Financial aid resources: State programs

New England Journal of Higher Education, The, 2004

Rhode Island Student Loan Authority (RISLA)

560 Jefferson Boulevard

Warwick, RI 02886

www.risla.com

www.rischolarships.com

401/736-119001-800/758-7562

Fax: 401/736-1145

TDD: 401/734-9481

Charles P. Kelley, Executive Director

Davis Souto, Director of Operations

RISLA's College Planning Center of Rhode Island

www.collegeplanningcenter.org

401/736-3170

TDD: 401/222-6195

Fax: 401/736-1184

Rhode Island Family Education Loan

Eligibility: Low-cost, fixed-rate loan available to all families of students attending eligible Rhode Island colleges and universities as well as to Rhode Island residents attending out-of-state institutions. Maximum loan amount: $15,000 per year. Application: Contact RISIA.

College Bound Loan

Eligibility: Available to creditworthy undergraduate and graduate students. In some instances, a co-signer may be required. Maximum loan amount: Cost of education minus any other aid received. Application: Apply online for an immediate decision and an application at www.risla.com or call RISIA at 800/758-7562.

Teacher-Reward Stafford Loan Program

Eligibility: Approximately 250 qualified graduates each year are granted loans that are interest-free for the first four years of repayment. Applicants must be employed full time and certified by the State of Rhode Island, possess a minimum of a bachelor's degree, and be directly employed by a public nonprofit elementary or secondary school in the state. Priority is given to teaching in the predicted shortage areas of math, Spanish, ESL, science, special education and health. Loans must be disbursed after July 1,2000 and held by RISLA or one of its participating lenders. Application: Contact RISLA's College Planning Center of Rhode Island at 401/736-3170.

Nurse-Reward Stafford Loan

Eligibility: Available to nursing students who finance their education with Stafford Loan through RISIA. Reduces monthly payment by one-third. Applicant must be a Rhode Island licensed registered nurse, performing nursing services in Rhode Island; be employed by a licensed Rhode Island health care facility and work a minimum of 20 hours per week with responsibility for patient care. Approximately 250 qualified graduates each year are eligible for loans that are interest-free for the first four years of repayment. Loans must have been disbursed after July 1, 2000, and held by RISLA or one of its participating lenders. Application: Contact RISLA's College Planning Center of Rhode Island at 401/736-3170.

Vermont

Vermont Student Assistance Corporation (VSAC)

P.O. Box 2000

Champlain Mill

Winooski, VT 05404-2601

www.vsac.org

802/655-960201-800/642-3177

Fax: 802/654-3765

Donald R. Vickers, President and CEO

Patrick J. Kaiser, Vice President, Student Services

State Financial Aid Programs

Vermont Incentive Grant

Eligibility: Vermont residents enrolled full-time in an approved undergraduate degree program, or the University of Vermont College of Medicine, or doctor of veterinary medicine program. Grants are need-based and portable throughout the United States. Award amount: $500 to $9,100 annually. Application: Contact VSAC.