Get Directions
Call Us
Call Us! (956) 618-5800 Request Info

FINANCIAL AID

The decision to get an education is one of the best decisions you can ever make. Still, we understand the process can feel stressful, especially when it comes to the financial side of things.

That is why we have an amazing Financial Aid team in place, experts who can cut through the confusion, who will guide you through the entire process, and even help you fill out the paperwork.

Want to Speak to A Financial Aid Representative?

Contact Us!

FINANCIAL AID OPTIONS

There are financial aid options available:

In order to be considered for Federal Student Financial Aid programs, you must meet the Federal Student Aid eligibility rules and complete an on-line application. Simply follow the easy steps on the How to Apply for Financial Aid page of this website. Of course, if you need any help or have questions about the application process; the Financial Aid office staff is available to assist you. Please call 956-618-5800 and schedule an appointment with a member of our Financial Aid office. The Federal Student Financial Aid programs available at McAllen Careers Institute are as follows: The name of each program is a link to the U.S. Department of Education’s website for the specific program. (This site contains the most current and detailed information available.)



Federal Pell Grant

Provides grant aid money to assist students who have not already received a Bachelor’s Degree. (Note: If you are eligible for a Pell Grant and your parent or guardian was a member of the U.S. Armed forces who died as a result of military service in Iraq or Afghanistan after Sept. 11, 2001, you are eligible for a Pell Grant for the award year).

Learn More

Private Student Loans

Sallie Mae's loans are intended to help students pay for college by bridging the gap between available resources and the cost of attendance. For more information about Private Student Loans for McAllen Careers Institute, follow the link below!

Learn More

Iraq & Afghanistan Service Grant

Provides grant money to students who are not Pell-eligible, whose parent or guardian died as a result of military service in Iraq or Afghanistan after 9/11, and who, at the time of the parent or guardian's death, were less than 24 years old or were enrolled at least part time at an institution of higher education.

Learn More

Federal Direct Subsidized Stafford Loan

This is a loan* available to students with financial need. The federal “subsidy” includes the elimination of interest while the student is in school and a reduction of the interest rate during repayment. The loan amount is based on grade level, dependency status and financial need.

Learn More

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan

This is a loan* available to students in which you are not required to demonstrate financial need. Interest accrues (accumulates) on the loan from the time it is first disbursed (paid out). You can still pay the interest while you are in school, during grace periods and deferment periods. If you choose not to pay the interest, it will be added to your loan balance and interest will accrue on the higher principal loan amount. The loan amount is based on grade level and dependency status.

Learn More

Federal Parent PLUS Loan

This is a loan* available to parents of dependent students. A parent, if credit approved, may borrow up to the full cost of attendance minus any other financial aid.

Learn More

Texas Career Opportunity Grants

These are programs for students enrolled in eligible postsecondary career education and technical training programs of licensed career schools and colleges in Texas. More information is available in the resources listed below.

Learn More

Aid Programs for Veterans, Military, and Dependents of Disabled/Deceased Veterans

Please visit our Financial Aid Programs for Military and Veterans page for more information on these programs.

Learn More

Federal Supplemental Educational Occupational Grant

Please visit our Federal Supplemental Educational Occupational Grant page for more information on these programs.

Learn More

Federal Aid to Native Americans

Federal Aid to Native Americans is available to students who are enrolled members of a Federally recognized Indian Tribe, Alaska Natives, or ¼ degree Indian blood descendent of a Federally recognized tribe. Most programs are based on financial need and the availability of funds. Eligibility is determined and administered by your tribe and may be awarded in successive years based on satisfactory academic progress. Information and applications are available from the education office of your tribe or from the Office of Public Affairs – Indian Affairs in Washington, D.C.



* A loan is a financial obligation that must be re-paid in the future through monthly payments, including interest. It is very important to know and understand the terms of a loan before signing a promissory note and entering a loan obligation. The terms of a loan include interest rate, repayment schedule, and borrower rights and responsibilities.

HOW TO APPLY FOR FINANCIAL AID

Create Your FSA ID

The starting point for all Federal Aid is filing a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). To do that, you will need a Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID. Your FSA ID gives you a username and password to sign the FAFSA. Parents and students need their own FSA IDs. Access the free FSA ID sign-up site here.

Fill Out the FAFSA Form

Go here to complete the online FAFSA. The information you provide will help determine your eligibility for aid.

The online process includes a download of income and tax information directly from the IRS website (for both student and parent income). Be sure to use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool download process to prevent delays. If you do not choose this option, you’ll most likely be chosen for a process called “verification” (see below).

When completing the FAFSA form, list McAllen Careers Institute as your school of choice (Federal School code #042707) to ensure we receive your info in a timely manner.

Verification

Some FAFSA applications will be chosen by the U.S. Department of Education for a review process known as “verification.” If your application is selected, you (and your parent if you’re a dependent) will be asked to provide copies of prior year tax transcripts from the IRS, along with other income information. We will let you know if you were selected for verification.

We cannot process any financial aid until all required documentation is submitted and reviewed, so it’s important to submit requested documentation quickly. All documents must be received and reviewed within 30 days of the end of the school year (or student’s last day of attendance for the year, whichever comes first), or any eligibility will be forfeited.

Receive Your SAR Report & Financial Aid Offer

After filing your FAFSA you will receive an electronic Student Aid Report (SAR). This report is a summary of the info provided on your application. Please review it for accuracy. If needed, you can make corrections through the FAFSA.gov website.

Your SAR will also list your expected family contribution (EFC). This is the amount, based on the federal formula, that you and your family (if applicable) may be expected to contribute toward the Cost of Attendance (COA).

The Financial Aid Office will then prepare a financial aid package for you based on your eligibility. This info will be provided to you in a financial aid offer.

You can also discuss timing of your financial aid payments, billing procedures and alternative financing options with the Financial Aid Office.

PAYMENT PLANS & INSTITUTIONAL LOANS

If financial is not enough to cover your costs, McAllen Careers Institute offers a variety of plans to help you finance any remaining balance. Whether you choose the in-school or long-term payment options, or a combination of both, we can help find a solution that works best for you.

In-School Payment Plan

Make monthly payments across the school year for any remaining balance after other forms of financial assistance are considered.