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.
Fellowships
American Association of University Women (AAUW)
Teacher fellowships provide professional development opportunities for female public school teachers, K-12. Visit www.aauw.org/fga for specific programs and funding amounts.
Doctoral Fellowships
Fellowships are available for students in the Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership Program. These fellowships include a stipend of $4,500 per semester (three semesters per year) plus a 50 percent tuition scholarship. Doctoral fellows are assigned to a doctoral faculty member to assist with research and are expected to work approximately nine hours per week. The application deadline is April for the following academic year. For more information, contact Gaye Rigdon at (626) 815-5374 or grigdon@apu.edu.
James Madison Memorial Fellowship
Current and prospective secondary school teachers in the areas of social studies, American government, or American history may be eligible to apply for a graduate fellowship program that emphasizes the study of the U.S. Constitution and offers up to $24,000. The award includes a month-long, paid summer institute in Washington, DC. The deadline is March 1. For an application or additional information, call (800) 525-6928 or visit www.jamesmadison.com.
Urban Education Research Fellows Program
The 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 Rosa Valdes at (213) 241-8277 or rosavaldes@lausd.net. Applications are due March/April each year.
Scholarships
Alice V. Watkins Scholarship
Applicants for this award, ranging from $500 to $1,000, must be academically qualified, enrolled in a program leading to a graduate degree or credential, and demonstrate financial need. Applications are available in September at all APU campuses or through Chris Zeilenga at (626) 815-5479, and are accepted until October 31. Recipients receive written notification of award.
American School Counselor Association (ASCA)
Each year, ASCA awards $1,000 scholarships for up to ten deserving students enrolled full time in a master’s level counseling program. Applications are due October 15, and are available at www.schoolcounselor.org.
California School Library Association Southern Section Scholarship (CSLA)
These scholarships are for students who intend to work as library media teachers in a California school library. Applications are available on the CSLA website at www.schoolibrary.org under Southern Section Scholarships, or from Mary Rangel at (818) 341-6661, Ext. 137, or mrangel@lausd.k12.ca.us. The application deadline is January 31.
Credential Counselors and Analysts of California (CCAC)
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 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, and a 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 awards are given in April. For applications or more information, contact Wendy Duncan at (626) 919-3988.
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 for more information, or contact Deborah Lewis at 2460 North Avenue, PMB #128, Altadena, CA 91001.
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. For more information, visit www.hsf.net.
Julie Jantzi & Jessamine Hopkins Hardcastle Encouragement Grant
Single mothers enrolled in an adult and professional studies program or working toward a credential or master’s degree in the fields of education or business may apply for a Julie Jantzi & Jessamine Hopkins Hardcastle Encouragement Grant. This grant is for up to $600 annually for up to three single mothers. The deadline is November 26; selections are made in late November and presented in December. Candidates must submit a single-page written statement that 1) describes goals after degree or credential completion, and 2) provides evidence of commitment to completing studies. Please submit the single-page statement to Peggy Cooney via email at pcooney@apu.edu.
Lillian B. Wehmeyer Scholarship for Doctoral Students in Education
The Lillian B. Wehmeyer Scholarship for Doctoral Students in Education is available to students enrolled half time or full time in a School of Education doctoral program. The annual awards range from $1,000 to $3,500 and are based on merit and need. Applications are available in the Department of Doctoral Studies and are due by May 1.
Minority Scholarships
A large variety of scholarships are available for all minority students. For more information, visit www.minority-scholarship-guide.com.
Pi Lambda Theta Scholarships
Applications and deadline information are available online at www.pilambda.org or by calling (800) 487-3411 to receive information by mail. Many application deadlines are at the beginning of February, and 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.
Information about any of the education awards listed may be obtained from Chris Zeilenga, director of graduate scholarship and grant advising, School of Education.
Additional Resources
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 through www.fastweb.com. This is a free search.
Tuition Search
Find $24.3 billion in scholarships online at www.findtuition.com.
It is the student’s responsibility to pursue financial assistance to best meet his/her particular need. Grants, fellowships, scholarships, and loan assumptions are subject to federal and state regulations and resources.
For applications and/or assistance, contact Chris Zeilenga, director of graduate scholarship and grant advising, School of Education, (626) 815-5479, zeilenga@apu.edu. For a complete list of scholarships, grants, loan assumptions, and fellowships, pick up a financial aid trifold from the School of Education.
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.
