Federal Financial Aid at CTU

The U.S. Department of Education, through Title IV of the Higher Education Act, provides students with resources to fund their education. Colorado Technical University participates in a wide variety of these programs, administered in accordance with prevailing federal and state laws and the school's institutional policies.  Students must meet the eligibility requirements of these programs in order to participate. Students are responsible for providing all requested documentation in a timely manner; failure to do so may jeopardize financial aid eligibility. In order to remain eligible for financial aid, students must maintain satisfactory academic progress as defined in the CTU catalog.

The links provided on this page offer more details about the types of funding that may be available. If at any point in the process you have questions or need more information, a CTU Financial Aid Advisor is available for assistance. 

You may access the Department of Education's Funding page and gain a more detailed understanding of student financial aid programs. Below is a brief summary of the Title IV programs in which Colorado Tech Online participates:

• Federal Pell Grant
  The Federal Pell Grant is available to undergraduate students who have not earned a bachelor's or professional degree. Unlike a loan, the Pell Grant usually does not have to be repaid. To determine if a student is eligible financially, the U.S. Department of Education uses a standard formula, established by Congress, to evaluate information reported on the FAFSA.
• Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
  The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) is available to undergraduates who have not earned a bachelor's or professional degree. Unlike a loan, the FSEOG usually does not have to be repaid. In determining the priority order in which students will be awarded FSEOG funds, Colorado Technical University may award this grant to those students with exceptional financial need who will also be receiving the Federal Pell Grant, so long as funds are available.
• Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan
  Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS). The Federal PLUS loan is available to parents of dependent undergraduate students. These loans are not based on need but, when combined with other resources, cannot exceed the student's cost of attendance. A credit check is required, and either or both parents may borrow through this program. Repayment begins within 60 days of final disbursement of the loan within a loan period.
• Federal Direct Graduate PLUS loan
  The Graduate PLUS Loan is a low-interest loan for graduate and professional students. The Graduate PLUS Loan can be used to cover up to 100 percent of your total cost of education, minus other financial aid you've been awarded. The total amount can pay for tuition, books, food, housing, transportation, and more. While you will be required to pass a credit check when you apply, your resulting credit score will not affect your eligibility for the Graduate PLUS Loan. Many students with limited or no credit history can still qualify for this loan.
• Federal Direct Stafford Loans
  The U.S. Department of Education's major form of self-help aid includes loans to students and parents through the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan (Direct Loans) Program. These are low-interest loans that are made to the student by the U.S. Department of Education. The loan must be used to pay for direct and/or indirect educational expenses. Subsidized loans are need-based while unsubsidized loans are not. Repayment begins six months after the student graduates, withdraws from school, or falls below half-time enrollment status. There are two types of Stafford loans:
  • Subsidized loans are for students with financial need. The government pays (subsidizes) the interest while the student is in school at least half-time. 
  • Unsubsidized loans are not awarded on the basis of need. Students will be charged interest from the time the loan is disbursed until it is paid in full. While in school, students will have the option of paying the interest or allowing it to accrue (adding to the principal amount of the loan).

These loans do not require a credit check and are available to pay for direct expenses (tuition and fees, books and supplies) and indirect educational-related expenses (room and board, transportation and personal expenses). Loan limits depend on the student's grade level and loan type (subsidized or unsubsidized). Repayment begins six months after the student graduates, withdraws from school, or falls below half-time enrollment status.

 

Federal Aggregate (total combined borrowing) Loan Limits
	Maximum Combined Subsidized and Unsubsidized Stafford	Maximum Subsidized Stafford - based on need
Dependent Undergraduate	$31,000	$23,000
Independent Undergraduate	$57,500	$23,000
Graduate	$138,500	$65,500