Financial Aid
Numerous financial aid options make the choice to pursue an advanced degree or credential much easier. From loans to scholarships, the following are a few opportunities available to prospective APU students.
Federal Aid
Federal Aid
Any student who wishes to apply for federal programs must be either a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or an eligible noncitizen.
Federal Stafford Loan
The Federal Stafford Loan is a long-term, low-interest loan designed to provide students with additional funds for school. The loan comes in two forms:
Subsidized: The interest is paid by the government while the student is in school and during the grace period. The Subsidized Stafford is a need-based loan as determined by the FAFSA.
Unsubsidized: The student is responsible for the interest on this loan. However the interest may be capitalized and paid with the principle at repayment. The Unsubsidized Stafford is a non-need based loan as determined by the FAFSA.
Loan Limits:
• Teaching and Advanced Credentials, $12,500 annually up to aggregate
• Master’s and Doctoral, $20,500 annually up to aggregate
The interest rate on the Federal Stafford Loan is fixed at 6.8 percent.
Repayment on the Federal Stafford Loan begins six months after the student graduates, completes program, or drops below half time. All students applying for the Federal Stafford Loan must be admitted to a degree- or credential-seeking program and complete the FAFSA and Graduate Stafford Loan Worksheet. All students receiving a Federal Stafford Loan must complete a loan entrance before receiving loans and a loan exit upon dropping below half time, graduating, or exiting school. Entrance and exit processes can be accessed at www.apu.edu/graduatecenter/sfs/loan/.
Alternative Loans
Students who wish to apply for alternative loans must complete a separate application, have costs greater than their school budget, and be approved by the lending agency. Alternative loans must pay tuition in full before any refund will be given. Alternative loans are those monies received through any agencies or process other than the FAFSA.
State Aid
Cal Grant
Even though the state of California has discontinued the Cal T Grant, students already qualified for the Cal A or B as an undergraduate may still receive the same benefits of the discontinued Cal T. Human development students, be sure to ask your financial aid representative if you qualify for Cal Grant A or B as an undergraduate. To qualify, students must begin credential coursework within six months of receiving the bachelor’s degree. To extend the undergraduate Cal Grant for the credential program, complete a G-44 form, available from Chris Zeilenga at (626) 815-5479.
Loan Assumptions
Assumption Program of Loans for Education (APLE)
Students interested in a teaching credential must apply for APLE at the very beginning of their credential program. Participants must intend to teach in 1 of 11 designated shortage areas as identified annually by the state, such as low-income schools, state special schools, schools serving rural areas, and/or schools where there is a high percentage of teachers holding emergency permits. Depending on the student loan balance, which must be in good standing, the state will assume $11,000 to $19,000 of loan payments after completion of the teaching credential and first year of teaching in a qualified school. Annual payments are made to the lending agency over a four-year period. Applications are available on the California Student Aid Commission website at www.csac.ca.gov under Students and Parents Financial Aid Programs. They are also available at any APU campus. On the Azusa campus, visit the Office of Student Services in the School of Education.
The Federal Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program
This program can provide up to $5,000 for teachers who have already taught for five years in an elementary or secondary school that is designated as a low-income school in the Annual Directory of Designated Low-Income Schools for Teacher Cancellation Benefits. For more information, an application, and a complete list of eligible schools, visit AES.
Scholarship Information
The Watson-Wong Scholarship Fund
This scholarship offers $1,500 to single parents (with at least one child under age 12) entering or continuing graduate studies in music and/or theology programs.
College Scholarship Search
Find money for college by conducting a free college scholarship search at Scholarships.com. Scholarships, sweepstakes, and contests are available from $5,000-10,000 and opportunities change each month.
Internet's Largest Scholarship Search
More than 600,000 scholarships and $1 billion in aid are available. Applicants must search online at www.fastweb.com. This is a free search.
Tuition Search
Find $24.3 billion in scholarships online at www.findtuition.com.
Graduate PLUS Loan
The Federal Graduate PLUS Loan is a federal education loan available for graduate students enrolled at least half time in an eligible program. Students must apply for the Federal Stafford Loan first and then may borrow up to the cost of attendance (minus other aid) for the Graduate PLUS Loan.
If you or someone you know might be interested in contributing to a scholarship program or establishing an endowed scholarship fund, please contact the Office of University Advancement at (626) 815-5333 or development@apu.edu.
Scholarship Searches
College Scholarship Search
Find money for college by conducting a free college scholarship search at Scholarships.com. Scholarships, sweepstakes, and contests are available from $5,000-10,000 and opportunities change each month.
Internet's Largest Scholarship Search
More than 600,000 scholarships and $1 billion in aid are available.
It is the student's responsibility to pursue financial assistance to best meet his/her particular need. For applications and/or assistance, contact Chris Zeilenga, director of graduate scholarship and grant advising, School of Education, (626) 815-5479, zeilenga@apu.edu. Grants, fellowships, scholarships, and loan assumptions are subject to federal and state regulations and resources.
If you or someone you know might be interested in contributing to a scholarship program or establishing an endowed scholarship fund, please contact the Office of University Advancement at (626) 815-5333 or development@apu.edu.
