Financial Aid Programs

The first step in the financial aid process is to submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). These are the programs for which you'll be considered based on the information you provide in your FAFSA.

Grants

You can only receive these need-based grants if you're an undergraduate who hasn't earned a previous bachelor's degree:

• Pell Grant
• Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG); based on the availability of funds at CityU.

Federal Work-Study

This program helps you contribute to your educational expenses while decreasing your debt burden. To learn more or review your eligibility, contact us in the Financial Aid office.

Federal Stafford Loans

The William D. Ford Federal Direct Student Loan Program includes the following programs.

• Subsidized Loans
  • Based on need, which is determined by your FAFSA
  • Interest* is paid by the government while you're enrolled at least half-time
  • You may be charged an origination fee, which is deducted from the total amount of your loan
  • Repayment begins six months after you've left school (or dropped below half-time status)
• Unsubsidized Loans
  • Not based on need, but you still need to submit a FAFSA to be evaluated for eligibility
  • You're responsible for all interest*, which can be capitalized (added to the loan) if no payments are made when you're in school
  • You may be charged an origination fee, which is deducted from the total amount of your loan
  • Repayment begins six months after you've left school (or dropped below half-time status)
• Federal PLUS Loan
  • For parents of dependant students
  • Loans are taken out by credit-worthy parents to cover the difference between the cost of education and the amount of financial aid you received
  • Not based on need
  • Parents are responsible for all interest**, which can be capitalized (added to the loan) if no payments are made when you're in school
  • If your parents choose to apply, they need to fill out a loan application
• Federal Graduate PLUS Loan
  • You can borrow to cover the cost of attendance, minus other types of financial aid you receive
  • Repayment begins 60 days after disbursement, unless you're approved for an in-school deferment by the lender
  • Interest** begins accruing immediately

Before you decide to accept a loan, think carefully about how much you're borrowing, how much you'll have to pay each month and for how long, and what you expect to make in your intended career. Remember that the the idea of going to school is to get ahead, not behind.

For more information about Stafford Loans, please review Student Aid on the Web. This site has excellent information.

Other Programs

You're not necessarily required to submit a FAFSA in order to be considered for these funds.

• Veteran Benefits
  If you've served in the Armed Forces, we thank you for your service. Check with our Veterans Affairs Officer in the Registrar's Office (206.239.4520) to see if you're eligible for education benefits.
• Scholarship Programs
  CityU offers several need-and-merit-based scholarships. These are awarded by our Scholarship Committee. If you've applied and been accepted to CityU, you can download a scholarship application.

  Scholarships are awarded four times per year. Questions? Give us a call at 800.426.5596 x5254 or 425.637.1010.

• External Scholarship Programs
  If you need a little more help to close the gap, check out these resources:
  • Search for scholarships at www.finaid.org
  • FastWeb's free scholarship search includes more than 500,000 scholarships worth more than $1 billion
  • Sallie Mae has scholarships available
• Washington Award For Vocational Education (Wave)
  The Higher Education Coordinating Board (HECB) oversees the selection of three WAVE scholars from each Washington legislative district each year. Recipients receive a monetary grant for up to two years. If you're a WAVE scholar (congratulations!), please contact our Financial Aid Office after you've been notified.