Below are some of the various federally-funded financial aid programs that students may qualify for, as well as an overview of their eligibility requirements.
Federal Pell Grant
Your eligibility for the Federal Pell Grant is determined after you complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Eligibility is shown on your FAFSA Submission Summary.
The Pell Grant is available to undergraduate students who are pursuing their first bachelor’s degree. Pell Grants do not have to be repaid.
You are not eligible for a Pell Grant if you already hold a bachelor’s degree. This includes degrees earned from unaccredited or foreign institutions.
Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (SEOG)
The federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) is a need-based grant for undergraduate students with exceptional financial need.
Due to limited funding, LSUS awards FSEOG funds to independent undergraduate students with one or more dependents who demonstrate extreme financial need. FSEOG funds do not have to be repaid.
Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant
The TEACH Grant is available to students who commit to teaching in high-need subject areas at schools serving low-income students.
Eligible students may receive up to $4,000 per year.
Accelerated online graduate students enrolled in three credit hours per session may receive up to $495.55 per session.
Recipients must agree to complete a four-year teaching service obligation within eight years of graduation.
GPA Requirements
Entering freshmen must have a 3.25 high school GPA.
First-semester graduate students must have a 3.25 cumulative undergraduate GPA.
Continuing undergraduate and graduate students must maintain a 3.25 cumulative GPA for each term the TEACH Grant is received.
Note: TEACH LSUS and EDD students are not eligible for the TEACH Grant.
Service Obligation
If a student does not fulfill the required teaching service obligation, the TEACH Grant will be converted into a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan, and interest will be charged retroactively from the date the grant funds were disbursed.
For additional information and application instructions, please visit the TEACH Grant page.
Federal Work-Study
Federal Work-Study provides part-time employment opportunities for eligible students. Funds are paid directly to the student as wages earned through an on-campus or approved community service position.
To be considered, students must complete the FAFSA and submit all required documentation to the Financial Aid Office.
If you are interested, contact us about Federal Work Study opportunities at LSUS.
Federal Student Loans
LSUS participates in the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program through the U.S. Department of Education. LSUS does not participate in private student loan programs.
All first-time borrowers at LSUS must complete Loan Entrance Counseling and a Master Promissory Note (MPN).
Your award letter will list the maximum loan amount you are eligible to borrow based on your academic classification and dependency status. If you wish to reduce your loan amount, you may do so through your award letter or by submitting an Aid Adjustment form, which can be found on our Financial Aid Forms page.
Student loans must be repaid after you graduate, withdraw, or drop below half-time enrollment.
Types of Federal Direct Loans
There are four types of Direct Loans: subsidized loans, unsubsidized loans, Parent PLUS loans, and Graduate PLUS loans.
Subsidized Loans
Subsidized loans are awarded based on financial need. Interest does not accrue while you are enrolled at least half-time or during the six-month grace period after enrollment ends.
Unsubsidized Loans
Unsubsidized loans are not based on financial need. Interest begins accruing when the loan is disbursed. Students may choose to defer interest payments while enrolled, but unpaid interest will be capitalized when repayment begins.
Students may borrow the lesser of the cost of attendance minus other aid received, or the annual loan limits based on academic level and dependency status.
Parent PLUS Loans
Parents of dependent undergraduate students may borrow up to the cost of attendance minus other financial aid received. PLUS loans require a credit check and can be applied for on the Federal Student Aid website.
If a parent is denied a PLUS loan, the student may become eligible for additional unsubsidized loan funds.
Graduate PLUS Loans
Graduate students who meet credit requirements may borrow Graduate PLUS loans up to the cost of attendance after exhausting their annual unsubsidized loan eligibility.
Please contact the Financial Aid Office before applying, as not all graduate students qualify, and a credit check is required. To apply, go to the Federal Student Aid website.
Annual Federal Loan Limits (Undergraduate)
Dependent Students
- Freshman: $5,500 (up to $3,500 subsidized)
- Sophomore: $6,500 (up to $4,500 subsidized)
- Junior/Senior: $7,500 (up to $5,500 subsidized)
Maximum total borrowing limit: $31,000 (no more than $23,000 subsidized)
Independent Students
- Freshman: $9,500 (up to $3,500 subsidized)
- Sophomore: $10,500 (up to $4,500 subsidized)
- Junior/Senior: $12,500 (up to $5,500 subsidized)
Maximum total borrowing limit: $57,500 (no more than $23,000 subsidized)
Graduate Student Loan Limits
Traditional Graduate Students
Traditional graduate students may borrow up to $20,500 per year or the cost of attendance, whichever is less. The lifetime loan limit is $138,500, including undergraduate borrowing. Only unsubsidized loans are available. Students must be enrolled in at least six graduate credit hours per semester.
Accelerated Online Graduate Students
Accelerated online graduate students may borrow up to $20,500 per year or the cost of attendance, whichever is less. Only unsubsidized loans are available. Students must be enrolled in a minimum of three credit hours per session. Foundation 500-level coursework does not count toward enrollment status for financial aid purposes.
The annual loan limit is typically divided across six sessions per academic year, resulting in approximately $3,416 per session.
