Federal Programs
There are five major financial aid programs which are funded by the federal government and are made available to UMHB students.
- Federal Pell Grant
This grant can be applied for when a student completes the Free Application For Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The amount of the grant is based upon the ISIR results and enrollment status. Funds awarded are directly credited to the student’s UMHB account.
- Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
Eligibility for this grant is determined after Pell Grant eligibility has been established. SEOG recipients will also be Pell recipients with the smallest of family contributions. This program is funded only in a limited manner. Funds awarded are directly credited to the student’s UMHB account.
- Federal Direct Loans
- Federal Direct Subsidized Student Loan
This is a federally insured loan. Student with demonstrated need may receive up to $ 3,500 per academic year for the first year (0-29 hrs), $4,500 for the second year (30-59 hrs), and $5,500 for subsequent years (60+ hrs), not to exceed an aggregate total of $23,000. No interest is charged on the loan until the student falls below half-time status. After being awarded this loan, students must complete online entrance counseling and a master promissory note
- Federal Direct Unsubsidized Student Loan
Same terms and conditions as Subsidized Stafford loans, except that the borrower is responsible for interest that accrues during deferment periods (including in-school) and during the six-month grace period. Dependent Students who do not demonstrate a financial need may borrow up to 5,500 per academic year for the first year (0-29 hrs), $6,500 for the second year (30-59 hrs), and $7,500 for subsequent years (60+ hrs)
Loan Borrowing Limits
| Year |
Dependent Students (except students whose parents are unable to obtain PLUS Loans) |
Independent Students (and dependent undergraduate students whose parents are unable to obtain PLUS Loans) |
| First-Year Undergraduate Annual Loan Limit |
$5,500—No more than $3,500 of this amount may be in subsidized loans. |
$9,500—No more than $3,500 of this amount may be in subsidized loans. |
| Second-Year Undergraduate Annual Loan Limit |
$6,500—No more than $4,500 of this amount may be in subsidized loans. |
$10,500—No more than $4,500 of this amount may be in subsidized loans. |
| Third-Year and Beyond Undergraduate Annual Loan Limit |
$7,500—No more than $5,500 of this amount may be in subsidized loans. |
$12,500—No more than $5,500 of this amount may be in subsidized loans. |
| Graduate or Professional Students Annual Loan Limit |
Not Applicable (all graduate and professional students are considered independent) |
$20,500 (unsubsidized only) |
| Subsidized and Unsubsidized Aggregate Loan Limit |
$31,000—No more than $23,000 of this amount may be in subsidized loans. |
$57,500 for undergraduates—No more than $23,000 of this amount may be in subsidized loans.
$138,500 for graduate or professional students—No more than $65,500 of this amount may be in subsidized loans. The graduate aggregate limit includes all federal loans received for undergraduate study. |
- Federal Direct Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS)
An undergraduate student may qualify for parental-based loans based on their parent's credit history. The U.S. Department of Education is the lender. The maximum loan amount is the student’s cost of attendance minus any other financial aid received.
- Federal Work-Study
This college work program (need-based) allows a student to work on campus at the prevailing minimum wage. Students on Federal Work-Study are also eligible to apply for select community service positions within the Belton area. Work awards are calculated on 13 hours per week for each 15-week semester. The maximum work award will be indicated on the student’s award letter. Timesheets are completed online daily and require the approval of the student's supervisor. Earnings are issued bi-weekly through the University's payroll system, and by accepting the Federal Work-Study award, the student can agree to the earnings being applied by the university to any outstanding balance on the student's account. If the student does not have a due balance, the earnings will be issued directly to the student. Applicable federal and state withholding will apply to earnings.