Lackawanna's Grants & Loans Information | Lackawanna College

Grants & Loans

Pennsylvania State Grants

Pennsylvania State Grants are available to students in associate degree programs who are taking at least six credits. A Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) must be filed for each academic year. Students must be a Pennsylvania resident in order to receive the Pennsylvania State Grant, and maintain satisfactory academic progress to be considered for a second year.

If a student is enrolled in more than 50% of their classes online, they may not qualify for a state grant.

At least 50% of the courses a student is enrolled in must take place in a classroom to receive a Pennsylvania State Grant. If you have a medical disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, you must provide Pennsylvania State Grants with ADA-supporting materials from your medical healthcare provider and the ADA Accommodation Request Form (PDF). If your program is structured in a way that does not allow for at least 50% classroom instruction, no exceptions can be made.

There is a limit on the number of remedial credits allowed for Pennsylvania State Grants. Veterans are eligible to apply for the Pennsylvania State Grant and are given preference. Income is generally not considered when determining veterans’ awards.

Deadline: May 1 for all Pennsylvania residents. Students must be enrolled at least half time in an eligible program from the beginning of the semester.

Important Documents

Loan Websites

Federal Pell Grants

Federal Pell Grants are based on the student’s financial need (the difference between “cost of attendance” and the “expected family contribution” of the student). Students must complete the FAFSA each academic year in order for their EFC to be calculated.

Deadline: Students can submit the FAFSA anytime during their period of enrollment for Pell Grant consideration. In general, we recommend the FAFSA should be submitted after January 1 and prior to the beginning of the academic year for which you are applying.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (SEOG)

The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG) is available to students with exceptional need and is awarded as part of the total financial aid package. Application is made to the College by submitting the FAFSA.

Reciprocal State Grant and Scholarship Information

Application Process

In order to be to qualify for the grants/scholarships listed below, the prospective student must file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The student must be a legal resident of the state that they wish to apply for a grant/scholarship. Please visit the links above of your respective state to see specific deadlines for the grant/scholarship you wish to apply for.

Processing of Out of State Grant and Scholarship Funds

Once your grant or scholarship application has been processed by your respective state agency, Lackawanna College will be notified of these potential funds. These funds will be added to your Award Letter and a Revised Award Letter will be sent to you with the addition of these funds. The time for processing and disbursement of these funds will vary and are dependent on the agency for which grant or scholarship you have applied.

Ohio College Opportunity Grant

Delaware Scholarship Incentive Program

District of Columbia Tuition Assistance Grant

Massachusetts MASSGrant

Vermont State
Grant

West Virginia Higher Education Grant

Loans

A college education is one of the most important investments in your life. Please review the following information if you are considering a Federal Direct Stafford Loan or a Federal Direct PLUS Loan to help finance your or your child’s education at Lackawanna College.

Because grants and scholarships are limited, many students rely on loans to cover educational expenses. Students who indicate an interest in loans on the FAFSA are automatically considered for loans. Although Lackawanna College awards students up to their maximum yearly eligibility, we encourage students to borrow wisely. Students transferring to a four-year school may run out of eligibility at the four-year school if they borrow too much at Lackawanna.

Federal Direct Stafford Loans

The Federal Direct Stafford Loan interest rate for subsidized and unsubsidized loans is 3.76% This is the first loan option that students should consider. Repayment begins 6 months after the student ceases to be a half-time student. This loan may be subsidized or unsubsidized.

Subsidized

Based on financial need as determined by the FAFSA, other aid sources, and educational costs.

The federal government pays the interest on the loan while the student is enrolled at least half-time in school.

Unsubsidized

Not based on financial need.

The student pays the interest while in school or it can be capitalized into the principal thus increasing the amount owed.

Freshman may be eligible to borrow a maximum of $5,500, of which no more than $3,500 can be subsidized. Students who have earned 24 or more credits may be eligible for a maximum of $6,500 per year, of which no more than $4,500 can be subsidized. Independent students may be eligible for an additional maximum of $4,000 per year in unsubsidized Stafford loan funds.

Federal Direct PLUS Loans

The Federal Direct PLUS Loan is for parents of dependent students. This loan is for a credit-worthy borrower and the amount is based on educational costs minus any other aid the student is receiving. Students whose parents are denied the PLUS loan may be eligible to receive an additional $4,000 in unsubsidized loans. The PLUS Loan interest rate is fixed at 6.31%. Repayment usually begins 60 days after the final disbursement of the PLUS loan. A deferment is available while the student is enrolled in school.

Alternative Loans

Private alternative loans are not part of the federal direct loans programs and should be used as a last resort. We encourage all students to first consider the Federal Direct Stafford and Federal Direct PLUS loan programs as they offer the lowest fees and interest rates. However, if those loan programs do not cover your educational expenses, you may want to consider the alternative loan option. Please feel free to contact us with questions regarding alternative loan options at (570) 961-7859.

Steps to Receive a Federal Direct Stafford Student or PLUS Loan

A Master Promissory Note (MPN) needs to be completed if you wish to borrow through the Federal Direct Stafford or Federal Direct PLUS Loan program. The Federal Direct Stafford Master Promissory Note is a legal document. By signing the Stafford MPN, you promise to repay your current and future Stafford loans. This note is valid for 10 years and does NOT require you to complete another MPN for subsequent borrowing unless you elect to attend another institution.

Please follow these simple steps to complete the Federal Direct Stafford Master Promissory Note (MPN) online:

Visit studentaid.gov
Follow the online instructions to get information and to apply.
You must sign your Master Promissory Note (MPN) electronically; therefore, you must have an FSA ID username and password. You may obtain an FSA ID at fsaid.ed.gov. For questions regarding your FSA ID, please call 1-800-4FEDAID.

You will need this information to apply:

Your Social Security Number, date of birth, permanent home address, and driver’s license number.

The name of the college you plan to attend.

The names, addresses, and telephone number of two separate references (Please note the references must NOT be living at the same U.S. address).

Federal Direct Stafford Loans and Federal Direct PLUS Loans are guaranteed by the Department of Education. The loan funds will be delivered through Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) directly to your business office student account. The first disbursement will occur following 30 days into the semester.

Entrance Counseling

Federal regulations require all Federal Direct Stafford loan borrowers to complete “LOAN ENTRANCE COUNSELING” before the first disbursement of your Federal Direct Stafford loan. To complete this requirement, please visit studentaid.gov and click on Entrance Counseling. The purpose of the counseling is to make you aware of your rights and responsibilities associated with student loan borrowing.

Exit Counseling

Federal regulations require all Federal Direct Stafford loan borrowers to complete “LOAN EXIT COUNSELING” before your enrollment ends. To complete this requirement, please go online to studentaid.gov and click on Exit Counseling. The purpose of the counseling is to make you aware of your rights and responsibilities as you enter the repayment stage of your student loan borrowing. Please note that the Exit Counseling requirement must be met before receiving your diploma.

Ombudsman

Please use the following information to contact the FSA Student Loan Ombudsman Group.