Syracuse University

A federal grant program created by the U.S. Department of Education. Up to $750 will be awarded to eligible first year students and up to $1,300 to eligible second year students. By filing the Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA), you are automatically considered for federal ACG eligibility.

A loan applicant has adverse credit when he/she has been 90 days or more delinquent on a debt or has been subject to a default determination, bankruptcy discharge, foreclosure, repossession, tax lien, wage garnishment or write-off of a Federal Student Aid debt.

An aggregate loan limit is the total amount that a person can borrow throughout his/her academic career. Aggregate limits vary by graduate/undergraduate career.

Alternative loans are private loan programs offered through banks for the purpose of supplementing a student's financial aid package. They are not federally endorsed or guaranteed, but they must be approved by the SU Office of Financial Aid and Scholarship Programs to ensure the loan does not exceed your cost of attendance (budget) minus all other financial aid.

A student's award notice states the type and amount of financial aid offered to you if you accept admission and enroll.

When the interest on an educational loan is not paid, it is added to the principal balance, which increases the outstanding principal amount due on the loan. Interest that is capitalized has been added to the original amount of the loan and accrues interest, adding an additional expense to the loan.

Deferments are a period of time during repayment in which the borrower, upon meeting certain conditions, is not required to make regular monthly payments. Deferment types include: in school, military, unemployment, economic hardship, graduate fellowship and rehabilitation training. Interest does not accrue on subsidized loans during deferments.

Counseling sessions that are required for federal student loan borrowers. The entrance interview is required before receiving the first loan disbursement; the exit interview takes place before you leave school.

The amount you and your family are expected to contribute toward your education as calculated on your FAFSA.

A FAFSA is a required application for all students who wish to apply for federal need-based aid.

The Federal Direct PLUS Loan is a loan parents can obtain to help pay for the cost of education for their dependent undergraduate children. In addition, graduate and professional degree students may obtain PLUS loans to help pay for their own education.

A subsidized Direct student loan is available to undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree students who are enrolled at least half-time. Students must have financial need to receive a subsidized Direct loan and the U.S. Department of Education will pay the interest that accrues.

An unsubsidized Direct loan is available to undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree students who are enrolled at least half-time. You do not have to demonstrate financial need, and you are responsible for paying the interest while attending school and during the grace period.

The Federal Perkins Loan Program provides low-interest loans to help needy students finance the costs of college. Perkins loans are awarded based on financial need and the availability of funds.

The Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent (SMART) Grant is a federal grant program created by the U.S. Department of Education. Up to $4,000 will be awarded to eligible juniors and seniors. By filing the Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA), you are automatically considered for federal SMART eligibility.

An FSEOG is awarded to undergraduate students with exceptional financial need. Priority is given to federal Pell grant recipients. The award, determined by the Office of Financial Aid, is based on financial need and the availability of funds.

This states the type and amount of financial aid offered to you if you accept admission and enroll.

Forebearance is a period of time during repayment in which the borrower is permitted to temporarily postpone making regular monthly payments. For example, forbearance may be granted if the borrower does not qualify for a deferment or is experiencing financial difficulty. Interest accrues during forbearances.

Syracuse University offers need-based grants to students who demonstrate financial need. Eligibility is determined from information provided on the CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE and on availability of funds. SU grants do not have to be repaid.

HEOP is a program for New York State residents that provides educational opportunity and academic support to students with strong academic potential and personal initiative who would otherwise be excluded from higher education due to circumstances of academic and economic disadvantage. Once admitted under the HEOP program students participate in the SummerStart Program and receive counseling tutoring and other support services throughout their college career.

Under certain circumstances, the federal government will cancel all or part of an educational loan.

This plan combines the elements of a deferred payment and a pre-payment program, and is administered by the Bursar's office.

NSLDS is the database for federal student financial aid where you can find out about some federal grants and loans you've received.

TAP is available to New York State residents who attend Syracuse University and are enrolled for at least 12 credit hours each semester. The FAFSA begins the TAP application process.

The Federal Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS) is a federally sponsored, low-interest loan available to parents and step-parents of undergraduate students.

Satisfactory Academic Progress relates to undergraduate and graduate students who are receiving federal financial aid and/or Syracuse University scholarships and grants. For more information on undergraduate SAP, click here. For more information on graduate SAP, click here. Those students receiving funding from NYS Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) must also meet additional TAP SAP requirements.

Self-help is the portion of your financial aid award that consists of student loans and Federal Work-Study (FWS).

See Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant.

SSSP is a program authorized by the U.S. Department of Education as a TRIO program. The program identifies and provides academic support services for students who are admitted to the University but are educationally "at risk" due to economic circumstances, academic background, and/or their status as a first-generation college student. Students enrolled in SSSP receive advising, counseling, tutoring, and other supportive services throughout their college career.

Student loans are a source of financial aid that you are required to repay after you graduate or cease to be enrolled half-time.

The Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH), provides grants of up to $4,000 per year to students who intend to teach in a public or private elementary or secondary school that serves students from low-income families. Grant recipients agree to teach for at least four years within eight years of finishing their teacher preparation program and to teach high-need subjects in designated schools.