Student Financial Services

Student Financial Services (SFS) at Los Angeles Pacific University assists students in answering questions related to financial aid and student accounts. Students may contact the office at (626) 495-2855. SFS office hours are Monday through Thursday, 8:30 AM PT to 6:00 PM PT, and Friday 8:30 AM PT to 4:30 PM PT. Questions can also be directed to sfs@lapu.edu.

Cost of Attendance for 2024 - 2025

Cost of Attendance (COA)

The COA is what Los Angeles Pacific University estimates it will cost to attend for a specific period of enrollment.  Included in the cost of attendance are direct costs for tuition and fees, and indirect cost estimates for books and supplies, food and housing, transportation, personal/miscellaneous expenses and loan fees.  These budgets are used to award financial aid and are updated and published annually.

Undergraduate - Off Campus

Undergraduate - Off Campus	2 month (1 sessions)	4 month (2 sessions)	8 month (4 sessions)
Tuition and Fees	$ 3,090.00	$ 6,180.00	$ 12,360.00
Books and Supplies	$ 300.00	$ 600.00	$ 1,200.00
Food and Housing	$ 9,816.00	$ 9,816.00	$ 19,632.00
Transportation	$ 150.00	$ 150.00	$ 300.00
Personal / Misc	$ 2,208.00	$ 2,208.00	$ 4,416.00
Loan Fees	$ 14.00	$ 14.00	$ 28.00
Total	$ 15,578.00	$ 18,968.00	$ 37,936.00

Undergraduate - Active Duty Military

Undergraduate - Active Duty Military	2 month (1 sessions)	4 month (2 sessions)	8 month (4 sessions)
Tuition and Fees	$ 3,090.00	$ 6,180.00	$ 12,360.00
Books and Supplies	$ 300.00	$ 600.00	$ 1,200.00
Food and Housing	-	-	-
Transportation	$ 150.00	$ 150.00	$ 300.00
Personal / Misc	$ 2,208.00	$ 2,208.00	$ 4,416.00
Loan Fees	$ 14.00	$ 14.00	$ 28.00
Total	$ 5,762.00	$ 9,152.00	$ 18,304.00

Additional Information

• Tuition is based upon full-time enrollment:  UG = $515 per credit. (12 credits per semester).
• Food and Housing:  Taken from CSAC 2024-25 Student Expense Budget (Off Campus housing category).
• Books and Supplies:  Determined to be $300 per session, at HT per session or FT per semester.
• Transportation:  Includes just a monetary amount because our classes our online.
• Personal:  Taken from CSAC 2024-25 Student Expense Budget (Off Campus housing category).
• Loan Fees are averaged *

* Averaged Loan Fees; based upon a 12-month budget and pro-rated for less than 12 months.

Loan Origination Fee

Undergraduate Loan Amounts	Origination Fee 1.057%
$ 2,000.00	$ 21.00
$ 2,625.00	$ 28.00
$ 3,500.00	$ 37.00
$ 4,500.00	$ 48.00
$ 5,500.00	$ 58.00
$ 6,000.00	$ 64.00
$ 7,000.00	$ 74.00
Total	$ 300.00
Average	$ 42.00

Tuition

Attendance Cost

Tuition	Cost
Undergraduate Courses	$515 per credit
Undergraduate Courses - Military Rate	$463 per credit

Tuition rates are subject to annual increases. Please refer to the current catalog in effect for the current tuition rates.

Additional University discounts are available. For more information, please see Affordability.

Special Fees¹

Special Fees

Fee	Cost
Diploma Re-order	$35
Graduation fee	$75
Return Check Fee	$30
Transcripts Fee (paper copy by mail)	$10.85
Transcript Fee (electronic copy: PDF or ETX)	$9.40
Transcript Fee (paper copy held for pickup)	$15.40

¹

Additional transcript delivery fees will be charged for special services such as Certified Mail, Express Delivery, or International Delivery. See the transcript order page for details.

Charges subject to change without notice.

Military Discount

For the 2024-2025 academic year, a 10% tuition discount is available to military-connected students. This includes:

• Active duty¹
• Veteran
• Military spouses and dependents

For the purposes of this tuition discount, active duty includes active duty status in the:

• U.S. Air Force, Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve

• U.S. Army, Army National Guard, Army Reserve

• U.S. Coast Guard, Coast Guard Reserve

• U.S. Marines, Marine Corps Reserve

• U.S. Navy, Naval Reserve

The military discount will not be applied retroactively.

¹

Active duty is defined as after basic training is complete.

Compliance with 38 U.S.C. §3679(e)

For Post 9/11 GI Bill® (Ch 33) students and VA Veteran Readiness and Employment (Ch 31) students, our tuition policy complies with 38 USC 3679(e) which means Post 9/11® and Veteran Readiness and Employment students will not be charged or otherwise penalized due to a delay in VA tuition and fee payments. For eligibility consideration, a Post 9/11 GI Bill® student must submit a VA Certificate of Eligibility (COE) and a Veteran Readiness and Employment student must provide a VAF 28-1905 form. Please see 38 USC 3679(e) for complete details.

Post-9/11 GI Bill®

For up-to-date information regarding eligibility requirements, award amounts offered by the government, and specific details, please contact the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or visit benefits.va.gov.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website.

Military Tuition Assistance Return Policy

The Department of Defense Memorandum of Understanding requires that the university have an institutional policy that returns any unearned Tuition Assistance funds on a proportional basis.

Military Assistance Return

Withdrawal Submitted	Funds Returned
Before or during Week 1	100% return of funds
During Week 2	90% return of funds
During Week 3	80% return of funds
During Week 4	70% return of funds
During Week 5	60% return of funds
During Week 6	0% return of funds
During Week 7	0% return of funds
During Week 8	0% return of funds

Payments

Tuition and fees are due before the start of each session. Los Angeles Pacific University offers a variety of Nelnet payment plans that can be accessed on Student Services, Most payment plan options can be viewed on the Payment Plan website,

Due Dates

Fall Session 1 - August 30, 2024

Fall Session 2 - October 25, 2024

Spring Session 1 - January 10, 2025

Spring Session 2 - March 7, 2025

Summer Session 1 - May 9, 2025

Summer Session 2 - July 3, 2025 (early due to Independence Day holiday)

Payment Actions

• Make a full payment on your outstanding balance through Nelnet on Student Services
• OR Set up a payment plan through Nelnet on Student Services

Statements

Students with an outstanding balance will receive a weekly email directing them to view their balance online.

Past Due Balances

• A charge is considered “past due” once the due date for the tuition or fee charge passes and the charge remains unpaid.

• A student with a charge that is past due will not be able to register for future classes or receive a diploma.

• Students who have significantly past due charges (more than one semester old) on their account may be referred to internal or external collections.

• A student with a significant balance by the close of the add/drop period will be removed from the current courses, until balance is reduced. 

Refund Policy

The LAPU refund policy applies to all students who are residents of California and to most students who are residents of the United States. For states that require LAPU to use a different refund policy, see the Refund Policy Exceptions page on the LAPU website.

• Students who drop a course before Noon PT on Friday of Week 1 will be issued a full refund for the course.
• Students who do not submit an assignment by 8 AM PT Wednesday of Week 2 are administratively dropped and refunded 100 percent.
• Students who withdraw after Noon PT on Friday of Week 1 will receive no refund and a W grade is issued. All students are subject to a proration of federal financial aid per the regulations for all federal aid. Withdrawal requests will be processed on the date received through Noon PT Monday of Week 6.

Any student dismissed by the university will receive refunds at the administration’s discretion. If a student feels that individual circumstances warrant exceptions, a general petition may be submitted.

Students receiving federal aid including military benefits are subject to a proration of federal financial aid per regulations for all federal aid.

Refund Policy Exceptions

Any exception to the stated policy must be requested in writing using the General Petition form.

Financial Agreement

A student may not participate in graduation ceremonies, register for further sessions, or receive any diploma or certificate until all financial obligations (excluding NDSL/Perkins Loans) have been satisfied. Any diploma or certificate shall be retained by the university as a security interest until all such obligations are satisfied. Release of any such security interest prior, or subsequent to, any default by the debtors shall not be considered a binding precedent or modification of this policy.

The university reserves the right to make any changes in costs, payment plans, and refund policies without notice.

How to Apply for Financial Aid

Step 1:  Create a FSA ID

• How to create a FSA ID.
• If a student has already created an FSA ID but do not remember their password, they can visit the FSA ID website to reset their information.
• If students need help, they can call 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243).

Step 2:  Students can complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at StudentAid.gov.  Los Angeles Pacific University’s school code is 042788. The FAFSA must be completed every year.

• If the student has already completed their FAFSA, they can add the LAPU school code: 042788.
• If students need help, they can call 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243).

Step 3:  To be eligible for financial aid within a given session, the student must be fully admitted to the university.  A student who does not complete his or her admissions file by the student’s last date of enrollment will not be eligible for financial aid for that session.  Once fully admitted, students are reviewed for financial aid eligibility.  

Step 4:  Federal verification is a process which requires institutions to verify the accuracy of the information provided on the student’s FAFSA in an effort to ensure federal aid is distributed to those who are eligible.  Some FAFSA applications are selected because of inconsistent information and others are chosen randomly.   Students at LAPU are not eligible to receive federal or state aid until all required documents have been submitted, reviewed and approved.

• If chosen for Federal verification, students will need to create a StudentForms portal account.  Any documents required can be uploaded safely into the StudentForms portal.
• Students will need their LAPU Student ID to create their account.

Step 5:  Federal Direct Loans

• LAPU has a “passive” acceptance policy for Federal Direct Loans.  That means we assume you are accepting the full amount of loans that are listed on your Financial Aid Offer.  If you would like to decline or adjust all or a portion of your Federal Direct Loans, please complete the Loan Adjustment Form.  (Please note you will need to log into your Student Services account in order to access the form).
• LAPU wants to be sure students do not borrow more than what they need so they have enough student loan eligibility to finish their program and graduate. Your Student Account Specialist can help you in determining how much you need to borrow. For more information regarding Federal Direct Loans, please click HERE.

Financial Aid Timeline

• FAFSA Availability Date: The FAFSA form is typically available for submission starting October 1st each calendar year for the following academic year for which the student is applying.
• FAFSA Submission Deadline: The Federal deadline for submitting the FAFSA is typically June 30th of the end of the calendar year for the current academic year for which the student is applying.
• California State Grants deadline: The deadline for submitting the FAFSA and the GPA Verification Form is typically March 1st each calendar year for the following academic year for which the student is applying.  Students can visit the California Student Aid Commission for additional information.
• At Los Angeles Pacific University (LAPU) we offer two (2) start dates within each semester.  If a student is starting in one of the six (6) start dates and the FAFSA is not completed prior to the first week of classes, the student will need to pay out of pocket or set up a payment plan until the FAFSA is received, reviewed, and a Financial Aid Offer is awarded to the student.

Types of Financial Aid Available at Los Angeles Pacific University

1. Federal Student Aid (provided by the U.S. government)
2. State Student Aid (provided by the State of California) - undergraduate only
3. Outside Scholarships (provided by organizations, businesses, etc.)
4. Company Reimbursement (provided by student’s employer)
5. Private Education Loans

Important Note

Please be advised that funding from all of the sources listed is not guaranteed. Budget limitations may reduce or eliminate any of the awards described without notice. Also, on rare occasions the amount of financial aid originally offered may end up reduced or eliminated due to federal, state, and/or institutional policies. See “Stacking Financial Aid Policy” for more information on possible restrictions.

Federal Student Aid

To apply for federal student aid, students must complete the FAFSA. Federal aid is categorized as:

1. Grants (funds that do not require repayment) including Federal Pell Grant
2. Loans through the Department of Education: Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans.

To be eligible for and continue receiving federal aid, students must meet the eligibility requirements set forth by the U.S. Department of Education. The information provided below is a general overview of the programs provided. For further information on federal student aid programs, amounts, qualifications, and restrictions, please refer to the Department of Education’s website at studentaid.gov.

Grants

Pell Grant

The Pell Grant is awarded to eligible students who demonstrate financial need based on Student Aid Index (SAI) through the FAFSA application process.

Qualifications

1. Financial need as determined by the FAFSA
2. Has not previously earned a bachelor’s or professional degree, or are enrolled in the Standalone Multiple Subject Teaching Credential
3. Enrolled at least half-time (but in some cases less than half-time) in their first undergraduate degree program
4. Has not met the Federal Pell Grant Lifetime Eligibility Limit of 600 percent
5. Is not in “default” status with a prior student loan
6. Does not have a Pell Grant Overpayment

Pell Grant Yearly Award Amounts

The Pell Grant amount varies based upon the SAI and the student’s enrollment status. For the 2024-2025 award year, the maximum Pell Grant award amount is $7,395. (Award amount is prorated if enrolled less than full time.)

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant

The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) provides assistance to exceptionally needy undergraduate students. Students are exceptionally needy if they have the lowest SAI. Priority must be given to Pell Grant recipients (except those enrolled in the Standalone Multiple Subject Teaching Credential). For the 2024-2025 award year, the maximum FSEOG award amount is $480.

Federal TEACH Grant

If you are interested in receiving the TEACH Grant, please contact your Student Account Specialist in Student Financial Services (SFS) at (626) 495-2855 or sfs@lapu.edu.

Multi-Subject Teaching Credential

California State Grant

Each year, the state of California invests millions of dollars in helping the state’s residents achieve their higher education goals. These funds are not guaranteed. The state reserves the right to reduce or eliminate any of the programs described below based on budget limitations. Contact the California Student Aid Commission for the specific details of each program listed below.

In order to be eligible, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the March 2 deadline. The GPA Verification Form must also be submitted by the March 2 deadline. For most students, this is sent electronically to the California Student Aid Commission by the school.

For new students, please submit a copy of your California Aid Report (CAR) indicating that you are eligible for the Cal Grant. If you are unable to submit a copy of the CAR, the Office of Student Financial Services can confirm your eligibility on the WebGrants website.

California State Aid is available in these categories:

• Cal Grant A
• Cal Grant A Access
• Cal Grant B
• Cal Grant B Access
• Chafee Grant for Foster Youth
• Golden State Teacher Grant Program
• Students with Dependent Children
• California Military Department GI Bill Program (CA CMD GI Bill)
• Law Enforcement Personnel Dependents Grant Program (LEPD)

Qualifications for Cal Grant A

1. California resident
2. Graduated from a California high school
3. 3.0 high school GPA
4. Family’s income and assets are under the ceilings established for that year.
5. Enrolled at least half time
6. Student is not already receiving a scholarship/grant that covers the price of tuition.

Qualifications for Cal Grant B

1. California resident
2. Graduated from a California high school
3. Student’s high school GPA meets the requirement set by the state.
4. Family’s income and assets are under the ceilings established by for that year.
5. Enrolled at least half time
6. Student is not already receiving a scholarship/grant that covers the price of tuition.

Chafee Grant for Foster Youth

If you are or were in foster care for at least one day, between the ages of 16 and 18 as a dependent or ward of the court and have financial need, you may qualify for up to $5,000 a year for career and technical training or college. You don’t have to pay this money back. You may also be able to use your grant to help pay for child care, transportation and rent while you’re in school. You can use your Chafee Grant at any eligible California college or university or career or technical school, as well as schools in other states.

Please contact the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) for more information on the qualifications needed, how to apply, yearly amounts, and disbursement information. For more information, please visit www.csac.ca.gov.  

Standalone Multiple Subject Teaching Credential

For students in the standalone multiple subject teaching credential please complete the ‘Request for Cal Grant Teaching Credential Program Benefits’ (G-44) form.

Golden State Teacher Grant Program

All applicants must be currently enrolled in a professional teacher preparation program, leading to a preliminary teaching credential, within an accredited California institution of higher education or through a local education agency, approved by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC).

Golden State Teacher Grant funds of up to $10,000 will be awarded if you commit to teaching in a “high-need field” at a priority school, as determined by the CTC, for four years within eight years after you receive your teaching credential.

• A “high-need field” means any of the following:

1. Bilingual education.
2. Mathematics or science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), including career technical education in STEM areas.
3. Science.
4. Special education.
5. Multiple subject instruction.
6. Transitional kindergarten
7. Other subjects as designated annually by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing based on an analysis of the availability of teachers in California pursuant to Education Code Section 44225.6.

• A “priority school” means a school with 55 percent or more of its pupils being unduplicated pupils, as defined in subdivision (b) of California Education Code Section 42238.02. The CTC in consultation with the California Department of Education (CDE) will publish a list of priority schools, based on the most recent data available to the CTC and CDE.

You will repay the Commission 25 percent of the total award annually, up to full repayment of the award, for each year if you fail to do one or more of the following:

• Be enrolled in or have successfully completed a teacher preparation program approved by the CTC.
• While enrolled in the teacher preparation program, maintain good academic standing.
• Complete the required teaching service following completion of your teacher preparation program.

Visit the California Student Aid Commission site for more information about the Golden State Teacher Grant program.

If you are interested in receiving the Golden State Teacher Grant, please contact CSAC at California Student Aid Program.

Students with Dependent Children

Cal Grant students attending a University of California, California State University, California Community College, or private non-profit institution who have dependent children may be eligible for an access award of up to $6,000. The Students with Dependent Children (SWD) Grant increases the Cal Grant award by up to $6,000 for qualifying Cal Grant A and B recipients and up to $4,000 for qualifying Cal Grant C recipients.

To qualify, the student must have dependent children that are under 18 years of age for whom they provide more than half of their financial support during the academic year.

California Military Department GI Bill Award Program (CA CMD GI Bill)

The California Military Department GI Bill Award Program (CMD GI Bill), is a State-funded grant for up to 1,000 service members in the California Military Department (CMD) or as many participants as the annual budget will allow. This Program authorizes the California Student Aid Commission (Commission) to make payments to accepted eligible program participants. Participants can receive up to the amount of the Cal Grant A amount for attending a non-public institution. For more information, visit the Cal Guard website.

Law Enforcement Personnel Dependents Grant Program (LEPD)

The Law Enforcement Personnel Dependents Grant Program (LEPD) provides a need-based educational grant to dependents and spouses of employees who lost their lives in the line of duty or were totally disabled as a result of an accident or injury caused by external violence or physical force incurred in the performance of duty in the following professions:

• Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation
• Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Division of Juvenile Justice
• Firefighters
• Law Enforcement
• Tribal Firefighters

Students may be eligible for up to the full LEPD award amount in accordance with their institution awarding and Cal Grant eligibility guidelines. Students may be eligible to receive this grant for a maximum of four years. For more information, visit the CSAC/LEPD website.

Loans

Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans

Direct Subsidized Loans and Direct Unsubsidized Loans are low-interest federal student loans for eligible students to help cover the cost of higher education at a four-year college or university; community college; or trade, career, or technical school. The U.S. Department of Education offers eligible students at participating schools Direct Subsidized Loans and Direct Unsubsidized Loans.

• Direct Subsidized Loans are available to undergraduate students with financial need. The Financial Aid department will determine the amount the student can borrow, and the amount may not exceed financial need. The U.S. Department of Education pays the interest on Direct Subsidized Loans while the student is enrolled in school at least half-time and during the six-month grace period.
• Direct Unsubsidized Loans are available to undergraduate and graduate students; there is no requirement to demonstrate financial need. The Financial Aid department will determine the amount the student may borrow based on cost of attendance and other financial aid received. For a Direct Unsubsidized Loan, the student is responsible for paying the interest during all periods. If the student chooses to pay interest while in school and during grace periods and deferment or forbearance periods, interest will accrue (accumulate) and be capitalized (that is, your interest will be added to the principal amount of the loan).

Yearly Amounts

• Freshmen: Fewer than 28 credits: $5,500 (up to $3,500 of which may be subsidized).
• Sophomores: 28–59 credits: $6,500 (up to $4,500 of which may be subsidized).
• Juniors and Seniors: 60+ credits: $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).

Preparatory Coursework

• Preparatory coursework for undergraduate admission: $8,625 for Independent Students (up to $2,625 of which may be subsidized) not to exceed 12 consecutive months. The student will be classified as Freshman.
• Preparatory coursework for undergraduate admission: $4,625 for Dependent  Students (up to $2,625 of which may be subsidized) not to exceed 12 consecutive months. The student will be classified as Freshman.

If the student is dependent and the parent is denied a PLUS Loan, the student can take out an additional Stafford Unsubsidized Loan in the amount of $4,000.    

• Preparatory coursework for graduate admission: $12,500 for Independent Students (up to $5,500 of which may be subsidized) not to exceed 12 consecutive months. The student will be classified as Fifth Year.
• Preparatory coursework for graduate admission: $7,500 for Dependent Students (up to $5,500 of which may be  subsidized) not to exceed 12 consecutive months. The student will be classified as Fifth Year.

If the student is dependent and the parent is denied a PLUS Loan, the student can take out an additional Stafford Unsubsidized Loan in the amount of $5,000.   

Standalone Teaching Credential

• Multiple Subject Teaching Credential (standalone): $12,500 for Independent Students (up to $5,550 of which may be subsidized). The student will be classified as Fifth Year.
• Multiple Subject Teaching Credential (standalone): $7,500 for Dependent Students (up to $5,550 of which may be subsidized). The student will be classified as Fifth Year.

If the student is dependent and the parent is denied a PLUS Loan, the student can take out an additional Stafford Unsubsidized Loan in the amount of $5,000.
 

Aggregate Loan Borrowing Limits

The maximum Direct Subsidized Loan an undergraduate student can borrow is $23,000. The total combined Direct Subsidized Loans and Direct Unsubsidized Loans an undergraduate student can borrow is:

• Dependent student: $31,000.
• Independent student: $57,500.

Grade Level Progression

Students will be awarded according to their class standing at the time the award letter is sent. LAPU's policy is to evaluate a student’s aid eligibility related to grade level annually at the time of awarding. If a student changes grade level mid-year, the student may request a recalculation and repackaging of direct loans limits.

Repayment

Generally, repayment of Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans begins six months after the borrower drops below half-time enrollment status, withdraws or graduates. This six-month period of time is called the grace period. Borrowers receive just one six-month grace period. If a borrower has used the six-month grace period previously or has consolidated the previous loans, those loans may go into repayment immediately.

Loan Exit Requirements

The federal government requires all student borrowers of Federal Direct Loans to complete the loan exit counseling for Federal Direct Loans. Borrowers must complete a loan exit when they drop below half-time enrollment status, withdraw, or graduate.

Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loans

The Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan is a low-interest loan borrowed directly from the U.S. government, that parents can apply for to help their dependent student pay for college. The parent can borrow any amount up to the student’s cost of attendance, minus any other aid the student is receiving. If the parent is denied a Direct Parent PLUS Loan, the student is eligible to borrow an additional Direct Unsubsidized Loan.

• Freshmen and Sophomores: $4,000
• Juniors and Seniors: $5,000

How to Apply for a Parent PLUS Loan

1. Loan Application at studentaid.gov.
2. New borrowers must complete the Parent PLUS Master Promissory Note at studentaid.gov.

Repayment

There is no loan exit requirement for parent borrowers and there is no grace period for a Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan. The repayment period begins 60 days after your school makes the last disbursement of the loan. However, if you’re a parent PLUS borrower who is also a student, you can defer repayment while you’re enrolled in school at least half time and (for Direct PLUS Loans first disbursed on or after July 1, 2008) for an additional six months after you graduate or drop below half-time enrollment.

If you’re a parent PLUS borrower, you may be able to defer the repayment of the Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loans while the student for whom you obtained the loan is enrolled at least half time, and for an additional six months after the student graduates or drops below half-time enrollment (half- time enrollment status is determined by your child’s school). You must separately request each deferment period. Please visit studentaid.gov for repayment options and details of the William D. Ford Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan Program.

Private Education Loans

Private education loans, also known as alternative loans, are loans issued by a lender such as a bank or credit union. These loans are primarily used to supplement federal programs when federal aid and scholarships do not meet the cost of attendance. Private loans often have variable interest rates, require a credit check and a co-signer, and lack many of the benefits of federal student loans.

Federal Direct Loans generally have more favorable interest rates and repayment options than private loans. We recommend that you utilize all federal aid eligibility before turning to private loans.

LAPU will process a private loan from any lending institution. LAPU does not recommend any specific lender or lenders. However, LAPU has compiled a list of lenders used by LAPU students in the past three years. The compiled list is offered as a tool to assist students as they consider their private lending options. Employees responsible for processing loans adhere to a strict Loan Code of Conduct (shown below).

Outside Aid

All students are required to report all resources known or expected to be available to them during the period for which they seek financial assistance. These resources include, but are not limited to scholarships, fellowships, stipends, and company tuition reimbursement. Failure to report these resources can result in delays in receiving aid funds for which the student may be eligible, cancellation of the award, or even the return of funds already received.

Should any new resources become available, the student is required to report this information to the Office of Student Financial Services. Withholding or concealing information about these resources may constitute fraud, as the student may be receiving financial aid to which he or she is not entitled. 

Disbursements and Refund Checks

Once the student is admitted into an eligible program and the financial aid file is complete, all financial aid usually disburses into the student’s student account between Week 4 and Week 8 of the session or later, depending upon when all documentation is received. If the disbursement creates a credit balance, a refund will automatically be processed. The refund should arrive to the address the student has on file or, if the student has signed up for ACH, the refund should arrive to the student's bank account within 7 to 14 days after the disbursement is made.  

The student should keep in mind that any refund that is received is intended for education-related expenses. Please be sure to monitor your Federal Student Loan borrowing at StudentAid.gov. There are aggregate limits of how much you can borrow, and we don’t want you to run short of funds. Please borrow wisely and be careful how you manage your refund checks.

Direct Loan Disbursements within a single semester

According to the Federal Student Aid Handbook, “Direct loan origination loan periods and disbursements” LAPU does not qualify for the special rule based on low cohort default rates (see the Special Rule below). LAPU must make two (2) disbursements of a Direct Loan that is certified or originated for a single semester. The second disbursement may not be paid until the calendar midpoint between the first and last scheduled days of class in the semester.

Special Rule: Schools with cohort default rates of less than 15% for each of the three (3) most recent fiscal years for which data are available, may disburse, in a single installment, loans that are made for a single semester.

The reason LAPU has not been able to establish an accurate cohort default rate is due to the student loan repayment pause that went into effect due to the COVID pandemic. We were classified as a new school when we established the name LAPU in 2018. Before LAPU could establish a three (3) year cohort default rate, we entered into the COVID pandemic. Now that the COVID pandemic is over and the student loan repayment pause has ended and student loans are now entering repayment again, we will be able to establish a three (3) year cohort default rate.

Over-Awards

The Office of Student Financial Services at Los Angeles Pacific University is required to reduce aid packages because of over-awards. In many cases, the over-award could have been prevented through the timely reporting of additional resources to the Office of Student Financial Services. Timely reporting of all outside resources will help prevent frustration and inconvenience resulting from aid adjustments required to resolve an over-award.

Stacking Financial Aid Policy

Federal and state regulations restrict how much financial aid a student can receive. The following policies are provided in an effort to help prevent any confusion or frustration that may result from an award being reduced or eliminated.

• Cost of Attendance: Financial aid cannot stack above COA. Exceptions: VA Benefits
• Cal Grant: Scholarships and grants (all free money) cannot stack above Need (Need = COA - EFC). Cal Grant cannot exceed tuition and fees.
• APU Staff Benefit and LAPU Tuition Assistance: Tuition benefit cannot stack above tuition.

Financial Aid Policies

Please be advised that funding from all of the sources listed is not guaranteed. All financial aid is subject to the continued availability of federal, state, institutional, and private funding. Budget limitations may reduce or eliminate any of the awards described without notice.

Deadlines

Apply early and return all requested documents before the session begins. Completing the application process early helps ensure a student’s eligibility for the most financial aid possible. The Office of Student Financial Services will do its best to quickly and accurately process a student’s application for financial aid. However, the ultimate responsibility for accurately completing the FAFSA, submitting completed documents, and finalizing the loan application process in a timely manner is up to the student. It is advised that the student respond to all inquiries from the financial aid office in a timely manner. Should a student’s financial aid (including loans) not process by the last date of enrollment in that session, the student will be responsible for any owing balance that remains on their student account.

Enrollment Status

Financial aid award amounts are based on full-time enrollment. Enrollment will be verified after the add-drop date of each session. Grants are prorated based upon actual enrollment. Students must be enrolled at least half- time for the semester in order to be eligible for loans.

Enrollment Status

Credits	Enrollment
12+	Full-time
9-11	3Q time
6-8	Half-time
1-5	Less than half-time

Loan Code of Conduct

As a part of the Program Participation Agreement for participating in Title IV financial aid programs, institutions are required to develop and comply with a loan code of conduct that prohibits conflicts of interest for financial aid personnel with respect to all student loans. Any Los Angeles Pacific University employee who has responsibilities with respect to student educational loans must annually be reminded to comply with this code of conduct. The following provisions bring LAPU into compliance with the federal law [CFR 34 601.21 and HEOA 487]

1. Neither LAPU as an institution nor any individual or university employee shall enter into any revenue-sharing arrangement with any lender which makes loans to students attending the institution.

2. No employee of LAPU who has responsibilities with respect to education loans, or any of their family members, shall solicit or accept any gift from a lender, guarantor, or servicer of education loans.

   1. For purposes of this prohibition, the term “gift” means any gratuity, favor, discount, entertainment, hospitality, loan, or other item having a monetary value of more than a nominal value.

   2. Gifts and favorable terms and benefits do not include: a brochure, workshop or training using standard materials relating to a loan, default aversion, or financial literacy, such as a part of a training session. Entrance and exit counseling as long as the institution’s staff are in control of the counseling and the counseling does not promote the services of a specific lender.

3. An employee at LAPU who has responsibilities with respect to education loans shall not accept from any lender or affiliate of any lender any fee, payment, or other financial benefit (including the opportunity to purchase stock) as compensation for any type of consulting arrangement or other contract to provide services to a lender or on behalf of a lender relating to education loans.

4. LAPU shall not:

   1. assign a lender to a first-time borrower through award packaging or any other method; or

   2. refuse to certify or delay certification of any loan based on the borrower’s selection of a particular lender or guaranty agency.

5. LAPU shall not request or accept from any lender any offer of funds to be used for private education loans, including funds for an opportunity pool loan (An “opportunity pool loan” is defined as a private education loan made by a lender to a student or the student’s family that involves a payment by the institution to the lender for extending credit to the student.), to students in exchange for the institution providing concessions or promises regarding providing the lender with:

   1. a specific loan volume of such loans; or

   2. a preferred lender arrangement for such loans.

6. LAPU shall not request or accept from any lender any assistance with call center staffing or financial aid office staffing.

7. Any university employee who has any responsibilities with respect to education loans or other student financial aid, and who serves on an advisory board, commission, or group established by a lender, guarantor, or group of lenders or guarantors, shall be prohibited from receiving anything of value from the lender, guarantor, or group of lenders or guarantors, except that the employee may be reimbursed for reasonable expenses incurred in serving on such an advisory board, commission, or group.

Professional Judgment

Professional Judgment refers to the school's authority to make adjustments, on a case-by-case basis, to information reported on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) so that the Department of Education can recalculate the Student Aid Index (SAI). The SAI is the number that the school uses to determine whether a student is eligible for need-based financial aid.

Eligibility for financial aid is determined by the FAFSA, which uses financial information from two years prior to estimate a household’s current circumstances. The Office of Student Financial Services recognizes that households can experience changes in income or other finances that are not reflected in their information two years prior.

If a household has experienced a special circumstance (which refers to a loss of a job or change in income or other financial hardship or a change in marital status, etc.) or an unusual circumstance (which refers to a student’s dependency status due to human trafficking, refugee or asylee status, parental abandonment, incarceration, etc.) which is more commonly referred to as a dependency override, they should contact the Office of Student Financial Services.  The student can begin the process in the StudentForms portal.  The student will be asked to explain “in detail” the nature of their circumstance and why they need Professional Judgment.  Once the detailed explanation is reviewed by a Financial Aid Officer, any documentation that may be required will be requested at that time.

Withdrawals - Return to Title IV (R2T4)

LAPU realizes that extenuating circumstances may sometimes impact a student’s ability to complete the semester and/or session. After the add/drop period, when a student stops attending all of their classes during the semester and/or session, depending upon the circumstances, it may be classified as a “withdrawal or “dismissal” from the University. For the purpose of charges assessed and financial aid eligibility, a dismissal will be handled the same as a withdrawal from the University.

Regulations require the entire period and combination of modular courses to be considered when determining the portion of financial aid that has been earned by a student who withdraws. The student is considered withdrawn when he fails to complete the scheduled enrollment. The percentage of completion is calculated by dividing the number of completed days by the number of days the student was scheduled to attend. 

LAPU is required to determine the earned and unearned portions of Title IV aid as of the date the student ceased attendance based on the amount of time the student spent in attendance.  Up through the 60% point in each payment period or period of enrollment, a pro rata schedule is used to determine the amount of Title IV funds the student has earned at the time of withdrawal. After the 60% point in the payment period or period of enrollment, a student has earned 100% of the Title IV funds they were scheduled to receive during the period. 

The R2T4 can be based upon an official withdrawal if the student completes the withdrawal form or submits a late withdrawal petition.  The R2T4 can be based upon an unofficial withdrawal if the student receives all FN grades. An FN grade is determined by the last date of academic engagement to include: submitting an assignment, posting a forum discussion, starting a quiz attempt, or engaging in a graded activity.

For a student not to be considered a withdrawal for Title IV purposes, in accordance with the requirements for the treatment of students in program(s) offered in modules, the school needs to obtain written confirmation of future attendance in a Title IV eligible course later in the semester.  Once the student drops all future classes within that semester, the student would then be considered a withdrawal for Title IV purposes.

If the student drops all future classes but then subsequently returns and begins attending a Title IV eligible course later in the semester the student’s Return of Title IV Funds calculation would be undone and the student could receive the funds that were originally returned to the Department of Education.

For a student who withdraws after the 60% point, there would be no R2T4 calculation.  However, LAPU must still determine whether the student is eligible for a post-withdrawal disbursement (PWD) if all funds have not been disbursed yet.

A student who withdraws from a program offered in modules is not considered to have withdrawn for R2T4 purposes if the student successfully completes at least one class in one module that includes 49% or more of the number of days in the payment period.  Successfully completed means the student earned a passing grade (D or better with no F, FN, IN or W grades).

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)

Federal regulations require that a student must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) to be eligible to receive Federal Student Aid (FSA). Students are evaluated for SAP at the end of each payment period.

SAP status is based on the student’s current degree program and all credit hours recorded on the academic record, including incompletes, withdrawals, repetitions, and transfer credits from other institutions. The Financial Aid office is required under federal regulation to count all attempted credit hours in the SAP calculation for GPA, completion rate, and maximum time frame.

SAP is calculated at the end of each payment period, after grades have been recorded by the Registrar. Students who are not meeting SAP requirements are notified by letter or electronic communication through their student portal, which includes the steps required to submit a SAP appeal. Due to the limited time frame between the end of one payment period and start of another, students may not be notified of their SAP status by Student Financial Services (SFS) prior to the start of the next payment period  and may be ineligible for federal financial aid.

Qualitative Measurement

• Undergraduate students must maintain a minimum cumulative local grade-point average (GPA) of at least 2.0. 
• Graduate students must maintain a minimum cumulative local grade-point average (GPA) of 3.0. 
• For Competency-Based Education (CBE) programs, the cumulative local grade point average is calculated using the following grade scale: Distinguished (4.0), Proficient (3.0), Non-Performance (0 points), Non-Attending (0 points).

Quantitative Measure (Pace Requirement)

Undergraduate and graduate students must successfully complete a minimum of 67% of units in which they enroll past the add/drop period.

Time Limit for Receiving Financial Aid (Maximum Time Frame)

Undergraduate and graduate students become ineligible when it is determined that they will be unable to complete their degrees with fewer than 150 percent of the required credits. All attempted credits for the current program (which includes all Fs, Ws, Incompletes (INs), and repeated courses) are included in the calculation.

Additional Degree for Undergraduate Students

Students may receive Title IV, state, and most institutional aid for each degree. Students become ineligible when it is determined that they will be unable to complete their degrees with fewer than 150 percent of the required credits for the combined degrees. All attempted units for the current program (which includes Fs, FNs, Ws, INs and repeated courses) are included in the calculation.
 
If the student completes the degree requirements for both degrees during the same term, the student can receive Title IV, state, and most institutional aid until completion. If, on the other hand, the student completes the first degree/major program before completing the other degree/major program, then that student is no longer eligible for Title IV grant (Federal Pell Grant, FSEOG, or TEACH Grant) and state aid funds to complete the second degree/major program. However, that student may still receive Federal Direct Loan funds to complete the requirements of the second degree/major program, up to the 150 percent limit stated above. 

Additional Degrees for Graduate Students

Many graduate students earn multiple degrees sequentially. LAPU's current system cannot distinguish between these degrees, causing it to incorrectly calculate the maximum time frame for their studies. To accurately monitor student progress, the Financial Aid office requires specific information identifying students enrolled in additional graduate programs.

Appeals

Once a student is on SAP suspension, the student must submit an academic plan along with a SAP appeal for consideration of further aid.  The academic plan that is submitted with the appeal should be created by the student with input from the student’s success coach. The appeal will be reviewed by a Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeals Committee. Upon approval, the student’s aid will be disbursed for the current term. Disbursements for subsequent terms will not occur until SAP status has been reviewed.

A student placed on “Financial Aid Suspension” may appeal the status within 30 days of receiving notification of financial aid ineligibility. The student must complete a “SAP Appeal” form to provide an explanation of why they failed to meet SAP and what has changed in their situation that will allow them to meet SAP at the next evaluation. Acceptable reasons to appeal usually include extenuating circumstances that prevented successful completion of the minimum standards and how the situation has been resolved. Such circumstances should be exceptional, non-recurring in nature, and have supporting documentation.

New, Changed or Added Programs

If a student changes or adds programs in the same division, it will not reset the current qualitative (GPA) or quantitative (pace) measures of SAP. Cumulative GPA and completion rate will be used for all programs in which the student enrolls at LAPU. If a student changes or adds a program, the maximum time frame will be reset from the date of initial enrollment in the new degree program

Regaining Eligibility

A student may regain financial aid eligibility when he or she meets all three measures of progress for SAP.  It is possible for students to be placed on a warning status multiple times in their academic career.  

Remedial Coursework

A student may receive financial aid for one academic year of remedial courses. Remedial coursework for students who are admitted into an eligible program will count towards the Minimum Requirement measures of SAP listed above. 

Repeated Courses

If a student repeats a failed or a previously passed course, the new grade will be used to recalculate the cumulative GPA.  The credits will still count toward the completion rate and maximum time frame.  Students who passed a course and choose to repeat for a higher grade may receive financial aid only once for that repeated course.  Students may receive financial aid for a failed course that they repeat until they pass (as long as they are meeting all of the other SAP requirements). For CBE programs, a grade of PR or higher is considered a passing grade.

Incompletes

Grades of “IN” are treated as “F” grades for the purpose of SAP calculation until an official grade is posted.

Transfer Credits

Transfer credits that have been officially accepted to complete program requirements will count towards the quantitative (pace requirement) measurement and the cumulative Career Hours GPA, but will not count towards the qualitative (GPA requirement) cumulative Local Hours GPA.

Veteran's Benefits

LAPU has chosen to align its SAP policy for Veteran’s Benefits with its SAP Policy for Title IV financial aid.

The United States Department of Education regulations regarding state authorization provide in 34 CFR 600.9(c) that any institution receiving federal funding must have a defensible process for tracking the location of students. All students must provide their state of residence upon admission to the university and are required to submit a change of address form located at Student Services advising of any change of address and confirm or update their addresses at the time of subsequent registration at least once per year.