Funding Your Future Financial Aid Overview

If you need help paying for college, check out the options you may be eligible for from the federal government and other sources. You can find grants and scholarships, student loans and work-study programs through Federal Student Aid (FSA). Use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to access them.

We want to make your education as affordable as possible

That’s why Union Institute & University takes pride in minimizing increases in tuition and fees. For many years, our tuition increases have been below the national average. As a distance education student at Union, you don’t have to finance your education alone. Every year, we contribute over $2 million to institutional scholarships across all programs to make continuing your education affordable and attainable. Check out our financial aid resources below, or contact our Financial Aid Office for more information about your financing options.

FAFSA INFORMATION

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is used to help colleges determine student grants, work-study, and loan amounts. FAFSA opens every October 1, so be sure to start applying for financial aid as soon as the FAFSA is available. Union’s FAFSA school code is: 010923.

While Union does not have deadline dates to apply for aid, students must follow the federal deadlines for completing the FAFSA. To be potentially eligible to receive aid, students must complete the FAFSA form by June 30^th of the current financial aid year. For example, for the current 2022-2023 year, the government must have received a completed FAFSA from a student by June 30, 2023, to be considered for aid for the 2022-2023 year.

Begin the FAFSA

Retrieve Your Loan Information on NSLDS

Federal Grants

Federal Grants are based on financial need and do not have to be repaid (exceptions for withdrawal). Learn more about grants.

Federal Pell Grant

Awarded to undergraduate students who have not earned a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree. The maximum Federal Pell Grant award is $10,342 for the '22–'23 award year.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant

Eligible students can receive between $100 and $4,000 a year, depending on financial need, date applied, amount of other aid received, and availability of funds at your school.

Federal Loans

Federal Loans have fixed interest rates. Repayment begins six months after you graduate, leave school, or drop below half-time enrollment.

Direct Loans

Available to undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree students enrolled at least half-time. Direct Federal Loan limits are partially based on grade level and enrollment status. Learn more.

Parent PLUS Loans

Available to the biological or adoptive parent (or in some cases, the stepparent) of dependent undergraduate students enrolled at least half-time at an eligible school. Learn more.

Grad PLUS Loans

Available to Masters and Doctoral students enrolled at least half-time in a program leading to a graduate or professional degree or certificate. Learn more.

Federal student loan borrowing limits per 2 term loan.

Federal Direct Student Loan	Dependent Student	Independent Student
Freshman (0 to 30 credits)	$5,500	$9,500
Sophomore (31 to 60 credits)	$6,500	$10,500
Junior/Senior (61 – 120 credits)	$7,500	$12,500
Graduate/Professional		$20,500

	Dependent Student	Independent Student
Freshman (0 to 30 credits)	$5,500	$9,500
Second	Up to $6,500	Up to $10,500
Third+	Up to $7,500/year	Up to $12,500/year
Graduate/Professional	Up to $20,500/year	Up to $20,500/year