US Department of Education Financial Aid

Most students, including students receiving financial aid, will be required to make some monthly payments. Financial aid may lower or eliminate all or part of a student’s tuition obligation; however, students are ultimately responsible for the full tuition obligation should financial aid not pay.

American Institute of Alternative Medicine offers two types of financial aid through the U.S. Department of Education: the Federal Pell Grant and Federal Direct Stafford Loans and Federal Parents’ Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS). All may initially be applied for by filling out a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). The FAFSA can be completed electronically on the internet at www.fafsa.ed.gov.

Financial aid awards may be applied to students’ down payment and/or tuition due. Any aid not required for the direct charges billed to students will be credited to student’s accounts or refunded to the student at the student’s discretion. Please contact AIAM’s Assistant Financial Manager to review your options.

The Student Guide to Financial Aid is available online at www.ed.gov/prog_info/SFA/StudentGuide. Both the FAFSA and Student Guide are also available through the AIAM Financial Aid office or visit www.studentaid.ed.gov.

Federal Pell Grant

The Federal Pell Grant is gift assistance that is funded and awarded by the federal government. To qualify, you must: 1. Be an eligible student whose Expected Family Contribution (ECF) is less than or equal to the figure set by the federal government. 2. Not be in default on a federal student loan or owe a refund on a federal grant. 3. Not have borrowed federal education loans in excess of your aggregate borrowing limit. 4. Not have a baccalaureate or professional degree. 5. Be a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen. 6. If required, be registered with Selective Services. 7. Be enrolled in a program leading to a diploma, an associate or first baccalaureate degree. 8. Be making Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) for financial eligibility.

Federal Direct Stafford Loan (subsidized and unsubsidized)

The Federal Subsidized Stafford Loan is a loan program providing federally subsidized, low-interest loans to those who qualify. Subsidized loans are awarded on the basis of student financial need. The Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loan provides loans to students who do not meet financial-need criteria for a subsidized Federal Stafford Loan. An unsubsidized loan is referred to as a “non-need-based” loan. Borrowers must be U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens enrolled at least part-time and maintaining Satisfactory Academic Progress for Financial Aid Eligibility.

Federal Direct Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS)

The Federal PLUS program offers assistance to dependent students’ parents, who qualify, to assist with educational expenses. Parents may borrow on behalf of their dependent undergraduate children. Under the PLUS loan program, parents who qualify may borrow the full cost of education less other financial aid. Students needing financial aid assistance in order to complete their education should contact the Institute’s Financial Aid Staff as soon as possible. The Financial Aid Staff is available to assist you in exploring all available resources in order to make your education most affordable.