CIFS offers a financial aid program for the Associate of Applied Science in Funeral Directing only. However, a student’s financial aid package may not meet his or her full calculated need. Each student is ultimately responsible for his or her financial obligation to Commonwealth Institute, whether he or she receives financial aid from private sources or through federal assistance.
TITLE IV FEDERAL STUDENT ASSISTANCE
Application: To be considered for TITLE IV Federal Financial Assistance, students must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and, if selected for verification, submit the appropriate verification documents to the Financial Aid Office. Students must apply for each award year that they will be enrolled. The FAFSA is available in the Financial Aid Office, or a student may apply online. Students are considered dependent or independent as a result of their answers to certain questions on the FAFSA.
Types of Financial Aid Offered at Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service
Pell Grant: Qualification for grant money is based on financial need and determined by federal regulations. Pell Grants are not loans; therefore, the recipient is not expected to pay back the monies received. The maximum amount a student can receive is $5,550 per year.
Subsidized Stafford Student Loan: This loan must be repaid. Students must show a financial need, determined by federal regulations, to receive this loan. This loan does not accrue interest while a student is in school at least half-time, during the grace period and during deferment periods. The maximum amount for this loan is $3,500 per year. This loan’s interest rate is fixed at 3.4 percent.
Unsubsidized Stafford Student Loan: This loan must be repaid. This loan is not based on financial need. This loan accrues interest during all periods, which is charged to the borrower. The maximum amount for this loan is $6,000 per year. This loan’s interest rate is fixed at 6.8 percent.
Parent Plus Loan: This loan is for parents of dependent students only. The maximum amount for this loan is the cost of attendance. This loan’s interest rate is fixed at 7.9 percent.
Vocational Rehabilitation: Within each state, a division of vocational and educational services operates in conjunction with the Department of Education in offering aid to qualified applicants. Eligible persons must contact their respective state vocational rehabilitation office to determine sponsorship. Following counseling with the appropriate agency, the counselor must submit a purchase voucher to the college prior to the enrollment of the student.
Veterans Benefits: The Associate of Applied Science Degree at Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service is approved for those individuals who wish to attend the college and receive benefits under the Veterans Educational Benefits Programs.
Scholarships: Several scholarship opportunities are available to students once they enroll. Many scholarships are based on academic progress. The Institute will announce these scholarships to the students once they become available. They range from $250 to $1,500 per award.
The financial aid office at Commonwealth Institute will assist incoming students and answer questions related to financial aid. Once a student has been accepted for enrollment to Commonwealth Institute, the Institute will send the necessary financial aid paperwork to the student, or the student can apply online. Acceptance to the program is a prerequisite for financial assistance.
