Using Federal Student Aid
Financial Aid
Sessions College offers Federal Student Aid to help eligible students cover their education costs. Depending on your financial need, you may qualify for grants like the Pell Grant or low-interest federal loans. This guide explains how to get started.
Which Programs Are Eligible?
Financial Aid Process
Here's how to get started:
Talk to Admissions
Chat with an Admissions Advisor about your program goals.
Complete our Application Form
If you haven't already done so, complete our fast, convenient online application form.
Obtain FSA ID
Before you can fill out the FAFSA, you need to obtain your FSA ID online at studentaid.gov.
Complete FAFSA
In order to apply for Federal Student Aid, you'll need to complete the Federal Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA. When selecting schools, enter the Sessions FAFSA code: 042176.
Receive your Student Aid Report (SAR)
Within 3-5 days you should receive your SAR (Student Aid Report by email. The SAR contains your SAI (Student Aid Index), the number used in determined your Federal student aid.
Sessions College will receive an ISIR (Institutional Student Information Report) that will enable your eligibility and aid package to be determined. If you are accepted into the program, we will schedule a meeting to speak with a financial aid advisor.
Already completed the FAFSA?
Already filed? Log in to your FAFSA dashboard, open your processed form, choose “Add or Remove Schools,” search for Sessions College (Federal School Code 042176), add it, and resubmit. If you’re a dependent student, your parent will also need an FSA ID
Who Is Eligible for Federal Student Aid?
Students must meet specific criteria to be eligible to receive Federal Student Aid during their program.
General Eligibility
You may be eligible if you:
- Are enrolled as a regular student in an eligible program.
- Are a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen with a valid Social Security number.
- Have a high school diploma, GED, or meet Federally-approved state home schooling standards.
- Have financial need (except for unsubsidized loans).
- Have completed a current FAFSA to determine eligibility.
During Your Program
While enrolled in your program, in order to continue receiving Federal Student Aid, you will need to:
- Make satisfactory academic progress in your program.
- Not be convicted of an offense involving the possession or sale of illegal drugs.
- Complete a current FAFSA to determine eligibility.
Limits on Receiving Aid
If you have received Federal Student Aid in the past, you may not:
- Owe a refund on a Federal grant or be in default on a Federal education loan.
- Have obtained loan amounts that exceed annual or aggregate loan limits.
Financial Aid Resources
For more information and resources on financing your college or career school education, visit studentaid.gov.
What Types of Aid are Available?
Students must meet specific criteria to be eligible to receive Federal Student Aid during their program.
Pell Grants
Pell Grants are need-based awards for undergraduate students who haven’t earned a bachelor’s or professional degree. These grants do not need to be repaid.
Award Amount
Maximum award for 2025–2026: $7,395
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Federal Pell Grants are awarded to undergraduate students who have not previously earned a bachelor’s or professional degree. The maximum Pell Grant award for the current award year (2025-2026) is $7,395. Pell Grants do not need to be repaid. The amount you receive will depend on your financial need, cost of attendance, status (full-time or part-time), and whether you are attending a full academic year.
Federal Direct Loans
Federal Stafford Loans are low-interest loans from the U.S. Department of Education that help students pay for college. There are two types:
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Direct Subsidized Loan
Direct Subsidized Loans are designed for students with financial need. Sessions College will determine the amount that you can borrow based on your FAFSA results. With Direct Subsidized Loans, you are not charged interest while you attend school or during grace and deferment periods.
Direct Unsubsidized Loans
Direct Unsubsidized Loans do not require students to demonstrate financial need. Again, the school will determine the amount that you can borrow based on your FAFSA results. Interest on Direct Unsubsidized Loans begins to accrue from the time it is first paid out.
You can pay the interest on Direct Unsubsidized Loans while you are in school and during grace periods and deferment or forbearance periods, or you can allow the interest to accrue and be capitalized (added to the principal amount of your loan). If you choose not to pay the interest as it accrues, bear in mind this will increase the total amount you have to repay because you will be charged interest on a higher principal amount.
Direct PLUS Loans
Direct PLUS Loans are available to eligible parents of dependent students to help pay their child’s education expenses. Direct PLUS loans require credit checks.
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To be eligible for a Direct PLUS Loan for Parents, the student must meet general eligibility requirements for Federal Student Aid programs and the parent/borrower must generally be:
- The biological or adoptive parent of a dependent student.
- Able to pass a credit check (not have an adverse credit history).
- A U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen not in default on any federal education loans or owing an overpayment on a federal education grant.
- If a parent does not pass the credit check, the student may borrow up to an additional $4000 under the unsubsidized loan program.
Frequent Financial Aid Questions
Find answers to common questions about our programs, tuition, application process, and more.
How is Financial Aid Calculated?
Your FAFSA data uses family income from tax returns to figure out your Student Aid Index (SAI). Each school subtracts your SAI from its Cost of Attendance to determine your financial need and build your aid package.
How Much Will I Receive?
Many factors can affect your financial aid package.
- Your financial need
- The tuition and cost of attendance
- The length of your program
- Whether or you are enrolled full-time or part-time
- Whether you are receiving financial assistance from other sources
- How much you are eligible for under annual or aggregate loan limits
When Should I Complete My Sessions College Application?
Apply at least 4 weeks before the semester begins—along with your FAFSA—to give us time to process aid. The online form takes about 10 minutes, but gathering your essay, 5–10 portfolio pieces, and official transcripts can take 2–3 weeks.
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How Can I Estimate My Costs?
Start by talking with an Admissions Advisor, submitting your FAFSA and application, and consulting with our Financial Aid team for a personalized cost overview. You can also use the Net Price Calculator for a quick, self-service estimate.
Get A Free Estimate
Complete this form for a general estimate of program costs.
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