Federal Funds

Pell Grant, SEOG, Academic Competitiveness Grant, SMART Grant, TEACH Grant, Stafford Loans, Perkins Loans, and Parent Loans

Students intending to apply for federal aid should begin the process a minimum of sixty days prior to the date of the trip. More time should be allowed for students who have never applied for federal aid. It is suggested that students make an appointment with a financial aid counselor early in the semester prior to the approved study abroad program.

All federal financial aid funds, except Work-Study and the SMART Grant, are available for study abroad programs.  No exceptions to federal regulations are allowed for disbursement of funds; therefore, these monies cannot be released more than ten days prior to trip departure and are not available for any deposits required. A student should make arrangements with Student Accounts, MC 105, if payment of fees needs to be deferred due to the disbursement date of federal funds.  It is recommended that students complete the forms necessary to have any excess funds directly deposited to their bank account.  If this is not done, please contact Student Accounts to provide the necessary information for mailing excess fund if departure dates prohibit the student from being present to pick up the change check. It is a good idea to execute a power of attorney for legal transactions while out of the country.

In some cases, federal aid may be used for study abroad when the student is not enrolled at Truman, but is participating in an approved study abroad program through another U.S. institution. If the CIE Office and Registrar approve the program of study as acceptable for transfer credit, the Financial Aid Office may be able to provide federal funds through a consortium arrangement with another institution. Students must contact the Financial Aid Director to make such arrangements.

 The Study Abroad Funding Sheet that needs to be completed for the trip and additional information regarding federal financial aid can be found at http://financialaid.truman.edu/forms.asp.

 Students who plan to study abroad during the spring semester and return for the following fall semester should make arrangements to file a renewal application for federal financial aid (FAFSA). This can be done online at www.fafsa.ed.gov.