Financial Assistance
Taylor Business Institute is approved by the U.S. Department of Education as eligible to participate in several programs offering federal financial assistance to students. Eligibility of the college means that, based on individual qualifications or need, TBI students may be eligible to receive financial assistance through one or more of the federal programs.
A student’s first step in seeking any type of federal student financial aid is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Information provided by the student is used to determine which federal aid programs the student is eligible for, and in some cases, how much aid is available to the student.
Students may visit the college’s Financial Aid Office to complete a FAFSA, or may access these forms online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. There is no charge for completing or submitting a FAFSA.
Federal Student Aid Categories
There are three categories of federal student aid for which students may qualify:
- Grants: provide financial aid which does not have to be repaid.
- Loans: provide borrowed money that must be repaid with interest.
- Work-study: allows students to earn money while enrolled to help pay for education expenses.
Federal Student Aid Programs[1][2]
Students with demonstrated need may be able to combine awards from one or more of the following aid programs based on the alignment of their personal circumstances with the terms and purposes of the awards.
Federal Pell Grants
Federal Pell Grants are need-based grants available only to undergraduate students. The amount of a Pell Grant award varies with the student’s expected family contribution and the cost of attending the college. Grant awards for 2010-11 will range from $555 to $5,550. Students may not receive Federal Pell Grant funds from more than one educational college at a time.
Stafford Loans (Direct Loans)
Stafford Loans are available for undergraduate and graduate or professional students who are enrolled at least half-time. Funds for Direct Loans come from the U.S. Department of Education and are delivered to students through their school. Students repay these loans to the Department of Education or designated servicers.
While the principal for Stafford Loans must be repaid by the student, the amount and schedule of the student’s interest obligation depends on whether the loan is subsidized or unsubsidized.
Subsidized Direct Stafford Loans are available to students who can demonstrate financial need. The federal government will pay the interest on a subsidized loan while the student is in school or during grace and deferment periods.
Unsubsidized Direct Stafford Loans are available to all students, regardless of need. Students who receive unsubsidized Stafford Loans are responsible for all interest, although payment is deferred until after graduation.
PLUS Loans
Federal PLUS Loans are unsubsidized loans made to parents. Direct PLUS Loan funds are provided by the federal government through the school. The PLUS Loan interest rate is at a fixed rate of 8.5%.
Students who are financially independent, and dependent students who are enrolled at least half time, are eligible to borrow additional Stafford Loan funds if their parents are unable to obtain a PLUS Loan.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) Program
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants are available to students who can demonstrate substantial need. Students do not need to repay FSEOG awards, which range in amount from $100 to $4,000.
Federal Work-Study Program
Federal Work-Study is a campus-based program awarded through the college in the form of part-time employment to help students pay education expenses. Students who participate in this program generally work from 10 to 20 hours per week and are paid minimum wage or above. Employment may take place at the college or at off-campus locations. Funds for the program are provided by the Federal Government and may be matched by the participating organizations. Federal Work-Study Funds are based on financial need; however, each institute receives a specific level of funding which limits the number of students who can participate in the program.
Scholarships
Taylor Business Institute participates in scholarship programs through the Level Playing Field Foundation. Level Playing Field is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to helping needy, deserving students “level the playing field of opportunity for a career-based education.” These scholarships are targeted primarily to non-traditional students attending TBI who are experiencing economic hardship while attempting to balance college, jobs, and families. Students interested in applying for Level Playing Field scholarships should contact the Director of Financial Aid. Students also are encouraged to research other scholarship opportunities that may be available. Scholarship search seminars are scheduled by the librarian.
Other Scholarships
Students are given a listing of scholarship sources and invited to attend a workshop in an effort to investigate other scholarship opportunities for which they may be eligible.
[1] The availability of state or federal assistance does not imply that the federal or any state government or any of their agencies guarantee the quality of instruction, nor guarantee the truth or accuracy of any representation contained herein. For additional information on any federal student financial aid programs, students may call the Federal Student Aid Information Center (FSAIC) at 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243) toll free, or 1-800-730-8913 (TTY) toll free for the hearing impaired.
[2] NOTE: The regulations governing all financial assistance programs are subject to change, and students should contact the College’s Financial Aid Office for the latest information about these and other loan or financial assistance programs. Students are encouraged to seek traditional loans when their credit strength is sufficient to do so.