Financial Aid & Scholarships

Eligibility

To be eligible for Federal Financial Aid, you must:

• 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

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 Loansare 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 .

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 to studentaid.gov, log in to your existing Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form (Access Existing Form) and add United States University’s school code, 040053.

When do I apply for financial aid?
As soon as possible. Deadlines vary according to the type of award offered. Explore the student aid website for more details on FAFSA deadlines.

How will I know what types of aid I will be receiving?

Once the Office of Financial Aid (OFA) has reviewed and verified (if needed) you application and received all additional information requested, you will receive an award notification letter from the OFA. This will detail your eligible aid for the academic year.

What is verification?

Verification is a process, initiated by the U.S. Department of Education (ED) or by the Office of Financial Aid, requiring you confirm the accuracy of the information you provided on the FAFSA. By federal regulation, the institution is responsible for conducting the verification process on behalf of ED. 

If your application is selected for verification, the Office of Financial Aid (OFA) cannot award any federal financial aid until you provide all required documentation, and the OFA has transmitted to and subsequently received any necessary FAFSA corrections from ED. Once selected you will be notified via email of your requirements andnecessary documentation.

Verification processing can take up to 2 weeks once all supporting documentation is received. Please note that verification processing does not begin until all required documentation has been received. Therefore, you should begin the verification process as early as possible to prevent processing delays.

How do I accept my award?

You will be presented with an award notification letter and a loan borrowing notification where you will have the opportunity to accept the maximum loan amounts awarded, decline, or reduce the amounts awarded. The form can be returned to the Office of Financial Aid via email at financialaid@usuniversity.edu.

What is Cost of Attendance?

The cost of attendance (COA), sometimes referred to as a student budget, is an estimate of the total amount of your educational expenses associated with attending United States University each academic year. At United States University, your COA includes direct costs (tuition, fees, and book allowance) that will appear on your student ledger as well as indirect costs (housing and food, transportation, personal expenses) that are not billed to you but are estimated costs associated with attending the University and are therefore, included in your budget.

Cost of living varies by learner and is calculated using the national average student expenditure.

Estimated Yearly Cost of Living (Independent Student)

• Housing and Food: $19,632
• Transportation: $1,744
• Miscellaneous/personal expenses: $4,416

The United States University 2024-25 student budgets are based on information from the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC). The information from CSAC is based upon average expenses reported by students at the University of California, California State University, California independent institutions, and California Community Colleges in the 2021-22 Student Expenses and Resources Survey (SEARS), adjusted for inflation with the 2024-25 California Consumer Price Index (CCPI).

How is my Student Aid Index (SAI) determined?

Your SAI is calculated using the information you provide on your FAFSA form. The calculation uses information from your tax return as well as the net worth of your assets. Most of the tax information used to calculate the SAI is transferred directly from the IRS into the FAFSA form if you provide your consent and approval.

When completing the FAFSA form, do I need to provide consent and approval to access and use my federal tax information?

Yes. You and your contributors (if applicable) to the FAFSA form must provide consent and approval to the access, disclosure, and use of federal tax information (FTI). If FAFSA FTI approval is not provided you will not be eligible for any federal financial aid until approval is provided. Please note that annual consent is required for each FAFSA cycle.

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 (FERPA) 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.

What is an entrance or exit interview (counseling)?

Entrance counseling ensures the student (borrower) understands the terms and conditions of their loan and their rights and responsibilities. The entrance counseling provides information on what a loan is, how interest works, options for repayment, and how to avoid delinquency and default. Entrance counseling is required before receiving the first disbursement of loan funds.

Exit counseling must be completed when a student leaves school or drops below half-time enrollment. The purpose of exit counseling is to ensure the student understands their loan obligations and is prepared for repayment.

Veterans Administration Education Benefits

Veterans and/or dependents of veterans 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.

All students receiving Veterans Educational benefits must maintain satisfactory academic progress per 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, a Military Specialist at military@usuniversity.edu to get started today.

Military Tuition Assistance

You can make your studies even more affordable by utilizing your Tuition Assistance (TA) funding. Armed Forces TA funds are available to eligible active duty, reserve, and guard members. United States University helps you get the most out of your benefits by matching current TA rates whenever possible. Your Military Specialist can provide current tuition costs.

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, which your Military Specialist can provide. Once a pre-approved tuition assistance verification form is obtained, provide a copy to our Military Benefits Department at military.benefits@usuniversity.edu. If you are using military tuition assistanceresources, you must provide the verification forms before starting class.

POST 9/11 GI Bill®

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). United States University is approved by the California State Approving Agency for Veterans Education. Please contact the Veterans Benefits Administration for more information.

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®.

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 on the highest in-state tuition charged by an educational institution in the state where the institution is located.

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

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. 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, apprenticeships, 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.

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 associate 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 on 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, iPads, etc.); application, graduation, or membership fees; student activity cards; childcare; lodging; parking; transportation; or medical services. MyCAA does not pay separate costs for books, supplies, or equipment.

Contact Information

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

Felicia Horton
fhorton@usuniversity.edu

Financial Aid Application Timeline and Renewal of Aid

Beginning December 31, 2023, students can complete the 2024-2025 FAFSA to apply for the 2024-2025 award year which includes Fall 2024, Spring 2025, and Summer 2025. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) priority deadline for 2024-2025 financial aid is February 1, 2024. FAFSAs will be accepted after this date but may not receive priority. There may be additional deadlines provided to students by the Office of Financial Aid that, if not adhered to, may impact potential start dates and/or timing of funding disbursements.

Financial Aid is not automatically renewed every year; a student must re-apply by completing the FAFSA and other paperwork as required. The Direct Master Promissory Note (MPN) for federal student loans is good for 10 years.

Applying for Financial Aid

The student will need to do the following to apply for federal student aid:

• Student and one parent (if applicable) should individually obtain an FSA ID using https://studentaid.gov/fsa-id/sign-in/landing. You must have an FSA ID to complete a FAFSA.
  • Students can complete and submit their 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 FAFSA. Although you must be accepted for enrollment at United States University before you are considered for financial aid, you can apply for aid before being admitted.
• Complete the FAFSA at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa
  • Make sure to include the federal school code for United States University: 0400503
• Complete the Direct Master Promissory Note (MPN) and Loan Entrance Counseling at https://studentaid.gov/
• Complete an additional paperwork requested by the Office of Financial Aid.
• Review the award notification letter.

Students who wish to borrow Federal Student Aid are expected to submit all required financial aid documents prior to the course start date. If a student is unable to qualify for financial aid, the University will update the student’s method of payment to cash and the student will be held responsible for any outstanding balances incurred. Note: For all programs, all students borrowing Federal Student Aid are required to make Satisfactory Academic Progress to maintain eligibility for Title IV funding.

Financial Aid Re-Application Process

It is the student’s responsibility to reapply for funding as necessary. In accordance with Title IV Regulations, a student not completing the financial aid process in a timely manner while in attendance may forfeit eligibility for financial aid assistance that might otherwise have been available during that period of enrollment and will become fully responsible for all remaining balances.