Financial Aid & Scholarships

Eligibility

To be eligible for Federal Financial Aid, you must be:

• A citizen of the United States or an eligible permanent resident;
• Enrolled in an eligible program;
• Making satisfactory academic progress toward graduation;
• A high school graduate or have obtained a GED or the equivalent;
• Not in default on a financial aid loan nor owe a refund to a financial aid grant received at any postsecondary institution;
• Registered with the U.S. Selective Service, if applicable.

Application Process

• The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the financial aid form used by United States University. This form may be obtained from any college financial aid office or high school, or on the web at www.fafsa.ed.gov (http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/). US University’s school code is: 040053.
• If you are selected for verification, you may be required to submit official Tax Transcripts from the IRS along with a completed and signed verification Worksheet to our Financial Aid Office. We will notify you if you are selected after your FAFSA has been processed.
• Students may also need to submit other documentation such as childcare expenses, medical expenses, child support, citizenship, private school tuition, untaxed income, and benefits, etc., if requested by the Financial Aid Office.

How Financial Aid is Determined

The majority of financial aid funds at United States University are awarded based on “financial need.” Income and asset information provided on the FAFSA is evaluated using the Federal Methodology (FM) formula determined by the U.S. Congress. The results of this calculation provide each student/family with an Expected Family Contribution (EFC). This EFC is subtracted from the total cost of education at United States University to determine a student’s “need” for financial assistance.

Each year, the Financial Aid Office reviews the cost of attending United States University and develops budgets tailored to meet the needs of semester, weekend, and accelerated undergraduate and graduate students. These budgets provide for a modest standard of living and include tuition, room and board/food and housing, books, supplies, personal expenses, and required travel. The costs of attendance budgets provide average figures, using actual institutional charges with estimates for other expenses. Financial aid may not cover a student’s total need or cost of education.

After an applicant has been formally admitted to United States University and their financial aid file is complete, the Financial Aid Office will determine the financial aid award. The types and amounts of the awards are individually calculated based on financial need and the resources of United States University.

Financial aid recipients should notify the Financial Aid Office of any changes in enrollment, or financial resources. Such changes can also require a change in the amount of financial assistance.

Federal Financial Aid Programs

The following is a description of the financial aid programs available at United States University for students who qualify. Additional information may be obtained through the Financial Services Department.

For information, guidance and tools about federal student assistance, you can also visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website on federal student aid at http://federalstudentaid.ed.gov (http://federalstudentaid.ed.gov/).

Federal Pell Grant

Federal PELL Grants provide a foundation of assistance to which other forms of aid may be added. Eligibility for the Federal PELL Grant Program is determined by a standard formula that is revised and approved every year by the federal government. Unlike loans, grants do not have to be paid back.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants are available to a limited number of students with exceptional financial need. Grants are based on funds available and do not have to be repaid. Need is determined by the financial resources of the student and parents and the cost of attendance.

Federal Work-Study Grant (FWS)

The Federal Work-Study program provides jobs for graduate and undergraduate students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to help pay education expenses. The program encourages community service work related to the student’s course of study. Funds under this program are limited and do not have to be repaid.

William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program Direct Student Loans (https://studentloans.gov/myDirectLoan/index.action)

Under the Federal Direct Loan (FDL) program the University originates the Direct Loan. The loan is then sent to the U.S. Department of Education’s Common Origination and Disbursement Center (COD) and disbursed to the University electronically through the Grant Administration and Payment System (G5); the origination fees vary based on award year. The loans are serviced by the Direct Loan Servicing System. All information will be disclosed during the financial aid application process.

Subsidized Direct Loan

Federal Subsidized loans are available to students with financial need. Students may borrow up to $3,500 for their first academic year, $4,500 for the second academic year and $5,500 for the third and fourth academic years. The interest is paid by the federal government while students are in school and for six (6) months after students cease their enrollment. Regular payments begin six (6) months after students cease enrollment or fail to carry at least one-half the normal full-time University workload.

Unsubsidized Direct Loan

Unsubsidized direct loans are available for students to borrow for education costs. Independent students can borrow up to $9,500 for their first academic year, $10,500 for the second academic year and $12,500 for their third and fourth academic years, as a combined total with the Federal Subsidized Direct loan.

With the exception of demonstrating financial need, borrowers must meet all eligibility criteria of the Federal Subsidized loan program. Interest payments begin immediately after the loan is fully disbursed or may be added to the principal balance. Generally payments begin six (6) months after students cease enrollment or fail to carry at least one-half the normal full-time school workload.

Financial Aid Resource Publication from the U.S. Department of Education

Funding Education Beyond High School (http://studentaid.ed.gov/sites/default/files/2012-13-funding-your-education.pdf)

Other helpful links:

Apply for a federal PIN: http://www.pin.ed.gov/PINWebApp/pinindex.jsp (http://www.pin.ed.gov/PINWebApp/pinindex.jsp) Complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid: http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/ (http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/) Complete online student loan entrance counseling: https://studentloans.gov/myDirectLoan/index.action (https://studentloans.gov/myDirectLoan/index.action) Complete online student loan exit counseling: http://www.nslds.ed.gov/nslds_SA/ (http://www.nslds.ed.gov/nslds_SA/) Retrieve your Loan Information/Financial Aid Review: http://www.nslds.ed.gov/nslds_SA/ (http://www.nslds.ed.gov/nslds_SA/)

Washington State Residents

For Washington State residents seeking information and resources about student loan repayment or seeking to submit a complaint relating to your student loans or student loan servicer, please visit www.wsac.wa.gov/loan-advocacy (http://www.wsac.wa.gov/loan-advocacy) or contact the Student Loan Advocate at loanadvocate@wsac.wa.gov (mailto:loanadvocate@wsac.wa.gov).

Net Price Calculator (https://www.usuniversity.edu/net-price-calculator/)

What is United States University’s federal school code?
Our school code is 040053-00

What if I did not originally list United States University on my FAFSA?
You can go online to www.fafsa.gov (http://www.fafsa.gov/) or contact the Central Processor (1-800-4FEDAID or 1-800-433-3243) to request a duplicate SAR (Student Aid Report) be sent to United States University (school code 040053).

When do I apply for financial aid?
As soon as possible. Deadlines vary according to the type of award offered. Students who submit required documents by the deadlines published in the financial aid application materials will receive priority consideration for all available funds.

What is the maximum amount of financial aid I may receive?
The Financial Aid Office packages various forms of financial aid for which the student is eligible. While the amount of aid may vary depending on financial need and availability of funding, awards for undergraduate and graduate students may be made up from the following sources up to these annual maximums:

Undergraduate Maximum Aid Awards by Source

Pell $6,195 SEOG $220 Direct Loan – Subsidized $5,500* Direct Loan – Unsubsidized $7,000* PLUS Direct (Parent Loan)**

* Amounts vary depending on grade level

**Parents may borrow up to the student’s cost of attendance minus other financial aid the student is offered. These loans are credit-based.

Graduate Maximum Aid Awards by Source

Direct Loan – Unsubsidized $20,500 PLUS (Graduate Loan)*

* Graduate students may borrow up to the student’s cost of attendance minus other financial aid the student is offered. These loans are credit-based.

What is Verification?

Verification is a process, initiated by the U.S. Department of Education or by the Financial Aid Office, requiring you to verify the information that you provided on the FAFSA. You are then required to submit tax transcripts from the IRS and any other required documents to the Financial Aid Office.

If your application is selected for verification, you will not be eligible for federal aid until this process is completed.

About 30% of all financial aid applicants at US University are selected at random each year for verification when their application is processed. Other students are selected due to discrepancies or missing information on their application, after file review by the Financial Aid Office, or after your request for consideration of special/unusual circumstances.

The following items must be submitted if your application is selected for verification: A signed copy of your (and your spouse’s, if married) prior year transcripts and/or a signed copy of your parent’s prior year federal income tax transcripts (for students who were required to provide parent financial information on the FAFSA). A completed Verification Worksheet.

Other supporting documents that may be requested:

• Child support
• AFDC/ADC/TANF
• Immigration
• Social Security
• Birth Certificate(s)
• Divorce/Separation
• Social Security Card (must have correct, current name)
• Veteran’s benefits
• Money paid on your behalf
• Other sources of income

To avoid unnecessary delays, please submit all required documents promptly. Also, be sure you have filled out the Verification Worksheet completely, and that all documents are signed by the appropriate parties. Documents with blanks and missing signatures will be returned.

How will I know what types of aid I will be receiving?
Once the Financial Aid office has reviewed and verified (if needed) your application and received any additional information requested, you will receive an Award Letter from the Financial Aid Office. This will detail all aid for which you are eligible (grants, loans, scholarships) for the award year or which typically four sessions, or two semesters.

How do I accept my award?
To accept your award you do not need to do anything. You may decline or reduce your aid on your Award Letter by writing out the adjustments and then sign and return it to the US University Financial Aid Office. You can drop the form off at the Financial Aid Office in Chula Vista or return them through fax or email:

Email: financialaid@usuniversity.edu (mailto:financialaid@usuniversity.edu)

Or fax it to the US University Financial Aid Office at: (888) 500-1922.

Since financial aid may not cover my entire living and educational costs, what else can I do?
Keep in mind that the purpose of financial aid is to bridge the gap between educational cost and a student’s resources; it is not intended to directly provide money for living expenses. To cover these costs, many of our students apply for scholarships and seek employment, as well as look at ways to reduce living expenses by sharing a place with relatives or friends.

What is the Cost of Attendance?
The average annual costs determined to be necessary to attend US University include tuition, books, fees, room and board, transportation, etc. and are subject to change annually.

The US University 2015-2016 Student Expense Budgets are based on the California Student Aid Commission and are based upon average expenses reported by students at the University of California, California State University, California independent institutions, and California Community Colleges in the 2006-2007 Student Expense and Resources Survey (SEARS), adjusted for seven years of inflation or deflation.

How is my Expected Family Contribution (EFC) determined?
The EFC formula applied to your information is determined by the federal government based on your FAFSA application. It considers the income and assets that you have (and that of your spouse if married, parent if dependent), number in household, number in college, and your state of legal residence.

Why can’t you tell my spouse, parents, or outside agencies what kind of aid I have been awarded?
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (also known as the Buckley Amendment) limits access to educational records without expressed written consent. If you wish to have someone else speak to us on your behalf, you will need to submit a signed authorization form.

Do I have to reapply for financial aid each year?
Yes. However, once you have filed a FAFSA, you may be able to file a Renewal FAFSA the next year. It will not be nearly as complicated the second, third, or fourth time around.

What is an Entrance or Exit Interview?
An Entrance or Exit interview or loan counseling session is required before your federal loans are initially disbursed and after you cease being enrolled as a half-time student.

Veterans Administration Education Benefits

Veterans and/or dependents of veterans who are disabled or deceased may qualify for educational financial assistance through the Veterans Administration. Since the regulations regarding eligibility are quite extensive and many times need interpretation, contact your local veteran’s service office. You may need a copy of your DD214.

All students receiving Veterans Educational benefits must maintain satisfactory academic progress in accordance with the regularly prescribed standards and practices of United States University. If the student is not making satisfactory academic progress according to these standards and practices, education benefits will be discontinued for the student. Veteran and non-veteran students alike will be referred to Student Services for counseling to a program that may offer the possibility of success.

For more information about how to get credit for your military education, military benefits, or military scholarships, contact a location near you to get started today. We provide certification for veterans. You can make your studies even more affordable by making sure that you take advantage of your Tuition Assistance (TA) funding. Armed Forces TA funds are available to eligible members of the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, and Coast Guard. Tuition assistance programs provide assistance of 75 percent to 100 percent of allowable tuition costs, depending on the branch of service.

Military Tuition Assistance

Military tuition assistance verification forms are obtained from your military education office. You will need to provide the course codes, class name, and tuition costs per class to complete the form. Once a pre-approved tuition assistance verification form is obtained, provide a copy of that form to our Financial Aid Department.

If you are using military tuition assistance resources you must provide the verification forms and complete the verification forms. A promissory note will be available for you.

GI Bill®

You may also be qualified for GI Bill® funding to cover tuition costs not already covered by TA. In all cases, eligibility for military benefits is dependent on your completion of application requirements as administered by your branch of the armed forces. You may be surprised by just how far along in our programs you might start, and just how affordable US University can be as you continue your studies.

Active Duty Montgomery GI Bill® Chapter 30

For all veterans who entered active duty between January 1, 1977 and June 30, 1985 and who contributed to the program while on active duty. The MGIB program provides up to 36 months of education benefits. This benefit may be used for degree and certificate programs, apprenticeship/on-the-job training and correspondence courses. Remedial, deficiency, and refresher courses may be approved under certain circumstances. Generally, benefits are payable for 10 years following your release from active duty.

Selective Reserve Program Montgomery GI Bill Chapter 1606

The MGIB-SR program may be available to you if you are a member of the Selected Reserve. The Selected Reserve includes the Army Reserve, Navy Reserve, Air Force Reserve, Marine Corps Reserve and Coast Guard Reserve, and the Army National Guard and the Air National Guard. This benefit may be used for degree and certificate programs, apprenticeship/on-the-job training and correspondence courses. Remedial, deficiency, and refresher courses may be approved under certain circumstances. This program refers to all those undergraduates and graduates who enlisted in the reserves and who have made a six-year commitment to the selected reserves.

Chapter 1607 (Selected Reserve program)

This program refers to undergraduates and graduate students of the reserves personnel who are recalled for active duty. Eligibility is determined by the Department of Defense.

Survivors and Dependents Educational Assistance Program (DEA) Chapter 35

DEA provides education and training opportunities to eligible dependents of veterans who are permanently and totally disabled due to a service-related condition, or who died while on active duty or as a result of a service related condition. The program offers up to 45 months of education benefits. These benefits may be used for degree and certificate programs, apprenticeship, and on-the-job training. If you are a spouse, you may take a correspondence course. Remedial, deficiency, and refresher courses may be approved under certain circumstances.

Post 9/11 GI Bill®

The Post 9/11 GI Bill® provides financial support for education and housing to individuals with at least 90 days of aggregate service on or after September 11, 2001, or individuals discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 days. You must have received an honorable discharge to be eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill®.

The Post-9/11 GI Bill® became effective for training on or after August 1, 2009. The amount of support that an individual may qualify for depends on where they live and what type of degree they are pursuing.

Approved training under the Post-9/11 GI Bill® includes graduate and undergraduate degrees, and vocational/technical training. All training programs must be offered by an institution of higher learning (IHL) and approved for GI Bill® benefits. Additionally, tutorial assistance, and licensing and certification test reimbursement are approved under the Post- 9/11 GI Bill®.

The Post-9/11 GI Bill® will pay your tuition based upon the highest in-state tuition charged by an educational institution in the state where the educational institution is located.

The Post-9/11 GI Bill® also offers some service members the opportunity to transfer their GI Bill® to dependents.

Military Spouse Career Advancement Account (MYCCAA)

The Department of Defense (DoD) Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts (MyCAA) program provides a lifetime benefit of up to $6,000 of Financial Assistance (FA) for military spouses who are pursuing licenses, certificates, credentials, or degree programs leading to employment in Portable Career Fields.

Spouses of DoD Active Duty members and activated members of the National Guard and Reserve Components are eligible. The period of eligibility for spouses of Guard and Reserve members is from the date of the Alert or Warning Order for Military Recall or Mobilization, through activation and deployment until 180 days from De-Mobilization.

Military spouses who are legally separated under court order or statute are ineligible. Spouses who are Active Duty or activated Guard or Reserve members themselves are ineligible. Title 10 U.S. Code, Sec. 1784a does not allow MyCAA to provide FA to Coast Guard spouses or spouses of service members Killed in Action (KIA).

MyCAA does not pay for electronic devices or computers of any kind (CPUs, laptops, iPods, etc); application, graduation, or membership fees; student activity cards; child care; lodging; parking; transportation; or medical services. MyCAA does not pay separate costs for books, supplies, or equipment.

Survivors and Dependents Educational Assistance Program (DEA) Chapter 35

DEA provides education and training opportunities to eligible dependents of veterans who are permanently and totally disabled due to a service-related condition, or who died while on active duty or as a result of a service related condition. The program offers up to 45 months of education benefits. These benefits may be used for degree and certificate programs, apprenticeship, and on-the-job training. If you are a spouse, you may also take a correspondence course. Remedial, deficiency, and refresher courses may be approved under certain circumstances.

Contact Information

For more information on these and other military benefits, contact:

Felicia Horton
fhorton@usuniversity.edu (mailto:fhorton@usuniversity.edu)