Student Loans: Applying For Sacramento State University

If you're considering applying for student loans to attend Sacramento State University, there are a few things you should know. Firstly, the university offers various types of financial aid, including federal and state grants, scholarships, work-study programs, and student loans. The availability of these options is determined by factors such as academic program, income, and citizenship status. To be considered for financial aid, students must file a FAFSA form by March 2nd each year, and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 as an undergraduate or 3.0 as a graduate student. It's important to note that loans must be paid back, and there are different interest rates and repayment options for federal and private loans. Federal loans, for example, offer benefits such as loan forgiveness and interest payments covered by the government while the student is in school. Understanding these differences and carefully reviewing loan information is crucial before accepting any funds.

Federal student loans and grants

Federal Grants:

Federal grants are a significant form of financial aid provided by the government and are typically based on financial need. They do not need to be repaid, making them a valuable source of funding for students. The following are some of the federal grants available to students at Sacramento State University:

• Federal Pell Grant: This is a common federal grant that students across the country can receive. To be eligible for other grants, such as the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), students must first receive the Federal Pell Grant.
• Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG): This grant is available to students who are also receiving the Federal Pell Grant.
• Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant: The TEACH Grant is intended for students pursuing a career in teaching. To be eligible, students must file a FAFSA and complete the necessary coursework for teaching. Recipients must agree to teach full-time for at least four years within eight years of completing their programme at a Title 1 school in a specified subject area. If the terms of service are not met, the grant must be repaid as an Unsubsidized Direct Stafford Loan with interest.
• Federal Work-Study: This federal programme provides students with part-time employment opportunities while they are enrolled in college, allowing them to earn money to help pay for their education.

Federal Student Loans:

Federal student loans are available to most students, regardless of their income. They offer a range of repayment options, including loan forgiveness benefits, which are not typically provided by private educational loans. Here are some key points about federal student loans:

• Direct Subsidized Loans: The government pays the interest on these loans while the student is in school and during grace periods.
• Direct Unsubsidized Loans: Students are responsible for paying the interest on these loans, which can accrue while they are in school or during grace periods.
• Federal Direct Loan Master Promissory Note (MPN): All student loan borrowers at Sacramento State University must complete this document, which outlines the terms and conditions of the loan.
• Nursing Student Loans (NSL): These are low-interest loans (5%) available to eligible nursing students in their junior and senior years at Sacramento State University.

It is important to note that to be considered for federal grants and student loans, students must complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by March 2 of each year they are in college. The FAFSA will determine the student's financial need by calculating the Cost of Attendance (COA) minus the Student Aid Index (SAI).

State grants

To apply for student loans for Sacramento State University, you should first contact the Student Services Center – the central location for most student services. There is a team of advisors and counselors to assist with financial aid and scholarship inquiries in Lassen Hall, Room 1000, on a drop-in basis. The office is open Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can also reach them by phone at (916) 278-1000, Option 2, Monday to Friday, 1 p.m.

At Sacramento State University, there are several state grants available to students:

• State University Grant (SUG): This grant is available to eligible California residents and assists with tuition fees.
• Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) Grant: This grant is available to eligible undergraduate California residents admitted to Sacramento State through the EOP program. However, due to limited state funding, not all EOP students receive this grant, and other eligibility criteria may apply.
• Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant: The TEACH Grant is available for students who have filed a FAFSA and are currently completing coursework to begin a career in teaching. To receive this grant, students must sign an Agreement to Serve, promising to repay the grant by teaching full-time for at least four years within eight years of completing their program. If the service obligation is not met, the grant must be repaid as an Unsubsidized Direct Stafford Loan, with interest accruing from the original disbursement date.
• Research Enhanced Support Grant (RESG): The RESG program provides seed funding to faculty members who are engaged in preliminary or exploratory work that contributes new knowledge or novel scholarship to their discipline. RESG competitions are typically held in the spring for funding in the following academic year.
• University Award for Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activity for Early Career Faculty: This grant recognizes a Sacramento State faculty member who has made significant contributions during the first ten years of their faculty appointment.
• ASI External Grants: These grants fund on-campus programs that directly support and serve Sacramento State students.

Nursing student loans

To apply for student loans for Sacramento State University, the first step is to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the California Dream Act Application (CADAA) by the March 2nd state priority filing date. The Financial Aid & Scholarships Office at Sacramento State University can help students and their families search for, apply for, and receive various types of financial aid.

Nursing students at Sacramento State University can apply for Nursing Student Loans (NSL) which offer a low-interest (5%) loan to eligible students admitted into the nursing program. NSLs are restricted to students in their junior and senior years and are not available to pre-nursing students or students in the first and second years of the nursing program. Federal Direct Subsidized Loans are also available for undergraduate students and are need-based, with interest deferred until six months after graduation. The Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan is available for undergraduate and graduate students and is non-need-based, with interest beginning to accrue at the time of disbursement.

To maintain eligibility for financial aid, students must meet the standards for Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) which are reviewed annually. These standards apply to all financial aid applicants and affect eligibility for federal and state aid, including grants, loans, and work-study. Students are required to maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 as undergraduates and 3.0 as graduate students and must complete their degree within 150% of their program degree objective.

In addition to nursing student loans, there are other grants and scholarships available to students at Sacramento State University, including the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant and the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) Grant.

Campus financial aid services

Sacramento State University offers a range of financial aid services to its students. The primary responsibility for financing an education rests with the student and their immediate family. However, the university's Financial Aid and Scholarships Office provides support to students and their families in navigating the various types of financial aid available to help meet the cost of attendance.

The Financial Aid and Scholarships Office encourages all students to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the California Dream Act Application (CADAA) by the March 2nd state priority filing date each year. Students with an unofficial immigration status who meet the California AB540 eligibility criteria will need to complete the California Dream Act application. This single application will determine the student's eligibility for all federal and state financial aid programs available at Sacramento State University.

The types of financial aid available include scholarships, federal and state grants, federal work-study, student loans, and, in some cases, parent loans. Federal student loans are available to most students regardless of income and offer a range of repayment options, including loan forgiveness benefits. Additionally, the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant is available for students who have filed a FAFSA and are pursuing a career in teaching. Students must sign an Agreement to Serve, promising to teach full-time for at least four years within eight years of completing their program. If this service is not met, the grant must be repaid as an Unsubsidized Direct Stafford Loan, with interest.

Sacramento State University also offers Nursing Student Loans (NSL) to eligible junior and senior-year nursing students. These loans have a low interest rate of 5%, and principal and interest payments are deferred until nine months after the recipient is no longer enrolled at least half-time. Furthermore, the university provides the Federal Direct Subsidized Loan, a need-based, long-term, fixed-interest loan for undergraduate students, and the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan, a non-need-based option for undergraduate and graduate students.

To maintain eligibility for financial aid, students must meet the university's Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements, which are reviewed annually. These requirements include maintaining a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 as undergraduates and completing their degree within 150% of the program's degree objective.

For in-person financial aid inquiries and support, students can visit the Student Service Center located in Lassen Hall, Room 1000, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday. The center can also be contacted by phone at (916) 278-1000, Option 2, or via their website for the most current office hours.

Work-study

To apply for student loans for Sacramento State University, students are advised to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the California Dream Act Application (CADAA) before the March 2nd state priority filing date. The Financial Aid & Scholarships Office, located in the Student Services Center in Lassen Hall, Room 1000, assists students with their financial aid and scholarship inquiries. The office is open Monday to Friday from 8 am to 5 pm, and students can reach them by phone at (916) 278-1000, Option 2, Monday to Friday, 1 pm.

Now, for the Work-Study option:

The Federal Work-Study (FWS) program at Sacramento State University provides students with the opportunity to earn funds for their educational expenses while gaining valuable work experience. This program is designed to encourage community service work and work related to the student's field of study. It is administered by the Financial Aid & Scholarships Office in collaboration with the Student Employment Office.

The FWS program is available to undergraduate, graduate, and professional students who demonstrate financial need. It provides part-time employment opportunities for students enrolled at least half-time. Employers under this program include on-campus departments, off-campus auxiliaries, and non-profit organizations.

To be eligible for the FWS program, students must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Additionally, students must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) towards their degree to remain eligible for financial aid each year. This includes maintaining a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 as undergraduates and 3.0 as graduate students.

Sacramento State University also offers the Learning Aligned Employment Program (LAEP), a state-run work-study program. This program gives underrepresented students the chance to earn money while gaining career-related work experience. The Career Center and Financial Aid and Scholarship Office collaborate with faculty and staff to find research assistant positions eligible for LAEP. They also aim to expand opportunities with local public schools and nonprofit organizations.

Frequently asked questions