Types of Aid:  Accelerated Studies

» Scholarships and Grants
» Loans

Scholarships and Grants

Federal Pell Grants

Once you complete your FAFSA, awards through this federal program are based on financial need. Need is determined by the federal need calculation formula as well as student enrollment status.

MassGrant

The MASSGrant is a grant assistance program funded by appropriations from the Massachusetts Legislature. The MASSGrant program provides need-based financial assistance to full-time undergraduate students who reside in Massachusetts. All eligibility requirements are listed on www.osfa.mass.edu.

Early Childhood Educators Scholarship

The Early Childhood Educators Scholarship provides financial assistance for Massachusetts residents who are currently employed as early childhood and out-of-school-time educators and providers. Students must enroll in an associate or bachelor degree program (full-time or part-time) in early childhood education or related programs. In addition, they must be employed by their employer for at least one year and the employer must be licensed or authorized by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC). Students must continue employment in this field while pursuing the approved course of study. All eligibility requirements and application information can be found at www.osfa.mass.edu.

Paraprofessional Teacher Preparation Grant

The Paraprofessional Teacher Preparation Grant provides financial assistance to Massachusetts residents who are currently employed as paraprofessionals in Massachusetts public schools, but wish to become certified as full-time teachers. Students must be enrolled in an undergraduate degree program (full-time or part-time) leading to teacher certification. In addition, they must be employed for a minimum of two years as a paraprofessional in a Massachusetts public school. All eligibility requirements and application information can be found at www.osfa.mass.edu.

Loans

Direct Federal Stafford Loans

Subsidized loans are based upon demonstrated financial need. Students are not charged any interest before repayment or during deferment periods. The federal government subsidizes the interest. The interest rate for Federal Subsidized Loans for the 2011-2012 academic year is 3.4%.

Unsubsidized loans are not awarded on the basis of financial need. The loan accrues interest from the time it it is disbursed until it is paid in full. If you allow the interest to accrue while you are in school or during repayment periods, this interest will be capitalized. Interest that is capitalized will be added to the principal amount of your loan, and additional interest will be based on the higher amount. The interest rate for Federal Unsubsidized Loans for the 2011-2012 academic year is 6.80%. Note: Students can pay the interest on their unsubsidized Stafford loan while in school.  Students interested in making payments should contact their lender directly.

Federal Stafford Loan Fee – For loans made during the 2011-2012 academic year, a 1.0% loan fee (minus a 0.5% rebate) will be deducted from each loan disbursement. This fee is held by the government, and 99.5% of the loan amount will be sent to Becker College after your fee has been applied to your loan. The borrower must make all of the first twelve payments on time or the rebate amount will be added back to principal balance of the loan.

Direct Federal Parent Loans for Undergraduate Dependent Students (PLUS)

The Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS) enables parents of dependent undergraduates to borrow an amount equal to cost of attendance, less other financial aid. Parent loans differ from student loans in that repayment of the loan begins 60 days after the loan is fully disbursed, however parents can defer these payments while their student is attending college at least half-time (6 credits). Currently the interest rate is fixed at 7.9%.

Alternative Loans

Becker College participates in alternative loan programs through a number of lenders. Becker supports the family’s right to obtain a private alternative student loan from any loan provider and will certifiy and process private alternative student loans from any lender.

» Alternative Financing Options