Federal Pell Grants
http://www.fafsa.ed.gov

The major federal grant program available is the Pell Grant. Students get considered for this program by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by going online to http://www.fafsa.ed.gov. The Department of Education determines the eligibility of a student based on a formula and according to units carried by a student per term.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG)
http://www.fafsa.ed.gov

This federal program is directed toward assisting exceptionally needy students.
 
On-time applicants with the lowest Expected Family Contribution (EFC) receive consideration for this fund. Because funds are limited, it is important for students to meet the application deadline line.

Federal Work-Study (FWS)
http://www.fafsa.ed.gov

Under this program placement into a job is made for students demonstrating financial need according to the Department of Education formula.

Federal Family Education Loan

Solano participates in the following loans under the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program:

• Subsidized Stafford Loans are awarded to students who demonstrate financial need. Because the U.S. Department of Education subsidizes the interest, borrowers are not charged interest while they are enrolled in school at least half time and during grace and deferment periods.
   
• Unsubsidized Stafford Loans are awarded to students regardless of financial need. Borrowers are responsible for paying the interest that accrues during any period. Independent students and students whose parents cannot get a PLUS have higher unsubsidized loan limits comparable to the amounts a dependent student's parent(s) can borrow under PLUS.
   
• PLUS Loans allow parents to borrow on behalf of their dependent undergraduate children who are enrolled at least half time. As with unsubsidized Stafford loans, borrowers are responsible for the interest that accrues on PLUS Loans throughout the life of the loan.

Federal Family Education Loan Program Procedures

Start Planning Early! Did you know you can get estimates of your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) and Federal Pell Grant eligibility using FAFSA4caster? Any student, regardless of age or year in school may use FAFSA4caster before officially applying using the FAFSA.