Center for Adult and Professional Studies

State Aid

Cal Grant A

These awards are granted yearly at Azusa Pacific University and other California schools. They are renewable with satisfactory academic progress and financial need. Qualifications will depend on grade-point average (verified by the GPA verification worksheet submitted to CSAC by the Cal Grant deadline), California residency, and financial need as determined by the FAFSA. Awards will differ between institutions – the higher the school costs, the larger the state scholarship. The deadline is March 2, prior to entry to the university. However, the closer to January 1 students apply, the better their chances of being awarded other types of limited grants. See the CAPS Office of Student Financial Services for information and forms, or write to the Student Aid Commission, PO Box 419027, Rancho Cordova, California 95741-9027. APU's USDE code is 00111700.

Cal Grant B

These grants are designed for those students entering college who come from disadvantaged backgrounds and demonstrate financial need and a desire to succeed in college. Tuition grants, plus subsistence, are based upon California residency, a questionnaire, and financial need as determined by the FAFSA. They are renewable for four years with satisfactory academic progress and continued financial need. The application deadline is March 2, prior to entry. See the CAPS Office of Student Financial Services for information and forms, or write to the Student Aid Commission, PO Box 419027, Rancho Cordova, California 95741-9027. APU's USDE code is 00111700.

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 Pell Grant

The Pell Grant Program provides government grants to both full- and part-time undergraduate students. The amount of the grant is based upon need. After the student submits the FAFSA, a Student Aid Report (SAR) will be received from the government and must be reviewed for accuracy. If any corrections are necessary, the student should immediately submit the SAR to the CAPS Office of Student Financial Services, along with other required documents.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

FSEOG is a Title IV, need-based grant that awards up to $2,000. FSEOG funds are limited and must be awarded to the neediest students as determined by the FAFSA. Early submission of a FAFSA is recommended.

Federal Perkins Loan

The U.S. government makes funds available to qualified students of limited means who wish to go to college. These are long-term loans at a five percent rate of interest. A student may borrow up to $3,000 per year upon approval. Repayment will neither be required nor will interest begin to accrue until nine months after the student has ceased enrollment. Deferment provisions for public service are available. Repayment can take place over 10 years, with minimum monthly payments of $40. Eligibility is determined by the FAFSA and availability of funds. Perkins funds are limited and must be awarded to the neediest students as determined by the FAFSA. Early submission of the FAFSA is recommended.

Federal Direct Stafford Loan

Beginning in the 2009-10 academic year, APU will implement the Direct Loan Program, requiring students to borrow their Stafford Loans directly from the U.S. government.

The Stafford Loan is a low-interest loan (6.8 percent or less) designed to help students pay for college. Depending on eligibility as determined by the FAFSA, the student may be offered a subsidized and/or unsubsidized Stafford Loan. Subsidized means that the government will pay the interest on the loan while the student is in school. Unsubsidized means that the student is responsible to pay the interest on the loan while in school.

Yearly Amounts

• Freshmen (0-27 units) $5,500 (up to $3,500 of which may be subsidized)
• Sophomores (28-59 units) $6,500 (up to $4,500 of which may be subsidized)
• Juniors and Seniors (60+ units) $7,500 (up to $5,500 of which may be subsidized)

If the student is independent or the parent is denied a PLUS Loan, the student can take out an additional Stafford unsubsidized loan (freshmen and sophomores, $4,000; juniors and seniors, $5,000).

All students applying for a Stafford Loan for 2009-10 must:

1. Complete the FAFSA for 2009-10.
2. Accept their Stafford Loan(s) through home.apu.edu.
3. Complete a Direct Stafford Loan entrance counseling online at www.dl.ed.gov.
4. Complete a Direct Stafford Master Promissory Note (MPN) at www.dlenote.ed.gov.

Alternative Loans

Students who wish to apply for alternative loans must complete a separate online application, have eligibility remaining in their school budget, and be approved by the lending agency. Alternative loans require that tuition must be paid in full before any refund will be given. Contact the Office of Student Financial Services for more information.

If you would like further information about loan lenders, eligibility, rates, subsidization, and more, please visit the Education Loans page on the Undergraduate Student Financial Services website and select the option applicable to you.