Financial Aid

General Aid Programs

Federal Student Aid Programs

Federal Pell Grant

This need-based grant is awarded to help exceptionally needy undergraduate students defray the cost of education. The maximum Federal Pell Grant award for a full-time student isĀ  $7,395 for the 2024-2025 award year.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

This need-based grant is awarded to maximum Federal Pell Grant recipients until KCU’s FSEOG funds are exhausted. The maximum award for the academic year at KCU is $1,000.

Federal Work-Study Program (FWS)

This program provides an award for potential employment for undergraduate students as a part of their aid packages. Federal Work-Study is awarded based on financial need.

Direct Subsidized Loans

The Direct Subsidized Loan is a low-interest loan made to students who demonstrate financial need. Undergraduates may borrow up to $3,500 for the first year, $4,500 for the second year, and $5,500 for each remaining undergraduate year. Undergraduate students may borrow an aggregate limit of $23,000. The interest rate is fixed and currently 4.99%. While the borrower is enrolled in school at least half-time, the interest is paid by the federal government. Repayment begins six months after the student graduates, withdraws from school, or drops below half-time status. Repayment may take as long as 25 years based on the total outstanding balance.

Direct Unsubsidized Loans

The current interest rate for the Direct Unsubsidized Loan is 4.99% and you can borrow an additional $2,000 per year. However, students are responsible for paying the interest while enrolled in school and during any grace period or deferment. This loan is not based on financial need. A student may opt to have the interest deferred and accrued or choose to pay the interest payments while enrolled. Students may borrow a combination of Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans but may not exceed the maximum loan limit of $31,000 (no more than $23,000 can be subsidized). An independent undergraduate’s aggregate limit including Unsubsidized Direct Loans would increase to $57,500. Repayment terms are the same as for the Direct Subsidized Loan.

Parent PLUS Loan

The Parent PLUS Loan is for parents of dependent students and is based on an online credit check. Under this program, parents may borrow up to the cost of education at a particular institution minus any financial aid a student receives. The interest rate is fixed and currently 7.54%. Repayment of a PLUS Loan begins within 60 days of final disbursement and can take up to 25 years based on the total outstanding balance.

PLUS Application
PLUS Master Promissory Note

Other Aid Programs

Non-federal Alternative Loans

Once you and your family have considered federal loan options, you can use the Great Lakes FASTChoice to instantly and accurately compare rates and terms from multiple private loan lenders side-by-side. This will help you make an informed decision about the most appropriate loan for you.

Local National Guard

…or military reserve units may offer educational assistance in the form of scholarships or loans. Check with your school counselor or Reserve Officer for more information.

Veteran Assistance

If you are an eligible veteran or the dependent of an eligible veteran, contact the regional Veterans Administration office that has records for you or your eligible parent. Funds may be available to cover a portion of your educational expenses. Educational benefits are usually paid directly to the recipient on a monthly basis. For more information on VA benefits, call 1-888-GI-BILL-1 (1-888-442-4551) to speak with a Veterans Benefits Counselor or visit the website at www.va.gov.

Workforce and Vocational Rehabilitation

…may be available to qualified students. Contact your local agency for more information. These offices are usually listed in the telephone book in the state offices section under rehabilitation services or vocational rehabilitation services.

Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA)

Students who are members of an Indian tribe may be eligible for assistance from the Bureau of Indian Affairs. BIA benefits may vary depending upon the tribe. You should contact your tribal headquarters to determine your eligibility for BIA benefits.

Self-Help (Student/Parent)

You should begin planning early for college attendance. Family resources are the best means of underwriting your college education. Adequate and timely financial planning is beneficial in making your college education a reality. Your family might use a combination of savings bonds, education IRAs, personal savings, home equity loans, and current income to contribute toward college expenses. Your financial planner can offer advice on long-term savings and investment opportunities. States are also stepping in to provide the means for families to start saving early for college.

As of 1998, nearly all states offer college savings plans. The College Savings Plans Network was formed in 1991 as an affiliate of the National Association of State Treasures. This coalition of states works together to find ways to encourage families to save ahead for college. For more information about the College Savings Plans network or the National Association of State Treasurers, write to P.O. Box 11910, Lexington, KY 40578-1910 or call (606) 244-8175 or visit www.collegesavings.org. Alternative loan programs provide funds to meet the cost of education once other sources of aid have been depleted or when annual limits have been reached. These credit-based loans may require a co-signer and typically have higher interest rates than Federal Direct Student or PLUS loans. Borrow conservatively and make certain that all other sources of aid have been explored before utilizing alternative loan funds.

State Aid Programs

Kentucky Tuition Grants (KTG)

KTG currently provides up to $3,300 per year to qualifying Kentucky residents.

College Access Program (CAP)

The CAP Grant program provides a payment of $221 per semester hour to Kentucky’s financially needy students enrolled for at least six (6) semester hours. The maximum award for a full-time student is $2,650 each semester.

Kentucky Educational Excellence Scholarships (KEES)

Earn money for college by making the grade in high school! Earn a C+ average or better in high school and begin banking money for college when enrolled in an eligible program. The maximum award per year is $2,500 (based on a 4.0 GPA, four-year average, and 28 ACT).

Christ-Centered Vision

“The Christ-centered vision of KCU both connected me with people whose influence has shaped me to this day and gave me a foundation in ministry-effectiveness for which I am extremely thankful.”

Kyle Davies, Class of 2013 & 2015

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