Do you receive financial aid to help finance your education at Rutgers? Ever wonder where that money comes from? You might be surprised to learn that the federal government provides 73 percent of all financial aid. Pell Grants, Stafford Loans, Work Study, and Perkins Loans are all federal financial aid programs. Congress, in large part, decides how much money these programs will get each year.

With the cost of higher education on the rise, the federal government offers many different financial aid programs to help defer the cost. Below you will find a brief snapshot of these programs, as well as links that provide more information. For more information, visit the Rutgers Financial Aid website here.

 Pell Grants:

This program is the cornerstone of federal student assistance. Pell Grants are awarded to the neediest students. Pell Grants are generally awarded only to undergraduate students - those who haven't earned a bachelor's or graduate degree. In 2008, over 10,000 Rutgers students received Pell Grants, totaling over $31 million.

Click here to learn more about Pell Grants.

Perkins Loan:

The Federal Perkins Loan Program provides low-interest loans to help needy students finance the costs of postsecondary education. Because the Perkins Loan is subsidized by the government, interest does not begin to accrue until the borrower begins to repay the loan. Perkins Loans carry a fixed interest rate of 5% for the duration of the ten-year repayment period. In 2008, nearly 2,500 students received a Perkins loan.

Click here to learn more about Federal Perkins Loans

Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant:

A Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) is for undergraduates with exceptional financial need; that is, students with the lowest expected family contribution (EFC). Priority is given to students who receive Federal Pell Grants. An FSEOG does not have to be paid back.

Click here to learn more about SEOG.

Federal Work Study Program:  

The FWSP, a financial aid program, is funded by the federal government and the university. The purpose of the program is to place financially eligible students in part-time employment so that students can earn funds while attending college. Notification of job placement begins in June and continues throughout September. Students must file a FAFSA form each year and must continue to be financially eligible to participate. Over 2,800 students received a job from the Federal Work Study Program in 2008.

Click here to learn more about Federal Work Study.

Direct Federal Loans:

Rutgers University participates in the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program. Students borrow directly from the federal government. Federal Direct Stafford Loans are for undergraduate, graduate and professional degree students, enrolled at least half-time, who meet the general requirements to receive federal aid.

Click here to learn more about Direct Federal Loans.

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
Office of Federal Relations
444 North Capitol St. Suite 351
Washington, DC 20001
Phone: 202/ 220-1336
Fax: 202/ 220-1337