Financial Aid & Scholarships

Eligibility

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

• Be enrolled in an eligible academic program. Federal education loan participants must be enrolled on at least a half-time basis;
• Be a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen;
• Have a valid social security number, if required;
• Have a high school diploma or equivalent;
• Maintain satisfactory academic progress (SAP) while attending college;
• Not be in default on a federal education loan or, if in default, have made satisfactory repayment arrangements;
• Complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the school must have a current Institutional Student Information Record (ISIR) to start the initial eligibility process.

Application Process

Federal financial aid is government funding for your education, awarded through the issuance of grants and loans. To learn if you’re eligible, fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), using United States University’s school code 040053. Each year, students and parents of dependent undergraduate students wishing to apply for financial aid, must complete the FAFSA.

Steps to apply for federal aid:

1. Get an FSA ID
2. Fill out the FAFSA to apply for federal grants and loans.
3. Complete online loan counseling here. Learn your responsibilities for any federal student loans you receive.
4. Sign the master promissory note here. This is a pledge to repay your federal student loans with interest and fees.

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 Office of Financial Aid. You will be notified if you’re selected for verification, after your FAFSA has been processed.

Students may also be required to submit other documentation such as childcare expenses, medical expenses, child support documentation, proof of citizenship, private school tuition, untaxed income, and benefits, etc., if requested by the Office of Financial Aid.

How Financial Aid is Determined

If you meet the basic eligibility criteria for federal financial aid, the Office of Financial Aid will determine how much aid you are eligible to receive.

Your eligibility depends on your Student Aid Index (SAI)your year in school, your enrollment status, and the cost of attendance. After an applicant has been formally admitted to United States University and the financial aid file is complete, the Office of Financial Aid will determine the financial aid award. The types and amounts of the awards are individually calculated based on financial need and other financial assistance.

Need-based aid (Federal Pell Grant and Direct Subsidized Loan) is calculated by the following formula:

Financial Need

Cost of attendance (COA) – Student Aid Index (SAI) = Financial Need

Non-need-based aid (Direct Unsubsidized Loan, Direct PLUS Loan) is calculated by the following formula:

Cost of attendance – Other Financial Aid Awarded – Other Financial Assistance = Eligibility for non-need-based aid

Federal Financial Aid Programs

United States University offers federal grants and loan programs funded by the U.S. Department of Education. Grants are gifts of money that do not have to be repaid provided they are used to complete the student’s education. Loans are borrowed money, which must be repaid with interest.

Other sources of financial assistance are often available. Some of these include veteran education benefits and employer sponsorships. A student should research all possible sources of financial assistance.

The amount and type of financial aid that student may receive are determinedthrough federal and state guidelines. The typical financial aid award will be a combination of grants and/or loans, depending on eligibility. Federal Student Assistance Title IV funds are available only to those students who qualify.

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)

Pell Grants are federally funded, need-based grants for college students that do not need to be repaid as long as the student was and remains eligible for the grant. Federal Pell Grants are usually awarded only to undergraduate students who display exceptional financial need and have not earned a bachelor's, graduate, or professional degree. The amount of the grant available to the student will depend on the Student Aid Index (SAI), enrollment status, and cost of attendance.

The 2024-2025 award year maximum Pell Grant scheduled award amount is $7,395 and the minimum is $740.

Federal Direct Loan Program

United States University students are eligible to apply for the Title IV federal student loan programs. Direct Federal loans are offered by the U.S. Department of Education to help students pay for college and are available to both undergraduate and graduate students. The University currently offers Federal Direct Subsidized, Federal Direct Unsubsidized, and Federal Direct Parent/Graduate PLUS loans through the William D. Ford Direct Loan program with the U.S. Department of Education.

Federal Direct Subsidized Loans are loans made to eligible undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need, and the eligible amount cannot exceed the student’s financial need. The U.S. Department of Education pays the interest on a Direct Subsidized Loan:

• While the student is enrolled at least half-time,
• For the first six months after the student leaves school (referred to as a grace period), and
• During a period of deferment (a postponement of loan payments).

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans are loans made to eligible undergraduate, graduate, and professional students, but eligibility is not based on financial need. The U.S. Department of Education defers repayment of the loan principal while the student is enrolled at least half-time and for the first six months after the student leaves school. The student is responsible for paying the interest on the outstanding principal during all periods, including times of approved deferred principal payments.

Federal Direct PLUS Loans are loans made to graduate or professional students and parents of dependent undergraduate students to help pay for education expenses not covered by other financial aid. Eligibility is not based on financial need, but a credit check is required. Borrowers who have an adverse credit history must meet additional requirements to qualify.

Eligible Direct Loan Amounts

The amount a student is eligible to borrow depends on whether they are an undergraduate student, a graduate or professional student, or a parent.

• For an undergraduate student, the maximum amount you can borrow each year in Direct Subsidized Loans and Direct Unsubsidized Loans ranges from $5,500 to $12,500 per year, depending on what year you are in school and your dependency status (i.e. independent versus dependent).
• For a graduate or professional student, you can borrow up to $20,500 each year in Direct Unsubsidized Loans. Direct PLUS Loans can also be used for the remainder of your college costs, as determined by the University, not covered by other financial aid.
• A parent of a dependent undergraduate student can receive a Direct PLUS Loan for the remainder of their child’s college costs, as determined by the University, that is not covered by other financial aid.

Terms and Conditions of Direct Loans

The terms and conditions of Direct Loans can be found on the Master Promissory Note and/or the Loan Entrance Counseling the student completes. A student borrower who has reached their aggregate loan limit may not receive additional loans. More information on these limits can be found here.

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 Student Loan Advocate here.

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)