Additional Resources

Your financial aid options may include federal or private loans, funding from your state, a part-time job to help with expenses, or a deferred payment plan.  Read on to learn about some options you may have overlooked.

Federal Direct Loans

These are available to students regardless of the demonstration of eligibility for need-based aid. Direct Subsidized Loans, in which the government pays the interest that accrues while the student is enrolled, are made to students who demonstrate financial need. Direct Unsubsidized Loans are available to students who do not demonstrate financial need, and require the student to pay all interest that accrues.

Learn more about Federal Direct Loans, including how to apply.

Federal Direct PLUS Loan

This loan is for parents of undergraduate students and is available regardless of whether the family demonstrates eligibility for need-based aid.

Learn more about Federal Direct PLUS Loans, including how to apply.

Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant (VTAG)

The Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant (VTAG) provides grant assistance to degree-seeking students who are bona fide Virginia residents and who enroll full-time during the regular academic year.

Learn more about VTAG, including how to apply.

Student Employment

The Office of Student Employment has everything you need to know about working on campus. They can explain everything from direct deposit paychecks to new-hire paperwork. Or you can skip directly to the job search.

Other Options

There are alternative loan programs available from private lenders to assist with education expenses. Generally, these loans have less competitive terms than the federal loan programs but may still be of assistance to families who need additional sources of funding. 

The deferred payment plan allows billable charges to be broken into smaller payment amounts.  This service is available through TuitionPay, a plan offered by Sallie Mae. 

Some states allow their financial aid funding to be used by residents of that state who attend colleges or universities in another state. Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Vermont have historically had such programs. Check with your state’s education department.

Contact the Office of Financial Aid for more information.