Federal Programs

Pell Grant
If you have not yet earned a bachelor’s degree, you may be eligible for a Federal Pell Grant up to $2,853. This grant is awarded to students who display a financial need as determined by the U.S. Department of Education. A confirmed Pell Grant is then credited to your FCI student account in two equal installments. Unlike loans, Pell Grants do not need to be repaid.

Federal loan programs may be applied only toward the following career courses: Classic Culinary Arts and Classic Pastry Arts.

Stafford Loans
These fixed rate, low interest loans are available to students attending accredited schools at least half time. You may borrow up to $6,333. Loan proceeds are disbursed in two equal installments and credited to your FCI student account. Following are a number of benefits that the Stafford Loans offer:

• Repayment begins six months after graduation or withdrawal from school
• Subsidized and Unsubsidized Stafford Loans are available
• Government pays for the interest on the Subsidized Stafford Loan while you're attending school
• Low fixed interest rate of 6.80%
• $50 minimum monthly payment
• 10 year repayment period

PLUS Loan
The Federal PLUS Loan (Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students) is an affordable, low-interest loan designed for parents of dependent students only. With the PLUS Loan, parents can borrow their child's total cost of education minus other financial aid awarded to the student. This total cost can include tuition, books, food, housing, transportation, and more. The PLUS Loan offers the following great benefits:

• Covers 100% of education costs
• No income or asset requirements
• Pre-approval in minutes
• Fixed interest rate of 8.50%
• Flexible repayment options including zero payments for up to four years

For more information and an application, go to www.parentanswer.com or call 800-891-1410.

Learn how to apply for Federal Aid.

New York State Grant

National Emergency Grant (NEG)
Individuals dislocated as a result of mass layoffs or closings at specific financial service businesses may be eligible for assistance under the New York State Department of Labor's National Emergency Grant (NEG). Qualified applicants for our Career and Amateur programs may receive up to $12,500 toward the cost of tuition. For more information, visit the website or contact our Financial Aid department at finaid@frenchculinary.com or 888.FCI.CHEF.

Alternative Loan Programs

Smart Options Loan
Designed to help shorten the amount of time taken to pay off the loan, it features interest-only payments while still in school and during the six-month separation period. Students can avoid capitalized interest, thereby significantly reducing the total loan cost and graduating with substantially less debt. Rates start at LIBOR + 4%, rewarding borrowers with good credit standing (the rate will fluctuate throughout the life of the loan as the LIBOR rate goes up or down). Click here for more information.

Career Training Loan
Can be used to finance the entire cost of the Classic Culinary Arts or Classic Pastry Arts programs. Approved borrowers have the option to defer payment for up to twelve months with monthly interest payments. Repayment can be made over 10 years at LIBOR + 9.5% to 13.5% (depending on credit history; the rate will fluctuate throughout the life of the loan as the LIBOR rate goes up or down). Click here for more information.

NJCLASS Loan
A newly created loan for New Jersey residents offering one of the most affordable and flexible student loan programs in the nation. Allows students or parents to finance the cost of attendance, minus other financial aid awarded to the student. The NJCLASS loan offers the following great benefits:

• Offers a low fixed rate of 7.62%
• Flexible repayment plans offering 20-year terms
• Parents are eligible to borrow in combination with PLUS loans
• Students or co-signers may be eligible, even if you’ve applied to other loans in the past
• Immediate tax deduction for student loan interest payments
• Can be used in combination with other financial aid and scholarships

For more information, visit www.hesaa.org or call 800-792-8670. You may also contact our Financial Aid department at 1.888.FCI.CHEF or finaid@frenchculinary.com.

Learn how to apply for Alternative Loans.

Veterans’ Benefits

Veterans, and surviving family members of veterans whose deaths or disabilities were service connected, are eligible for educational benefits while attending the FCI. Forms and information are available at all Veterans’ Administration offices or at www.va.gov. If you are eligible, please fill out the form below.

• Application For VA Education Benefits (22-1990 form)

Vocational Rehabilitation

If you have a disability, you may be offered assistance by your state’s Department of Vocational Rehabilitation, depending on the state’s criteria. If this applies to you, please have your rehabilitation counselor contact The FCI’s Office of Financial Aid at finaid@frenchculinary.com or 1.888.FCI.CHEF.