Federal assistance to pay for college is available from several different programs. These include need-based grants, subsidized and unsubsidized loans, parent (PLUS) loans and federal work-study programs. CIU is authorized by the United States Department of Education to assist students working toward a degree from CIU.
For Federal Direct Loans a student must be enrolled at least half-time in fall, spring, or summer semesters.
Federal Direct Stafford Loan records will be submitted to the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) and will be accessible by guaranty agencies, lenders, and schools determined to be authorized users of the data system.Ìý Borrowers have access to view their Title IV, HEA loan records at .Ìý
CIU's withdrawal and return of Titlle IV Federal Student Aid policy
The following chart gives an explanation of the federal programs available to students attending CIU:
| Name of Award | Eligibility Requirements | Amount of Award | How to Apply | Renewal Policy |
| Federal Pell Grant – for undergraduate students | Eligibility is determined according to federal law and is based on the financial information you and your family provide on your FAFSA; must have financial need; student must not already have a bachelor's degree | Maximum of $5,645 for 2013-2014 | Submit FAFSA |
Submit FAFSA Annually |
| Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG) – for undergraduate students | Pell Grant recipients with exceptional financial need | Up to $1,000 | Submit FAFSA |
Submit FAFSA Annually |
| Federal Work - Study Program | Financial Need | Varies; student usually works less than 20 hours per week | Submit FAFSA and CIU Campus Employment Application |
Submit FAFSA Annually |
| Federal Direct Loan Subsidized/Unsubsidized (dependent student) | Subsidized loan is awarded to students with demonstarted need; U.S. Government pays the interest while student is in school; unsubsidized loan is awarded if need is met; student has the option of paying interest while in college or deferring it |
Loan Limits: $5,500 Freshman $6,500 Sophomore $7,500 Junior and Senior |
Submit FAFSA; accept award and complete entrance counseling andÌý master promissory note |
Submit FAFSA Annually |
| Federal Direct Loan Subsidized/Unsubsidized (independent student) | Subsidized loan is awarded to students with demonstarted need; U.S. Government pays the interest while student is in school; unsubsidized loan is awarded if need is met; student has the option of paying interest while in college or deferring it |
Loan Limits: $9,500 Freshman $10,500 Sophomore $12,500 Junior and Senior |
Submit FAFSA; accept award and complete entrance counseling and complete master promissory note |
Submit FAFSA Annually |
| Federal Direct Loan of Undergraduate Student (PLUS) | Parents of dependent undergraduate student | Cost of attendance minus other financial aid | Submit FAFSA;Ìý accept award and complete entrance counseling and complete master promissory note |
Submit FAFSA Annually |
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