Types of Financial Aid

Federal Student Aid and Financial Aid available through the State of Wisconsin include a variety of different types of funding, such as a variety of loans, different types of grants and work-study positions. In addition, students may want to consider scholarships and Veterans Education Benefits

Note: In order to be eligible for student loans and most other Financial Aid, you must be enrolled in a minimum of 6 credits.

Federal Grants

At the federal level, the FAFSA may lead to being awarded a Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), or the Federal Bureau of Indian Affairs Grant. These are all funds that do not need to be repaid. Note that you are not eligible to receive a Federal Pell Grant if you are incarcerated in a federal or state penal institution or are subject to an involuntary civil commitment upon completion of a period of incarceration for a forcible or non-forcible sexual offense.

State Grants

Grants available from the State of Wisconsin include the Wisconsin Grant, Wisconsin Minority Grant, Wisconsin Talent Incentive Grant and Wisconsin Indian Grant.

Federal Work Study

Federal Work Study is money earned by working on-campus for the school or off-campus for a private nonprofit organization/public agency. Be sure to check the box in your FAFSA if you want to be eligible for work study options.

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Subsidized Federal Direct Student Loans

Subsidized Federal Direct Loans are need-based loans that do not accumulate interest until six months after the student graduates, stops attending or ceases enrollment for at least six credits. Additionally, an authorized period of deferment can be applied by the lender so that interest does not accrue.

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Student Loans

Interest accrues immediately after the first disbursement of Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans. While these do not need to be repaid until after the grace period following graduation or ceasing enrollment at or above six credits, students can lower the overall amount to be repaid by making payments while still in school.

Parent PLUS Loans

A Parent PLUS Loan is a federal loan that a student's parent may be eligible to borrow, in their own name, to help cover the cost of their child's educational costs. Interest begins accruing immediately upon loan certification. Students must exhaust all other forms of Financial Aid before Gateway will certify a Parent PLUS Loan.

Private Student Loans

Students can apply for alternative student loans (also called private student loans) through third-party lenders. Private student loans provide additional funds after students have applied for federal financial aid. All private loans require credit checks, and most loans will require a cosigner if the borrower has little or no credit history. Be aware that most of these loans may not offer flexible repayment plans or consolidation options. Gateway reserves the right not to certify alternative student loans.

Explore private loan options on Gateway's FASTChoice website.

 

UMOS, Inc. National Farmworker Jobs Program

For migrant and seasonal farmworkers who support Wisconsin’s agricultural economy, the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act can provide assistance with career services and training, funding for school and related costs, weekly stipends, job search assistance and emergency assistance. Visit the UMOS site to learn more about eligibility requirements.