Financial Aid
You’re committed to pursuing a creative education. And we’re committed to supporting you every step of the way. That includes doing everything we can to help make your schooling as affordable as possible. A one-on-one meeting with a Student Financial Services officer is the first step toward working your way through a process than can seem daunting. Schedule an appointment to receive individualized financial aid counseling that’ll answer all your questions and get you started toward a future where you do what you love.
FAFSA
Financial aid process
Your application for federal financial aid must include the FAFSA code that the federal government uses to identify The Art Institutes location of your choice. Write down the code below to complete your application. (U.S. students only)
FAFSA Code: 008878
Free application for federal student aid (FAFSA)
Because you need to re-apply for financial aid each year, you can use the Federal Student Aid site at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa for help managing your financial aid throughout your education.
Financial aid is available to those who qualify. The following links will help you understand the process and complete the FAFSA form to receive federal financial aid:
- Gather the documents you need.
- Print a FAFSA on the Web worksheet.
- Plan how to sign your FAFSA.
- Apply for an FSA ID now! (An FSA ID enables you to sign your FAFSA form online.)
- Check your eligibility for federal financial aid.
- Understand important deadlines.
Financial aid options
At The Art Institutes, we don’t want financial challenges to hinder your academic success. That’s why we offer a number of financial aid options to help meet your expenses. These types of Federal financial aid may be available to those who qualify:
- Federal Grant Programs
- Federal Loan Programs
- Federal Work-Study
Contact your Financial Aid Officer to see if you qualify.
In addition to the options above, some Art Institutes locations offer institutional aid, or operate in states where you may apply for state aid. We have also included the Financial Aid Guide for specific information on possible awards, requirements, and application processes.
Financial Aid Guide for Ai Tampa
Grants
Federal Grants
- Do not have to be repaid.*
- Not available for those who have received a bachelor's degree.
- Based on financial need.
*Students may have to pay back all or part of a grant if he/she withdraws from school before finishing an enrollment period (for example, a quarter).
Federal Pell Grant
Full-time eligible students can receive up to $6,345 per academic year. Eligible part-time students will receive smaller amounts.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant
Eligible students can receive up to $2,250 each academic year.
State Grants and Scholarships
- Do not have to be repaid.*
- Available in eligible states.
- Many based on financial need.
*Students may have to pay back all or part of a grant or scholarship if he/she withdraws from school before finishing an enrollment period (for example, a quarter).
The Art Institutes participate in eligible state grant/aid programs for eligible students. For more information, please refer to the Financial Aid Guide for The Art Institute for which you have interest.
Loans
Federal Direct Loans
- Not credit-based.
- Fixed interest rates.
- Federal student loan repayment begins 6 months after you graduate, leave school, or drop below half-time enrollment.
- Student loans can be costly and default can have serious consequences.
Federal Direct Student Loan*
Federal Loan Limits| Year | Dependent Undergraduate Student | Independent Undergraduate Student |
|---|---|---|
| First Year | Up to $5,500 | Up to $9,500 |
| Second Year | Up to $6,500 | Up to $10,500 |
| Third and Beyond (each year) | Up to $7,500 | Up to $12,500 |
Federal Direct Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students
- For parents of dependent students.
- Credit-based.
- Endorser option.
- If approved, PLUS loan can cover the total balance after all other financial aid has been applied.
- If denied, student can receive up to an additional $4,000 in Federal Direct Loans.
Other Resources
Payment Plans
- Monthly and quarterly payment options.
- Required down payment is equivalent to your monthly payment as determined by your Financial Aid officer. This is applied towards the overall program cost, and will lower future payments.
Federal Work-Study
Through the Federal Work-Study program at our participating schools, you have the opportunity to earn part of your educational expenses by working part-time, on or off school premises, including possibly working in a community service position, depending on availability. A limited number of jobs are available, with priority given to students with the greatest need as determined by the results of the FAFSA.
The maximum a student can earn through this program is the amount of unmet need—the difference between the student's educational costs and the total amount of their other financial aid. Wages from this program may be paid directly to you as you earn them or as a credit to your school account with your authorization. As with any job, several weeks may pass before you receive your first paycheck, so you will need to cover your own expenses initially. Students are paid every two weeks.
Contact the Student Financial Services department for more details.
Other Possible Resources
Scholarships
- Institutional Aid/Outside Scholarships
- Art Institutes Local and National Scholarships
Military and Veterans Educational Benefits
- Department of Veterans Affairs
- Department of Defense
- Vocational Rehabilitation