What is a Title IV school? A Guide to Funds & Eligibility Requirements for 2025

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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The term Title IV (title four) originated in 1965, specifically from the year’s Higher Education Act (HEA). Signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson, the act became part of the Great Society Initiative and was reauthorized and extended. Now, Title IV offers financial aid for post-secondary education. Institutions that have been granted Title IV status can accommodate students who need financial assistance to get through college and graduate school.

This article provides information for students and parents on what is Title IV school and why it is important to choose a school with a Title IV status. Details of the types of financial aid available to post-secondary, graduate, and professional students are also provided. Read on so you would know and understand what a Title IV school is and why it matters in your decision-making as you pursue a bachelor’s degree or a graduate degree.

What is a Title IV school? Table of Contents

1. How an Institution Earns a Title IV Designation
2. Why Title IV Status is Important in Choosing a School
3. Types of Title IV Funds and Eligibility Requirements
4. Addressing Part-Time Students' Needs Through Title IV Support
5. How Can Title IV Funding Facilitate a Fast Track Bachelor Degree?
6. Where To Use Title IV School Funding
7. What are the common challenges in navigating Title IV funding?
8. How do Title IV schools support students beyond financial aid?
9. How can students maximize their Title IV funding opportunities?
10. How Do Title IV Funding Policies Evolve with Educational Innovation?
11. Can Title IV Funding Support Online Doctorate Programs?
12. The Growing Role of Specialized Programs in Title IV Schools
13. Can Title IV Funding Benefit Trade School Programs?
14. Can Title IV Funding Support Accelerated Bachelor's Degree Programs?
15. Can Title IV Funding Support Study Abroad Programs?
16. How Can Alternative Loan Options Complement Title IV Funding?
17. Does Title IV Funding Impact Student Loan Debt and Repayment?
18. Can Title IV Funding Support Accelerated Graduate Programs?
19. Does Title IV Funding Adequately Offset Rising Postsecondary Costs?
20. Can Title IV Funding Support Certificate and Continuing Education Programs?
21. Can Title IV Funding Support Accelerated Associate Degree Programs?
22. How Does Title IV Funding Influence Long-Term Career Outcomes?
23. What Academic Programs Deliver the Highest Return on Investment?

The primary aim of the HEA  is to strengthen the educational resources of colleges and universities and to provide financial assistance to students in post-secondary and higher education. This alleviates the financial burden of perpetually rising tuition costs. This, however, begs the question of what can Title IV funds be used for? From its introduction in 1965, the HEA has evolved and expanded to encompass student grants, student loans, family loans, and college work-study programs. For the school year 2020-2021, the total Title IV school funding disbursed by the U.S. federal government has been pegged at $91.4 billion (FSA, 2021).

HEA is preceded by earlier legislation that sought to increase the economic and social well-being of the country, such as the Morrill Land Grant Act of 1862, the Serviceman’s Readjustment Act of 1944, and the National Defense Education Act. All these legislations had one aim—to expand the role of the federal government in designing an equitable post-secondary system in the country by stimulating educational opportunities. Since its enactment in 1965, the HEA has been reauthored and amended to keep up with the ever-changing landscape in which higher education institutions operate.

How an Institution Earns a Title IV Designation

Title IV requires schools to comply with specific teaching standards and provide educational resources that would facilitate high-quality learning. Once these requirements are met, the educational institution gets accreditation as a Title IV school and gets federal funding for its students.

To acquire Title IV designation and become eligible for federal aid programs, institutions of higher education (IHE)—public, private, for-profit, nonprofit, and vocational —must satisfy the program integrity triad. It also applies to online course platforms provided by these institutions. The IHE must be:

• legally authorized to provide post-secondary education in the state in which it is located
• accredited or pre-accredited by an agency recognized by the Department of Education for such purposes
• certified by the Department of Education as eligible to participate in Title IV programs

Program integrity is important in the implementation of Title IV in schools because it underscores the role of the state, the role of the accrediting agencies, and the role of the federal government in ensuring compliance as well as administrative and fiscal integrity. To provide consumer protection is the role of the state, to provide quality assurance is the role of accrediting agencies, and to provide oversight of compliance is the role of the federal government. Both program design and resource investments are crucial to the effectiveness of Title IV programs.

Harris et al (2020) in their research “The promise of free college (and its potential pitfalls)" concluded that in addition to financial aid, design and implementation are of equal importance in realizing the objectives of Title IV programs. Published in the book Improving Research-Based Knowledge of College Promise Programs, the authors identified three findings:

“First, financial aid can reduce the costs of college attendance. When communicated effectively, it sends the message to students that college is for them. Second, when aid is committed in advance, as with free college and promise scholarships, students’ academic and college-going social capital could increase during high school, catalyzing a stronger college-going school culture and reinforcing the path to college and the long-term benefits that come with it. Finally, free college can also reduce uncertainty about the price of college and limit administrative barriers to college resources."

Why Title IV Status is Important in Choosing a School

The schools that apply for Title IV status are carefully evaluated by the U.S. Department of Education. The accreditation process is rigorous as applicants must adhere to the provisions of the HEA to qualify for grants. Once the school gets the stamp of approval from the Department of Education and gets Title IV status, the institution then becomes eligible as a federal funding channel, while at the same time gaining the trust of parents and students for its compliance with HEA standards.

Aside from having access to federal funding, a Title IV school also extends value and validity to your completed program or degree. Graduates of Title IV schools are more likely to find well-paying, stable jobs because of their school’s reputation of having been rigorously reviewed by the Department of Education on a regular basis.

So, what are Title IV funds a school is entitled to? To find out if you are qualified for Title IV school funding, you need to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. Among the information that an applicant would need to provide is the Title IV school code. The federal school code is composed of six characters each, with one code assigned to each college or university. Check with the Federal Student Aid Information Center for an updated list of Title IV schools with corresponding Title IV school codes. It is important to be mindful when placing the Title IV school code in your FAFSA application because some schools have more than one code to designate different campuses and programs.

If your school is not on the list of Title IV schools, then it might be wise to reconsider your options. Remember, no accreditation means no stamp of approval from the Department of Education. The degree that you would earn upon graduation might not be as valuable as one that is earned from a Title IV school.

Since Title IV status is considered a seal of approval from the U.S. Department of Education, it elevates the ranking of the school among enrollees. Through the years, some for-profit schools have taken advantage of Title IV reputation by engaging in the promotion of misleading information. Some unaccredited for-profit institutions would lure unsuspecting enrollees. Due to this, students are reminded all the time to check a particular institution against the list of Title IV schools.

Types of Title IV Funds and Eligibility Requirements

The main purpose of Title IV is to provide qualified high school graduate students with the resources to pursue post-secondary education.

The following are the basic eligibility criteria for a student to qualify for aid under the HEA:

• should demonstrate financial need
• be a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen
• have a high school diploma or equivalent certificate
• be accepted for enrollment or enrolled as a regular student in an eligible degree or certificate program
• if male, should be registered with Selective Service
• for Direct Loan Program, funds must be enrolled at least half-time
• should have demonstrated satisfactory academic progress
• currently not in default on a federal student loan and do not have an existing debt with a federal student grant
• will use federal student aid for educational purposes only

If you are wondering what is Title IV financial aid you can have access to, Title IV funds include federal grants, which include the Pell Grant, and Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (FSEO). Federal student loans include the Direct Subsidized/Unsubsidized Loan, and the Direct PLUS/ Direct Graduate PLUS Loan.

Direct Subsidized/Unsubsidized Loan

Also referred to as Stafford Loans, Direct Subsidized Loans are loans provided to undergraduate students with financial needs. Under this type of loan, the school determines the amount of aid that you can borrow, which is not to exceed your financial need. Interest payments for Direct Subsidized Loans are taken care of by the U.S. Department of Education while the student is in school, for the first six months after leaving school, and during the deferment period, or that instance when the student decides to postpone loan payments.

Direct Unsubsidized Loans or Direct Stafford Loans are available to both undergraduate and graduate students, even without a demonstrated financial need. For this type of loan, the school also determines the amount the student can borrow based on the cost of attendance and other available financial aid. Since this type of loan is unsubsidized, the student is responsible for paying the interest without exemptions.

Direct PLUS/ Direct Graduate PLUS Loan

Direct PLUS and Direct Graduate PLUS Loans are grants specifically provided to graduate or professional (Grad PLUS) students. Parents of dependent undergraduate students are also eligible to avail of this loan if educational expenses are not covered by other grants.

Aside from tuition and other mandatory fees, room and board charges, Direct PLUS and Direct Graduate PLUS Loans allow the graduate or professional student, or the parent of a student, to authorize the school to use loan funds to satisfy other expenses related to education. Under this type of loan, the borrower may also request a change in the previously specified loan amount.

While Direct PLUS and Direct Graduate PLUS Loans cover more fees, a credit check is required prior to approval. If the borrower does not have a good credit rating, additional information will be required.

Pell Grant

Pell Grant is not a loan but a type of grant that is awarded to undergraduate students with an exceptional need for financial assistance. Upon application, the borrower should not have earned a bachelor’s, graduate, or professional degree. One exemption, however, are students enrolled in post-baccalaureate teacher certification programs. It is important to note that previously incarcerated applicants or those who are subject to incarceration for criminal offenses are not eligible to apply for this grant. Except under certain circumstances, Pell Grant does not have to be repaid.

Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant

Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) is a type of financial assistance that is designed to supplement the Federal Pell Grant. Funds for FSEOG depend on the availability at school and Pell Grant recipients take priority. The financial aid office will award FSEOGs to students that have the most financial need. Not all schools offer the FSEOG grant, you have to check with the financial aid office that directly administers this program.

Addressing Part-Time Students' Needs Through Title IV Support

While Title IV funding has been pivotal in enabling full-time students to access higher education, it is equally important to consider how part-time students can optimize these opportunities. Many students today juggle work, family, and other responsibilities, making part-time education a more viable option. Title IV schools increasingly recognize this and offer flexible financial aid programs tailored to the needs of part-time learners.

For part-time students, Title IV funding can cover proportional tuition fees, certain certifications, and academic programs provided they meet enrollment and eligibility requirements. However, financial planning becomes crucial, as part-time status may impact the total amount of federal aid students can receive. To bridge any financial gaps, students should also explore alternative options like part time student loans, which can complement Title IV assistance while offering manageable repayment terms.

Title IV schools are committed to fostering inclusivity by ensuring that part-time students have access to high-quality academic resources, career counseling, and learning accommodations. Leveraging Title IV funding alongside supplementary financial tools allows part-time students to achieve their academic goals without compromising their personal or professional lives.

How Can Title IV Funding Facilitate a Fast Track Bachelor Degree?

Title IV funding can be strategically allocated to support innovative accelerated degree pathways that reduce time-to-graduation while retaining academic rigor. Many institutions have developed streamlined, competency-based curricula that allow students to complete their studies in a reduced period. These programs are designed with tailored financial strategies where funds cover specialized academic resources, targeted instruction, and career readiness initiatives. Moreover, enhanced oversight ensures that accelerated pathways meet Title IV compliance standards, safeguarding both educational quality and fiscal responsibility. For students interested in expediting their education without compromising on quality, exploring options such as the fast track bachelor degree can offer a viable, cost-effective alternative.

Where To Use Title IV School Funding

What is Title IV funding aiming for? It aims to provide students with a well-rounded education, improve school conditions for student learning, improve the use of technology to elevate the academic achievement and digital literacy of students. Title IV funds can be used to pay for tuition, room/board if housing is contracted through college, and mandatory fees. Mandatory fees may include library fees, counseling fees, or laboratory fees as required for specific courses. As for housing, off-campus rent is not included in the fees that are eligible for funding.

What are the common challenges in navigating Title IV funding?

Students frequently encounter obstacles with Title IV funding processes that stem primarily from procedural complexity and variable institutional practices. A common challenge is the intricate documentation and strict deadline requirements that demand careful financial planning and precise record-keeping. Differences in how schools interpret eligibility criteria and manage award disbursements can lead to inconsistent funding outcomes, causing uncertainty for applicants. Additionally, limited transparency in communicating changes or updates regarding funding policies may hinder timely decision making. Prospective students are encouraged to engage directly with financial aid offices to clarify any ambiguities and explore alternative options, such as those provided by open admission colleges, to ensure a well-informed approach to managing educational expenses.

How do Title IV schools support students beyond financial aid?

Title IV schools not only provide access to federal financial aid but also offer a range of additional support services aimed at enhancing the overall student experience and academic success. These support services play a critical role in helping students navigate the challenges of higher education.

• Academic advising and tutoring services: Title IV schools typically offer academic advising to help students plan their courses and ensure they meet graduation requirements. Many institutions also provide tutoring and writing centers to assist students in improving their academic performance.
• Career services: Most Title IV schools have dedicated career centers that offer resume building, job search assistance, internship placements, and interview preparation. These services help students prepare for life after graduation and increase their chances of securing employment.
• Mental health and counseling services: Recognizing the stress and mental health challenges faced by students, Title IV schools often provide on-campus counseling services. These services support students dealing with anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns, offering both individual and group therapy.
• Disability services: Title IV schools are required to accommodate students with disabilities by providing services such as note-taking assistance, alternative exam formats, and accessible housing. These accommodations ensure all students can fully participate in academic programs.
• Student support programs: Many Title IV schools offer additional programs like first-generation student support, mentoring, and workshops on time management and study skills. These programs are designed to improve retention and success rates, particularly for students who may need extra guidance.

How can students maximize their Title IV funding opportunities?

Title IV schools provide students access to federal financial aid, but understanding how to optimize this funding is crucial. Here are practical tips to help students maximize their Title IV aid opportunities:

• Complete the FAFSA Early: The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the gateway to Title IV funding. Submit it as early as possible to increase your chances of receiving grants and work-study opportunities, as some funds are limited.
• Verify Your School’s Title IV Status: Ensure your chosen institution is a Title IV school. Non-Title IV schools are not eligible for federal aid, which can limit your funding options.
• Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP): Title IV aid requires students to meet specific academic benchmarks. Keep your grades and course completion rates above the SAP threshold to remain eligible.
• Explore All Available Aid: Title IV funding includes federal grants, loans, and work-study opportunities. Take advantage of grants like the Pell Grant, which do not require repayment, before considering loans.
• Understand Loan Types: If you need to borrow, prioritize Direct Subsidized Loans, as they have lower interest rates and the government covers the interest while you’re in school.
• Consider Additional Resources: Beyond Title IV, explore scholarships, state aid, and private funding. For students in urgent need, our guide on last minute student loans offers insights on securing funding quickly.

By taking these steps, students can make the most of their Title IV funding and minimize out-of-pocket expenses during their educational journey.

How Do Title IV Funding Policies Evolve with Educational Innovation?

Title IV funding frameworks are continuously updated to keep pace with emerging teaching models and technological advances. Regulatory bodies and institutions work collaboratively to revise guidelines so that new educational formats—such as competency‐based curricula, hybrid delivery, and accelerated pathways—align with federal accountability standards. This dynamic approach ensures that funding not only supports traditional academic structures but also fosters innovative models, including programs like 1 year associate degree programs online, which exemplify the flexible adaptation of resources to meet varied learner needs.

Can Title IV Funding Support Online Doctorate Programs?

Title IV funding frameworks are evolving to accommodate advanced academic formats, including online doctorate programs offered through accredited institutions. Certain schools are now assessing innovative models that extend federal aid to support digital delivery, research infrastructure, and specialized academic resources critical for doctoral studies. Such adaptations not only aim to widen access for prospective doctoral candidates but also strive to maintain rigorous academic standards in a virtual learning environment. Interested students should evaluate programs—such as online doctorate programs—to determine how these evolving funding structures align with their professional goals and research pursuits.

The Growing Role of Specialized Programs in Title IV Schools

Title IV schools are increasingly emphasizing specialized programs to accommodate diverse student interests and demands in higher education. One growing trend is the expansion of offerings in cutting-edge fields such as artificial intelligence, technology, and data sciences. Recognizing that today’s job market requires advanced technical skills, many Title IV institutions are integrating these fields into their academic curricula.

For students seeking flexible and affordable ways to develop expertise in these high-demand areas, exploring options such as the cheapest online masters in artificial intelligence is highly advisable. Online education platforms supported by accredited Title IV schools allow students to access these programs while balancing personal and professional obligations. Access to federal aid for these programs further makes education more attainable, bridging the gap between aspiring professionals and career advancement opportunities.

These specialized courses not only prepare students for competitive industries but also enhance their contributions to innovation and the global workforce. Title IV funding thus plays a critical role in ensuring that students can pursue education in fields poised for exponential growth, especially those that require significant investment at the master's level.

Can Title IV Funding Benefit Trade School Programs?

Title IV funding also extends to trade school programs that focus on hands-on technical training and vocational education. These programs leverage federal aid to assist students with tuition and essential certification fees while promoting industry-relevant skills and certifications. Graduates from Title IV-approved trade schools often enjoy improved career prospects and competitive financial returns, as highlighted by the average salary of trade school graduate. Institutions that integrate Title IV support into vocational curricula maintain rigorous compliance with federal standards, ensuring that educational investments translate into measurable workforce outcomes.

Can Title IV Funding Support Accelerated Bachelor's Degree Programs?

Accelerated bachelor's degree programs offer a condensed pathway to undergraduate qualifications by streamlining course requirements without compromising academic quality. Title IV funding may be allocated to cover eligible expenses for these programs, such as tuition and essential academic resources, provided that the institution meets federal compliance standards. This financial support can shorten the time-to-graduation, enhancing return on investment by enabling quicker entry into the workforce. Students evaluating such pathways should confirm that their chosen institution adheres to Title IV guidelines, ensuring that the program’s accelerated model aligns with both academic goals and federal funding criteria through opportunities like accelerated bachelor's degree programs.

Can Title IV Funding Support Study Abroad Programs?

Study abroad programs integrated into a degree curriculum may qualify for portions of Title IV funding when they are deemed essential to an academic program. In such cases, federally funded aid may cover tuition, mandatory fees, and curriculum-driven travel components. However, elective or non-credit international experiences typically do not meet Title IV criteria. It is advisable for students to verify program eligibility with their financial aid office to determine which costs are eligible and to evaluate alternate financing options if necessary. For instance, students might consider how can college students get loans without parents to supplement their funding when Title IV aid does not cover all international study expenses.

How Can Alternative Loan Options Complement Title IV Funding?

Students facing funding shortfalls may benefit from integrating alternative loan products with their Title IV aid. Complementary financing strategies can bridge gaps that federal aid does not cover, offering flexibility in managing tuition and ancillary expenses. For instance, exploring private loan options can be instrumental when conventional federal aid frameworks fall short. In certain cases, students may have access to innovative programs such as cosigner release student loans, which expedite the cosigner release process and enhance loan flexibility. Evaluating these alternatives alongside established Title IV resources can facilitate a more comprehensive financial planning strategy without compromising compliance or educational standards.

Does Title IV Funding Impact Student Loan Debt and Repayment?

A critical factor for prospective students is understanding how Title IV funding intersects with long-term financial responsibilities. Analyzing institutional trends can reveal whether schools that effectively deploy Title IV resources also implement robust financial literacy initiatives—thereby potentially reducing borrower reliance on high-interest loans. Evaluating average loan burdens and repayment timelines is essential when comparing programs, as careful financial planning may help mitigate debt accumulation. Additionally, exploring expedited academic pathways, such as the fastest degree to get, can shorten time-to-graduation and subsequently limit overall borrowing, ensuring a more sustainable financial outlook.

Can Title IV Funding Help Cover Off-Campus Living Expenses?

While Title IV funds are primarily allocated for on-campus support such as tuition, mandatory fees, and housing arranged directly through the institution, off-campus living expenses typically fall outside of these approved costs. This limitation necessitates that students who face higher living expenses explore supplementary financial strategies. For instance, understanding whether can you take out student loans for living expenses might be a viable option is essential in constructing a comprehensive budget. In these cases, integrating external financial products with Title IV aid can help bridge the gap between available federal funding and actual living costs.

Can Title IV Funding Support Accelerated Graduate Programs?

Accelerated graduate programs are emerging as a strategic pathway for professionals seeking rapid career advancement while maintaining academic rigor. When accredited institutions ensure compliance with federal standards, Title IV funding can cover critical expenses such as tuition, technology fees, and essential academic resources. This financial support helps mitigate the higher costs usually associated with condensed program formats and enables students to benefit from intensive learning experiences without prolonged financial burden. Learners pursuing fast-track graduate degrees—such as a one year masters program online—often experience enhanced career outcomes by reducing time-to-degree while optimizing resource allocation.

Does Title IV Funding Adequately Offset Rising Postsecondary Costs?

Amid escalating tuition rates and increasing operational expenses, stakeholders question whether Title IV funding sufficiently bridges the financial gap in today’s educational landscape. Data suggests that while federal aid programs alleviate part of the burden, funding levels sometimes lag behind rapidly rising costs, requiring institutions to implement strategic fiscal management and policy adjustments. Optimized resource allocation and proactive planning are essential to ensure that federal support effectively targets critical price discrepancies, especially in programs linked to promising career outcomes, such as highest paying bachelors degrees.

Can Title IV Funding Support Certificate and Continuing Education Programs?

Federal funding under Title IV is primarily allocated to accredited institutions offering degree programs; however, evolving criteria now allow select certificate and continuing education programs to qualify when they meet stringent accreditation standards and align with industry requirements. Eligible non-degree programs can access federal aid to cover tuition, course materials, and specific training costs, thereby supporting workforce development and professional upskilling. Institutions delivering these initiatives, such as those found among top accredited online schools, ensure that learning opportunities remain accessible and aligned with current market demands.

Can Title IV Funding Support Accelerated Associate Degree Programs?

Title IV funding is extending its benefits beyond traditional academic trajectories by increasingly incorporating accelerated program models that enable swift attainment of associate degrees. Institutions leveraging these models align federal aid frameworks with innovative, competency-based curricula designed to condense course schedules without compromising academic rigor. Such accelerated pathways not only address the evolving needs of career-focused learners but also offer flexible scheduling for nontraditional students. For those pursuing a streamlined education that paves the way for prompt entry into the workforce, Title IV funding can be a vital resource in programs like accelerated associates degree online.

How Does Title IV Funding Influence Long-Term Career Outcomes?

Title IV funding not only bridges the gap to higher education but also underpins the long-term career trajectory of graduates by enhancing institutional reputation and fostering industry collaborations. This framework often translates into robust alumni networks and improved employment prospects, as Title IV-supported programs are aligned with labor market needs. Moreover, innovative accelerated pathways, such as the associate's degree online fast, enable students to enter the workforce sooner while maintaining high academic standards.

What Academic Programs Deliver the Highest Return on Investment?

Title IV funding can be a pivotal factor in advancing both education and career trajectories. Data-driven evaluations show that enrolling in programs aligned with labor market demands boosts long-term financial returns. For example, high-demand fields offer accelerated pathways to gainful employment and can enhance the value of federal aid by linking academic outcomes with robust job prospects. Institutions are increasingly tailoring curricula to ensure that students pursue disciplines with strong market signals, where graduates are well-positioned for competitive salaries. Interested readers might explore our guide on the best degrees to make money to align their academic investments with high-return career opportunities.

Providing Equal Access to Post-Secondary Education

If ever you will be asked what is a Title IV school, you know that these are highly accredited post-secondary institutions that are authorized to provide financial assistance to students. The funds can be in the form of loans and grants. The type of loan or grant that will be extended is based on the student’s capacity to pay. Every student needs to apply to avail of student aid as stipulated in Title IV of the Higher Education Act. Financial aid adjustments may also be requested if the student’s or the family’s financial situation has changed due to recent crises brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Title IV schools are institutions working with the federal government with the objective of improving the educational achievement of students amidst rising costs. At the same time, the system also advances the capacity of local educational agencies by providing assistance to small and less developed colleges. For students, that desire to pursue post-secondary education, Title IV schools provide not just financial assistance but also a guarantee that students are getting high-quality instruction as Title IV schools regularly undergo rigorous evaluation.

Key Insights

• Origin of Title IV: Title IV originated from the Higher Education Act (HEA) of 1965, part of President Lyndon B. Johnson's Great Society Initiative, aimed at providing financial assistance to post-secondary students.
• Importance of Title IV Status: Schools with Title IV status are accredited by the U.S. Department of Education, ensuring they meet specific teaching standards and provide quality education. This status allows schools to offer federal financial aid to students.
• Types of Title IV Funds: Title IV funds include federal grants like the Pell Grant and Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), and federal student loans such as Direct Subsidized/Unsubsidized Loans and Direct PLUS/Graduate PLUS Loans.
• Eligibility for Title IV Aid: To qualify for Title IV aid, students must demonstrate financial need, be U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens, have a high school diploma or equivalent, and meet other criteria including satisfactory academic progress.
• Benefits of Title IV Schools: Graduates from Title IV schools are more likely to find well-paying, stable jobs due to the school's accreditation and rigorous review by the Department of Education.
• Application Process: Students need to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form, providing the Title IV school code to determine eligibility for financial aid.
• Misleading Information: Students should verify if a school is on the list of Title IV schools to avoid enrolling in unaccredited institutions that might mislead them with false information.

FAQ

1. What is a Title IV school? A Title IV school is an institution that has been accredited by the U.S. Department of Education to participate in federal student financial aid programs. These schools meet specific educational standards and provide financial assistance to eligible students.
2. Why is Title IV status important in choosing a school? Title IV status ensures that a school meets high educational standards and is regularly reviewed by the Department of Education. This status allows the school to offer federal financial aid, making education more accessible to students who need financial assistance.
3. What types of financial aid are available under Title IV? Title IV financial aid includes federal grants such as the Pell Grant and Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), as well as federal student loans like Direct Subsidized/Unsubsidized Loans and Direct PLUS/Graduate PLUS Loans.
4. Who is eligible for Title IV financial aid? To be eligible for Title IV financial aid, students must demonstrate financial need, be U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens, have a high school diploma or equivalent, be enrolled in an eligible degree or certificate program, and meet other criteria such as satisfactory academic progress.
5. How can I apply for Title IV financial aid? Students can apply for Title IV financial aid by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. They need to provide the Title IV school code of the institution they plan to attend to determine eligibility for financial aid.
6. What can Title IV funds be used for? Title IV funds can be used to pay for tuition, room and board if housing is contracted through the college, and mandatory fees such as library, counseling, or laboratory fees. Off-campus rent is not included in the fees eligible for funding.
7. What is the Pell Grant? The Pell Grant is a type of federal grant awarded to undergraduate students with exceptional financial need. Unlike loans, Pell Grants do not need to be repaid, except under certain circumstances.
8. What is the difference between Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans? Direct Subsidized Loans are available to undergraduate students with financial need, and the U.S. Department of Education pays the interest while the student is in school and during deferment periods. Direct Unsubsidized Loans are available to both undergraduate and graduate students without a demonstrated financial need, and the student is responsible for paying all interest.
9. What is the Direct PLUS/Graduate PLUS Loan? Direct PLUS and Direct Graduate PLUS Loans are grants provided to graduate or professional students and parents of dependent undergraduate students to cover educational expenses not met by other financial aid. These loans require a credit check.
10. What should I do if my school is not on the list of Title IV schools? If your school is not on the list of Title IV schools, it might be wise to reconsider your options. Attending a non-Title IV school means you will not be eligible for federal financial aid, and your degree might not be as valuable as one earned from a Title IV accredited institution.

References:

• Congressional Research Service (2019), Institutional Eligibility for Participation in Title IV Student Financial Aid Programs, https://fas.org/sgp/crs/misc/R43159.pdf
• Compiled Title IV Regulations, https://www.nasfaa.org/compiled_title_iv_regulations
• Complete the FAFSA Form, https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa
• Coronavirus and Forbearance Info for Students, Borrowers, and Parents, https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/coronavirus
• Federal Student Aid (2021), Award Year Summary by School Type,  https://studentaid.gov/data-center/student/title-iv
• Harris, D., Farmer-Hinton, R., Kim, D. H., Diamond, J. B., Reavis, T. B., Rifelj, K. K., Lustick, H. A., Carl, B. (2020), The promise of free college and its potential pitfalls: Evidence from a randomized controlled trial of a performance-based aid program, In Perna, L. W., Smith, E. J. (Eds.), Improving research-based knowledge of college promise programs (pp. 119150). American Educational Research Association. https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctvxw3phv.9
• Ma, J., Pender, M. , Libassi, C.J. (2020), Trends in College Pricing and Student Aid 2020, New York: College Board, https://research.collegeboard.org/trends/college-pricing
• National Center on Safe Supportive Learning Environments, https://safesupportivelearning.ed.gov/title-iv-part-a-statute
• Title IV Institution Codes, https://finaid.org/fafsa/tiv/
• See, C. (2021), Why Your School’s Title IV Status Affects Your Student Loan Eligibility, https://www.studentloanplanner.com/what-are-title-iv-schools/
• Types of Financial Aid, https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/loans