Your class standing - Freshman, Sophomore, Junior/Senior, or Graduate student
Your dependent or independent status for financial aid
The total amount of loans you have borrowed previously
The type of degree program in which you are enrolled
The Cost of Attendance/budget for the year or semester - all forms of financial aid and educational assistance are limited by the total Cost of Attendance figure. However, "Budget Increases" can be utilized to increase the Cost of Attendance, thus creating a gap for more aid.
Dependent Undergraduate Students
If your grade level changed after you were awarded 2011-2012 aid, you may be eligible for slightly more federal student loans.
The federal Parent PLUS loan is the best option to fill some or all of the gap.
A credit check is required
If your parent is denied the PLUS loan they may add a cosigner, dispute the credit check or you may request additional unsubsidized loan (after parents submit a form we provide indicating that they are not seeking a cosigner)
If your grade level changed after you were awarded 2011-2012 aid, you may be eligible for slightly more federal student loans.
Alternative Student Loans are typically your only option to fill the gap between your aid and your Cost of Attendance.
Graduate Students
The federal Graduate PLUS loan is your best option once you have been awarded $20,500 in subsidized/unsubsidized student loans. It does require a credit check.