The Federal Pell Grant, authorized under Title IV, assists undergraduate students in pursuing higher education. Eligibility is determined based on the student’s financial need, as reflected on the FAFSA application. Unlike loans, the Pell Grant does not need to be repaid, except in special circumstances. Graduate and professional students are not eligible. Each student’s eligibility depends on enrollment status and the federal funding allocated annually by Congress.

The FSEOG, also a Title IV program, supports undergraduate students with exceptional financial need. Priority is given to students eligible for the maximum Pell Grant. Unlike the Pell Grant, FSEOG funds are allocated to participating schools, which distribute the grants to eligible students on a first-come, first-served basis due to limited funding.

Federal Direct Stafford Loans are low-interest loans available to students to cover educational expenses. Students must be enrolled at least half-time to qualify. There are two types:

• Subsidized Loans: Need-based loans where the government pays the interest while the student is in school. Repayment begins six months after graduation.
• Unsubsidized Loans: Not need-based. Interest accrues from the first day of disbursement. Repayment also begins six months after graduation.

Both loan types can be consolidated during repayment for easier management.

Parent-PLUS Loans are low-interest loans available to parents of dependent students enrolled at least half-time. These loans are not need-based, and the maximum loan amount equals the student’s cost of attendance minus other financial aid. Repayment begins 60 days after the final disbursement, though parents can defer payments while the student is still in school.

Ideal Institute of Technology is approved by the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJ DOL) for participation in state-funded grant programs. These include:

• WIOA: Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act funding for unemployed or underemployed workers.
• DVR: Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services for individuals with disabilities.
• Out-of-School Youth Program: Offered by the Atlantic County Workforce Development Board.
• SNAP STEP: Financial assistance for SNAP and/or GA recipients.
• NJ LEAD: Programs for returning citizens funded by the NJ Department of Corrections.
• NJ BUILD: Funding for women and minority veterans interested in construction programs.
• Center for Family Services Programs: Including the Pathway to Recovery and JOBS initiatives funded by NJ DOL.
• PACE Pre-Apprenticeship Program: Funded by NJ DOL.

For details, contact your local One-Stop Career Center or request a flyer and financial assistance application during your visit to Ideal.

Ideal Institute of Technology is approved by the New Jersey State Authority for Veterans Affairs and participates in Veterans Educational Benefit Programs. Eligible students can access financial support for programs such as:

• Film & Media Studies
• Software Development
• Web Development with SQL Server
• Adobe Certified Associate
• Network Specialist
• Appliance Repair & Advanced Manufacturing
• Construction Specialist
• Entrepreneurship (Construction, E-Commerce, Web Development)
• Hospitality Management

For assistance, contact Ideal or the Veterans Administration at (800) 827-1000 or (888) 442-4551, or visit www.gibill.va.gov

Employer Reimbursement

Many employers offer tuition reimbursement programs for employees pursuing higher education. Contact your HR department to explore available opportunities.

External Scholarships

Explore external scholarship opportunities through various third-party platforms:

• Fastweb
• Sallie Mae
• Appily
• Scholarships.com
• College Scholarships
• Peterson’s
• Student Scholarships
• NAACP

Ideal does not endorse these websites but encourages students to explore all scholarship opportunities.

For more information about financial assistance or program eligibility, contact Ideal Institute of Technology today. Our team is here to guide you through the process and help you achieve your educational and career aspirations.