Financial Aid Information Related to COVID-19

How will Coronavirus/COVID-19 affect my federal direct loan repayment?

All Federal Direct Student Loan payments are suspended until Sept. 30, 2021.

You should also contact your federal direct loan servicer(s) directly to find out about additional information.

I borrowed from a private lender, how will Coronavirus/COVID-19 affect repayment?

If you have borrowed private loans, you should contact the specific private lender to find out about your options. 

IF i DON'T RETURN NEXT SEMESTER, WILL MY LOANS GO INTO REPAYMENT?

You have a 6-month grace period from the date you withdraw or drop to less than half-time enrollment before repayment begins.

i was impacted by coronavirus/covid-19.  do I still need to complete exit counseling?

Yes, you should complete Exit Counseling to let your servicer aware of your status and apply any Coronavirus/COVID-19 relief available.  If you do not know who your loan servicer is, you can find more information on StudentAid.gov, along with loan servicer contact information.

Can I still use my room and board scholarships if I’m not living on campus?      

Room scholarships can only be used to pay room charges incurred from living in University-owned housing. Board scholarships can only be used to pay charges incurred from selecting a University board (dining) plan. For more information regarding your scholarships, please visit our Scholarship FAQs.

The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, temporarily expands SNAP eligibility to include students enrolled at least half-time in an institution of higher education, who either:

• Are eligible to participate in state or federally financed work study during the regular school year, as determined by the institution or higher education, or
• Have an expected family contribution (EFC) or $0 in the current academic year.

Beginning on Jan. 16, 2021, students who meet one of the two criteria outlined above may receive SNAP if they meet all other financial and non-financial SNAP eligibility criteria. The new, temporary exemptions will be in effect until 30 days after the COVID-19 public health emergency is lifted. Once approved for benefits, students will not have to re-verify for one year. 

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

SNAP Benefits Virtual Works

SNAP, or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (formerly Food Stamps), is the largest federal nutrition program. With over 1.5 million Ohioans receiving SNAP benefits, this program offers individuals and families more spending power at local grocers, retailers, and farmer’s markets and ensures that millions of Americans have continued access to nutritious food. We invite you to attend a virtual workshop explaining the SNAP application process from 1 - 1:30 pm on Jan. 19th, Feb. 16th, Mar. 16th, or Apr. 20. Students can register on KSU Engage.