Federal college aid programs, from loans to grants to work-study to FAFSA
The federal government offers several programs through the Department of Education to help you pay for college.
Here is an overview of what is available with links to each program.
If you find the options and process confusing, please don’t hesitate to give us a call. We can help you work through the complexities and make sure you take advantage of every option available to you.
Financial Aid Office
400 Jefferson Street
Hackettstown, NJ 07840
(908) 852-1400 ext. 2350
(908) 813-2632
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Filling out the FAFSA is your first step in qualifying financial aid in the form of loans, grants, scholarships, and work-study programs. You can learn more about filling in the FAFSA form on the Federal Student Aid website. We can also help you with the process. Note: You will need to fill out the FAFSA each year.
Centenary’s school code is 002599
Types of financial aid
The Department of Education offers several types of aid that can help you pay for your education. You can learn more on the Department of Education website.
Federal student loans
After filling out your FAFSA, you may be offered several different kinds of loans. We have provided links to each so you can explore up-to-date information about each one.
- Undergraduate and Graduate Loans: The Department of Education offers subsidized and unsubsidized loans to help you cover the cost of college.
- PLUS Loans: Grad PLUS and Parent PLUS: These two loan types cover the cost of attending college less other aid you may receive. You can take up to 30 years to pay the money back.
Federal grants to fund your education
Grants are gifts of money you can use toward paying for your education that you never have to repay.
- Pell Grants: This need-based grant is money the Department of Education gives you to help defray the cost of college. You do not have to pay the money back.
Federal work-study jobs
This U.S. Department of Education work-study program funds up to 50% of your wages when you get a campus job as part of this program. Some jobs, like math or reading tutors, are 100% funded by the government. You can learn more about this program at Centenary here.