Types of Financial Aid

The Federal Pell Grant is a need-based grant available to undergraduate students who are pursuing their first bachelor’s degree. Award amounts are determined by the FAFSA for the corresponding year, therefore, can change year to year.

The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) is available to undergraduates with exceptional financial need. With limited funds, student recipients of the Federal Pell Grant are typically considered for FSEOG.

Federal Work-Study (FWS) is a need-based financial aid program that allows a student to work and earn money. You will be qualified for FWS funds if you file the FAFSA and have financial need.

FWS funds may be offered as part of your financial aid. You will receive these funds via payroll and according to your participation in the LifeWorks program.

The Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant is available to undergraduate students preparing to teach in a high-need field as specified by that Nationwide Shortage List published by the Department of Education. In order to receive a TEACH grant, the student must agree to complete a teach service obligation. The TEACH grant may convert into a loan that must be repaid with interest if the student does not meet post-graduation requirements.

In addition to filing the FAFSA, students must maintain a cumulative career GPA of at least 3.25, complete TEACH grant counseling each year of award, and sign a TEACH grant Agreement to Serve or Repay.

The Federal TRIO Program (TRIO SSS) is an outreach and student support services program designed to identify and provide services for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. The TRIO SSS Program serves and assists low-income individuals, first-generation college students and individuals with disabilities to progress through academic programs.

The NOYCE-STEM Scholarships are available to undergraduate junior and seniors. The scholarship is available during the fall, spring and summer terms of junior year and during the fall and spring terms of senior year. Students must complete and sign a NOYCE-STEM Scholarship agreement each award year.

The NOYCE-STEM Scholarship post-graduation requirements include teaching in a high needs school for two years, for each year of award. The scholarship may convert into a loan that must be repaid with interest if post-graduation requirements are not met.

The NOYCE-STEM Scholarships is funded by the National Science Foundation to assist STEM students enrolled full-time, with financial need, and with a declared major in Math, Computer Science, Physics, Biology, Biochemistry and Chemistry. Continued eligibility requires a cumulative GPA of 3.0.

HOPE Scholarship basic eligibility requirements include Georgia residency and graduation from a HOPE-eligible high school with a 3.0 GPA in the core curriculum, and being determined a HOPE Scholar by GAfutures. To maintain eligibility for the HOPE scholarship at Berry College, a student must maintain a 3.0 HOPE GPA or better. Home Study students, students who graduate from a non-HOPE eligible high school or students who earned a GED must follow the information concerning their particular state programs eligibility.

Zell Miller Scholarship recipients must meet all HOPE Scholarship eligibility requirements. Additionally, students must graduate as the Valedictorian or Salutatorian OR with a minimum 3.7 GPA combined with a minimum SAT score of 1200 on the math and reading portions or a 26 ACT composite score. The ACT and SAT scores must come from a single test administration. To maintain eligibility for the Zell Miller Scholarship at Berry College, a student must maintain a 3.3 HOPE-calculated GPA or better.

Full-time undergraduate students may be eligible to receive a Georgia Tuition Equalization Grant (GTEG). The grant encourages Georgia residents to attend eligible private colleges in Georgia by providing assistance towards educational costs.

Federal Direct Subsidized Loans are available to undergraduate students with demonstrated need as per federal guidelines. This loan does not accrue interest while the student is enrolled at least half-time.

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans are available to graduate and undergraduate students who file a valid FAFSA each academic year. The loan accrues interest while the student is enrolled at least half-time.

Repayment of Federal Subsidized Loans must begin six months after the student ceases to be enrolled at least half time. For examples of loan repayment options please visit Federal Student Aid’s Loan Simulator.

Federal Direct PLUS Loans are available to parents of dependent undergraduate students (Parent PLUS) and graduate students (Graduate PLUS) enrolled at least half time. Financial need is not a requirement. Borrowers can request a loan for up to the full cost of attendance minus any other financial aid. This loan enters repayment 60 days after full disbursement. Some PLUS loans qualify for deferment of payments while the student is enrolled at least half time.

Students whose parents apply and are denied for a Parent PLUS loan may be eligible for up to an additional $4,000 to $5,000 in a Federal unsubsidized loan per academic year.