Start the loan application process.

The Art Institute of Atlanta-Decatur participates in federal, state and other financial aid programs. Financial aid is divided into three general categories - gift aid, loans, and work.

Gift Aid
These are grants, scholarships, and other benefits that do not have to be repaid. Most grants are based on financial need, as determined by a federal formula, and are given by federal or state governments. Most scholarships are based on criteria such as grades or affiliations or other criteria, and may or may not also include a financial need component. Most benefits are based on a combination of criteria.

• Federal Pell Grant
• Federal SEOG (Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant)
• Georgia State Grants and Scholarships, including HOPE
• The Art Institutes Scholarships
• Other scholarships
• Vocational Rehabilitation
• Veterans Benefits
• Tax Benefits

Loans
Loans must be repaid; repayment can usually be delayed until several months after the student leaves school. Some loans, such as Federal Stafford Loans and Federal Perkins Loans, are given to students in their own names. Some, such as Federal PLUS Loans, are given to parents of dependent students. Some loans are based on the student's financial need, while others are available regardless of income. Some loans require a credit check. There also are alternative education loans, given by private lenders to students, which may or may not require a co-signer.

• Federal Stafford Student Loan Program
• Federal PLUS Loan (Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students)
• Federal Perkins Loan

Work
Some students choose to work to help to pay their living expenses while attending college. The Art Institute of Atlanta - Decatur participates in the Federal Work-Study Program, and also assists students in finding part-time jobs in the community.

Federal Work-Study: These are earned work funds. The Federal Work-Study program provides students the opportunity to meet part of their education expenses by working part-time on or off campus. Students can earn up to the amount of their unmet need (the difference between expenses and all resources). A limited number of assignments are available and priority is given to students with the greatest need.

Part-Time Job Assistance: The Art Institute of Atlanta-Decatur Career Services office aids students in finding suitable employment, posts part-time job opportunities (updated daily), hosts quarterly job fairs, offers regularly scheduled on-campus recruiting events, and offers referrals for freelance jobs.

Other Financial Aid Options

Veterans Education Act
The Veterans Education Act provides varying levels of assistance to eligible veterans, disabled veterans, and their dependents. Enrollment forms are completed through the registrar's office.

Vocational Rehabilitation Programs
For people whose disabilities prevent them from working, the State of Georgia offers retraining programs. Contact your state Vocational Rehabilitation Office for details.

For more information about state-sponsored financial aid programs, please call or write to:
Georgia Student Finance Authority
State Loans & Grants Division
2082 East Exchange Place Suite 245
Tucker, Georgia 30084
770.414.3008

Alternative Loan Programs
Students who do not qualify for federal loan programs may wish to take advantage of private alternative loan sources, such as the Creative Education Loan program. Contact your financial aid officer for more information.