Cost & Financial Aid
Federal Financial Aid and Additional Loan Options
Federal Financial Aid
Any student who is a U.S. citizen is eligible to apply for federal Pell Grants, Direct Loans, and PLUS Loans. Funds from these sources can possibly be used for study abroad programs.
Many home institutions will process federal financial aid on behalf of their students and forward the funds to our program based on an understanding called a “consortium agreement.” Inquire with your home school about federal aid before applying through Semester at Sea.
Complete the Application
Students applying for federal financial aid are required to complete the online application form. Please click the link below to get started.
If the home school is unable to process the federal aid, occasionally the aid is able to be processed by Colorado State University (if your school and Colorado State University have signed a consortium agreement). The FAFSA code for Colorado State University is 001350. Contact the Semester at Sea Financial Aid Office for more information.
Federal Loan Options
Semester at Sea offers an experience that promises to profoundly benefit participants on many levels. Just like with other items and experiences of value, loans can be useful in helping to assemble the funding necessary to make Semester at Sea a reality. Explore below some of the loans that may or may not be part of your financial aid award at your home school.
We encourage students to be active self-advocates with their school officials, meeting with their school’s study abroad office and financial aid office. We are also happy to help provide information and direction on matters of financial aid, so please contact us by email or at 1-800-854-0195.
Federal Stafford Subsidized & Unsubsidized Loans
You are eligible to borrow under the federal Stafford Loan program if you have filed a FAFSA for the current academic year. Check with your school’s financial aid office about whether your Stafford Loan eligibility can be applied to Semester at Sea.
The Parent PLUS Loan
The Federal PLUS Loan for parents is an excellent option to assist in financing a college education. It is available to parents, legal guardians, and stepparents of dependent, undergraduate students. Generally, you can borrow up to the cost of attendance minus any other financial aid the student is receiving. Check with your school’s financial aid office about whether they will process a PLUS Loan for Semester at Sea.
Alternative Loans
What is an alternative loan? A private loan is designed primarily to help students with educational expenses that exceed other available assistance (such as scholarships, grants, and Federal Direct Stafford Loans). In other words, alternative loans were designed to bridge the gap between college costs and traditional financial aid resources. Alternative loans cannot exceed the cost of attendance minus other financial aid.