Federal Aid

The Federal Pell Grant is an entitlement to students who qualify under a federal formula which determines eligibility. To be eligible, a student must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and must not have earned a bachelor’s degree. This award is a grant, not a loan.

The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant program is for undergraduates with exceptional financial need. Pell Grant recipients will be considered based on their student aid index (SAI).

The Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant Program was established under the College Cost Reduction and Access Act (CCRAA), to benefit current and prospective teachers. Award amount: up to $4,000 per academic year.

TEACH Grants website

The Federal College Work-Study Program is designed to make employment opportunities available to college students. It is a federally funded aid program, available to matriculated students. Priority will be given to students in full-time attendance. A portion of the federal work-study funds will be used to employ students in community service jobs. A work-study student may qualify to work up to eight hours a week during the academic year, although academic considerations may limit work to six hours per week. Hiring is done by the agency or department which will employ the students.

Federal Student Aid Program website

Houghton University is approved by the New York State division of Veterans Affairs for the training of veterans. Houghton University also participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program for students receiving educational assistance under the Post-9/11 GI Bill.

In accordance with Title 38 US Code 3679 subsection (e), this school adopts the following additional provisions for any students using U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Post 9/11 G.I. Bill^® (Ch. 33) or Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Ch. 31) benefits, while payment to the institution is pending from the VA.  Houghton University will not:

• Prevent nor delay the student’s enrollment;
• Assess a late penalty fee to the student;
• Require the student to secure alternative or additional funding;
• Deny the student access to any resources available to other students who have satisfied their tuition and fee bills to the institution, including but not limited to access to classes, libraries, or other institutional facilities.

However, the student must meet all other Financial Validation requirements and produce the Certificate of Eligibility by the first day of class. Additional information is available in the Student Financial Services Office.

Students participating in an off-campus studies semester with an affiliated host school will be able to retain their federal and state financial aid through Houghton University. If no formal agreement has been made between Houghton University and the host school, the aid will not be able to be processed by Houghton. Institutional aid may also be available for students after they complete an application process.