visit us at 1030 5th Avenue, SE Suite 2300, Cedar Rapids Vocational Rehabilitation - The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation is a branch of the State of Iowa Department of Education. DVRS is a federal-and state-sponsored program that provides many specialized services on an individual basis to students with disabilities. These services include financial assistance. Iowa Teacher Shortage Forgivable Loan Program - This program is offered through the Iowa College Student Aid Commission. The loans offered through this program may be forgiven if the student teaches in a shortage area. For more information, go here. Iowa Nursing Education Loan Repayment Program - This program could pay off some of your student loans if you meet certain criteria. For more information, go here. FACTS - To help you meet your educational expenses, Kirkwood Community College offers FACTS as a convenient budget plan. The cost to budget your interest-free monthly payment plan is a $25 per semester non-refundable FACTS Enrollment Fee. For more information, contact Accounting Services at 319-398-5631. |
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