Federal Aid
What is Federal Student Aid?
Federal Student Aid is administered by approved schools on behalf of the Department of Education under the Title IV program. Regardless of your financial status (or your parents’), you should consider applying for federal financial aid. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is free to fill out and is the gateway to any form of Title IV aid.
CCBS currently participates in four Federal Student Aid programs:
PELL GRANT
- Does not have to be repaid
- Need-based
- Available to students who have not earned a bachelor’s/professional degree
- Graduate students are not eligible
- 2026-2027 limit is $7,395/year (subject to students’ need as determined by their FAFSA)
DIRECT UNSUBSIDIZED LOAN
- Accrues interest during all periods
- Student must be enrolled at least half-time
DIRECT SUBSIDIZED LOAN
- Need-based
- Interest does not accrue while the student is in school (and during certain other periods)
- Student must be enrolled at least half-time
- Graduate students are not eligible
DIRECT PLUS LOAN
- For parents of dependent students
- Student must be enrolled at least half-time
- Subject to borrower’s credit history
Frequently Asked Questions
WILL MY PELL GRANT COVER THE COST OF MY PROGRAM?
The Pell Grant will cover most tuition and fee costs for students who are eligible for the full grant and are enrolled in 12 credit hours per semester. Students may have small balances that can be paid out of pocket or with other forms of aid.
WHAT IF MY PELL GRANT DOESN'T COVER MY TUITION AND FEES?
The Business Office can set you on a monthly payment plan to make your payments more manageable.
HOW WILL I KNOW IF I AM APPROVED FOR FINANCIAL AID?
The CCBS Financial Aid Office will communicate with you via email with an offer letter that details your federal student aid eligibility.
WHEN WILL MY FINANCIAL AID BE DISBURSED?
CCBS schedules disbursement of federal student aid during the third week of each semester.
WHAT ORDER ARE GRANTS AND LOANS APPLIED TO MY BALANCE?
Federal student aid is applied to student accounts in the following order:
- Pell Grant
- Direct Subsidized Loan
- Direct Unsubsidized Loan
WHEN WILL I RECEIVE MY EXCESS FUNDS?
If a student has excess funds, they will be released via check within 14 days of disbursement, unless the school has reason to believe you have stopped attending your current courses.
HOW DO MY MILITARY BENEFITS AFFECT MY ELIGIBILITY FOR NEED-BASED FEDERAL STUDENT AID?
They don’t! VA educational benefits and federal student aid are set up so that your use of one does not affect your need for another. Find out more about military benefits here.