2008 - 2009 Catalog
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Major Financial Aid Programs

Parkland administers a variety of federal and state programs, along with many special scholarships just for Parkland students.

Monetary Award Program (MAP). The MAP is awarded by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) and is designed to pay tuition and basic fees at Parkland for Illinois students.

Silas Purnell Illinois Incentive for Access Grant Program. This is a one-time grant of $1,000 or $500, dependent upon the Expected Family Contribution as calculated by the federal government. This grant is awarded by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission. To qualify for this award, students must be classified as freshmen.

Federal Pell Grant. The Federal Pell Grant is designed to help pay college-related expenses. The exact dollar award is determined by the student’s class load and the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) as calculated by the federal government.

Academic Competitiveness Grant. An Academic Competitiveness Grant will provide up to $750 for the first year of undergraduate study and up to $1,300 for the second year of undergraduate study to full-time students who are eligible for a Federal Pell Grant and who have successfully completed a rigorous high school program, as determined by the state or local education agency recognized by the Secretary of Education. Second-year students must also have maintained a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0. The Academic Competitiveness Grant award is in addition to the students' Pell Grant award.

Federal Work-Study (FWS). As a campus-based program, FWS is awarded through the Office of Financial Aid in the form of part-time employment. Students who participate generally work from 10-20 hours per week and are paid twice a month. The actual FWS award is based on demonstrated financial need.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG). As a campus-based program, the SEOG is awarded to students who have exceptional financial need. SEOG awards depend on the amount of funds available.

William D. Ford Direct Loan Program. Students enrolled in either college transfer or vocational/technical programs may apply for this loan. Depending upon demonstrated financial need and academic program length, freshman students may borrow $3,500. Sophomores may borrow up to $4,500 with demonstrated financial need. Repayment begins six months after the student drops below half-time student status, but there are deferment provisions. A variable rate of interest is charged and adjusted annually not to exceed 8.25 percent. Monthly repayment varies with the total amount borrowed.

Application for the Direct Loan at Parkland begins when applying for financial aid on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. All applicants must have a Federal Pell Grant eligibility determination made before loan processing can be completed. First-time Parkland borrowers must complete loan entrance counseling before receiving their first check. Direct loans are made through the U.S. government.

Direct Parental Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS). PLUS loans are available to parents of dependent students who are enrolled at least half-time. Repayment begins within 60 days of signing a promissory note. Application for the Direct PLUS begins when completing a PLUS Application, which is available from the Office of Financial Aid. Direct PLUS loans are made through the U.S. government.

Parkland College Foundation Scholarships/Special Scholarships. Students may also apply for special scholarships and scholarships available through the Parkland College Foundation. See scholarships.