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Types of Financial Aid

P: 804-257-5882  F:804-257-5797  E: finaid@vuu.edu

Grants, loans, work-study, and scholarships are all considered financial aid. Learn more about what is included in your award package here:

Grants

A grant is a type of financial aid that does not require repayment. Virginia Union University participates in several need-based federal- and state-funded grant programs. Students who have completed a bachelor’s degree are not eligible to receive any of the types of aid below.

The following need-based grant programs are available at Virginia Union University:

Federal Pell Grant

The Federal Pell Grant is an award for undergraduates only with no prior bachelor’s or professional degree. Eligibility is primarily based on the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) but is also affected by enrollment status. A minimum of 12 credit hours each semester is required to receive full eligibility, with pro-rated awards going to students with less than 12 credits. You must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year to be considered for eligibility.

FSEOG (Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant)

FSEOG is for undergraduate Federal Pell Grant recipients with exceptional financial need (i.e., students with the lowest EFCs). Students may receive up to $1,000 a year depending on eligibility and funding level. Preference is given to student with a 0 EFC. You must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year to be considered for eligibility.

Student Freedom Initiative

The Student Freedom Agreement aims to be an alternative finance opportunity for eligible students for up to $20,000 per academic year to cover the remaining cost of attendance. Any student who has applied for funding from private student loans and Parent PLUS loans can now apply for the Student Freedom Agreement instead. The Student Freedom Agreement should be considered just one part of a student’s overall financial aid package, once all other sources have been exhausted. The Student Freedom Agreement will not replace available state and institutional aid, as well as federal grants, work-study and Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized loans. Under the Student Freedom Initiative, the Student Freedom Agreement will provide the funds necessary to pay for these portions of student loans for qualifying students.

Loans

Virginia Union University participates exclusively in the Federal Direct Student Loan Program which includes Subsidized Student Loans, Unsubsidized Student Loans and Parent Loans. The Federal Government is the lender in the Federal Direct Student Loan Program. Students and parents interested in federal student and parent loans will be required to apply through the Federal Direct Student Loan Program and complete master promissory notes. If you decide to borrow a loan, your loan information will be submitted to the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS), and will be accessible by guaranty agencies, lenders, and schools determined to be authorized users of the data system. Loans are currently disbursed in two installments in a given semester.

For additional information on the Federal Direct Student Loan Program, please click on the following links:

Eligibility for a Federal Direct Stafford Loan

To be eligible for a Federal Direct Stafford Loan, a students must be enrolled in at least 6 credits and complete the following steps:

  1. First-time applicants complete Federal Direct Student Loan Entrance Counseling.
  2. First-time applicants complete a Federal Direct Student Loan Master Promissory Note.

Right to Refuse a Loan

You have the right to refuse Federal Stafford Loans offered to you even after you have signed the promissory note. You must submit your refusal in writing to the Financial Aid Office. If you have outstanding charges at the time of refusal, you must pay them in full at that time.

Federal Stafford Loan Exit Counseling

Exit counseling is required for students who are graduating, are not enrolled in the current semester or who drop below six credits. Exit counseling can be completed at www.StudentLoans.gov.

Work-Study

The Federal Work-Study (FWS) program provides part-time employment opportunities to eligible students in order to help them afford college. Eligible students are awarded an allotment of funds which may be earned through part-time employment in FWS-approved position. FWS jobs are designed to be flexible around students’ class schedules.

Scholarships

Many organizations, including Virginia Union University, offer scholarships each year to students who deserve recognition for their academic achievement, service, and talent. Virginia Union University offers a number of scholarships created exclusively for Virginia Union students through donors’ generous support of the University. Eligibility for VUU scholarships is evaluated each year by the Scholarship Committee. Eligibility varies based on donor criteria.