Financial Aid
Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan Program
Graduate students may borrow unsubsidized student loans. Unsubsidized loans have interest that accrues while a student is in school. The loan amount available is based on the student’s classification and other eligible aid received. A student enrolled in a teacher certification program may only qualify for undergraduate federal loans.
Federal TEACH Grants (Excludes Ed.S. and Ed.D. Students)
Piedmont University participates in the Federal TEACH Grant Program. Interested students are encouraged to research the program and submit an application to the Piedmont University Financial Aid Office. For graduate study, the Federal TEACH Grant Program is available to first post-baccalaureate degree students only. At Piedmont University, students enrolled in the Education Specialist or Doctorate Program are ineligible for this program.
The TEACH Grant Program was created by Congress in the University Cost Reduction and Access Act. For more information, students may call the Federal Information Student Center: 1-800-4-FEDAID or view the website studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/grants/teach. In exchange for receiving the TEACH Grant, a student must be a highly qualified, full-time teacher in a high-need subject area for at least four years at a school serving low-income students.
For a directory of schools serving low-income students, visit studentaid.gov/app/tcli.action. For a definition of a highly qualified teacher, students may visit ed.gov/policy/elsec/leg/esea02/pg107.html.
Federal Graduate PLUS Loan
Students pursuing a graduate degree may qualify to borrow funds through the Graduate PLUS Loan program. A Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) must be filed prior to applying for Graduate PLUS in order to first determine eligibility for the Unsubsidized Federal Direct Loan. All Graduate PLUS applicants must undergo a credit check and be approved to borrow funds. The maximum amount an approved graduate student may borrow is the student’s cost of attendance, as determined by the Financial Aid Office, minus any other financial aid the student is expected to receive.
Behavioral Health Professions Service Cancelable Loan Program (Clinical Mental Health Counseling program)
The Behavioral Health Professions Service Cancelable Loan Program provides up to $20,000 per academic year. This program is offered through the GSFC and is for students who are pursuing a Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree. In exchange for receiving the BHPSCL, a student must be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen, be a legal resident of Georgia for 12 months prior to receiving the BHPSCL and are enrolled in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. Students in this program should intend to graduate from the eligible advanced degree, be employed or practicing full time in Georgia in an eligible Behavioral Health profession and providing mental or substance abuse assistance, counseling, or treatment to Georgia residents. Males must meet federal Selective Service registration requirements per Georgia state law, and meet other requirements as set forth on the GSFC website. Students may visit gafutures.org/hope-state-aid-programs/loans/behavioral-health-professions-scl/eligibility/ for additional information including how to apply, and eligible employment.