Federal Programs

In order to be eligible for federal aid, students are required to enroll in a program of study leading to an approved Title IV degree or certificate. Eligible students shall receive financial aid for only those courses required for their declared program of study at Taft College if they comply with the Taft College Federal Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy.

Federal Pell Grant

Federal Pell Grants are financial awards to help undergraduates pay for their college education. For many students, these grants provide a foundation of financial aid to which aid from other federal and non-federal sources may be added. Unlike loans, grants do not have to be repaid as long as the student completes the payment period in which the funds were received. The Federal Government established regulations limiting the duration of an undergraduate student's eligibility to receive a Federal Pell Grant to the equivalent of six (6) years of full-time enrollment.

The proposed maximum award for 2024-2025 is $7,395. Eligible students who have remaining lifetime eligibility are able to receive grants as long as they are enrolled in courses required for their declared Title IV approved program of study at Taft College and they comply with the Taft College Federal Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) is available to qualified undergraduate students with the greatest financial need. Priority is given to Pell Grant recipients.

Eligible students are awarded this grant on a first come-first served basis, depending on their cost of attendance, the availability of FSEOG funds at the college, and the amount of other aid awarded.

All undergraduate students who complete both a FAFSA and their financial aid file with Taft College are automatically considered for this grant.

Federal Work-Study Program (FWSP)

The Federal Work-Study Program (FWSP) offers the opportunity for on-campus jobs for eligible students to earn money to help pay for educational expenses, learn/enhance employment skills and gain valuable experience. The hourly rate is at least the current minimum wage. The total work-study award depends on the student's cost of attendance, the amount of money the school has for the program and the amount of aid awarded from other programs. Taft College students currently enrolled may work up to a maximum of 20 hours per week. Students must be eligible for a Federal Pell Grant to be eligible for the Federal Work-Study Program at Taft College.

To participate in the program, students must comply with the Taft College Federal Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy. Additional information is provided under the Taft College Federal Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy (hard copies available in the Financial Aid & Scholarships Department).

Federal Direct Student Loans

The Federal Direct Student Loan program offers loans at a low interest rate with repayment terms designed with students in mind. In most cases, students will not have to start repaying the loans until six months after a student graduates and/or enrolls in less than six units (half-time).

Loans must be repaid with interest so it is important to understand the rights and responsibilities as a borrower. All borrowers are required to complete Loan Entrance Counseling before the Financial Aid & Scholarships Department processes a loan.

Taft College participates in the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program. The U.S. Department of Education is the lender for the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program. Direct Loans are issued by the federal government. The loan is serviced by the Federal Direct Loan Servicing Center. There are no banks or lending institutions.

Types of Direct Loans

Subsidized Loans are available to eligible students who demonstrate financial need to help cover the costs of higher education at a college or career school. If you qualify, the federal government will pay the interest on the loan while students are in school and during periods when students are authorized to defer loan payments.

Unsubsidized Loans are available to students regardless of financial need. Students are responsible for the interest which accumulates on the unsubsidized loan while the student is attending school, during the grace period and during any periods when the student is authorized to defer the loan payments. The students have the option to pay the interest while enrolled in school or pay it later. If students delay payment the interest will be added to the principal balance. This addition of interest to the principal balance of the loan is known as capitalization.