Student Financial Aid
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There are four basic types of financial aid; scholarships, grants, loan and Federal Work Study. Also on this page you will find information on our campus-based financial aid programs.

NOTE: The priority processing deadline for application for the Kent State Student Financial Aid Office is March 1.
Campus-based Programs
Campus-based Programs
Some of the federal financial aid programs available to students are called campus-based programs. These programs are unique in that the federal government gives Kent State University a certain allocation of funds for the programs each academic year. Kent State University then distributes, or awards, these funds to students based on financial need, priority processing of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by March 1, and availability of funds. The following are campus-based programs:
  • Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG)
  • Federal Perkins Loan
  • Federal Nursing Loan
  • Federal Work-Study

The Student Financial Aid Office has a priority processing deadline for the FAFSA of March 1st each academic year. Eligible students who have their FAFSA processed by the government by March 1 will most likely receive funding for these programs. However, filing on time does not guarantee that a student will receive these funds.

Scholarships
Kent State University offers a variety of scholarship opportunities for students enrolled at the Kent Campus and the Regional Campuses. Scholarship awards are based on a variety of criteria. Selection of winners will be made based on academic merit, demonstrated financial need, field of study, participation in a specific program, organization or activity, and/or any combination of the above.
Grants
Grants are a form of Gift Aid and do not have to be repaid. Kent State University participates in the five federal and three state grant programs listed in the chart below:
Type Amount Who is Eligible How to Apply How Award is Determined
Federal Academic Competitiveness Grant

Maximum $750 for first year (0-29.99 earned hours); Maximum of $1300 for second year (30-59.99 earned hours)

U.S. Citizens or permanent residents demonstrating financial need; degree-seeking undergraduates; at least half-time enrollment; Pell Grant recipient; completed rigorous secondary school program of study.

Submit FAFSA in early January each and every year.
Students may also self certify eligibility on www.fafsa.ed.gov for initial consideration of completion of rigorous secondary program.

Eligibility and award amount is determined by the Student Financial Aid Office upon confirmation of completion of rigorous secondary school program, verification of high school graduation date after January 1, 2005, and minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 for second year eligibility. Award amount is based on the student's class level and financial need.
Federal Pell Grant $609-5,350 U.S. Citizens or permanent residents demonstrating financial need; undergraduates. Submit FAFSA in early January each and every year Based on need according to federal formula; Students who first received Pell grant funds beginning in 2008/2009 have a maximum lifetime limit of the equivalent of 18 full-time semesters of eligibility.
National SMART Grant

Maximum of $4000

Must be junior or senior status (60-119.99 earned hours) ; U.S. Citizens or permanent residents demonstrating financial need; degree-seeking undergraduates; at least half-time enrollment; Pell Grant recipient; pursuing major in mathematics, science (including physical, life, and computer sciences), technology, engineering, or a critical foreign language. View list of eligible SMART Grant majors at Kent State.

Submit FAFSA in early January each and every year.

Eligibility and award amount is determined by the Student Financial Aid Office upon confirmation of pursuit of degree in eligible major program of study, grade level status as junior or senior, and minimum cumulative KSU GPA of 3.0. Award amount is based on the student's financial need. Grants will be awarded automatically upon confirmation of eligibility.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG) $600-2,000 U.S. Citizens or permanent residents demonstrating financial need; undergraduates; at least 1/2 time enrollment Submit FAFSA in early January each and every year Must have zero EFC (according to federal formula); award amount is determined by the student's enrollment status, class level, and residency status. Limited funding is available.
Ohio College Opportunity Grant (OCOG) $265-$2,496 Based on financial need as determined by Federal Expected Family contribution; enrollment and campus attended (Regional vs. Kent); Ohio resident; Undergraduates who have not yet earned a baccalaureate degree Submit FAFSA in early January each and every year; FAFSA must be received by October 1st deadline date. Part-time students eligible for the OCOG will have amount adjusted based on actual enrollment; restricted to tuition. For more information visit:
http://regents.ohio.gov/sgs
TEACH Grant Maximum of $4000 per year U.S. Citizen or permanent resident; Enroll in eligible TEACH Grant major at Kent State University as a degree-seeking undergraduate or graduate student; Post-Undergraduates pursuing a second bachelor’s degree are not eligible; Incoming freshmen must score above the 75th percentile on a college admissions test; Continuing students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25. Must agree to Teach in a high need field in a school serving low-income students. See federal TEACH Grant Web site for more details. Submit FAFSA in early January each and every year. Students enrolled in eligible major will be contacted by the Student Financial Aid Office. Students will be annually required to Complete College of Education TEACH Grant Advising Sheet with academic advisor from the College of Education, Health and Human Services; Complete TEACH Grant Agreement to Serve; Complete Annual TEACH Grant Counseling requirements Eligibility and award amount is determined by the Student Financial Aid Office upon confirmation of pursuit of degree in eligible major program of study, grade level status as undergraduate or graduate student, and academic achievement requirements. Award amount is based on the student's enrollment status and other aid awarded.
Pennsylvania State Grant $100-526 Pennsylvania residents attending an Ohio university, minimum 6 credit hours, undergraduates Submit FAFSA in early January (and no later that May 1st), each and every year Based on need/family income. For more information visit www.pheaa.org
Vermont Incentive Grant $700-11,200 Vermont residents attending an Kent State University, full-time, undergraduates Submit FAFSA in early January, a Vermont Grant application (available Online at www.vsac.org/VTGrantApplication) Based on financial need. For more information visit www.vsac.org
Loans
<MMString:LoadString id="insertbar/linebreak" /> Loans are a form of self help aid and must be repaid.

Attention New Students - In order for your Federal student aid (Title IV aid which includes Parent PLUS loans) to pay for non-institutional charges, an authorization must be provided by you. A separate authorization is needed to allow Title IV aid to pay for prior-year non-institutional charges. For more information, visit the Bursar Office at www.kent.edu/bursar. To provide authorization visit http://flashline.kent.edu and click on Student Tools, in My Account box, click on Authorization to use Title IV Aid.

Federal Direct Loan Update

Effective for the 2009-2010 academic year, all first-time borrowers of the Federal Direct Loan Program (undergraduate and graduate) are required to complete Entrance Loan Counseling. Entrance Loan Counseling will help you understand your rights and responsibilities as a student loan borrower. Entrance Loan Counseling must be complete before your Direct Loan funds will credit to the Bursar Office student account.

If you borrowed a Federal Direct Loan in a previous academic year, you may have met the Entrance Loan Counseling requirement. Once your Federal Direct Loan is awarded for the 2009-2010 academic year, the Student Financial Aid office will verify if you have completed the entrance counseling in a previous year. If you have not met the entrance counseling requirement, click here to find more information about Entrance Loan Counseling.

Graduate PLUS borrowers must complete Entrance Loan Counseling designed especially for graduate PLUS borrowers. Refer to the Entrance Loan Counseling for Graduate PLUS Borrowers section below.

BorrowSmart

To learn more about the loan options available and ways to reduce student loan debt visit BorrowSmart. This education payment counseling experience offered through both the phone and web will help you determine affordable payment strategies to save you money.

Federal Direct Loans

All Kent State University students who complete the FAFSA will be awarded the Federal Direct Loan based on the grade level. The Subsidized Direct Loan is awarded to students who demonstrate financial need. The Unsubsidized Direct Loan is awarded to students who do not demonstrate financial need. Interest will accrue on unsubsidized loans and will capitalize unless you choose to pay the interest while in school.

In order for the loan funds to apply to your student account, you must go online to accept the Direct Loan award at flashline.kent.edu. Select Student Tools, then select Financial Aid. You have the option to accept, decline or reduce your award on flashline. Once you submit your option and would like to change, you must contact Student Financial Aid Office.

The Master Promissory Note (MPN) must be signed and on file with Direct Loans in order for you to receive the loan funds. If you have a valid MPN on file with Direct Loans, you are not required to sign again. Click here for more information on the electronic signature process.

Students must be enrolled at least half time (6 credit hours undergraduate; and 4 credit hours graduate) and meet all other compliance requirements in order for the loan funds to be credited to the student account. If the funds cause a credit on the student account, the Bursar’s Office will issue a refund.

Repayment of the loan begins six months after you have graduated or ceased to be enrolled at least half time (6 credit hours undergraduate; and 4 credit hours graduate). Four repayment plans are available.

Entrance Loan Counseling

Entrance Loan Counseling for Federal Direct Loan borrowers
Entrance Loan Counseling is required for first-time borrowers (undergraduate and graduate) of a Federal Direct Loan. Entrance Loan Counseling provides information to help you make the right choices. The Department of Education has developed a quick and easy interactive counseling session that provides useful tips and tools to help you develop a budget for managing your educational expenses and help you to understand your loan responsibilities. Click here to find out more about Entrance Loan Counseling. Note: If you satisfied the entrance counseling in a previous year, you do not need to complete entrance counseling again.

Entrance Loan Counseling for Graduate PLUS Borrowers – (This information applies to Graduate students who have borrowed from the Graduate PLUS Loan Program.) The Graduate PLUS is a loan designed for graduate students who have reached their annual maximum eligibility for the Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans. Entrance Loan Counseling is required for all Graduate PLUS loan borrowers. Entrance counseling will help you understand your rights and responsibilities as a student loan borrower. Graduate PLUS borrowers must complete Entrance Loan Counseling designed especially for graduate PLUS borrowers. IMPORTANT NOTE: You must print the confirmation page at the end of the counseling session and forward it to the Student Financial Aid Office in order for the loan funds to transfer to your Bursar Office student account. Click here to find out more about Entrance Loan Counseling.

Loan Proration Policy (Federal Direct Loans)
Effective for 2009-2010 (Summer 2009, Fall 2009, Spring 2010)

Federal regulations require that the annual maximum loan amount an undergraduate student may borrow must be prorated in certain situations:

  • When the student is enrolled in a program that is shorter than a full academic year. This regulation would apply to certain certificate programs that are shorter than a full academic year. The maximum loan amount would be determined by the number of weeks in the program.
  • When the student is enrolled in a program that is one academic year or more in length, but the remaining period of study is shorter than a full academic year. This regulation would apply to all students that will graduate in Summer or Fall semester. The maximum loan amount would be determined by the number of credit hours enrolled for the final semester.

Direct Loan Helpful Hints

  • Complete the FAFSA early
  • Watch for your Student Aid Report (you will get either a paper copy or email notification)
  • Review your electronic Student Aid Report (sent via mail or email from the Department of Education)
  • Follow directions on the award letter if you choose to adjust or cancel the loan
  • Accept/Decline your loan award(s) through Flashline
  • Complete Entrance Loan Counseling
  • Sign the Electronic Master Promissory Note (eMPN) on-line. Click here for more information on electronically signing your Direct Loan MPN
  • Authorize Title IV aid to allow Bursar Office to credit your student account

Know Your Responsibilities as a Borrower of a Direct Loan

  • Contact the Direct Loan Servicer if you change your permanent address or leave Kent State University. Their Web site is http://www.dlssonline.com.
  • Maintain copies (either electronic or paper) of all documents related to your Direct Loan.
  • Borrow only what you need. Begin a budget and stick to it. Click here to help calculate your costs.
  • REPAY YOUR LOANS.

Loan Comparison Chart

Type Amount Who is Eligible How to Apply How Award is Determined
Federal Direct Subsidized Loan $3,500 for freshmen,
$4,500 for sophomores,
$5,500 for juniors and seniors,
$8,500 for graduate students
U.S. Citizens or permanent residents; must be half-time
(ugrad:6 credit hours
grad:4 credit hours)
Submit FAFSA in early January each and every year Fixed interest rate for undergraduate students is 6.0% on loans first disbursed after July 1, 2008; Based on financial need according to federal formula. Repayment begins 6 months after student ceases half-time enrollment
Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan Loan limits are the same as amounts listed for subsidized loans. In addition, dependent students can borrow an additional $2,000. Independent students can borrow an additional $6,000 or $7,000 per grade level. U.S. Citizens or permanent residents.  Students who are not eligible for the maximum subsidized loan; Independent students.
Must be half-time
(ugrad:6 credit hours
grad:4 credit hours)
Submit FAFSA in early January each and every year Fixed interest rate of 6.8% on loans first disbursed after July 1, 2006; Repayment begins 6 months after student ceases half-time enrollment
Federal Perkins Loan* Varies.
Average award $2,000
U.S. Citizens or permanent residents; must be half-time
(ugrad:6 credit hours)
Submit FAFSA by Kent State's priority processing date of March 1

5% interest rate;
Based on financial need according to federal formual, class level, GPA, residency, enrollment status;
Repayment begins 9 months after student ceases half-time enrollment

Federal Nursing Loan* Varies. Average award $3,000 Students admitted to Nursing program, undergraduates.
Must be half-time
(ugrad:6 credit hours)
Submit FAFSA in early January each and every year 5% interest rate;
Based on financial need according to federal formula, class level; enrollment status.
Repayment begins 9 months after student ceases half-time enrollment
Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan
(see more below)
Up to the cost of education less any aid received Parents of dependent students.
Must be half-time
(ugrad:6 credit hours)
Submit FAFSA in early January each and every year Fixed interest rate of 7.9% on loans first disbursed after July 1, 2006;
enrollment status; class level.
Federal Direct PLUS for Graduate Students (see more below)
Cost of attendance minus other aid Graduate students, must be half-time
(4 credit hours)
Submit FAFSA in early January each and every year Fixed interest rate of 7.9% on loans first disbursed after July 1, 2006;
enrollment status; class level.
Repayment begins 60 days after disbursement of loan
Chase Select Alternative Loan Cost of attendance minus other aid U.S.citizen, permanent resident, credit worthy or co-signer required www.chaseselectloans.com
1-866-306-0868
Minimum One credit hour required
Citibank CitiAssist Loan Cost of attendance minus other aid U.S.citizen, permanent resident, credit worthy or co-signer required www.citiassist.com
1-800-745-5473
Minimum One credit hour required
PNC Bank Solution Loan Cost of attendance minus other aid US citizen or permanent resident, credit-worthy or credit-worthy cosigner required; credit-ready for grad students www.eduloans.pncbank.com
1-800-421-4817
Minimum half-time enrollment required
Sallie Mae Smart Option Loan Cost of attendance minus other aid U.S.citizen, permanent resident, credit worthy or co-signer required www.salliemae.com/signature
1-888-272-5543
Minimum One credit hour required

* Federal Perkins/Federal Nursing Loans – In order to be considered for these loans, you must indicate your interest in student loans in Step #1 on the FAFSA.

Federal Direct PLUS Loan for Parents

Parents of dependent students are eligible to borrow funds under the Federal Direct PLUS Loan program. At Kent State University, all dependent students will receive an estimated Parent PLUS award amount listed on the Financial Aid Award Notification. If the parent desires to borrow the Parent PLUS, the PLUS Pre Application must be completed as described below.

The PLUS loan requires a credit worthy parent borrower and allows the parent to borrow the cost of attendance minus financial aid. The eligible parent borrower must be the student’s mother, father, or the step parent whose information is listed on the FAFSA during the year of the loan. To apply for the PLUS, download the PLUS Pre Application form by clicking here and mail or fax the application to the Student Financial Aid Office.

The parent borrower must complete the electronic PLUS Master Promissory Note (MPN). The parent borrower will need their FAFSA PIN to sign the PLUS MPN. Click here for the link to the electronic MPN.

Repayment for the PLUS generally begins 30 to 60 days after the funds are credited to the student account. Effective July 1, 2008, for PLUS loans first disbursed on or after July 1, parents can request an in-school deferment for their dependent child. Parents who desire the in-school deferment must contact the Direct Loan Servicer at 1-800-848-0979.

Additional Unsubsidized Based on Parent PLUS Denial
Parents who have been denied the Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS) based on credit may request their dependent students receive the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan. This request must be made on the PLUS Pre Application. Eligible students can receive up to $4,000 unsubsidized for freshmen and sophomore years and up to $5,000 for junior and senior years.

Federal Direct PLUS Loan for Graduate Students

Graduate PLUS is a federal student loan designed for Graduate students who have reached their annual maximum for the Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans.

To apply for the Graduate PLUS, download a copy by clicking here and mail or fax to the Student Financial Aid Office.

To be eligible to receive a Grad PLUS loan the borrower must:

  • File the current year Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
  • Exhaust all eligibility for Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized loans ($20,500/yr or $138,500 lifetime limit)
  • Complete and return the Graduate PLUS Pre Application to Student Financial Aid
  • Pass a credit evaluation performed by the Department of Education
  • Have a signed MPN on file with the Department of Education. Click here for the Department of Education Web site
  • Must complete Entrance Loan Counseling sessions for graduate PLUS. Click here for the Department of Education Web site
  • Be registered at least half-time (4 credit hours) during the loan period
  • Not be in default or have an overpayment on any Federal Title IV financial aid program

  • Alternative Loans

    Financing a college education is a concern for many families. Most financial aid packages will include student loans; however, federally subsidized and unsubsidized loans may not cover the total cost of college expenses. Consequently, families are faced with the challenge of meeting the cost of their expenses.

    Alternative loans are private loans that provide students with additional funding for unmet college expenses. Students are encouraged to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to exhaust all eligibility for federal funds before applying for alternative loans. Alternative loans are not federally guaranteed and require a good credit rating and/or credit worthy co-signer. The annual amount cannot exceed the cost of attendance minus other financial aid.

    At Kent State University, we will process an alternative loan from any lending institution. However, we have compiled a list of lenders that are most frequently used by Kent State students. FASTChoice is a private loan selection tool that helps students make a wise choice regarding borrowing an alternative loan. FASTChoice allows you to compare lender rates, terms, and benefits.

    Reasons why Kent State selected the FASTChoice options:

    • These lenders have been providing service to Kent State students for many years
    • Interest rates are competitive
    • Co signers help students quality for better interest rates
    • Forbearance options are available in certain situations
    • There are no repayment penalties
    • Extended repayment terms are available
    • There is a six month grace period before repayment
    • The Online application process is fast and easy
    • Funds are sent via Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT)

    If the funds cause a credit on the student account, the Bursar’s office will send a refund check or electronic deposit. Click here to review the Bursar's refund policy.

    Get more information on FASTChoice lender options.






    Loan Periods for the 2009-2010 Year
    Semester begin and end dates
    Summer 2009 5/26/09 – 8/22/09
    Fall 2009 8/31/09 – 12/19/09
    Spring 2010 1/19/10 – 5/15/10
    Fall and Spring 2009-2010 8/31/09 – 5/15/10

    Note. Summer is a separate application and cannot be included on the loan application with the academic year.
    Federal Work Study
    Employment programs are also a form of Self-help aid and are funds that are earned.  You do not have to be on financial aid to receive an employment position under the University-Funded program.
    Type Amount Who is Eligible How to Apply How Award is Determined
    Federal Work Study (FWS)* Average for freshmen $2,000,
    Continuing students $3,000
    U.S. Citizens or permanent residents demonstrating financial need Submit FAFSA in early January each and every year Part-time, on- or off-campus
    Graduate Assistantships Varies Students who are eligible for FWS.  If not, students may have one funded through the individual department Contact college department Part-time, on- or off-campus
    University funded positions Varies All undergraduate and graduate students Apply directly to campus departments Part-time, on- or off-campus

    * To be considered for these programs, you must answer "yes" to question #28 on the FAFSA.

    Federal Work Study
    The Student Financial Aid Office awards FWS to students that qualify. The student will be allowed to work in a FWS position on or off-campus. Once the student has been awarded FWS he/she can search the Career Services Center Website for a particular position. The student will need to apply and interview for the position. 

    Note: FWS dollars awarded are amounts that can be earned in a given semester and are not applied to your student bill.