# Financial Aid: Student Guide
Your complete guide to understanding and receiving financial aid at A-State.
This student-facing guide explains how financial aid works at A-State from start to finish. Students can access clear instructions on FAFSA processing, Pell Grants, federal student loans, verification, disbursements, refunds, work-study, and maintaining eligibility. Designed to answer common questions and support new and returning students throughout the academic year.
# Federal Direct Student Loans
# Federal Direct PLUS Loan - Parent PLUS
[A Parent PLUS Loan](https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/loans/plus/parent) allows a parent to borrow an amount up to the student’s cost of attendance **minus** all financial aid the student may receive for the enrollment period. This is a last to pay loan and all other aid must be accepted or denied before the loan will be processed.
**How to obtain a Parent PLUS Loan:**
1. **The student must complete their FAFSA for the current aid year before beginning any additional aid applications.**
2. The **parent** listed on the student's FAFSA, should login to their **parent Federal Student Aid account** at:[ https://studentaid.gov/](https://studentaid.gov/plus-app/parent/landing). Once the parent is logged into their account, they can navigate to the [PLUS Loan Application page](https://studentaid.gov/plus-app/parent/landing) and complete the application. A credit check will be performed during the application process. If the parent is approved for a Federal PLUS Loan, the information will be sent to Arkansas State University for processing.
3. The parent will also need to complete a Parent PLUS Promissory Note at [Federal Student Aid](https://studentaid.gov/mpn/). If the loan is denied and the parent wishes to seek an endorser, please fill out the MPN before adding an endorser to the loan.
**What if my application is denied?**
If a parent receives a denied loan application, the student is eligible to fill out an Additional Unsubsidized Loan Form. An appeal or endorser may also be an option if a loan is denied. If an appeal or endorser is approved for the specific loan application, an [MPN](https://studentaid.gov/mpn) and [PLUS Loan Credit Counseling](https://studentaid.gov/plus-loan-credit-counseling/) is required to receive the loan funds.
**Note**: an MPN and Credit Counseling is required for each loan that is approved by appeal or endorser. If your loan is being endorsed please email our PLUS Loan coordinator. The Federal Student Aid does not notify us that the loan is being endorsed and we must pull it in manually.
For summer session(s), you must complete a separate loan application, since it is a separate loan term.
Credit applications only stay on file for 6 months. This is subject to change according to federal regulations. We recommend applying at least one month prior to the start of class. If the approval date is expired, the loan funds will not be disbursed.
**Note:** Loan applications take at least 24 hours to get to us and they will be processed in the order they were received.
**How Much Can Be Borrowed?**
Parents may borrow up to their student's total cost of attendance less other financial aid received such as grants, scholarships and loans. The total cost of attendance is determined by the Office of Financial Aid based on an average cost for tuition, books, room and board, travel, and miscellaneous expenses for the academic year.
**What is the Loan Processing Fee?**
The [processing fee](https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/loans/plus/parent#loan-interest-rates-and-fees) is a fee the lender charges up-front for providing you the loan. The processing fee for a loan disbursed:
1. Between October 1, 2020 and before October 1, 2025 is **4.228%**
2. Between October 1, 2019 and before October 1, 2020 is **4.236%**
**What is the Interest Rate?**
The fixed interest rate is
1. **9.08%** for a loan disbursed between July 1, 2024 and before July 1, 2025.
2. **8.05%** for a loan disbursed between July 1, 2023 and before July 1, 2024.
\*Interest begins accruing at the time of the first disbursement.
**When do I have to Repay?**
1. Repayment begins within 60 days after the final disbursement for the loan period.
2. [Deferment](https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/lower-payments/get-temporary-relief) may be an option.
For additional information, please visit the Federal Student Aid website at: [https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/loans/plus/parent](https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/loans/plus/parent)
# Federal Direct PLUS Loan - Grad PLUS
A Grad PLUS Loan for Graduates allows a graduate student to borrow any amount up to the student's cost of attendance minus all financial aid the student may receive for the enrollment period.
**What is required to receive a Graduate PLUS Loan?**
1. Complete the [FAFSA](https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa). [* *](http://uark.financialaidtv.com/#playlist-962:video-0)
2. Log into [Federal Student Aid](https://studentaid.gov/) account with your FSA ID.
3. Complete the Grad PLUS loan application at: [https://studentaid.gov/plus-app/grad/landing](https://studentaid.gov/plus-app/grad/landing)
4. Complete the [Graduate PLUS Master Promissory Note.](https://studentaid.gov/mpn/) **Note:** If the loan is denied and the you wish to seek an endorser, please fill out the MPN before adding an endorser to the loan.
Note: Once our office has received and awarded your PLUS loan, you will need to login to your Financial Aid Offer page to accept your loan offer. You can access this page by logging into Banner 9 Student from [https://pack.astate.edu/](https://pack.astate.edu/)
**What if my application is denied?**
An appeal or endorser may also be an option if a loan is denied. If an appeal or endorser is approved for the specific loan application, an [MPN](https://studentaid.gov/mpn) and [PLUS Loan Credit Counseling](https://studentaid.gov/plus-loan-credit-counseling/) is required to receive the loan funds.
**Please note:** an MPN and Credit Counseling is required for each loan that is approved by appeal or endorser. If your loan is being endorsed please email our PLUS Loan coordinator. The Federal Student Aid does not notify us that the loan is being endorsed and we must pull it in manually.
For summer session(s), you must complete a separate loan application, since it is a separate loan term.
Credit applications only stay on file for 6 months. This is subject to change according to federal regulations. We recommend to apply 1 month classes begins. If the approval date is expired, the loan funds will not disburse. Loans applications take at least 24 hours to get to us and they will be processed in the order they were received.
**How Much Can Be Borrowed?**
Graduates may borrow up to their total cost of attendance less other financial aid received such as grants, scholarships and loans. The total cost of attendance is determined by the Office of Financial Aid based on an average cost for tuition, books, room and board, travel, and miscellaneous expenses for the academic year.
**What is the Loan Processing Fee?**
The [processing fee](https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/loans/plus/parent#loan-interest-rates-and-fees) is a fee the lender charges up-front for providing you the loan. The processing fee for a loan disbursed:
1. Between October 1, 2020 and before October 1, 2025 is **4.228%**
2. Between October 1, 2019 and before October 1, 2020 is **4.236%**
**What is the Interest Rate?**
The fixed interest rate is
1. **9.08%** for a loan disbursed between July 1, 2024 and before July 1, 2025.
2. **8.05%** for a loan disbursed between July 1, 2023 and before July 1, 2024.
\*Interest begins accruing at the time of the first disbursement.
**When do I have to Repay?**
1. Repayment begins within 60 days after the final disbursement for the loan period.
2. [Deferment](https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/lower-payments/get-temporary-relief) may be an option.
For more information, visit Federal Student Aid's page at: [https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/loans/plus/grad](https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/loans/plus/grad)
# Federal Direct Loans - Subsidized and Unsubsidized
##### *What is a Federal Direct Student Loan?*
Federal Direct Student Loans include Direct Subsidized Loans and Direct Unsubsidized Loans. These loans are offered by the U.S. Department of Education to help eligible students pay for college costs at universities, community colleges, and trade or technical schools. (You may also hear these loans called “Stafford Loans,” but that is not the official name.)
After a student completes the FAFSA, eligible loan funds are sent to the school listed on the FAFSA. Both undergraduate and graduate students may receive these loans to help cover their educational expenses. At Arkansas State University, loan funds are disbursed after the loans have been approved, processed, and the student’s classes have begun.
#####
*How to apply for a Federal Direct Student Loan?*
1\. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on Federal Student Aid's website at: https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa. Arkansas State University's school code is 001090.
2\. Complete the Direct Loan Entrance Counseling on Federal Student Aid's website: https://studentaid.gov/entrance-counseling
3\. Complete the Subsidized/Unsubsidized Master Promissory Note on Federal Student Aid's website: [https://studentaid.gov/mpn/](https://studentaid.gov/mpn/)
4\. Loans must be accepted online from your Financial Aid offer page. You can access this page by logging into Banner 9 Student through [https://pack.astate.edu/](https://pack.astate.edu/)
5\. Loans will be disbursed directly to your Arkansas State University Student Account
**Note: Students must complete the FAFSA every year to continue to apply for a Federal Direct Student Loan.**
##### *The Subsidized Federal Direct Student Loan*
Beginning July 1, 2012, only undergraduate students are eligible for Federal Subsidized Loans. Graduate students are no longer eligible to receive this type of loan. Eligibility for subsidized loans is based on financial need as determined by federal guidelines. A loan is called "subsidized" because the government pays interest for the student during:
At least half-time enrollment (6 or more hours) with A-State (Dual Enrollment hours will not count) and the six-month grace period after the student ceases attendance on at least a half-time basis.
##### *The Unsubsidized Federal Direct Student Loan*
This type of loan is available to students regardless of income or need. With an unsubsidized loan, you are responsible for all interest that accrues during in school, grace, and deferment periods. You may choose to pay the interest portion only while in school, which would keep your loan balance at principal. If you choose to defer such payments, the interest will be capitalized.
#####
*What is a Master Promissory Note?*
A master promissory note is a signed agreement promising payment of a sum of money, i.e. by signing a master promissory note for a federal direct loan the student is agreeing to repay their loan proceeds to their designated servicer. Complete your master promissory note here.
##### *Why must a student complete entrance counseling?*
The Loan Entrance Counseling provides the student detailed information on the Federal Direct Student Loan Program. It is very important for the student to understand their rights and responsibilities when borrowing money for school. Complete your Loan Entrance Counseling here.
##### *How much can I borrow?*
Check out the Federal Student Aid Direct Loan website for information regarding loan amounts at: [https://studentaid.gov/](https://studentaid.gov/)
##### *Check on your Federal Loans*
Information regarding your federal student loans is located on your Federal Student Aid account at: [https://studentaid.gov/](https://studentaid.gov/)
Once you are logged into your Federal Student Aid account you can view your loans by clicking on "My Aid".
##### *When do I begin to repay my Federal Direct Loans?*
Each student is given a period of time before loan repayment begins; this is called a “grace period”. The federal direct loan grace period is six months after the student graduates, leaves school, or drops below half-time status. Once a student exceeds their grace period, they must begin loan repayment. Federal direct loans are repaid to the holder of the loan, with 10-25 years to repay, depending on the total amount the student has borrowed.
For additional information, log in to [https://studentaid.gov/](https://studentaid.gov/)
# Transitioning from Undergraduate to Graduate Financial Aid (Same Academic Year)
**Transitioning from Undergraduate to Graduate Financial Aid (Same Academic Year)**
If you’re graduating during the Fall or Spring term and will be continuing your education as a graduate student within the same academic year, there are a few important steps you must complete to receive graduate-level financial aid.
**1. Update Your FAFSA**
Review your current year FAFSA and check how you answered the question:
**“What is your current grade level?”**
- If you selected **Junior** or **Senior**, you must submit a correction.
- Update your answer to: **“College Graduate, Professional, or Beyond.”**
This update is required to reflect your new graduate student status and determine your eligibility for graduate-level financial aid.
**2. Complete Graduate Loan Requirements**
After submitting your FAFSA correction, you must complete the following graduate student loan requirements:
- **Master Promissory Note (MPN) for Graduate Students**
- **[https://studentaid.gov/mpn/](https://studentaid.gov/mpn/)**
- **Direct Loan Entrance Counseling for Graduate/Professional Students**
- **[https://studentaid.gov/entrance-counseling/](https://studentaid.gov/entrance-counseling/)**
These steps are required before graduate loan funds can be processed.
**3. Review Your Financial Aid Offer**
Once your FAFSA correction has been processed:
- Our office will review your updated information
- Determine your eligibility for graduate-level aid
- Post your financial aid offer to your student account
You will then be able to review and accept your awards.
**Need Help?**
If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact our office at **870-972-2310**.
# Private Student Loans
# FastChoice - Arkansas State University
**Private Student Loans**
A private student loan is a non-federal loan from a private lender like a bank or credit union, used to pay educational expenses. Unlike federal loans, these are credit-based, with terms like interest rates depending on your credit history. The terms and conditions of these credit-based loan programs vary, we encouraged students to review the details of the programs before selecting a lender. Some lenders may require a co-signer.
**How to Apply:**
1. Click the link below and select which option is best for you.
[https://choice.fastproducts.org/FastChoice/home/109000](https://choice.fastproducts.org/FastChoice/home/109000)
2. Complete the Borrowing Essentials so you will be equipped with the knowledge to select which lender is best for you.
3. Complete an application with the private loan lender you have a selected.
**Note:** These loans can take 2 - 4 weeks to process. Private loans are considered last to pay loans and all other aid must be accepted or declined before the private loan can be processed. To avoid delays in processing, please apply at least one month prior to your classes starting. If you apply for a loan, please use the appropriate start and end date you would like the loan applied for. Example: if you apply with the dates ( 08/2025 - 05/2026 ), it starts for the Fall term and ends in the Spring term. The loan amount you apply for using these dates will be split between the Fall and the Spring terms. Please double check the dates and amounts you are applying for before submitting.
Fall term is August - December
Spring term is January - May
Summer term is May - August
**After Applying**
If your loan is approved, we will award your loan in the order it was received. Once your loan has been awarded, you can check it's status by visiting your Financial Aid Offer page in your Banner 9 Student portal.
**Note:** Arkansas State University **does** **not control your disbursement date**. As part of the loan certification process, we request the earliest disbursement date allowed for the term, even if it is a past date.
Arkansas State University **has no say in the credit decision, interest rates or cosigner requirements** made by the lenders.
The amount you apply for may not be the amount you receive. Private loans must also be kept within Federal Budget Guidelines per semester.
To reduce the cost of borrowing, consider making in-school interest or interest plus principal payments.
Rules for repayment and deferment vary from lender to lender. Check with your lender for more information.
# Private Loan Resources
####
The [One Big Beautiful Bill Act](https://www.nasfaa.org/ob3) (OBBBA) makes significant changes to the federal student loan programs, many of which are likely to increase reliance on private education loans. NASFAA has created the resources below to help student and parent borrowers on the key differences between federal and private education loans, important information about private education loan terms and conditions, and information about how to choose a private education lender.
#### For Student and Parent Borrowers
[Private Education Loans: Information For Students & Families](https://www.nasfaa.org/private_ed_loans)
The basics of private education lending for prospective student and parent borrowers to help them understand the differences between federal and private loans.
[Private Loan Checklist for Prospective Student and Parent Borrowers](http://www.nasfaa.org/private_loan_checklist)
A list of the critical questions borrowers should be asking private education lenders when they are researching their education financing options.
(Information is from NASFAA - National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators, published on 04/15/2026, www.nasfaa.org)
# Federal Grants
Federal Grants: What They Are and How They Work
Information summarized from Federal Student Aid, U.S. Department of Education — studentaid.gov.
The U.S. Department of Education offers several types of federal grants to help students pay for college or career school. Grants are a form of financial aid that usually do not need to be repaid, unlike student loans.
However, there are certain situations where a student may be required to repay some or all of their grant—for example, if they withdraw from classes early or, in the case of a TEACH Grant, if they do not complete the required teaching service.
Types of Federal Grants
The federal government provides different grant programs for eligible students attending universities, community colleges, and career or technical schools. Below is a summary of the main grant programs:
Federal Pell Grant
For undergraduate students with significant financial need
Student must not already have a bachelor’s, graduate, or professional degree
Maximum award for 2024–2025: up to $7,395
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
For undergraduates with exceptional financial need
Must not have earned a bachelor’s, graduate, or professional degree
Maximum award: up to $1,000 per year
TEACH Grant (Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education)
For undergraduate, post-baccalaureate, and graduate students preparing to teach in a high-need field at the elementary or secondary level
Award amount: up to $4,000 for grants first disbursed from Oct. 1, 2022–Sept. 30, 2024
Important: If service requirements are not completed, the grant converts into a Direct Unsubsidized Loan, which must be repaid with interest.
Grant Eligibility
To be considered for any federal grant, students must submit the FAFSA® each year.
After you submit your FAFSA, your school will review your information and tell you:
Which grants you qualify for
The amount you may receive
When your grant will be disbursed
Some grants also have additional requirements. More details can be found on each specific grant’s page at studentaid.gov.
Keeping Your Grant Eligibility
Each grant has its own rules for maintaining eligibility. In general, students must:
Continue meeting financial-need or program requirements
Maintain satisfactory academic progress
Stay enrolled in eligible coursework
For exact rules, students should review the requirements for their specific grant program.
When a Grant May Need to Be Repaid
A federal grant may need to be partially or fully repaid if:
You withdraw from school before completing the term
Your enrollment drops (e.g., from full-time to part-time) and your grant amount changes
You receive outside scholarships or aid that reduce your federal aid eligibility
You received a TEACH Grant but did not complete the required teaching service
You received Pell Grant funds from more than one school at the same time
Grant Repayment Process
If you must repay a grant, your school will notify you. You will have 45 days to:
Repay the amount in full or
Set up an approved repayment plan
If you choose a repayment plan, your school may either collect payments directly or send the debt to the U.S. Department of Education for collection.
If you do not take action within the required timeframe, you will lose eligibility for future federal student aid until the debt is resolved.
Source: Reworded and summarized from Federal Student Aid (U.S. Department of Education), available at studentaid.gov.
# Federal Pell Grant
*Information adapted from Federal Student Aid (studentaid.gov).*
**Eligibility**
Federal Pell Grants are generally awarded to undergraduate students who show significant financial need and who have not previously earned a bachelor’s, graduate, or professional degree. In limited situations, students enrolled in certain post-baccalaureate teacher certification programs may also qualify.
Students who are incarcerated or confined may be eligible if they are enrolled in an approved Prison Education Program. Students who are under an involuntary civil commitment after serving a sentence for a sexual offense may also qualify.
Federal Student Aid also warns students not to accept unexpected or suspicious offers of financial aid—such as “pandemic grants” or “Biden loan forgiveness”—without confirming with their school that the offer is legitimate.
Unlike loans, Pell Grants usually do not need to be repaid, unless certain conditions apply (such as withdrawing from classes or receiving more funds than allowed). Students may only receive Pell Grant funds from **one school at a time**.
---
**How to Apply**
To be considered for a Pell Grant, students must complete the **Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®)** each year. Schools use the FAFSA information to determine whether a student qualifies and how much they can receive.
Understanding the **cost of attendance (COA)** at your school is important because COA—such as tuition, fees, housing, meals, and other expenses—helps determine how much financial aid you may need.
---
**Award Amounts**
Pell Grant amounts change each year.
- For the **2025–2026 award year** (July 1, 2025–June 30, 2026), the **maximum Pell Grant** is **$7,395**.
Your exact amount depends on:
- your Student Aid Index (from your FAFSA)
- your school’s cost of attendance
- whether you attend full-time or part-time
- whether you attend for a full academic year or a shorter period
Some students may qualify for **up to 150%** of their scheduled Pell Grant in one academic year. This is sometimes called **“year-round Pell.”** For example, if you normally receive $2,000 for the full year, you could receive an additional $1,000 for extra terms if eligible.
Students can receive Pell Grants for **no more than 12 full-time terms** (about six years). Federal Student Aid notifies students who are approaching their limit.
If a student qualifies for Pell, the school receives enough federal funding to award the full eligible amount. Other forms of aid do **not** reduce Pell Grant eligibility.
**Additional Eligibility**
Students whose parent or guardian died while serving in the military or working as a public safety officer may be eligible for additional Pell Grant funds.
---
**How Funds Are Delivered**
- Pell Grant funds will be directly applied to the Student's Account balance
- They will disburse for full term students on the 11th day of class and for part of term students on the 5th day of class.
- Any excess funds after the grant has been applied to the balance will be sent to the student in the form of a refund by the Treasurer's Office
---
**Maintaining Eligibility**
To continue receiving Pell Grants, students must:
- stay enrolled in an undergraduate program at an eligible institution, and
- complete a FAFSA form every year.
Students become ineligible once they earn a bachelor’s or professional degree or once they use all 12 terms of Pell Grant eligibility.
# Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG)
The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) is a type of financial aid designed for undergraduate students who demonstrate **exceptional financial need**. This program is managed directly by Arkansas State University's Financial Aid Department.
**How to Apply**
To be considered for an FSEOG, students must complete the **Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®)**. The information on the FAFSA helps the school determine each student’s level of financial need. Schools award FSEOG funds to students with the highest need first. Like other federal grants, the FSEOG generally does not need to be repaid unless certain repayment situations apply. (Source: Federal Student Aid)
**Award Amounts**
Eligible students may receive **between $100 and $1,000 per year**, depending on their financial need, the timing of their application, the amount of other aid they receive, and how much FSEOG funding the school has available. Arkansas State University receives a limited allocation of FSEOG funds from the U.S. Department of Education. Once our school has awarded all of its available funds for the year, no additional FSEOG grants can be given. This is different from the Federal Pell Grant, which guarantees funding for every eligible student. For this reason, it is important to submit the FAFSA as early as possible and pay attention to your school’s campus-based aid deadlines. (Source: Federal Student Aid)
**How Funds Are Delivered**
If you qualify for an FSEOG, your financial aid counselor can apply this grant towards your Financial Aid account.
**Maintaining Eligibility**
To continue receiving the FSEOG, students must remain enrolled as undergraduates and cannot already have a bachelor’s degree. Eligibility for any federal student aid—including the FSEOG—requires completing the FAFSA each academic year. (Source: Federal Student Aid)
# Federal TEACH Grant - Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education
The **Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant** is a federal grant for students who plan to become teachers in certain high-need subject areas. Unlike most federal grants, the TEACH Grant requires you to complete a **teaching service commitment** after finishing your program. If you do not complete this service, the grant will be converted into a **Direct Unsubsidized Loan**, and you will have to repay it with interest.
*(Source: Federal Student Aid)*
---
##### **How TEACH Grant Communication Works**
Students who receive a TEACH Grant now work [**directly**](https://studentaid.gov/) with the U.S. Department of Education to:
- Upload service-related forms and requests on [**StudentAid.gov**](https://studentaid.gov/)
- Request a voluntary conversion or ask for a reconsideration if the grant converts to a loan
- Submit paperwork by mail or fax to:
**Federal Student Aid Programs – TEACH**
P.O. Box 300010
Greenville, TX 75403
Fax: 540-212-2415
*(Source: Federal Student Aid)*
---
##### **Who Can Receive a TEACH Grant?**
To qualify, a student must:
- Meet all general federal student aid requirements
- Submit the [**FAFSA®**](https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa) each year
- Attend a school that participates in the TEACH Grant Program
- Be enrolled in a program that prepares you to teach in a **high-need field**
- Meet academic guidelines (such as scoring in the top 25% on a college admissions test or maintaining at least a 3.25 GPA)
- Complete TEACH Grant counseling each year
- Sign a [**TEACH Grant Agreement to Serve or Repay**](https://studentaid.gov/teach-grant-program)
- Only students pursuing a first Bachelor's degree or a Master's degree are eligible for a TEACH Grant. Students pursuing only a teacher licensure or a second Bachelor's degree are not eligible for the TEACH Grant.
*(Source: Federal Student Aid)*
*Undergraduate*
- Students must be admitted to the TEACH Education program
- Students must have Taken the Praxis I
- Seeking a degree in one of the below high-need fields:
- BSE in Art
- BSE in Foreign Language (Spanish or French)
- BSE in Mathematics
- BSE in Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics)
- BSE in Special Education K-12
- BSE in Social Science
*Graduate*
- Seeking a degree in one of the below high-need fields:
- MSE in Biology
- MSE in Chemistry
- MSE in Mathematics
- MSE in Reading
- MSE in Special Education K-12
- MSE in Special Education P-4
- MSE in Special Education 4-12
- MSE in Special Education Gifted, Talented and Creative
- MSE in Social Science
- MSE in Computer Science
*Academic Requirements*
Students must either earn a GPA of 3.25 or better) or have scored in the 75th percentile or better on a nationally-formed admission test (such as SAT or GRE) to qualify to receive and maintain the TEACH Grant award.
\*Current teachers are not required to meet the GPA requirements upon initial TEACH Grant award but must maintain the 3.25 GPA requirement to continue eligibility.
---
##### **Grant Amounts**
The TEACH Grant can provide **up to $4,000 per year**.
Due to federal budget rules, awards for any grant first paid between **Oct. 1, 2020, and Oct. 1, 2026** are reduced by **5.7%**, meaning the maximum award during this period is **$3,772**.
*(Source: Federal Student Aid)*
| **Grant disbursed on or after**
**October 1, 2021**
**(5.7% reduction rate)**
| **A-State Online**
**Only Registered**
**Graduate Hours**
| **Registered**
**Graduate Hours**
| **Registered**
**Undergraduate**
**Hours**
| **Award**
**Amount**
|
| Full-time
| 9 and above
| 9 and above
| 12 and above
| $1,886
|
| Three-quarter time
| 6
| 7-11
| 7-11
| $1,414
|
| Half-time
| 3
| 6
| 6
| $943
|
| Below half-time
| n/a
| 2 and below
| 5 and below
| $0
|
| **Summer Semester**
**Enrollment Status**
| **A-State Online**
**Only Registered**
**Graduate Hours**
| **Registered**
**Graduate Hours**
| **Registered**
**Undergraduate**
**Hours**
| **Award**
**Amount**
|
| Full-time
| 6 and above
| 6 and above
| 12 and above
| $1,886
|
| Three-quarter time
| n/a
| 7-11
| 7-11
| $1,414
|
| Half-time
| 3
| 3
| 6
| $943
|
| Below-half-time
| n/a
| 2 and below
| 5 and below
| $0
|
| **Grant disbursed on or after**
**October 1, 2022**
**(5.7% reduction rate)**
| **A-State Online**
**Only Registered**
**Graduate Hours**
| **Registered**
**Graduate Hours**
| **Registered**
**Undergraduate**
**Hours**
| **Award**
**Amount**
|
| Full-time
| 9 and above
| 9 and above
| 12 and above
| $1,886
|
| Three-quarter time
| 6
| 7-11
| 7-11
| $1,414
|
| Half-time
| 3
| 6
| 6
| $943
|
| Below half-time
| n/a
| 2 and below
| 5 and below
| $0
|
| **Summer Semester**
**Enrollment Status**
| **A-State Online**
**Only Registered**
**Graduate Hours**
| **Registered**
**Graduate Hours**
| **Registered**
**Undergraduate**
**Hours**
| **Award**
**Amount**
|
| Full-time
| 6 and above
| 6 and above
| 12 and above
| $1,886
|
| Three-quarter time
| n/a
| 7-11
| 7-11
| $1,414
|
| Half-time
| 3
| 3
| 6
| $943
|
| Below-half-time
| n/a
| 2 and below
| 5 and below
| $0
|
*\*Award amounts may change based upon sequestration amounts determined by the Federal Processor. *
---
##### **Service Obligation (Your Teaching Requirement)**
To keep the grant from turning into a loan, you must:
1. Teach **full-time** for **four years**
2. Work at a school or educational service agency that serves **low-income students**
3. Teach in a **high-need field** (such as math, science, special education, foreign language, or another subject listed on the Teacher Shortage Area Nationwide Listing)
4. Complete your four years of teaching within **eight years** after leaving your program
*(Source: Federal Student Aid)*
You must complete:
- **One four-year obligation** for all TEACH Grants received as an undergraduate, and
- **One four-year obligation** for all TEACH Grants received as a graduate student.
In some cases, the same teaching service period may count for both.
*(Source: Federal Student Aid)*
---
##### **What Happens If You Do NOT Meet the Requirements?**
If you do not complete the required service:
- Your TEACH Grants will automatically convert into **Direct Unsubsidized Loans**
- You must repay them with interest starting from the original date the funds were disbursed
You also have the **option** to request your grant be converted to a loan before completing the service if you already know you will not fulfill the teaching obligation.
**\*\*Please remember: Once a TEACH Grant has been converted to a loan, it cannot be converted back to a TEACH Grant. **
*(Source: Federal Student Aid)*
---
##### **Programs That Qualify**
A TEACH Grant-eligible program is one that:
- Leads to a bachelor’s or master’s degree
- Or is a post-baccalaureate program that prepares students to teach in a high-need field
Each college decides which of its programs qualify, so a program could be eligible at one school but not at another.
*(Source: Federal Student Aid)*
---
##### **What Counts as a High-Need Field?**
High-need subject areas include:
- Math
- Science (including computer science)
- Foreign language
- Bilingual education
- English language acquisition
- Reading specialist
- Special education
- Any field the state lists as high-need on the [**Teacher Shortage Area Nationwide Listing**](https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ope/pol/tsa.html)
*(Source: Federal Student Aid)*
To count, the subject must be listed:
- Either the year you start teaching, **or**
- The year you received your TEACH Grant
---
##### **Where You Must Teach**
Your teaching must take place at a school or educational service agency that serves **low-income students**. These schools are listed in the [**Teacher Cancellation Low-Income Directory (TCLI)**](https://studentaid.gov/tcli).
Schools run by the [Bureau of Indian Education (BIE)](https://www.bie.edu/Schools/index.htm) also qualify automatically.
*(Source: Federal Student Aid)*
---
##### **Suspensions of Your Service Deadline**
You may request a temporary pause on the eight-year service window for reasons such as:
- Enrollment in a TEACH-eligible or state-approved teaching program
- Completing coursework for state certification
- Qualifying medical or family leave
- Military service
- Being a military spouse with significant relocation
- Living or working in a federally declared disaster area
Each suspension type has time limits, usually **up to 3 years**.
*(Source: Federal Student Aid)*
Your service obligation may be **discharged** (canceled) if:
- You pass away
- You become totally and permanently disabled
*(Source: Federal Student Aid)*
---
##### **Submitting Proof of Teaching**
Each year you complete teaching service, you must submit documentation, certified by your school’s chief administrative officer, proving that:
- You taught in a qualifying low-income school
- You met state certification requirements
- You taught mostly in a high-need field
Forms can be uploaded on StudentAid.gov or mailed/faxed to the address provided earlier.
*(Source: Federal Student Aid)*
*For additional information regarding the TEACH Grant please go online to [https://studentaid.gov/teach-grant-program. ](https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/grants/teach)*
# Federal Work-Study
####
The **Federal Work-Study Program (FWS)** offers part-time job opportunities for eligible students to earn income that helps cover educational expenses while attending college or career school. Students at both the undergraduate and graduate levels who demonstrate financial need may participate. Work-Study positions can be on campus or with approved off-campus employers and, whenever possible, focus on community service or are related to the student’s field of study.
#####
#### How Do I apply for Federal Work-Study Funds?
Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at [www.fafsa.gov](http://www.fafsa.gov/) and indicate they are interested in the work-study program. Students are encouraged to complete the FAFSA as early as possible as funds for this program are limited. Students must complete the FAFSA every year to receive FWS. Receipt of FWS one year does not automatically imply that the student will receive FWS the next year.
#### Types of Jobs
Federal Work-Study places emphasis on positions that involve community service or work connected to a student’s field of study. *(Source: Federal Student Aid)*
#### Where Students Work
Jobs may be located:
- **On campus**, usually working for the school itself.
- **Off campus**, with a public or private nonprofit organization where the work must benefit the community.
Because funding is limited, students interested in Work-Study should complete the FAFSA as early as possible. *(Source: Federal Student Aid)*
#### Earnings
Students participating in Work-Study will earn at least the federal minimum wage, though some jobs may pay more depending on the role and required skill level. A student’s total earnings are determined by:
- How early they apply for aid
- Their financial need
- The amount of Work-Study funding available
- The number of hours that you work each week.
- Most students work between 10 and 20 hours per week, and are paid every two weeks.
*(Source: Federal Student Aid)*
#### How Students Are Paid
Payment methods differ based on student classification:
- **Undergraduate students** are paid hourly.
- **Graduate and professional students** may be paid hourly or receive a salary depending on the job.
*(Source: Federal Student Aid)*
Students are paid every two weeks. Payment is applied to the student's account. Any excess funds will be processed as a refund by the Treasurer's Office.
#### Work Hours
Students cannot work unlimited hours. Earnings may not exceed the total amount of the student’s Work-Study award. When assigning work schedules, the employer must consider the student’s class schedule and ensure that work does not interfere with academic progress. *(Source: Federal Student Aid)*
#### What are my responsibilities as a FWS worker?
- As a student worker, it is your responsibility to be willing to work and perform your assigned duties to the best of your ability. You must sell your service and should be prepared for an orientation session with a prospective employer.
- Some jobs require weekend work. If you accept employment, you must work the hours and time scheduled for you.
- You must be dependable, prompt and reliable in attendance and work the required period of time.
- If you must be absent from work, your supervisor should be notified prior to your scheduled work time.
- You should not expect to be allowed to study while at work.
# Withdraw from AState
Learn how withdrawing from Arkansas State University can affect your financial aid
# Financial Aid and Withdrawing from AState
## Return to Title IV Funds Policy
Federal Regulations mandate that students who receive federal financial aid, which may include Pell Grant, Supplemental Grant, ACG, Smart Grants, Subsidized Stafford loans, Unsubsidized Stafford Loans, Parent Plus Loans and Grad Plus Loans and withdraw from the university during the first 59% of the semester should be aware that a portion of these funds may have to be repaid. A student who remains enrolled and in attendance beyond the 60% point is considered to have earned all of their financial aid for the semester.
If the amount of aid disbursed to the student is greater than the amount the student earned, unearned funds must be returned to the federal programs. If the amount of aid disbursed to the student is less than the amount the student earned, and for which the student is otherwise eligible, the student will receive a post-withdrawal disbursement of earned aid.
A-State will determine the withdrawal date based on the date the Registrar’s Office receives information that the student plans to withdraw. Students may withdraw from A-State by “Self Service Student” at any time during the scheduled registration periods. Students have until Sunday after the first week of classes in a regular semester or until Friday the first week of classes in a five week summer session term to withdraw. After this period has passed, students must obtain a withdrawal form in the Advisement Services Office located in Wilson Center. Students receiving financial aid must obtain an approval signature from the Financial Aid Office to complete the process.
When a student ceases to attend classes but does not complete the official withdrawal process they are considered to have unofficially withdrawn. In the case of an unofficial withdrawal, the mid-point of the semester will be used for the calculation of a Title IV refund unless otherwise documented.
A-State will return all unearned funds for which it is responsible within 45 days from the date the student is determined to have withdrawn. After the return of funds to Title IV financial aid is adjusted per the calculation, a balance may be owed on institutional charges. The Student Accounts Office will notify the student of any balances owed to A-State and it will be the student’s responsibility to pay any balance owed.
##### The order the funds must be returned to Title IV programs is as follows:
1. Unsubsidized Direct Loan Funds
2. Subsidized Direct Loan Funds
3. Direct Loan Grad PLUS
4. Direct Loan PLUS Parent
5. Pell Grants
6. FSEOG
7. TEACH Grant
#### Repaying Borrowed Funds
The Financial Aid Office uses the Federal Student Aid R2T4 Calculator to calculate the amount of money that you owe back if you withdraw.
If you have questions or need additional information please contact your Financial Aid Counselor.
# 2025- 2026 Aid Earned vs Aid Unearned Dates
#### Estimating What You Will Have to Repay
The chart below shows an estimate of how much federal financial aid you may be required to return based on the date you withdraw from the university. Please review this carefully if you are thinking about withdrawing, as it may impact your financial responsibility.
If the university closes for five or more consecutive days due to inclement weather, withdrawal dates and the related percentages will be adjusted accordingly. These dates and percentages are tentative and subject to change.
## **\*\*For On-Campus students only (includes Inclement Weather dates)**
## **Fall 2026 – Full Term (One Break)**
#### **Payment Period Length**
- **Term dates:** August 20 – December 12, 2025 = 115 days
- **Break excluded:** November 22 – November 30 = 9 days
**Total Fall Term Calendar days = 106 days**
- Each day: ≈ **0.94% earned aid** (100 ÷ 106)
- **60% of 106 days ≈ Day 64 → October 22, 2025**
- Once a student reaches 60%, they earn **100% of their aid**.
👉 Any withdrawal **on or after October 22, 2025 = no return required**
#### **Date-Based Percentage Breakdown (R2T4)**
| Date Range | % Earned | % Unearned (Owed Back) |
|---|
| Aug 20 – Aug 26 | 1% – 7% | 99% – 93% |
| Aug 27 – Sep 2 | 8% – 13% | 92% – 87% |
| Sep 3 – Sep 9 | 14% – 20% | 86% – 80% |
| Sep 10 – Sep 16 | 21% – 26% | 79% – 74% |
| Sep 17 – Sep 23 | 27% – 33% | 73% – 67% |
| Sep 24 – Sep 30 | 34% – 40% | 66% – 60% |
| Oct 1 – Oct 7 | 41% – 46% | 59% – 54% |
| Oct 8 – Oct 14 | 47% – 53% | 53% – 47% |
| Oct 15 – Oct 21 | 54% – 60% | 46% – 40% |
| **Oct 22 – Dec 12** | **60%+** | **0% owed** |
| 🚫 Break (not counted) | Nov 22 – Nov 30 | — |
| Date Range | % Earned | % Unearned (Owed Back) |
|---|
| Aug 20 – Aug 24 | 1% – 11% | 99% – 89% |
| Aug 25 – Aug 31 | 12% – 27% | 88% – 73% |
| Sep 1 – Sep 7 | 28% – 44% | 72% – 56% |
| Sep 8 – Sep 14 | 45% – 60% | 55% – 40% |
| **Sep 15 – Oct 3** | **60%+** | **0% owed** |
## **Fall II Term Only**
#### **Payment Period Length**
- **Term dates:** October 13 – December 12, 2025 = 61 days
- **Break excluded:** November 22 – November 30 = 9 days
**Total Fall Term Calendar days = 52 days**
- Each day: ≈ **1.92% earned aid** (100 ÷ 52)
- **60% of 52 days ≈ Day 32 → November 13, 2025**
- Once a student reaches 60%, they earn **100% of their aid**.
👉 Any withdrawal **on or after November 13, 2025 = no return required**
#### **Date-Based Percentage Breakdown (Fall II R2T4)**
| Date Range | % Earned | % Unearned (Owed Back) |
|---|
| Oct 13 – Oct 18 | 1% – 11% | 99% – 89% |
| Oct 19 – Oct 25 | 12% – 23% | 88% – 77% |
| Oct 26 – Nov 1 | 24% – 35% | 76% – 65% |
| Nov 2 – Nov 8 | 36% – 48% | 64% – 52% |
| Nov 9 – Nov 13 | 49% – 60% | 51% – 40% |
| **Nov 13 (60% point)** | **60%** | **40%** |
| Nov 14 – Dec 12 | **60%+** | **0% owed** |
## **Spring 2026 – Full Term (One Break)**
#### **Payment Period Length**
- **Term dates:** January 12 – May 8, 2026 = 117 days
- **Break excluded:** March 21 – March 29 = 9 days
**Total Spring Term Calendar days = 108 days**
- Each day ≈ **0.93% earned aid** (100 ÷ 108)
- **60% point ≈ Day 65 → March 26, 2026**
- Once a student reaches 60%, they earn **100% of their aid**.
👉 Any withdrawal **on or after March 26, 2026 = no return required**
#### **Date-Based Percentage Breakdown (R2T4)**
| Date Range | % Earned | % Unearned (Owed Back) |
|---|
| Jan 12 – Jan 18 | 1% – 6% | 99% – 94% |
| Jan 19 – Jan 25 | 7% – 12% | 93% – 88% |
| Jan 26 – Feb 1 | 13% – 19% | 87% – 81% |
| Feb 2 – Feb 8 | 20% – 25% | 80% – 75% |
| Feb 9 – Feb 15 | 26% – 32% | 74% – 68% |
| Feb 16 – Feb 22 | 33% – 38% | 67% – 62% |
| Feb 23 – Mar 1 | 39% – 45% | 61% – 55% |
| Mar 2 – Mar 8 | 46% – 51% | 54% – 49% |
| Mar 9 – Mar 15 | 52% – 58% | 48% – 42% |
| Mar 16 – Mar 20 | 59% – 60% | 41% – 40% |
| 🚫 Break (not counted) | Mar 21 – Mar 29 | — |
| Mar 30 – May 8 | 60%+ | 0% owed |
| Date Range | Aid% Earned | Aid% Unearned (Owed Back) |
|---|
| Jan 12 – Jan 16 | 1% – 5% | 99% – 95% |
| Jan 17 – Jan 23 | 6% – 12% | 94% – 88% |
| **Jan 24 – Feb 1** | 🚫 Break (not counted) | — |
| Feb 2 – Feb 8 | 13% – 19% | 87% – 81% |
| Feb 9 – Feb 15 | 20% – 26% | 80% – 74% |
| Feb 16 – Feb 22 | 27% – 33% | 73% – 67% |
| Feb 23 – Feb 28 | 34% – 39% | 66% – 61% |
| Mar 1 – Mar 7 | 40% – 46% | 60% – 54% |
| Mar 8 – Mar 14 | 47% – 53% | 53% – 47% |
| Mar 15 – Mar 20 | 54% – 59% | 46% – 41% |
| **Mar 21 – Mar 29** | 🚫 Break (not counted) | — |
| **Mar 30** | **60%** | **0% owed** |
| Mar 31 – May 8 | 60%+ | 0% owed |
## **Spring I Term Only (One Break)**
#### **Payment Period Length**
- **Term dates:** January 12 – February 27, 2026 = 47 days
- **Break excluded (Inclement Weather):** January 24 - February 1 = 9 days
**Total Spring Term Calendar days = 38 days**
- Each day = **~2.6316% earned aid** (100 ÷ 38)
- **60% point ≈ Day 23 → February 7, 2026**
- Once a student reaches 60%, they earn **100% of their aid**.
👉 Any withdrawal **on or after February 7, 2026 = no return required**
#### **Date-Based Percentage Breakdown (Spring I R2T4)**
| Date Range | % Earned | % Unearned (Owed Back) |
|---|
| Jan 12 – Jan 16 | 1% – 13% | 99% – 87% |
| Jan 17 – Jan 23 | 14% – 32% | 86% – 68% |
| Jan 24 – Feb 1 | **Excluded Break** | — |
| Feb 2 – Feb 5 | 33% – 45% | 67% – 55% |
| Feb 6 – Feb 7 | 46% – 60% | 54% – 40% |
| **Feb 7 (60% point)** | **60%** | **40%** |
| Feb 8 – Feb 27 | **60%+** | **0% owed** |
## **Spring II Term Only (One Break)**
#### **Payment Period Length**
- **Term dates:** March 9 – May 8, 2026 = 61 days
- **Break excluded:** March 21 - March 29 = 9 days
**Total Spring Term Calendar days = 52 days**
- Each day = **~1.9231% earned aid** (100 ÷ 52)
- **60% point ≈ Day 32 → April 9, 2026**
- Once a student reaches 60%, they earn **100% of their aid**.
👉 Any withdrawal **on or after April 9, 2026 = no return required**
#### **Date-Based Percentage Breakdown (Spring II R2T4)**
| Date Range | % Earned | % Unearned (Owed Back) |
|---|
| Mar 9 – Mar 13 | 1% – 9% | 99% – 91% |
| Mar 14 – Mar 20 | 10% – 23% | 90% – 77% |
| Mar 21 – Mar 29 | **Excluded Break (Spring Break)** | — |
| Mar 30 – Apr 2 | 24% – 32% | 76% – 68% |
| Apr 3 – Apr 6 | 33% – 41% | 67% – 59% |
| Apr 7 – Apr 8 | 42% – 58% | 58% – 42% |
| **Apr 9 (60% point)** | **60%** | **40%** |
| Apr 10 – May 8 | **60%+** | **0% owed** |
## **Summer 2026 – Full Term**
#### **Payment Period Length**
- **Term dates:** May 26 – August 3, 2026
- **Breaks:** None
**Total Summer Term Calendar days = 70 days**
- Each day = **~1.43% per day** (100 ÷ 70)
- **60% point ≈ Day 42 → July 06, 2026**
- Once a student reaches 60%, they earn **100% of their aid**.
👉 Any withdrawal **on or after July 06, 2026 = no return required**
#### **Date-Based Percentage Breakdown (R2T4)**
| Date Range | % Earned | % Unearned (Owed Back) |
|---|
| May 26 – May 31 | 1% – 9% | 99% – 91% |
| Jun 1 – Jun 7 | 10% – 19% | 90% – 81% |
| Jun 8 – Jun 14 | 20% – 29% | 80% – 71% |
| Jun 15 – Jun 21 | 30% – 39% | 70% – 61% |
| Jun 22 – Jun 28 | 40% – 49% | 60% – 51% |
| Jun 29 – Jul 5 | 50% – 59% | 50% – 41% |
| Jul 6 – Aug 3 | 60%+ | 0% owed |
| Date Range | % Earned | % Unearned (Owed Back) |
|---|
| May 26 – May 31 | 1% – 19% | 99% – 81% |
| June 1 – June 5 | 20% – 35% | 80% – 65% |
| June 6 – June 10 | 36% – 51% | 64% – 49% |
| June 11 – June 13 | 52% – 60% | 48% – 40% |
| **June 14 – June 25** | **60%+** | **0% owed** |
### **Summer II Term ONLY**
#### **Payment Period Length**
- **Term dates:** June 29 – July 31, 2026
- **Breaks:** None
**Total Summer II Term Calendar days = 33 days**
- Each day = **~3.0303% per day** (100 ÷ 33)
- **60% point ≈ Day 19.8 → July 18, 2026**
- Once a student reaches 60%, they earn **100% of their aid**.
👉 Any withdrawal **on or after July 18, 2026 = no return required**
#### **Date-Based Percentage Breakdown** **(Summer II R2T4)**
| Date Range | % Earned | % Unearned (Owed Back) |
|---|
| June 29 – July 3 | 1% – 15% | 99% – 85% |
| July 4 – July 8 | 16% – 30% | 84% – 70% |
| July 9 – July 13 | 31% – 45% | 69% – 55% |
| July 14 – July 18 | 46% – 60% | 54% – 40% |
| **July 19 – July 31** | **60%+** | **0% owed** |
| Date Range | % Earned | % Unearned |
|---|
| Aug 20 – Aug 31 | 1% – 12% | 99% – 88% |
| Sep 1 – Sep 14 | 13% – 27% | 87% – 73% |
| Sep 15 – Sep 28 | 28% – 42% | 72% – 58% |
| Sep 29 – Oct 12 | 43% – 57% | 57% – 43% |
| Oct 13 – Oct 17 | 58% – 60% | 42% – 40% |
| Oct 18 – Dec 4 | **60%+** | **0% owed** |
| Date Range | % Earned | % Unearned |
|---|
| Aug 20 – Aug 24 | 1% – 11% | 99% – 89% |
| Aug 25 – Aug 31 | 12% – 27% | 88% – 73% |
| Sep 1 – Sep 7 | 28% – 44% | 72% – 56% |
| Sep 8 – Sep 14 | 45% – 60% | 55% – 40% |
| Sep 15 – Oct 3 | **60%+** | **0% owed** |
| Date Range | % Earned | % Unearned |
|---|
| Oct 13 – Oct 18 | 1% – 14% | 99% – 86% |
| Oct 19 – Oct 25 | 15% – 30% | 85% – 70% |
| Oct 26 – Nov 1 | 31% – 46% | 69% – 54% |
| Nov 2 – Nov 8 | 47% – 60% | 53% – 40% |
| Nov 9 – Dec 4 | **60%+** | **0% owed** |
## **Spring 2026 - Full Term**
#### **Payment Period Length**
- **Term dates:** January 12 – May 1, 2026 = 110 days
- **Break excluded:** March 21 – March 29, 2026 = 9 days
**Total Fall II Term Calendar days = 101 days**
- Each day = **~0.99% per day** (100 ÷ 101)
- **60% point ≈ Day 61 → March 31, 2026**
- Once a student reaches 60%, they earn **100% of their aid**.
👉 Any withdrawal **on or after March 31, 2026 = no return required**
#### **Date-Based Percentage Breakdown (R2T4)**
| Date Range | % Earned | % Unearned |
|---|
| Jan 12 – Jan 23 | 1% – 12% | 99% – 88% |
| Jan 24 – Feb 1 | 13% – 21% | 87% – 79% |
| Feb 2 – Feb 15 | 22% – 36% | 78% – 64% |
| Feb 16 – Feb 27 | 37% – 48% | 63% – 52% |
| Feb 28 – Mar 8 | 49% – 58% | 51% – 42% |
| Mar 9 – Mar 20 | 59% – 69% | 41% – 31% |
| Mar 21 – Mar 29 | **Excluded Break** | |
| Mar 30 – Mar 31 | ~60% | |
| Apr 1 – May 1 | **60%+** | **0% owed** |
| Date Range | % Earned | % Unearned (Owed Back) |
|---|
| Jan 12 – Jan 16 | 1% – 11% | 99% – 89% |
| Jan 17 – Jan 23 | 12% – 26% | 88% – 74% |
| Jan 24 – Jan 30 | 27% – 41% | 73% – 59% |
| Jan 31 – Feb 6 | 42% – 56% | 58% – 44% |
| **Feb 7 – Feb 9** | **57% – 60%** | **43% – 40%** |
| **Feb 9 (60% point)** | **60%** | **40%** |
| Feb 10 – Feb 27 | **60%+** | **0% owed** |
## **Spring II Term Only**
#### **Payment Period Length**
- **Term dates:** March 9 – May 1, 2026 = 54 days
- **Break excluded:** March 21 – March 29, 2026 = 9 days
**Total Spring I Term Calendar days = 45 days**
- Each day = **~2.22% per day** (100 ÷ 45)
- **60% point ≈ Day 27 → April 4, 2026**
- Once a student reaches 60%, they earn **100% of their aid**.
👉 Any withdrawal **on or after April 4, 2026 = no return required**
#### **Date-Based Percentage Breakdown (Spring II R2T4)**
| Date Range | % Earned | % Unearned (Owed Back) |
|---|
| Mar 9 – Mar 13 | 1% – 11% | 99% – 89% |
| Mar 14 – Mar 20 | 12% – 27% | 88% – 73% |
| Mar 21 – Mar 29 | **Excluded (Spring Break)** | — |
| Mar 30 – Apr 2 | 28% – 38% | 72% – 62% |
| Apr 3 – Apr 4 | 39% – 60% | 61% – 40% |
| **Apr 4 (60% point)** | **60%** | **40%** |
| Apr 5 – May 1 | **60%+** | **0% owed** |
| Date Range | % Earned | % Unearned (Owed Back) |
|---|
| Aug 19 – Aug 25 | 1% – 7% | 99% – 93% |
| Aug 26 – Sep 1 | 8% – 13% | 92% – 87% |
| Sep 2 – Sep 8 | 14% – 20% | 86% – 80% |
| Sep 9 – Sep 15 | 21% – 26% | 79% – 74% |
| Sep 16 – Sep 22 | 27% – 33% | 73% – 67% |
| Sep 23 – Sep 29 | 34% – 40% | 66% – 60% |
| Sep 30 – Oct 6 | 41% – 46% | 59% – 54% |
| Oct 7 – Oct 13 | 47% – 53% | 53% – 47% |
| Oct 14 – Oct 20 | 54% – 59% | 46% – 41% |
| Oct 21 | 60% point | Calculation required |
| Oct 22 – Dec 11 | More than 60% | 0% |
| Nov 21 – Nov 29 | 🚫 Break (not counted) | — |
| **Enrollment Status Types: **
| **Undergraduate:**
| **Graduate:**
|
| Full Time
| 12+ credits/semester
| 9+ credits/semester
|
| Three Quarter Time
| 9 – 11 credits/semester
| 7 – 8 credits/semester
|
| Half Time
| 6 – 8 credits/semester
| 6 credits/semester
|
| Less Than Half Time
| 1 – 5 credits/semester
| 1 – 5 credits/semester
|
If your federal financial aid has been reduced due to enrollment in coursework that does not apply toward outstanding requirements in your program of study, you should contact your academic advisor to discuss your academic options. Otherwise, if you have questions regarding financial aid, please email us at [finaid@astate.edu](mailto:finaid@astate.edu) or you can visit us on the on the second floor of the Student Union.
Examples:
If you are eligible for a Federal Pell Grant and enroll in 12 hours and only 9 of the 12 hours are required towards your officially declared program of study, the Federal Pell Grant will be reduced to a three-quarter time award based on 9 hours.
Federal Direct Loans require 6 hours of enrollment for all student types. If you are enrolled for 6 hours and only 3 of the 6 hours are required for your program of study, you are not eligible to receive a Federal Direct Loan.
### **Frequently Asked Questions:**
##### What is a program of study (as defined for financial aid purposes)?
- - A program of study consists of courses required to complete a specific degree, inclusive of required coursework within the major, concentration, minor and catalog. The specific courses for a student are identified through a degree evaluation tool (DegreeWorks).
##### What types of Aid are affected by CPOS?
- - Disbursement of Federal Aid (i.e., Pell Grant, SEOG, Teach Grant, Work-Study, and Direct Loans) is based on coursework that counts toward the program of study. State, institutional, and private aid requirements may vary when it comes to CPOS requirements. Please check to ensure you are meeting all requirements for funding.
##### How will students be notified if impacted by CPOS?
- - Students must work closely with the academic advisor to understand the requirements of their declared major/minor and ensure the classes they register for meet these requirements. Students identified as enrolled in courses impacted by CPOS will be notified via their A-State University student email. Note that students will only be notified if CPOS impacts their Federal Financial Aid eligibility.
##### What about courses that will be substituted and thus become part of a student’s part of study?
- - If you have requested for a course to be considered as a substitution by your academic advisor your advisor will work with our Registrar’s Office to submit course substitution paperwork.
##### I contacted my academic advisor and they have submitted course substitution paperwork, is there a deadline for this request?
- - The appropriate course substitution paperwork must be completed through your academic advisor and approved by all necessary parties prior to the census date of the term for it to be included as eligible coursework for federal financial aid purposes. The census date is typically the following week after attendance verification and reinstatement period each term but, can vary.
##### How will courses needed for completion of minors or concentrations be treated?
- - Minors or concentrations must be officially declared and reflected in the degree evaluation prior to the census date of the term for it to be included as eligible coursework for federal financial aid purposes. The census date is typically the following week after attendance verification and reinstatement period each term but can vary. If you qualify for a substitution and believe you may be impacted by this deadline, please visit the Registrar’s Office.
- To receive Federal Financial Aid for a minor or concentration, that minor or concentration coursework must be included in the degree completion requirements. Once the student has completed all degree completion requirements, the minor courses become superfluous and no longer count toward degreecompletion. In other words, a student can't simply add an optional minor at the last minute just to stay enrolled and receive TitleIV aid. Title IV aid cannot be paid for courses that do not count towards completion of a degree, certificate, or other recognized educational credential--whether part of a minor, concentration, or otherwise. A minor by itself, that is not required for completion of a larger program, usually does not result in a degree, certificate, or credential.
- Some degree programs (academic programs, educational programs, programs of study) require both a major and a minor as part of the degree completion requirements. In these cases, courses that count towards the minor are required towards degree completion requirements and can be paid with Title IV aid. The minor courses don't need to count towards the major, but they do need to count towards the completion of the degree. If the degree program does not require a minor concentration, then the minor credits do not count towards degree completion requirements and cannot be paid with Title IV aid, unless they also meet some other degree completion requirement such as an elective or credits towards the major.
##### How will courses needed for dual majors be treated?
- - Dual majors should be declared early in your educational pathway at A-State and must be officially declared and reflected in the degree evaluation prior to the census date of the term for it to be included as eligible coursework for federal financial aid purposes. The census date is typically the following week after attendance verification and reinstatement period each term but can vary. If your degree program is not listed correctly in Banner, work with your advisor to make them aware of your request and ensure you complete the Request for Change your Major/Minor/Concentration. This form can be found online at:
- - **Note:** Do not register for classes toward the new major/minor/concentration until the update to your official degree on records is reflected in Banner.
##### What about capstone courses, internships, honors courses, and prerequisite coursework?
- - These courses count for federal financial aid only if they are required in the student’s program of study. However, if a student is enrolled as a regular student, in an eligible program of study, and is required to take a prerequisite course prior to enrolling in a required course for the program, the prerequisite may be included in the federal aid determination. For example, an English learning support class may be required before a student can register in ENGL 1101. No more than a maximum of 30 attempted hours inclusive of remedial / learning support and prerequisite coursework combined can count for federal financial aid purposes. Your academic advisor should notify the Registrar Office regarding a required prerequisite. The Registrar Office will work with the Financial Aid Office to determine whether the prerequisite course counts as eligible coursework for federal financial aid purposes. Academic Advisors and students should complete a [Preparatory Coursework Certification Form](https://www.astate.edu/admissions-and-aid/financial-aid-and-scholarships/forms/2025-2026/2526-preparatory-coursework-certification-form.pdf) and submit to Financial Aid for processing.
##### What about students who are going to change their program of study?
- - It is essential that your major, minor, or any concentration are officially declared and noted in your student record. If you have been planning to declare or change a major, minor, or concentration, but have not yet done so, you should consult your academic advisor immediately and complete the Change of Major form located online at:
- Do not register for classes toward the new major/minor/concentration until the update to your official degree on records is reflected in Banner.
- Courses can only be determined to be eligible based on the officially declared major, minor, or concentration as noted in your student record. Changes cannot be made retroactively, and most changes will not be approved once a determination is made that a course is not financial aid eligible.
##### What if a student has put in a request to change their program of study and it is not yet processed?
- - There are certain time periods when a student can change their program/major, changes are required before the 5th class day in the fall and spring term or after the first day in the summer. Students will need to contact the Registrar’s Office for assistance. If you do not put in a request in accordance with these deadlines, your change to program of study/major request may not be processed until the following term. A student can contact the Registrar’s Office to check on the status of a change of program of study/major. Do not register for classes toward the new major/minor/concentration until the update to your official degree on records is reflected in Banner.
-
- Payment for coursework will be disbursed as described below:
- - If a Federal Pell Grant or Federal SEOG is disbursed on or before the census date of the term, only eligible coursework toward the official program of study on record can be considered to determine the enrollment period. The census date is the 11th day class day of each semester for Fall and Spring and the 5th class day in the Summer semester.
- - If a Federal Pell Grant or Federal SEOG is disbursed after the census date of the term, only eligible coursework toward the official program of study on record can be considered to determine the enrollment period. The census date is the 11th day class day of each semester for Fall and Spring and the 5th class day in the Summer semester.
- - For Federal Direct Loan purposes, your eligibility is based on your official program of study on record as of the date of disbursement.
-
- **Please note:** If you change your program of study after the census date, and the current semester coursework no longer applies toward your new program of study, your previously disbursed federal aid may be adjusted/reduced. If you decide to submit an application for a Federal Direct Loan after the census date and you are not enrolled at least half-time in eligible coursework that applies toward your new program of study, you will not be eligible for the Federal Direct Loan.
##### Can I change my program of study to receive federal financial aid for a course that does not apply toward my current program of study?
- - If you need to take courses that are not in your program of study/major, you may not be in the program that best fits your educational goal. Please meet with an Academic Advisor to ensure you are in the correct program of study. Changing your program of study/major should only be done after a discussion with your advisor and should be done with great caution because it may impact your eligibility for future semesters. Prior to submitting your Request to Change your Major/Minor/Concentration, be sure to consult with your financial aid counselor to check the impact of your decision on your financial aid, as changing from one program to another as it can cause you to lose financial aid eligibility by reaching the maximum timeframe for completion of degree (150% rule). All major changes should be made in advance, and typically between terms for a future term. If a major change is requested after determination that a course is not eligible for financial aid, the change of major will likely not be considered.
##### What about graduating seniors in their last semester?
- - Only courses that are part of the program of study, as documented in the degree evaluation tool are eligible for federal aid. For example, if you only need 3 hours to graduate but you choose to register for 6 hours to qualify for a Federal Direct Loan, you will not be eligible for the Direct Loan. Though your federal aid does not include ineligible coursework, you may still qualify for state and institutional aid based on your total enrollment. State, institutional, and private aid requirements may vary when it comes to CPOS requirements. Please check with the agency to determine how the funding can be used.
##### How will this affect study abroad?
- - Study abroad courses may count for federal financial aid if they apply towards outstanding coursework in your officially declared program of study.
##### How are scholarships affected?
- - State, institutional, and private aid requirements may vary when it comes to CPOS requirements. Please check with the department to ensure you are meeting all requirements for funding.
##### I’m enrolled in 12 undergraduate hours, but 4 of those hours don’t count towards my officially declared program of study. How does this affect my financial aid?
- - Federal Financial aid will be disbursed based on the 8 credit hours that apply towards your officially declared program of study. The Federal Pell Grant award will be reduced from full-time enrollment award to half-time enrollment award. You may be eligible to receive Federal Loans because you are enrolled at least half-time status in eligible coursework (see Enrollment Status Chart above). State, institutional, and private aid requirements may vary when it comes to CPOS requirements. Please check with the financial aid to ensure you are meeting all requirements for funding.
##### I want federal student loans, but only 4 out of my 9 enrolled hours apply towards outstanding requirements in my officially declared program of study. Can I still get loans?
- - No. To receive a federal student loan, you must be enrolled at least half-time (see Enrollment Status Types chart above) in credit hours that apply toward your official program of study. Because only 4 credits apply to your program of study, you are not enrolled at least half-time to be eligible.
##### For the upcoming semester, I plan to enroll in 17 hours, which includes a 3-hour class that doesn’t apply towards outstanding requirements in my officially declared program of student, Will financial aid pay for the ineligible 3-hour class?
- - Financial aid will be disbursed based on full-time enrollment status (see Enrollment Status Types chart). If at least 12 of your credits apply towards outstanding requirements in your officially declared program of study, then you are still considered a full-time student for federal financial aid purposes. If eligible, you may receive a full-time Federal Pell Grant and Federal Student Loan, if you have accepted and completed the required application items. Financial aid will pay for any academic related charges, including the charge for the additional class. However, if the financial aid you receive is not enough to cover all tuition costs, you are responsible for paying the remaining balance.
##### Some of the classes in which I’m enrolled do not apply toward my program of study. What do I need to do next?
Your federal aid is based on coursework that applies toward outstanding requirements in your program of study. Therefore, your federal aid may be reduced. You have two options:
1. Meet with your Academic Advisor to discuss your academic options. If the semester has not started, it may be in your best interest to drop the ineligible course(s) and enroll only in courses in your officially declared program that will be eligible for federal financial aid.
2. If the semester has already begun and your financial aid does not cover all your tuition costs, you will be responsible for the outstanding balance owed. In some instances, your financial aid, although it has been reduced, is still enough to pay for your course(s) that are not in your program. If not, the ineligible coursework can be paid for out of pocket, or you can set up a payment plan in accordance with the Nelnet payment plan terms, conditions, and deadlines.
##### None of my courses apply toward outstanding requirements in my officially declared program of study, but I still want to take them. What does this mean for me?
- - You are not eligible for federal financial aid. If eligible, you may utilize any scholarships toward your balance owed. State, institutional, and private aid requirements may vary when it comes to CPOS requirements. Please check with the agency to ensure you are meeting all requirements for funding. A-State also offers a payment plan option for students to help ease the burden of paying for college, in accordance with the Nelnet payment plan terms, conditions, and deadlines. However, if you plan on receiving financial aid in the future, then it is imperative that you maintain a good GPA and Pace of Progression. A failure to do so, even in terms where financial aid is not being used to pay for coursework, could result in financial aid suspension.
# Frequently Asked Questions - FAQs
Answers to Frequently Asked Financial Aid Questions
# Office Information
##### How do I contact the Financial Aid & Scholarships office?
The Financial Aid & Scholarships office is located on the 2nd floor of the Carl R. Reng Student Union, room 2078.
Mail:
P.O Box 1620
State University, AR 72467
Ph: 870-972-2310
Fax: 870-972-2794
Email: [finaid@astate.edu ](mailto:finaid@astate.edu)
##### What are the office's hours?
The office is open Monday-Friday from 8 am to 5 pm.
##### Do I need an appointment to meet with a counselor?
No. You can stop by or you can book an appointment by clicking [HERE](https://outlook.office.com/book/AStateFinancialAid@astate.edu/?ismsaljsauthenabled).
There are a variety of options for tuition assistance for undergraduate students at ASU, including:
###
# Cost of Attendance
#### 2025-2026 Academic Year
#### Dependent Students (In-State Tuition Rate)
The figures below represent fall and spring terms full-time enrollment based upon 15 credit hours.
| | Residence Hall | Off Campus | With Parent | Graduate\* |
|---|
| Tuition & Fees | 10,430 | 10,430 | 10,430 | 7,556 |
|---|
| Books | 1,250 | 1,250 | 1,250 | 1,250 |
|---|
| Room & Board | 11,950 | 11,925 | 2,720 | 13,190 |
|---|
| Personal | 2,790 | 2,790 | 2,790 | 2,790 |
|---|
| **Transportation** | 3,570 | 5,406 | 5,406 | 3,570 |
| Total | 29,990 | 31,801 | 22,596 | 28,356 |
|---|
### Disbursement:
This is an automated process. All accepted financial aid funds will apply towards your student account balance based off your enrollment term listed below.
**Students Enrolled in Full Term ( August - December / January - May )**Disbursement will occur after enrollment is locked on the 11th day of class.
**Students Enrolled in Second Part of Term ( October - December / March - May )**Disbursement will occur after enrollment is locked on the 5th day of class.
**Summer ( May - August )**Disbursement will occur on the 5th day of class
####
#### Issues
There are several issues that can prevent financial aid from disbursing
**Missing Documents**Have you checked your tracking requirements to ensure you have completed missing documents? You might need to submit forms, complete your loan's Master Promissory Note, or your loan's Entrance Counseling? **Enrollment**Are you enrolled in enough hours to receive your loan? Graduate and Undergraduate students must be enrolled at least half-time to recieve their federal aid (Unsubsidized Loans, Subsidized Loans, Parent PLUS Loan, etc....)**Course Program of Study**Do all your courses count towards your program of study / degree? If you are taking courses that do not count, this will affect your federal aid and possibly your disbursement if you do not meet the minimum enrollment hours due to courses not counting.If none of the issues above apply to you, please reach out to our team so we can further review your account and assist you.
###
### Refunds
Refunds are issued because the aid is excess, and credits are automatically applied to students' accounts through an automated process in the Treasurer's Office. For further information, please visit the Treasurer's Office Knowledge Base Shelf or contact their office at for assistance.
#### How to Receive a Refund
**Direct Deposits**
To sign up for direct deposit go to myBill and select the Refund Tab. Your account must be verified before refunds are issued to receive a direct deposit. The verification process can take up to 6 business days. Once a refund is issued to a direct deposit account, funds are available within 48 hours, depending on the process time of the individual's bank.
**Checks**
For accounts without direct deposit setup, a check will be printed and mailed to the Billing or Mailing address type on file. Students are responsible for entering and ensuring their address is correct. If a check is lost in the mail or not received, students must wait 14 business days before completing a Student Affidavit Form to have the funds reissued. To check your Billing and Mailing address type, login to Self Service Banner.
#### Timing
**Financial Aid Disbursement**
Once financial aid disburses in a large batch at the beginning or middle of the term, the refund process is ran the following day to issue funds to students. This is usually a 3 day process: aid disburses, refunds are processed the next day, checks mailed/direct deposits sent to students on the third day.
**Weekly**
After the initial aid disbursement, refunds are processed twice a week: Tuesday and Thursday. Checks are mailed and direct deposits are sent to students the following day after each run (Wednesday and Friday).
Example: If your refund is processed on Tuesday, your check will be mailed or your direct deposit will be sent to you on Wednesday.
# Satisfactory Academic Progress (S.A.P.)
Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) are the standards for progression toward a degree or certificate. The Financial Aid Office reviews SAP at the end of each semester after grades have been posted for all students. In order to receive Title IV aid, federal regulation requires that a student must be making satisfactory academic progress (SAP).
# S.A.P. Policy
#### **WHY MONITOR ACADEMIC PROGRESS?**
Federal Regulations require that students that apply for and/or receive Title IV Aid must be monitored for Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
Title IV Aid includes the following programs: - Federal Pell Grants
- Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
- Federal Work Study (FWS)
- Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans
- Federal PLUS Loans (Parent and Grad)
Satisfactory Academic Progress will be reviewed each semester for undergraduate students (including summer) and annually for graduate students (at the end of the spring).
#### **HOW IS PROGRESS MEASURED?**
Satisfactory Academic Progress determination will be based on the following:
##### Qualitative Progress
- Maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 for undergraduate students/3.0 for graduate students.
- Successfully completing at least 67% of cumulative hours attempted
- Developmental/Remedial Hours
- Repeat/Incomplete Hours
- Academic Clemency Hours
- Transfer Hours/Concurrent (High School) Enrollment
- All hours regardless of whether a student received Financial Aid
- Attempted Hours includes:
- Students seeking their first undergraduate degree must complete their program within 150% of the published timeframe of their degree program.
- Ex: Degree program that requires 120 hours. 120 X 150% = 180 hours maximum
- Undergraduate student eligibility will be reviewed at the end of each semester (including summer).
- Undergraduate students must be admitted and enrolled in an eligible degree program.
- Undergraduate students must complete at least 67% of cumulative hours attempted and maintain a cumulative 2.0 GPA.
- Undergraduate students may not exceed 150% of the published length of their degree program.
- Graduate student eligibility will be reviewed annually at the end of the spring semester.
- Graduate students must be accepted into the Graduate School and enrolled in an eligible degree program.
- Graduate students must complete at least 67% of cumulative hours attempted and maintain a cumulative 3.0 GPA.
- Incomplete Coursework will be evaluated as unearned hours until the course has been satisfactorily completed
- Incomplete coursework must be completed by the end of the next semester.
- Students who have repeat coursework must contact the Office of Admissions, Records, and Registration to have their academic transcript recalculated.
- Students taking prerequisite coursework to gain admission to a graduate or post degree program must submit a Preparatory Coursework Form and Degree Completion Plan to the Financial Aid Office to determine financial aid eligibility.
- Prerequisite coursework must be completed within one calendar year to be eligible for Federal Student Aid
- Please Note: Taking coursework to improve the students GPA to gain admission to a program is not considered prerequisite coursework and therefore is not eligible for Federal Student Aid.
- Undergraduate students who do not meet cumulative GPA requirements will be placed on **Financial Aid Warning** for their next semester of enrollment.
- Undergraduate students who do not successfully complete 67% of their cumulative attempted hours will be placed on **Financial Aid Warning** for their next semester of enrollment.
- Undergraduate students who do not complete their program within 150% of the published timeframe will be placed on **Financial Aid Suspension**.
- If at any point it is clear that a student will not be able to complete their degree within the allotted timeframe, they will be placed on **Financial Aid Suspension**.
- Although a student may be pursuing more than one degree, only one degree will be considered in the maximum timeframe calculation.
- Changing degrees does not affect the formula used in calculating the maximum timeframe.
- **Students receiving all FNs for a semester will be required to return a portion of the Federal Financial Aid funds they received for the semester**.
- Graduate students who do not meet cumulative GPA requirements will be placed on **Financial Aid Suspension**.
- Graduate students who do not successfully complete 67% of their cumulative attempted hours will be placed on **Financial Aid Suspension**.
- Undergraduate students placed on Financial Aid Warning must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 and have completed at least 67% of their cumulative hours attempted by the end of the semester.
- Failure to meet these requirements by the end of the Financial Aid Warning period will result in **Financial Aid Suspension**.
- Students placed on Financial Aid Suspension are not eligible for Federal Financial Aid until they meet cumulative SAP requirements or are approved through the appeals process.
- To regain Federal Financial Aid eligibility, there are two options:
- If there were **no** extenuating circumstances, the student must complete coursework until they meet cumulative SAP requirements.
- If there were extenuating circumstances that affected their academic performance, students must submit an appeal to attempt to have their eligibility restored.
- Students that do not meet SAP requirements will be notified via A-State email within 7 days of the posting of final grades for the semester.
- This information is also available on the Financial Aid Checklist found on the Pack Portal at pack.astate.edu.
- For transfer students, notifications will be sent once all transfer work has been reviewed and evaluated by the Office of Admissions, Records, and Registration.
- **Failure to receive notification does not dispute or reverse the termination of a student’s eligibility to receive Financial Aid.**
- Students may appeal to have their eligibility restored if there are extenuating circumstances that affected their academic performance.
- Extenuating circumstances may be defined as situations beyond the student’s control that do not allow them to successfully complete their semester.
- Examples include: prolonged illness, accidents that require hospitalization of the student or immediate family member, death of an immediate family member, or divorce of the student or the student’s parents.
- Students must appeal to have their eligibility restored once they have brought their academic record back in line with the cumulative SAP policy.
- Sitting out for a semester or extended period of time does not restore eligibility to a student who failed to make Satisfactory Academic Progress or had their appeal denied.
- If hours were completed at another institution, the student must submit official transcripts to the Office of Admissions, Records, and Registration for evaluation.
- Appeals must include:
- An appeal request form, which is available online. [Download the Appeal Form >>](https://kb.astate.edu/attachments/1217)
- A letter explaining the circumstances that affected the student’s academic performance, as well as an explanation as to what has changed that will allow the student to make satisfactory academic progress.
- An Academic Plan, stating what specific steps the student will take to get back in line with the SAP policy.
- Undergraduate students who have attempted 90 hours or more must submit a Degree Completion Plan, which is available online. [Download the Degree Completion Plan >>](https://kb.astate.edu/attachments/1216)
- Incomplete or unsigned Degree Completion Plans will not be reviewed.
- Deviation from the Degree Completion Plan may result in loss of financial aid eligibility.
- Supporting documentation that can validate the student’s situation must be submitted with the appeal.
- Documentation may include: medical records, police reports, court records, letter from your physician.
- Submission of an appeal does not guarantee that financial aid eligibility will be restored.
- Documents are also available in the Financial Aid & Scholarships Office, Room 2078 in the Student Union.
- Appeals will be reviewed prior to the start of each semester.
- No new appeals will be reviewed once the semester begins.
- Appeals received after the published deadline will not be reviewed.
- Decision results will not be released until the committee has reviewed all appeals.
- Decision information may also be found on the MyCampus portal.
- If the student’s A-State email address is not available a letter will be mailed to the student.
- Results will not be given over the phone.
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBB), passed by Congress on July 3, 2025 and signed into law on July 4, 2025, contained several provisions impacting federal student loans. These updates are highlighted below. Additional details will be added to this site in the coming months. Unless otherwise noted, these changes will be effective July 1, 2026.
## **What’s Changing on July 1, 2026**
####
#### **New Federal Loan Rules**
- Graduate PLUS Loans will no longer be available for new borrowers.
- Annual and lifetime borrowing limits are changing:
- **Graduate students:** Up to $20,500 per year, $100,000 lifetime total.
- **Professional programs** (UDM programs: JD, DDS, OD, & Clinical Psychology PhD): Up to $50,000 per year, $200,000 lifetime total.
- All new federal student loan borrowers will have a lifetime borrowing maximum on all federal student loans of $257,500 ($57,500 as an undergraduate student), excluding borrowed Parent PLUS Loan amounts.
- Loan amounts will be **prorated** if you are enrolled less than full time.
- Parents may borrow up to **$20,000 per year** and **$65,000 total** for each dependent undergraduate.
- Families will want to plan ahead if these limits don’t fully cover costs.
- New loans disbursed after July 1, 2026 will have only **two repayment options:**
1. Standard Repayment Plan
2. Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP) – income-based with forgiveness after consistent payments.
- Students with older loans will keep their existing repayment choices.
- Students whose Student Aid Index (SAI) is more than twice the maximum Pell Grant amount will no longer qualify.
- If your scholarships or other grants already cover your full cost of attendance, you may not receive additional Pell funding.
- If you or your contributors have foreign income, all foreign income is required to be included in the Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) used to calculate Pell Grant eligibility.
- Loan eligibility may decrease if a student enrolls in fewer than 12 credits a semester.
- **High SAI and Pell Grant**: Effective July 1, 2026, students will not be eligible to receive a Pell Grant if their SAI exceeds twice the maximum Pell Grant award which is currently $7,395.
- **Full Cost of Attendance Scholarships/Grants**: Effective July 1, 2026, students who receive grants or scholarships from non-federal sources covering their entire Cost of Attendance are ineligible to receive a Pell Grant, even if otherwise eligible for the program.
#### **
If you’re a graduate or professional student**
- **Legacy Provision**: Students with a Federal Loan disbursed before July 1, 2026 may continue borrowing under existing Grad PLUS Loan rules for up to 3 more academic years or until their program ends - whichever comes first.
- At this time, our understanding is that students must be continually enrolled at least half-time
- Students entering new programs after July 1, 2026 will see the new caps and no Grad PLUS option.
- If you are enrolled less than full-time your loan amounts will be prorated.
- **Legacy Provision**: Parents who borrowed before July 1, 2026 may continue borrowing under existing Parent PLUS Loan rules for up to 3 more academic years or the student changes their program or completes their program - whichever comes first.
- Your borrowing limit per student will be capped annually and overall.
- Parent PLUS loan limits are per dependent student, not per family or individual parent.
- Review options like the UDM payment plan or private education loans if additional funding is needed.
- **Enrollment Status**: PLUS Loan eligibility is tied to the student's cost of attendance and enrollment level. If a student is enrolled less than full-time, the PLUS loan amount borrowed will be prorated (reduced).
#### **If you attend part-time**
- Loan amounts will be based on your enrollment level.
- Dropping below full time could reduce your eligibility mid-year.
#### **If your student loans are in repayment**
- **Current Borrowers**:
- If no **new loans are made on or after July 1, 2026**, you are eligible to enroll in the *current* Standard, Graduated, Extended, or income based (IBR) repayment plan, or you may opt into the new RAP.
- If you are **currently enrolled in ICR, PAYE, or SAVE**, you must **transition to a different repayment plan** by July 1, 2028, (either *current* income based repayment plan, *current* standard plan, or RAP). If no selection is made, you will be moved to RAP automatically.
- It's important to note that all loans must be repaid under the same plan. So, borrowers with loans made before July 1, 2026, who take out additional loans on or after July 1, 2026, will only have RAP and the new standard plan to choose from.
- **Current Borrowers**:
- If no new loans are made **on or after July 1, 2026**, you are eligible to enroll in the ***current*** Standard, Graduated, Extended, or income based (IBR) repayment plan.
- If you borrowed **prior to July 1, 2026**, AND subsequently borrow **after July 1, 2026**, repayment for all loans must be under the same payment plan which is the ***new* standard payment plan**.
- **New Borrowers**: For loans made **on or after July 1, 2026**, they can be repaid using **only the *new* standard plan.**
Anyone who takes out their first federal student loan on or after July 1, 2026 or anyone who previously took out a student loan for a previous program but has not taken out a federal student for their current program of study before July 1, 2026.
#### What does "legacy borrower" mean?
Anyone who took out a federal student loan for their current program of study before July 1, 2026. These individuals do not need to follow the new guidelines but are grandfathered into the loan regulations prior to July 1, 2026.
#### What does "program of study" mean?
“Program of study” is the wording used in the federal law and is a common term in financial aid. Previously, it has included a student’s declared degree program (such as a BS in Architecture or an MA in Addiction Counseling). However, we expect this will be clarified when they issue regulatory guidance, which may not happen until early 2026.
#### If I change my program of study, what rules apply to me?
If you change your program of study, for example change your major from Biology to Biochemistry, you are no longer eligible to borrow student loans under the legacy guidelines. Your student loan borrowing will follow the new regulations that begin July 1, 2026.
#### Do we know which AState programs will be considered professional degrees?
At this time, the AState programs are:
#### I am a parent, and my student wants to change their major - does that impact the loans I took out for them?
It could. We expect this will be clarified when the Department of Education issues regulatory guidance, which may not happen until early 2026.
#### What happens if I start borrowing as an undergraduate before July 1, 2026 and then become a graduate student thereafter
We don't know that answer yet. Our expectation is that a student would have to borrow a graduate-level loan prior to July 1, 2026, to be eligible for the legacy provision that allows them to borrow PLUS loans for the graduate portion of their degree, if it happens to begin after July 1, 2026.
#### If I cannot access the Graduate Plus Loans what are my other options for funding my degree?
For those students who do not have access to the Graduate Plus loan, private educational loans will be the next best route aside from paying out of pocket. AState uses [Fast Choice](https://choice.fastproducts.org/FastChoice/home/109000) to assist students in comparing the private educational student loan market. Students can borrow from any lender, not just those listed.
#### Will this page be updated as more information becomes available?
Yes, AState will update this page as new guidance is released by the federal government. We are committed to keeping students, families, faculty, and staff informed.
## Have questions about how these changes affect you?
We're here to help you, please contact Financial Aid.
## Additional Resources & Links
- [Federal Student Aid: “Big Updates to Federal Student Aid” (studentaid.gov)](https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/big-updates)
- [National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA) summary](https://www.nasfaa.org/uploads/documents/Federal_Student_Aid_Change_OB3.pdf)
- [National Association of Independent Colleges & Universities (NAICU)](https://www.naicu.edu/policy-advocacy/advocacy-resources/reconciliation-advocacy-center/frequently-asked-questions-about-the-one-big-beautiful-bill-act)
- [Federal Student Loan Program Provisions Effective Upon Enactment Under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (GEN-25-04)](https://fsapartners.ed.gov/knowledge-center/library/dear-colleague-letters/2025-07-18/federal-student-loan-program-provisions-effective-upon-enactment-under-one-big-beautiful-bill-act)