Grants & Loans
All award ranges listed here are valid for the 2006-2007 academic year and are only listed as a general indication.
Federal Pell Grants
Federal Pell grants are awarded only to undergraduate students who have not earned a bachelor’s degree.
To determine if you are eligible, the U.S. Department of Education uses a standard formula to evaluate the information you report on your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This formula produces an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) number that appears in the upper right portion of page one on your Student Aid Report (SAR). This number will determine if you are eligible for a Pell Grant.
Pell grants range from $400 to $4050. The amount of your award will depend on your Expected Family Contribution, your enrollment status (part or full time), and whether you attend college for a full academic year. You may not receive Pell Grant funds from more than one school at a time.
Your Pell Grant will be used to pay your tuition and fees with any remaining funds paid to you after the academic quarter begins.
Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grants (FSEOG)
An FSEOG is for undergraduate students with exceptional financial need as shown by having the lowest Expected Family Contributions. FSEOG awards at Pierce College range from $100 to $600 per academic year. You will receive your FSEOG funds in a check after the academic quarter begins.
State Need Grant
The State Need Grant helps low income undergraduate students pursue degrees. To be eligible, a student’s family income cannot exceed 65 percent of the state’s median family income. The grant amount at Pierce College is approximately $2300 per year.
State Need Grant recipients must be enrolled for a minimum of six credits each quarter.
Day Care Grant
These funds are used to assist students with child care expenses. State of Washington resident status is required.
Pierce College Grant
These funds are used to assist students with tuition, fees, books and living expenses. State of Washington resident status is required.
Tuition Waiver
This program pays resident tuition for students who are residents of the State of Washington. Tuition waivers do not include fees and no refunds will be issued to students.
Federal Perkins Loans
A Federal Perkins loan is a low interest (5% as of April 2003) loan for both undergraduate and graduate students with financial need made with funds from the federal government and Pierce College. Pierce College is your lender, and you must repay this loan to the college.
Depending on when you apply, your level of need and the availability of funds, Pierce College may lend you up to $3000 for an academic year. You will paid by check after the beginning of the academic quarter.
Repayment of your loan will begin after you cease attending Pierce College at least half time (six credits or more). You will have a nine month grace period before your first payment becomes due.
Each student borrower is provided with specific information on any deferment and cancellation provisions that apply to the loan when you borrow and during your exit interview when you leave school.
Stafford Loans
Stafford loans are low-interest loans made from banks to students. Learn more about the Stafford Loan program.
PLUS Loans (Parent Loans)
PLUS loans allow parents who have an acceptable credit history to borrow funds to pay the educational expenses of a child who is a dependent student enrolled at least half-time. The yearly limit on a PLUS Loan is equal to your cost of attendance minus any other financial aid you receive from Pierce College or other organizations. Contact the Financial Aid Office for more information.
