Federal Financial Aid

The U.S. Department of Education, through Title IV of the Higher Education Act, provides students with excellent resources to fund their education. American InterContinental University participates in a wide variety of these programs and ensures all eligible students have equal access to federal financial aid.

You may access the Department of Education's Funding page and gain a more detailed understanding of student financial aid programs. Below is a brief summary of the Title IV programs in which AIU participates:

Federal Pell Grant

This grant program is designed to assist needy undergraduate students who desire to continue their education beyond high school. Every student is entitled to apply for a Federal Pell Grant. Eligibility is determined by a standard U.S. Department of Education formula, which uses family size, income and resources to determine need.

The actual amount of the award is based upon the cost of attendance, enrollment status and the amount of money appropriated by Congress to fund the program. The Federal Pell Grant makes it possible to provide a foundation of financial aid to help defray the cost of a postsecondary education. Unlike loans, the Federal Pell Grant does not usually have to be paid back. Learn more.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) program is for undergraduates with exceptional financial need. Pell Grant recipients with the lowest expected family contributions (EFCs) will be considered first for a FSEOG. Just like Pell Grants, the FSEOG does not have to be repaid. Learn more.

Federal Student and Parent Loans

The Department's major form of self-help aid includes loans to students and parents through the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan (Direct Loan) Program. Direct Loans are available through the U.S. Government. The program offers Federal Stafford, Federal Parent-PLUS, Federal Grad PLUS and Federal Consolidation Loans.

Federal Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS)

The William D. Ford Federal Direct PLUS Loan is a low-interest loan available to parents of dependent undergraduate students. These loans are not based on need but, when combined with other resources, cannot exceed the student's cost of attendance. A credit check is required, and either or both parents may borrow through this program. Repayment begins within 60 days of final disbursement of the loan within a loan period. However, parents may request deferment of payments while the student is at least half-time. Learn more.

Federal Graduate PLUS Loan

The William D. Ford Federal Direct Graduate - PLUS Loan is an affordable, low-interest loan for graduate students. The Graduate PLUS Loan can be used to cover up to 100 percent of your total cost of education, minus other financial aid you've been awarded. While you will be required to pass a credit check when you apply, your lack of credit history will not affect your eligibility for the Graduate PLUS Loan. Learn more.

Federal Stafford Loans

Direct Stafford Loans, from the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan (Direct Loan) Program, are low-interest loans for eligible students to help cover the cost of higher education at a four-year college or university, community college, or trade, career, or technical school. Eligible students borrow directly from the U.S. Department of Education (the Department) at participating schools. Learn more.

Direct Stafford Loans include the following types of loans:

Direct Subsidized Loans - Direct Subsidized Loans are for students with financial need. AIU will review the results of your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA^SM) and determine the amount you can borrow. You are not charged interest while you’re in school at least half-time and during grace periods and deferment periods.
Direct Unsubsidized Loans - You are not required to demonstrate financial need to receive a Direct Unsubsidized Loan. Like subsidized loans, your school will determine the amount you can borrow. Interest accrues (accumulates) on an unsubsidized loan from the time it’s first paid out. You can pay the interest while you are in school and during grace periods and deferment or forbearance periods, or you can allow it to accrue and be capitalized (that is, added to the principal amount of your loan). If you choose not to pay the interest as it accrues, this will increase the total amount you have to repay because you will be charged interest on a higher principal amount.

Federal Work Study (FWS)

FWS is a financial aid program designed to assist students in meeting the cost of their education by working part-time while attending school. Positions may either be on-campus, off-campus or community service related. A candidate must demonstrate need to be awarded FWS.

The number of positions available may be limited, depending upon the institution’s annual funding allocation from the federal government. Please contact the Financial Aid Office to determine if your campus participates in this program.

If at any point in the financial aid process you have questions or need more information, an AIU Financial Aid Advisor will be happy to provide assistance.Learn more.

To learn more about AIU, our degree programs or how to apply for admission,please contact us for more information.

Financial aid is available for those who qualify.
University grants or scholarships are based on established criteria as published in the University's catalog and are awarded after verification that the conditions of eligibility have been met.