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 halftime. 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 halftime, 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 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 A and B
Students who received Cal Grant A and Cal Grant B as undergraduates have 15 months to enroll in a teacher education program to renew this funding. A FAFSA must be filed and a G-44 form (available in the Graduate Center) sent to the California Student Aid Commission to continue receipt of these funds.
Loan Assumptions
APLE
The Assumption Program of Loans for Education (APLE) is a competitive teacher-incentive program which encourages students to become teachers. Applications become available in April. Participants must intend to teach in subject-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. Student's loan balance must be in good standing. Annual payments are made to the lending agency over a four-year period.
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. List is available at Federal Student Aid. For more information and/or application, visit AES/PHEAA.
Fellowships
AAUW – American Association of University Women
The AAUW offers teacher fellowships designed to provide professional development opportunities for female public school teachers, K-12. Go to www.aauw.org/fga/ for specific programs and funding amounts.
Doctoral Fellowships/Research Assistantships
Research assistantships are available for students in the Doctor of Educational Leadership (Ed.D.) program. These assistantships provide a stipend of $4,500 per semester (fall and spring) and a 50 percent tuition reduction for the year. Doctoral research assistants are assigned to a doctoral faculty member to assist with research and are expected to work approximately nine hours per week. For more information and application process, contact Gaye Rigdon at (626) 815-5374 or grigdon@apu.edu.
James Madison Memorial Fund
Current and prospective secondary school teachers in the areas of social studies, American government, or American history may be eligible. This fellowship includes up to $24,000 and a month-long summer institute in Washington, DC. Visit www.jamesmadison.com.
Urban Education Research Fellows Program
Los Angeles Unified School District Program Evaluation and Research Branch has established this Fellows Program to provide intensive professional development and financial support for selected graduate student-researchers who have a commitment to urban education. Financial support includes full tuition reimbursement and half-time employment with a professional-level salary. Upon graduation, each fellow will work for the district in a full-time capacity for a minimum of three years. For more information, contact Jim Sass at (213) 241-8270 or jim.sass@lausd.net. Applications are available at www.lausd.k12.ca.us/lausd/offices/perb/ and are due March/April each year.
Scholarships
California School Counselor Association Scholarship
This scholarship provides financial assistance to California graduate students who intend to enter school service with a school counseling credential. Candidates must be currently enrolled in a Pupil Personnel Services program. Applications are available through the Department of School Counseling and School Psychology, (626) 815-5424 or Norris Truman (661) 720-4182, and must be submitted by mid-March.
CSLA – California School Library Association Southern Section Scholarship
These scholarships are for students working on a library certificate. Applications are available on the CSLA website at www.schoolibrary.org/awa/scholarships.htm under Southern Section/Scholarship. The deadline is January 31.
CCAC – Credential Counselors and Analysts of California
Teacher of the Year and the Teacher Educator of the Year
awards recognize the contributions made to the State of
California by outstanding teachers and those individuals who
help prepare new teachers to enter the classroom. Each
honoree receives a $500 cash award. The criteria for
selection includes demonstration of educational leadership,
contributions made to the profession, and reputation
among peers. Any CCAC member may nominate their
choice by submitting their candidate’s résumé, letter(s)
of
recommendation, along with the completed nomination
form available at the CCAC website, www.teamccac.org.
Delta Kappa Gamma Scholarship
The Delta Phi Chapter Frances Maxson Sanchez Scholarship grants awards yearly for a minimum of $500 each. Women enrolled in teacher preparation programs at APU, who have completed student teaching during the year of award application and have demonstrated dedication and professional achievement in teaching, academic success, and community service, are encouraged to apply. Applications must be received by March 1, and the scholarship is awarded in April. For applications or more information, contact Catherine Touney, Holland Crest Middle School, (626) 931-1760.
Jessamine Hopkins Hardcastle Encouragement Grant
Single parents enrolled in the Adult and Professional Studies Program or working toward a credential or master’s degree in the fields of education or business at APU may apply for a Jessamine Hopkins Hardcastle Encouragement Grant. This $600 award will be given annually to three single parents. The deadline for applications is November 26; selections will be made in late November and presented in December. A written statement that 1) describes their goals after they complete their degree or credential, 2) provides evidence of their commitment to completing their studies, and 3) is no longer than a single page must be submitted to be considered for this award. Please submit the single-page statement to Julie Jantzi at jjantzi@apu.edu.
Pi Lambda Theta Scholarships
Applications and deadline information are online at www.pilambda.org or call (800) 487-3411 to receive information by mail. Awards vary from $200 to $1,000. A number of categories exist including music, physical education, counseling, psychology, classroom teaching, and distinguished student scholar awards.
Alice V. Watkins Scholarship
Applicants for this $500-$1,000 annual award must be academically qualified and enrolled in a program leading to a graduate degree or credential program and have demonstrated financial need. Applications are available at all APU campuses and are accepted in September. Recipients will receive written notification of award.
Ethel Louise Armstrong (ELA)
The ELA Foundation awards scholarships each year to women with disabilities who are pursuing an advanced degree. Visit www.disabilityrights.org.
Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF)
The Hispanic Scholarship Fund is the largest Hispanic scholarship-granting organization in the nation. HSF provides financial assistance to outstanding Hispanic students in higher education. Visit www.hsf.net.
Minority Scholarships
A large variety of scholarships are available for all minorities. Visit www.free-4u.com/.
Lillian B. Wehmeyer Scholarship for Doctoral Students in Education
Applicants for this award must be currently enrolled in the School of Education doctoral program on a half- or full-time basis evidencing satisfactory academic progress. The annual award(s) range from $1,000 to $3,500. Applicants must demonstrate academic ability, commitment to service, and financial need as determined by the Selection Committee. Applications are available through the Department of Doctoral Studies in Education and are to be received by May 1 for the following academic year. Recipients will be notified in writing of the award.
Information about any of the education awards listed may be obtained from Chris Zeilenga, director of graduate scholarship and grant advising, School of Education.
Scholarship Searches
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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 students services, 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.
