Students apply for all federal financial and state assistance by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at studentaid.gov, unless otherwise noted.
Federal Pell Grant
The Pell Grant is a federal entitlement for undergraduate students who demonstrate exceptional financial need and have not earned a bachelor’s degree.
Federal SEOG
The Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant is available in various amounts for undergraduate students with exceptional financial need, with priority given to Pell Grant recipients. Limited funds are available.
Federal Direct Loans
Federal Direct Loans are loans made available by the U.S. Department of Education to assist students in covering the cost of their education. Federal Direct Subsidized Loans are based on financial need. The federal government pays the interest during in-school, grace and deferment periods. Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans are not based on financial need. The federal government does not pay the interest on unsubsidized loans. Students may choose to defer interest payments until repayment begins; however, the student is responsible for all interest that accrues. Review more information about federal student loans.
PLUS Loans
Graduate students and parents of dependent undergraduate students may apply for a Federal Direct PLUS Loan at studentloans.gov by selecting the Start PLUS Application Process, after signing in on the site. A PLUS Loan requires a credit check on behalf of the parent (or graduate student). Applying for PLUS credit approval creates a hit on your credit report. If you list Brenau University on your PLUS application, we will be notified electronically regarding your eligibility to borrow funds. If a parent is denied a PLUS Loan as a result of credit pre-screening, the dependent student may be eligible to borrow additional Unsubsidized Federal Direct Loan funds. For more information about Federal Direct PLUS Loans, as well as all other federal student aid programs, visit studentaid.gov.
Georgia Tuition Equalization Grant (TEG)
The purpose of this grant is to provide tuition assistance to Georgia residents who wish to pursue an undergraduate degree at a private college or university in Georgia. Eligible students must be enrolled full time (12 or more semester hours) in an undergraduate program of study. You may apply for the TEG by either completing your FAFSA or completing the state grant application.
HOPE & Zell Miller Scholarships
Georgia’s Zell Miller and HOPE Scholarships are available to undergraduate Georgia residents who meet specific academic requirements. The scholarship provides money to assist students with the cost of attending college in Georgia. You may apply for the HOPE Scholarship by completing either the FAFSA or a state grant application.
Other Financial Aid Options
Veterans Administration (VA) Educational Benefits
Any veteran, veteran’s dependent or active duty service person who qualifies for VA education benefits may apply for those benefits through the VA. To be eligible to receive benefits, you need to first contact the VA directly to determine eligibility, and then complete Brenau’s VA Request Form. Once registered for classes, you must touch base with the VA Certifying Official in the Financial Aid Office to have your enrollment certified to the VA. For more information about the various VA programs, visit our VA Educational Benefits page or gibill.va.gov.
Student Access Loan (SAL) Program
Student Access Loan (SAL) is a need-based, low-interest state loan program that assists undergraduate Georgia residents with an eligible U.S. citizenship status in meeting the gap in their educational costs. Funding in this program is limited, and applications are selected through a random selection process. Selected applicants may borrow up to $8,000 annually. For specific eligibility information, deadlines and how to apply, visit gafutures.org
TEACH Grant
The Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant Program provides grants to students who intend to teach in a public or private elementary or secondary school that serves students from low-income families. At Brenau, the grant is available only to students seeking a master’s degree in a high need teaching field. View Brenau’s financial aid forms page for more information about this program.
Tuition Assistance (TA)
The TA Program provides financial assistance for voluntary off-duty civilian education programs in support of a soldier’s professional and personal self-development goals. TA funds are a source of financial aid for the active-duty military. For information about the ArmyIgniteED Tuition Assistance program, contact Portia Clark at 770-538-4759 or pclark2@brenau.edu, in the Accounting Office.
Academic Institution Portal
The Academic Institution (AI) Portal simplifies and streamlines common processes between government and the private sector in order to reduce and automate transactional workloads. This includes Air Force TA, MyCAA and Florida National Guard. Learn more at AI Portal.
Navy College Program
The Navy College Program offers two programs to eligible service members to fund off-duty education: Tuition Assistance (TA) and Navy College Program for Afloat College Education (NCPACE). Learn more about the Navy College Program.
Have questions? Contact us today.
Brenau University Financial Aid
770-534-6152
financialaid@brenau.edu