• 5 Steps
• What Is Financial Aid?
• The Application Process
• Where Aid Comes From
• Types of Financial Aid
• Who Is Eligible?
• Cost of Education
• Family Resources
• How To Apply
• Do You Have Enough?
• How To Reduce Unmet Need
• Links

How to Reduce Unmet Need

• UCU's Alternative Education Loan: If your Stafford and PLUS loans have left you with unpaid college expenses, let UCU's Alternative Education Loan fill the gap.
• Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP):If you have unmet need after financial aid has been awarded, you may be eligible to borrow under the Federal Family Education Loan Program(FFELP), which includes the Subsidized Federal Stafford Loan Program and the Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loan Program.
• The Subsidized Federal Stafford Loan Program provides loans for education purposes at a reduced interest rate with deferred payments. Some colleges include a student's eligibility for a Subsidized Stafford Loan in the award offer.
• The Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loan Program also has a reduced interest rate, but the student is responsible for the interest while he or she is in school.
• Federal PLUS Loan Program: The Federal PLUS Loan Program helps parents to assist their children in meeting the costs of higher education. Under the Federal PLUS Loan Program, parents are the actual borrowers. Graduate and Professional students may also borrower through the PLUS program. Graduate/Professional students must first apply for subsidized and unsubsidized Stafford Loans.

Hint Students and families should apply for all other forms of aid (grants, loans, and scholarships) before borrowing. If additional funds are necessary, you can obtain a loan application for the Subsidized Federal Stafford Loan, Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loan and Federal PLUS Loan Program from a participating lender.