Need-Based Assistance is based on a valid need analysis (the FAFSA) and may be given by the College and/or through Federal and State programs. This type of assistance is determined by the difference between the cost of attending college and the financial ability of the student and the parents to contribute to the educational costs.

To receive need-based financial assistance at Catawba College, you must be accepted at Catawba College and make satisfactory academic progress toward a degree and you must show demonstrated financial need through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You must file this form online at www.fafsa.gov. 

federal programs

Federal programs include:

• Federal Pell Grant
• Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant
• Federal Work-Study
• William D Ford Federal Direct Student Loans
• Federal Perkins Loan (limited availability)

• Federal Pell Grant: For students with significant financial need. The amount of this grant varies (i.e. the amounts ranged from $555 to $5550 for the 2010-11 academic year).
  
  
• Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG): For students with significant financial need and the student must qualify for a Federal Pell Grant.  The amount of this award at Catawba averages around $1000.
  
  
• Federal Direct Student Loan: These funds are available to eligible students. Freshman students can borrow a total of $5500 from this program (combination subsidized and unsubsidized loans).  The FAFSA will determine which loan type the student will qualify for. The interest rate will not exceed 8.25%; however, the current rate is 3.4% for subsidized loans and 6.8% for unsubsidized loans. Please go to www.studentloans.gov for more information.  
  Applying for a Loan »
  
  
• Federal Perkins Loan: Low interest rate (5%) loan for students with financial need. The loan is made with government funds with a share contributed by the College. The government pays the interest while you are in school as a half-time to full-time student. You must begin repaying this loan nine months after graduation or when attendance drops to less than half-time. Depending on when you apply, your level of need, and the funding level, you can borrow up to $4,000 for each year of undergraduate study. The total amount you can borrow as an undergraduate is $20,000. This loan is limited and is awarded on first come, first served basis.
  
  
• The Federal Direct PLUS Loan Program: This program is for parents of dependent undergraduate students. Federal PLUS borrowers may apply on-line at www.studentloans.gov. The current interest rate is 7.9%. Repayment begins within 60 days after the last disbursement for the loan period.

State budget cuts have been in the headlines over the past year and reductions in the programs assisting private colleges and universities are at the top of the list. Current legislation indicates that the fall amount of the North Carolina Legislative Tuition Grant (NCLTG) will be $925. The spring amount will be less. We do not know exactly how much at this time. The NCLTG and the North Carolina Contract Grant programs will look different after this academic year. It seems that the two sources of money will be combined and have a need-based component to the awarding parameters. We will share further information once we know definitively how the new program will work.

• NC Legislative Tuition Grants (NCLTG): Granted by the General Assembly to provide tuition assistance to N.C. residents attending private colleges and universities in the State. To receive the NCLTG, a student must be a legal resident of North Carolina. Application for the grant and the residency forms should be completed and returned to the Financial Aid Office before the student registers. The full-time grant was $1850 for 2010-11.
  
  
• NC Contractual Scholarship Fund: For legal North Carolina residents with substantial financial need who are enrolled full-time, working on their first bachelor's degree in a non-religious or sacred music major. The annual award amount varies and is determined by the Financial Aid Office.
  
  
• NC State Student Incentive Grant: For students with significant financial need as determined by their FAFSA results. Deadline to be considered for this grant is March 15th. The award amount for 2010-11 was $750.
  
  
• Prospective Teacher Scholarship Loan Fund: Provides loans for North Carolina students who plan a teaching career. Priority is given to those who plan to teach the mentally handicapped and other elected teaching categories. Under certain provisions, the loan can be cancelled by employment as a full-time teacher in North Carolina Public Schools. The application deadline is mid-February. Applications may be obtained in the Department of Education at Catawba. Application and eligibility requirements can be found at www.CFNC.org/PTSL.
  
  
• Future Teachers of NC Scholarship-Loan: This program was established by the 2005 General Assembly to provide scholarships to college juniors and seniors in schools of education who intend to teach math, science, special education or English as a second language in North Carolina's public schools. This two-year scholarship-loan is $6,500 per year. Eligibility requirements can be found at www.CFNC.org/FTNC.
  
  
• NC Loan Program for Health, Science, and Mathematics: Provides loans to North Carolinians who pursue career opportunities in certain health, science, and mathematic disciplines. Loan maximums are $2,500 for each academic year. The in-school interest rate is eight (8) percent. Upon completion of all required coursework, loan recipients in qualifying disciplines may be eligible for loan cancellation by service in North Carolina. Applications are available in the Office of Financial Assistance. Eligibility requirements can be found at www.CFNC.org/HSM.
  
  
• NC Education Lottery Scholarship (ELS): The North Carolina ELS was created by the 2005 General Assembly to provide financial assistance to needy North Carolina resident students attending eligible colleges and universities located within the state of North Carolina. Eligibility is determined based on the same criteria as the Federal Pell Grant with one exception; students not eligible for the Federal Pell Grant with an estimated family contribution of $5000 or less will be eligible for an Education Lottery Scholarship. Students who have earned baccalaureate (four-year) college degrees are ineligible.
  
  
• Maryland, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island & Vermont State Grants:
  For students who are residents of these states scholarship aid may be available to help in your attendance at Catawba College. Amounts vary. For more information check with your guidance counselor.

Monthly Payment Plan
In our continuing effort to assist the families of our students, Catawba College offers a monthly payment plan as an alternative to the traditional lump sum payments each semester. The plan is administered by Higher Education Services, Inc. (HES). You can print the brochure and enroll by mail or you can apply online through the HES website. If you have questions regarding the plan, feel free to contact HES on their toll-free number, 1-800-422-0010 or call the Catawba College Business Office at 1-800-CATAWBA.
- HES Website »
- Apply Now »
- Catawba Payment Plan Policy »

Alternative Loans: Lenders generally make available alternative student loans to help fill the gap between the financial aid you receive and the money you still need. These are typically in the student's name; however, most require a co-signer. Please contact the Financial Aid Office to determine which loan would be best for you.