University-Wide Financial Aid Information

FINANCIAL AID

The goal of the Office of Financial Aid is to help make a Pacific University education affordable. To accomplish this goal, Pacific offers a variety of merit-based scholarships, need-based grants, loans, and employment opportunities to eligible students. Funds come from institutional, federal, and state sources.

Students must be admitted to a degree or certificate program to receive financial aid. To qualify for federal student aid, students must be U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens and meet a variety of other eligibility criteria. Students must maintain full-time enrollment in the College to which they were originally admitted to be eligible for any institutional aid they are awarded.  Detailed financial aid application instructions and eligibility requirements are available at http://www.pacificu.edu/about-us/offices/financial-aid.

The Office of Financial Aid is located on the Forest Grove campus and processes financial aid for all Pacific campuses:  Forest Grove, Hillsboro, Eugene, Woodburn, and Portland.  Pacific’s federal school code for all campuses is 003212.

FINANCIAL AID APPLICATION PROCESS

The process of applying for financial aid begins with applying for admission to Pacific. An admitted applicant’s academic information is used to award merit-based institutional aid. The types and availability of these merit-based scholarships vary by academic program.

The information an applicant provides on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is used to determine eligibility for need-based and cost-based aid.  An applicant’s federally defined need is the difference between the cost of attendance for the year, which varies by academic program, and the applicant’s Expected Family Contribution (EFC), which is calculated by using a standard federal formula to assess the information provided on the FAFSA. The easiest and most efficient way to complete the FAFSA is online at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa.

Once an applicant’s academic information and FAFSA data are reviewed by the Office of Financial Aid, the applicant is offered a financial aid package, which outlines the sources and amounts of available financial aid. The award notification will indicate if the award is final or estimated.  Estimated awards require an applicant to document and, if necessary, correct information provided with the original application for financial aid; final awards require no further documentation.  Information regarding additional steps required to obtain certain types of funding, such as applying for a work-study job and completing loan applications, is included with the award notification.  The award notification is made via the BoxerOnline Financial Aid Self Service portal, available at https://boxeronline.pacificu.edu.

The most common reason that an award is estimated is due to the applicant’s FAFSA being selected for a federal process called verification. If a FAFSA is selected for the federal verification process, the applicant is required to provide additional information to the Office of Financial Aid, in some cases along with supporting documentation, which is compared to previously reported information.  Changes to the FAFSA data are reported to the federal processor, which recalculates the applicant’s Expected Family Contribution (EFC) and sends the revised data to Pacific.  The Office of Financial Aid then uses that data to recalculate the applicant’s eligibility for financial aid, if necessary, and sends a new award notification to the applicant.  In addition to federal verification, the Office of Financial Aid may also choose to verify select data elements reported on the FAFSA.

Financial aid awards can change for several reasons.  Awards can decrease if applicants receive outside scholarships that exceed their remaining need or, in combination with their financial aid, exceed the cost of attendance for the year.  Awards can also decrease due to changes to the applicant’s FAFSA data or to reductions in institutional, state, or federal funding.  Awards can increase due to changes to the applicant’s FAFSA data, or as a result of Pacific’s consideration of changes in a family’s financial circumstances that are beyond their control and are affecting their ability to pay college costs.  Families who feel that they have such circumstances are encouraged to contact the Office of Financial Aid.

Financial aid awards, including all institutional scholarships, are awarded for the academic year and are based on full-time enrollment in the student’s academic program.  Financial aid awards will be prorated for students who attend less than a full academic year.  Students who enroll for less than full time should consult with the Office of Financial Aid to determine the effect of part-time enrollment on their financial aid eligibility.

Renewability of Financial Aid

To renew eligibility for need-based financial aid, students must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) annually.  Pacific’s FAFSA priority filing deadline is March 1^st, prior to the academic year for which the student is applying for financial aid.  Students filing the FAFSA after March 1^st will be considered for institutional and some federal resources on a funds-available basis.  Some federal funds, such as Federal Work-Study and Health Professions Student Loans, are limited and are not awarded to students who do not meet Pacific’s March 1^st FAFSA priority filing deadline.  Need-based financial aid resources that require a valid, processed FAFSA are:

• Federal Pell Grant
• Federal SEOG Grant
• William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan (Subsidized)
• Federal Work-Study
• Health Professions Student Loans
• Pacific Grant
• Black United Fund Scholarship
• Early College High School Award
• Future Connect Next Steps Scholarship
• Oregon Opportunity Grant

Non-need based financial aid resources that require a valid, processed FAFSA are:

• Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant
• Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grants
• William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program (Unsubsidized)
• William D. Ford Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loans
• William D. Ford Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loans

Most renewable institutional scholarships require students to meet Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements (see Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy for Financial Aid).  Some awards, such as talent awards, may have additional renewal criteria, which is noted at the time the award is made.

There are time limits to students’ eligibility for institutional aid.  First-year undergraduate students who receive renewable institutional aid upon entry into the University are eligible for that aid for up to four academic years.  Undergraduate students who receive renewable institutional aid who transfer in credits from other institutions are eligible for that aid for up to three years, depending on the number of credits accepted for transfer to Pacific.  Students awarded institutional grants and scholarships for enrollment in the College of Arts and Sciences may not use those funds for programs in the College of Health Professions, the College of Optometry, or College of Education programs in Lane County or Forest Grove.

While some institutional scholarship aid to graduate students is renewable, most scholarships are only awarded for the first year of study.  Students must maintain full-time enrollment in the College to which they were admitted to continue to receive institutional aid. 

SATISFACTORY ACADEMIC PROGRESS POLICY FOR FINANCIAL AID

All students must maintain satisfactory academic progress as defined quantitatively and qualitatively to continue to receive federal, state, and institutional financial aid.  Quantitatively, students must complete a minimum number of credits each semester.  Qualitatively, students must achieve and maintain certain semester and cumulative grade point averages (GPAs).  Students must also complete their program within a maximum time frame. The Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy is cumulative and includes all periods of enrollment, even those in which the student did not receive financial assistance.

Qualitative and Quantitative Standards by Academic Program

Forest Grove undergraduate programs in the College of Arts & Sciences, Business, and Education

• BA, BS, BSW, BMT:  students must successfully complete at least 12 credits per semester if enrolled full-time, 9 credits per semester if enrolled ¾-time, and 6 credits per semester if enrolled ½-time.  Students must also achieve a 2.0 or higher GPA each semester, and maintain a 2.0 or higher cumulative GPA.

Graduate programs in the College of Arts & Sciences

• Master of Fine Arts in Writing (MFA):  students must successfully complete 100% of their attempted credits each semester.
• Master of NonProfit Leadership: students must complete 100% of their attempted credits each semester. Students must also achieve a 3.0 or higher GPA each semester, and maintain a 3.0 or higher cumulative GPA
• Master of Social Work (MSW):  students must complete at least 67% of their attempted credits each semester. Students must achieve a 2.0 or higher GPA each semester, and maintain a 2.0 or higher cumulative GPA.

Graduate programs in the College of Business

• Master of Business Administration (MBA): students must achieve a 2.7 or higher GPA for each course, and maintain a 3.0 or higher cumulative GPA.

College of Education

• Forest Grove and Lane County undergraduates:  students must complete at least 67% of their attempted credits each semester.  Students must also achieve a 2.0 or higher GPA each semester, and maintain a 2.0 or higher cumulative GPA.
• School of Learning and Teaching (graduate):  students must complete at least 67% of their attempted credits each semester.  Students must also achieve a 3.0 or higher GPA each semester, and maintain a 3.0 or higher cumulative GPA.
• School of Communication Sciences and Disorders:  students must complete at least 67% of their attempted credits each semester. Students must achieve a 3.0 or higher GPA each semester, and maintain a 3.0 or higher cumulative GPA.

College of Health Professions

• Athletic Training (MSAT):  students must successfully complete 100% of their attempted credits each semester. Students must also achieve a 2.7 or higher GPA each semester, and maintain a 2.7 or higher cumulative GPA.
• School of Audiology:  students must successfully complete 100% of their attempted credits each semester.
• School of Dental Hygiene Studies:  students must complete 100% of their attempted credits each semester.  Students must also achieve a 2.0 or higher GPA each semester, and maintain a 2.0 or higher cumulative GPA.
• Doctor of Science and Doctor of Health Programs: students must complete 100% of their attempted credits each semester.  Students cannot have grades of No Pass (N) in more than two courses during any semester.
• School of Graduate Psychology:  students must complete at least 67% of their attempted credits each semester.  Students must also achieve a 3.0 or higher GPA each semester, and maintain a 3.0 or higher cumulative GPA.
• School of Occupational Therapy:  Students must also achieve a 2.8 or higher GPA each semester, and maintain a 2.8 or higher cumulative GPA.
• School of Pharmacy:  students must complete 100% of their attempted credits each semester.  Students cannot have grades of No Pass (N) in more than three blocks during any semester.
  • School of Physical Therapy:  students must complete 100% of their attempted credits each semester.  Students must also achieve a 2.7 or higher GPA each semester, and maintain a 2.7 or higher cumulative GPA.
• School of Physician Assistant Studies:  students must complete 100% of their attempted credits each semester.  Students cannot have grades of No Pass (N) in more than two courses during any semester.

College of Optometry

• Doctor of Optometry (OD), Bachelor of Science in Visual Science (BS), Master of Science in Vision Science (MS), Doctor of Philosophy in Vision Science (PhD), Master of Education in Visual Function in Learning (MEd):  students must successfully complete 100% of their attempted credits each semester.  Students must achieve a C or higher in all of their coursework.

Maximum Time Frame

Students are eligible to receive federal financial aid for a maximum of 150% of the time required to complete a degree or certificate program.  For example:  A minimum of 124 credits are required to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in the College of Arts and Sciences; therefore, in this example the maximum number of credits for which a student may be eligible to receive federal aid is 186 (124 x 150%).  All credits attempted are included in credits toward completion and are considered in the calculation for maximum time frame eligibility.  Attempted credits are defined as successfully completed credits, unsuccessfully completed credits (defined by each program), incompletes, withdrawals, repeated courses, and courses accepted by Pacific from another school.

Repeated courses (along with the original attempt) are counted toward maximum time frame.  Students may receive federal financial aid one time for retaking previously passed coursework.  Students who have attempted more than 150% of the credits required for their program of study are not considered to be making satisfactory academic progress for financial aid and are therefore ineligible for federal financial aid.  A student is also ineligible when it becomes mathematically impossible for the student to complete their program within 150% of the length of the program.

Failure to Meet Satisfactory Progress

All financial aid recipients are monitored for compliance with the Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy for Financial Aid at the end of each financial aid payment period.  (See Special Notes for exceptions).  Students who fail to meet all satisfactory academic progress requirements for a semester are placed on Financial Aid Warning and remain eligible for financial aid for one subsequent semester of enrollment.  During this warning period, students must complete all Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements.  Students who fail to meet Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements during this warning period become ineligible for financial aid for subsequent semesters.  The Office of Financial Aid notifies affected students once final grades are available for the semester.

Special Notes:

• Master of Fine Arts in Writing (MFA):students who receive a grade of No Pass (N) in any semester are placed on Financial Aid Warning. Students who receive a grade of N in a second semester must submit an appeal for continued funding to the Financial Aid Office. Students whose appeals are approved, and who are eligible to enroll, are placed on Financial Aid Probation and are eligible for financial aid for the following semester.
• Athletic Training (MSAT): students who receive a grade of F or N or two grades of C in a didactic course, or one grade of NP in a clinical course, are placed on Financial Aid Warning. Students who receive a second grade of F or NP or a third grade of C in a didactic course, or a second grade of N in a clinical course, must submit an appeal for continued funding to the Financial Aid Office. Students whose appeals are approved, and who are eligible to enroll, are placed on Financial Aid Probation and are eligible for financial aid for the following semester.
• School of Pharmacy: students who receive grades of No Pass (N) in three blocks during any semester are placed on Financial Aid Warning. Students who receive a grade of N in a fourth block, and who are eligible to enroll, must submit an appeal for continued funding to the Office of Financial Aid.  Students whose appeals are approved will be placed on Financial Aid Probation and are eligible for financial aid for the following semester.
• Physician Assistant Studies: students who receive grades of No Pass (N) in two courses during any semester are placed on Financial Aid Warning. Students who receive a grade of N in a third course must submit an appeal for continued funding to the Office of Financial Aid. Students whose appeals are approved, and who are eligible to enroll, are placed on Financial Aid Probation and are eligible for financial aid for the following semester.

Appeal Process

Students who fail to reestablish satisfactory academic progress while on Financial Aid Warning are offered the opportunity to appeal.  Appeals must be submitted to the Office of Financial Aid within 14 days of the notification of the student’s loss of financial aid eligibility.  In the appeal, the student must explain why they were unable to meet Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements for financial aid, what they have done to address those issues, and how they plan to meet requirements in the future.  Students whose appeals are approved are placed on Financial Aid Probation and are eligible for one semester of financial aid.  Students must meet the conditions outlined in the response to their appeal to be considered for financial aid after the probationary period.  If the conditions are not met, the student becomes ineligible for further financial aid.

In some cases, students who fail to complete Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements while on Financial Aid Probation are allowed to work with an academic advisor to develop an academic plan that, if followed, will result in their regaining Satisfactory Academic Progress policy compliance over a specified time period.  These students will maintain their eligibility for financial aid if they adhere to the requirements of their academic plan, or if they regain compliance with the quantitative and qualitative requirements of the Satisfactory Academic Progress policy.

Reestablishing Financial Aid Eligibility

If a student chooses not to appeal or the student’s appeal is denied, eligibility for financial aid may be reestablished by meeting all of the following requirements:

• Satisfactorily complete a minimum of 6 credits at Pacific University (additional credits may be required depending on an individual student’s academic history). Credits completed at another institution and transferred to Pacific cannot be used to satisfy this requirement. Credits completed must apply to the student’s degree requirements and students must pay for these credits without financial aid assistance from or through Pacific University.
• Meet the minimum GPA requirement for the program in which the student is enrolled.
• Be on pace to complete the academic program within the maximum time frame of the cumulative attempted credits divided by the cumulative earned credits, never to exceed 150% of the stated program requirements.
• Submit an academic plan, signed by the Pacific University Director of Advising, outlining remaining degree requirements and documenting compliance with quantitative and qualitative (including Maximum Time Frame) requirements.

UNDERGRADUATE GRANTS

Federal Pell Grants
Eligibility for the Federal Pell Grant is determined by the federal government, based on the information submitted on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the student’s enrollment status, and Pacific’s cost of attendance.  Award amounts vary, are set annually by the federal government, and are contingent on federal legislative funding   Students are not eligible to receive a Pell Grant from more than one college for the same period of time.  The Office of Financial Aid utilizes information from the federal government to monitor annual and maximum Federal Pell Grant eligibility.  In certain circumstances, students may receive up to 150% of the scheduled Pell Grant for an academic year; however, the maximum lifetime eligibility used must not exceed 600%.

Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant

Eligibility for this non-need based federal grant program is determined upon submission of the FAFSA and is awarded to students whose parent or guardian died as a result of military service in Iraq or Afghanistan after September 11, 2001.  Award amounts are determined by federal law; additional conditions apply.  Students must not be Federal Pell Grant eligible.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG)
These grants are federally funded and awarded by Pacific University to Federal Pell Grant recipients who have the lowest Expected Family Contributions (EFCs). Award amounts vary based on available funding.

Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grants
These federal grants are awarded to eligible students who agree to teach full-time for at least four years at an elementary school, secondary school, or educational service agency that serves students from low-income families. Teaching service must be in a high-need field, such as bilingual education and English language acquisition, foreign language, mathematics, reading specialist, science, and special education, as well as any other field that has been identified as high-need by the federal government, a state government, or a local education agency, and that is included in the Department of Education’s annual Teacher Shortage Area Nationwide Listing. The terms and conditions of this teaching service obligation are explained in the TEACH Grant Agreement To Serve. Eligible students receive up to $4,000 per year for up to four years depending on fund availability.  Recipients must maintain at least a 3.25 grade point average to receive this funding. For recipients who do not satisfy the teaching requirement, these funds will become a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan that began accruing interest upon disbursement.  Interested applicants must file a FAFSA, be enrolled in an eligible program at Pacific University, and complete the TEACH Grant Agreement To Serve and Entrance Counseling at StudentLoans.gov.

Oregon Opportunity Grants
Oregon Opportunity Grants are awarded to eligible undergraduate students who are Oregon residents. Eligibility and award amounts are determined by the State of Oregon’s Office of Student Access & Completion (OSAC).  Oregon residents filing a FAFSA are automatically considered if the student lists an eligible Oregon college and meets the OSAC eligibility criteria.  Oregon residents not eligible to file a FAFSA can complete the Oregon Student Aid Application (ORSAA). Oregon Opportunity Grants are available to qualified recipients for up to 8 semesters of full-time enrollment.  Visit oregonstudentaid.gov for more information.

Pacific Grants
Pacific Grants are awarded to undergraduate students enrolled full time in the College of Arts and Sciences on the Forest Grove campus. These institutionally funded grants are based on the student’s financial need, as determined by the information submitted on the FAFSA or ORSAA and a standardized federal need analysis formula.  Award amounts vary based on the level of financial need and the academic strength of the applicant at the time of admission.  The Pacific Grant will be renewed at the same amount each year for a total of four years as long as the student files the FAFSA or ORSAA, continues to demonstrate financial need, and meets general financial aid eligibility requirements.

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES FOR FOREST GROVE COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS

Entering Students

Academic Scholarships
Academic Scholarships are available to freshman and transfer students admitted to the College of Arts and Sciences.  Awards range from $20,000 to $30,000 annually for up to four years of full-time enrollment based on the student’s academic record at the time of admission to the University.  A separate application is not required.  Eligible students may receive only one of these scholarships.  Award amounts are based on annual enrollment; scholarship amounts for students enrolling less than a full academic year will be prorated.  A portion of these academic scholarships are funded by endowed and restricted gifts made by generous donors to the University.

Pacesetter Excellence Awards
The Pacesetter Excellence Award is a full tuition scholarship available for up to four years of full-time enrollment.  Recipients are selected from freshmen participants in the on-campus Pacesetter Honors Day competition. Participation in Pacesetter Honors Day is by invitation only.

Pacesetter Scholarships
Pacesetter Scholarships range from $1,000 to $10,000 annually for up to four years of full-time enrollment.  Recipients are selected from freshmen participants in the on-campus Pacesetter Honors Day competition.  Participation in Pacesetter Honors Day is by invitation only.

Senior Preview Scholarships

Seniors in high school who attend a scheduled Senior Preview Scholarship Day will receive a $1,000 scholarship annually for up to four years of full-time enrollment.  Applicants must be admitted to Pacific before a scholarship will be awarded.  Applicants must register for, and attend, a Senior Preview Scholarships Day during their senior year in high school to be eligible for this scholarship.  No other on-campus event will satisfy the visitation requirement for this scholarship.

Pacific Global Community Awards

Institutional funds are awarded to selected students who we believe will help foster the cultural, economic, and geographic diversity that makes Pacific University a part of the increasingly global community.  Awards are renewable for up to four years; award amounts vary.

Black United Fund Scholarships

Selected high school seniors who are Oregon residents will receive a renewable financial aid package meeting 100 percent of the recipient’s federally defined need. The package will consist of scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study. Recipient selection process will be a joint effort between Pacific University and the Black United Fund.

BPA Science Bowl Scholarships

Renewable awards are available to members of the top three teams that participate in the BPA High School Science Bowl and who are admitted to and enroll full time at Pacific.

Early College High School Awards

Renewable awards of combined federal, state and institutional gift aid that meets full tuition and fees, plus a standard book allowance are available to selected graduates of the Beaverton and Hillsboro School Districts’ Early College High School programs at participating Portland Community College campuses. The recipient must enroll as a full-time undergraduate student in the academic year following graduation from the Early College High School program.

Future Connect Next Steps Scholarships

Renewable awards of combined federal, state and institutional gift aid that meet full tuition and fees, plus a standard book allowance are available to selected transfer students successfully completing their AAOT degree through the Future Connect program at participating Portland Community College campuses.

Girls Gather for Computer Science (G2CS) Scholarships

Renewable scholarships are awarded to G2CS participants who are admitted to and enroll full time at Pacific.

Hap Hingston Forensics Award

This award is presented to a deserving participant in the Pacific University Speech and Debate Tournament every spring who decides to enroll full-time at Pacific.

Tom McCall Scholarships
Institutional awards of $2,500 annually, potentially renewable for a second year, are available for selected students who show a special interest in, and continue to engage in, public affairs. Application for this scholarship is made to the Admissions Office.

Phi Theta Kappa Scholarships
Renewable awards of $2,500 given to selected entering transfer students who are members of Phi Theta Kappa. Recipients must have completed 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours that are accepted by Pacific, and must have maintained a 3.5 or higher cumulative grade point average.

UCC Tuition Scholarships
Institutional funds awarded for up to four years of full-time enrollment to students who are dependents (according to Internal Revenue Service rules) of UCC clergy members. Awards are equal to 50% of the cost of full-time tuition.  Eligible students whose academic scholarships exceed this amount will receive those scholarships instead of the UCC Tuition Scholarship.

UCC Matching Scholarships
Institutional funds awarded for up to four years of full-time enrollment to students who receive an outside UCC scholarship. Students who have federally defined need receive up to $1,500 in matching funds; students who do not have federally defined need receive up to $500 in matching funds.

Academic and Fine & Performing Arts Talent Awards
Institutional funds awarded for up to four years of full-time enrollment to students who audition or apply successfully in Music, Forensics, Theatre, Dance, Studio Art, and Math and Computer Science in the spring prior to their entry to the University, and who continue to meet program participation requirements. Award amounts vary.  Applicants may apply for more than one award; however, students will only receive one Talent Award.

Continuing Students

Eva C. Krebs Boxer Spirit Awards
Institutional funds awarded to continuing, full time undergraduates who have completed a minimum of 24 Pacific University credits, based on the quality and content of a required personal statement, their cumulative grade point averages, and their federally defined need. Awards are for one year only; award amounts vary. 

Endowed and Restricted Scholarships
Donor-funded scholarships and awards are available to selected students who meet the qualifications specified by the donors. These funds may be awarded based on faculty recommendation, student application, or as part of the institutional financial aid program.  These awards are generally not renewable.

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES FOR GRADUATE and PROFESSIONAL STUDENTS

Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) Professional Student Exchange Program (PSEP)
Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) Professional Student Exchange Program (PSEP) funds are available to eligible students in the College of Optometry, the School of Occupational Therapy, the School of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training, the School of Physician Assistant Studies, and the School of Pharmacy. Students must apply to the appropriate state-certifying officer by October 15th of the year preceding the student’s enrollment. Award amounts, service requirements, and state participation vary. Information about these programs is available at www.wiche.edu/sep and by e-mail to info-sep@wiche.edu.

Assistantships
Institutional funds awarded to eligible students in the School of Graduate Psychology and the School of Communication Sciences and Disorders. Recipients of these funds assist faculty members; continuing students may be given teaching assignments.

Professional Program Grants
Institutional funds available to eligible students in selected graduate or professional programs. These funds are awarded to first-year students and are not renewable.

LOANS

William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program

Eligible students enrolled at least one-half time in a degree program may borrow through the Federal Direct Loan program.  Students must file the FAFSA, be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen, not be in default on any federal education loan or owe an over-payment on a federal education grant, and must meet other general eligibility requirements of the Federal Student Aid programs.  Federal Direct Loans are in the student’s name, do not require a credit inquiry, and are either subsidized or unsubsidized.  Loan subsidies and annual award amounts vary based on the students’ federally defined need, dependency status, academic program, and credit completion.

Federal Direct Subsidized Loans are available to undergraduate students who demonstrate sufficient federally defined financial need.  These loans do not accrue interest while borrowers are enrolled at least half-time. Loan repayment begins six months after the borrower graduates or ceases to be enrolled at least half-time.

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans are available to undergraduate and graduate students regardless of the student’s federally defined need. These loans begin accruing interest upon disbursement.  Borrowers may choose to pay the accrued interest or allow the interest to be capitalized.  Loan repayment begins six months after the borrower graduates or ceases to be enrolled at least half-time.

Federal Direct Loan interest rates are set annually each July 1^st and are fixed-variable, meaning the interest rate is variable based on the date of the loan disbursement but is fixed for the life of that loan.  A loan fee, based on a percentage of the total loan amount, is deducted proportionately from each loan disbursement.  Information regarding interest rates and loan fees is available at StudentAid.ed.gov.

Dependent undergraduates can borrow a combination of subsidized and unsubsidized loans of up to $5,500 as freshmen, up to $6,500 as sophomores, and up to $7,500 as juniors and seniors. Up to $3,500, $4,500, and $5,500, respectively, can be subsidized if the student demonstrates sufficient federally defined need. Independent undergraduates can borrow an additional $4,000 as freshmen and sophomores, and an additional $5,000 as juniors and seniors, under the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan program.  Most graduate students can borrow up to $20,500 annually in unsubsidized loans; doctoral students in the College of Optometry, the School of Pharmacy, and the School of Professional Psychology, as well as Masters of Healthcare Administration students, are eligible for additional amounts.

Once a student accepts an offer of a Federal Direct Loan, completes Entrance Counseling, and signs a Master Promissory Note, Pacific University certifies the student’s eligibility for the Federal Direct Loan to the Department of Education.  The Department of Education provides the student with a loan disclosure statement and assigns the loan to a federal servicer to manage loan repayment.

Upon graduating, withdrawing, taking a leave of absence or dropping below half-time, borrowers are required to complete Exit Counseling at StudentLoans.gov.  Repayment begins after the six-month grace period has expired, which begins after graduation, falling below half-time status or leaving school.  Repayment is typically calculated based on a 10-year repayment plan.  There are several repayment plans borrowers may choose from when preparing to enter repayment.  Borrowers may apply for deferments or forbearance if their Federal Direct Loan is in good standing and they qualify through their federal servicer.  Loans may be canceled only if the borrower is totally and permanently disabled or dies.  Information regarding loan forgiveness and cancellation options is available by contacting the borrower’s federal servicer.

William D. Ford Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loans
Eligible parents with no adverse credit may borrow through the Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan program to pay for educational expenses for their dependent undergraduate students enrolled at least half-time.  Parent borrowers and their students must be U.S. citizens or eligible noncitizens, must not be in default on any federal education loans or owe an overpayment on a federal education grant, and must meet general eligibility requirements for the Federal Student Aid programs.  The student recipient of the Direct Parent PLUS Loan must file a FAFSA.  The parent(s) whose information is provided on the FAFSA, or the legal non-custodial parent (adoptive or biological parent) whose information is not on the FAFSA, may apply for the Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan.  An eligible borrower may apply for an amount equal to the student’s annual cost of attendance less any financial aid awarded to the student.

Parents begin the application process, using their (the parent’s) FSA ID to log into StudentLoans.gov.  Parents whose credit inquiry is approved will receive a disclosure statement from their assigned federal servicer and Pacific University will be notified of the loan approval.  Parents are then directed to complete the Master Promissory Note.  The Parent PLUS Loan is disbursed directly to Pacific University and is credited to the student recipient’s Business Office account. Parents with adverse credit may be able to qualify for the PLUS Loan by appealing the credit decision or obtaining an endorser.  Students whose parents are ineligible to borrow through the Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan program may qualify for an additional unsubsidized Federal Direct Loan.

Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan interest rates are set annually each July 1^st and are fixed-variable, meaning the interest rate is variable based on the date of the loan disbursement but is fixed for the life of that loan.  A loan fee, based on a percentage of the total loan amount, is deducted proportionately from each loan disbursement.  Information regarding interest rates and loan fees is available at StudentAid.ed.gov.  Interest on the Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan begins to accrue upon disbursement and repayment normally begins within 60 days after the loan for that academic year has been fully disbursed. The parent borrower may request deferment of payment while the student is enrolled at least half-time in an undergraduate program.  Interest continues to accrue during periods of deferment.  Repayment is typically calculated based on a 10-year repayment plan.  There are several repayment plans borrowers may choose from when preparing to enter repayment.  Loans may be canceled only if the borrower is totally and permanently disabled or dies.

William D. Ford Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loans
Eligible students with no adverse credit may apply for the Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan to cover expenses relating to their enrollment in a graduate program. Eligible students may apply for an amount equal to the student’s annual cost of attendance less any other financial aid awarded.  Borrowers must file a FAFSA, be U.S. citizens or eligible noncitizens, not be in default on any federal education loans or owe an overpayment on a federal education grant, and meet general eligibility requirements for the Federal Student Aid programs.

Once a student accepts Pacific’s offer of a Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan, the student must log into StudentLoans.gov to complete an application for the loan, which includes a credit inquiry.  Borrowers whose credit inquiries are approved must then complete Entrance Counseling and sign a Master Promissory Note.  Upon notification of loan approval from the Department of Education, Pacific University certifies the student’s eligibility for the Federal Direct PLUS Loan and the Department of Education provides the student with a loan disclosure statement and assigns the loan to a federal servicer to manage loan repayment.  Borrowers with adverse credit may be able to qualify for the Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan by appealing the credit decision or obtaining an endorser.

Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan interest rates are set annually each July 1^st and are fixed-variable, meaning the interest rate is variable based on the date of the loan disbursement but is fixed for the life of that loan.  Interest begins to accrue upon disbursement of the loan.  Borrowers may choose to pay the accrued interest or allow the interest to be capitalized.  A loan fee, based on a percentage of the total loan amount, is deducted proportionately from each loan disbursement.  Information regarding interest rates and loan fees is available at StudentAid.ed.gov.

Upon graduating, withdrawing, taking a leave of absence or dropping below half-time, borrowers are required to complete Exit Counseling at StudentLoans.gov.  Repayment begins six months after graduation, falling below half-time status, or leaving school.  Repayment is typically calculated based on a 10-year repayment plan.  There are several repayment plans borrowers may choose from when preparing to enter repayment.  Borrowers may apply for deferments or forbearance if their Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan is in good standing and they qualify through their federal servicer.  Loans may be can celled only if the borrower is totally and permanently disabled or dies. 

Health Professions Student Loans
A limited number of Health Professions Student Loans are available to eligible students in the College of Optometry and the School of Pharmacy with the lowest Expected Family Contributions (EFC) who demonstrate exceptional financial need.  Students must be U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens.  Borrowers must submit a FAFSA, which must include student AND parent income and asset information, by March 1^st (March 1st date applied to continuing students only) prior to the academic year for which the loan is desired.   Parent income and asset information is required even though students are considered independent of their parents for all other financial aid purposes.

Health Professions Student Loans do not accrue interest while the student is enrolled at least half-time and for a 12-month grace period following graduation, withdrawal, or less than half-time enrollment.  The interest rate is 5%; interest and repayment begin at the end of the grace period.  The repayment period is not less than 10 years and not more than 25 years.

Private Alternative Loans
Funds for which credit-worthy students, usually with credit-worthy cosigners, can apply to supplement other financial aid. Students can apply to participating lenders for up to the entire cost of attendance minus financial aid received. Interest accrues while the student is enrolled.

EMPLOYMENT

Federal Work-Study

• Federal Work-Study provides students with the opportunity to work on campus or off campus in community service positions at University approved non-profit agencies or organizations.  Federal Work-Study is awarded to eligible students who file a FAFSA by March 1^st prior to the academic year for which financial aid is desired and who demonstrate federally defined need. Eligibility criteria and award amounts vary, based on annual availability of federal funds received by Pacific University from the federal government.  Recipients typically work 10 to 20 hours per week on campus or in the community.  Hourly wages are paid directly to the student every two weeks.  Job opportunities are available through pacificu.edu/jobs or by reaching out to the Academic Advising Center at advisingcenter@pacificu.edu.

VETERANS’ EDUCATIONAL BENEFITS

The certifying official for all Veteran’s Administration (VA) benefits for students is located in the Business Office. Prior to the start of classes, eligible students should contact the Business Office to confirm their eligibility or for more information about VA benefits, including the Yellow Ribbon program. 

Any veteran receiving GI Bill benefits while attending Pacific University is required to obtain official transcripts from all previously attending schools and submit them to the Registrar’s Office for review of prior credit.

Veterans Administration Yellow Ribbon Program

Pacific participates in the VA Yellow Ribbon Program, providing grant funding on a first-come, first-served basis to veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces (or their eligible dependents) who receive full Chapter 33 benefits. Award amounts are typically equal to 50 percent of the difference between the tuition assistance that Chapter 33 provides and the student’s tuition. All institutional gift aid, including merit scholarships and need-based grants, are part of Pacific’s Yellow Ribbon contribution. The Veterans Administration provides matching funds equal to the remaining 50 percent.

FINANCIAL AID DISBURSEMENTS AND CREDIT BALANCE REFUNDS

Financial aid is generally divided equally between semesters and disbursed directly to the Pacific student account at the beginning of each payment period, as outlined in the financial aid notification.  Exceptions will be noted on the student’s electronic financial aid award letter available via BoxerOnline. Financial aid will disburse 10 days before the student’s first day of class as long as the student has completed all required paperwork and meets all eligibility requirements.  Funds not eligible to be disbursed at that time will disburse on a rolling basis as the student satisfies the requirements for the funds. Students who do not complete required paperwork or who do not meet eligibility requirements by the last day of their enrollment in an award year are ineligible for any disbursement of their financial aid.

Financial aid funds will be first used to pay charges on the student account.  If any excess financial aid remains after paying the student’s tuition, fees, and on campus room and meal plan charges, the credit balance is issued to the student as a refund. If the credit balance is a result of a Direct Parent PLUS Loan disbursement, the refund will be issued to the student OR parent, based on the designated recipient indicated by the parent borrower on the PLUS Loan Application.  Financial aid refunds must be used to cover education-related expenses such as off-campus living expenses, transportation and/or books and supplies. Refunds will not be processed before the first day of class for the payment period. Additional information regarding credit balances and refunds resulting from financial aid is available in the Tuition & Fees section of this catalog.

Withdrawal and Federal Return of Title IV Funds Policy

Registered students who officially withdraw from all classes prior to the start of the semester are refunded 100% of tuition and fees and are ineligible for financial aid for that semester.  Registered students who withdraw on or after the first day of class may be eligible to have a portion of their tuition and fee charges refunded based on the date of their withdrawal. Tuition and fees are prorated on a per-day basis, based on the students’ program’s academic calendar, up to the 60% point in the semester.  After the 60% point in the semester, tuition and fee charges are not adjusted.

The academic records of all registered students who fail to earn any credits during the semester are reviewed by the Office of Financial Aid to determine if the students unofficially withdrew.  Students who ceased to attend all of their scheduled courses prior to the end of the semester will be considered to have unofficially withdrawn.  Tuition and fee charges are not adjusted for students who unofficially withdraw; however, the Office of Financial Aid will use the last date of attendance to calculate the portion of unearned financial aid that must be returned to the financial aid programs.  If the last date of attendance cannot be determined, the mid-point of the payment period will be used for this calculation.

Financial aid is awarded with the assumption that students will attend classes for the entire semester for which aid is received.  If a student officially or unofficially withdraws from all classes at Pacific during a semester, the student may no longer be eligible for the full amount of financial aid originally awarded.  This policy includes withdrawals that are a result of suspensions, expulsions, or other administrative action. 

Determining the Withdrawal Date

A student’s withdrawal date is determined by one of the following:

• The date of the student’s last day of attendance in an academically related activity
• The date the student began the official withdrawal process
• The date the student otherwise notified a designated office of his or her intent to withdraw
• The date that the school determines is related to circumstances beyond the student’s control
• The date the student ceased attendance without providing official notification
• The mid-point of the semester

For an official withdrawal, the effective withdrawal date is the first day a student notifies the Office of the Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs of their intent to withdraw.  For an unofficial withdrawal, it is the date the institution becomes aware that the student is no longer attending the institution.

Federal Title IV Refund Calculation Policy

The Office of Financial Aid follows a federally mandated formula to determine the amount of Title IV federal financial aid that a student has earned, based on the student’s withdrawal date.  The Return to Title IV refund calculation follows:

Step 1:  Student’s Title IV Aid Information

The Office of Financial Aid determines:

• The total amount of Title IV aid disbursed (if any) for the payment period from which a student withdrew.
• The total amount of aid that could have disbursed (if any) for the payment period from which a student withdrew.

Step 2:  Percentage of Title IV Aid Earned

The Office of Financial Aid calculates the percentage of aid the student earned as follows:

The number of calendar days completed by the student divided by the total number of calendar days in the student’s initially scheduled payment period.

Completed Days / Total Days = Percentage Earned

If the calculated percentage exceeds 60%, the student has earned all aid for the payment period and no aid is returned to the Title IV financial aid programs.

Step 3:  Amount of Title IV Aid Earned by the Student

The Office of Financial Aid calculates the amount of aid earned as follows:

The percentage of Title IV aid earned (Step 2) multiplied by the total amount of Title IV aid disbursed or that could have disbursed for the payment period in which the student withdrew (Step 1).

Percentage of Title IV Aid Earned X Total Title IV Aid Disbursed = Amount of Aid Earned

If the aid already disbursed equals the amount of aid earned, no further action is required.

Step 4:  Aid to be Disbursed or Returned

If the aid already disbursed is greater than the amount of earned aid, the difference must be returned to the Title IV aid program.

Total Disbursed Aid for the Payment Period – Amount of Earned Aid = Unearned Aid to be Returned or Repaid

If the aid already disbursed is less than the earned aid and the student has aid for that payment period that could have disbursed, the Office of Financial Aid will calculate a post-withdrawal disbursement.  Note:  Federal regulations define what it means for a student to have “Title IV aid that could have disbursed.”  If the post-withdrawal disbursement contains loan funds, the student may elect in writing to decline the loan funds so that no additional debt is incurred. 

Step 5:  Return of Funds by the School

Once the amount of unearned aid is calculated, a student’s Title IV aid will be returned in the order below, up to the total net amount disbursed from each aid program:

1. Unsubsidized Direct Loan
2. Subsidized Direct Loan
3. Direct Graduate PLUS Loan
4. Direct Parent PLUS Loan
5. Pell Grant
6. FSEOG
7. TEACH Grant
8. Iraq & Afghanistan Service Grant

Federal Work-Study earnings are not subject to the Return to Title IV calculation; however, the withdrawal date is the last day the student may work in a federal work-study position.

Return of Institutional, State, and Private Aid

The Return to Title IV refund calculation is also used to determine the amount of earned financial aid for students receiving institutional grants and scholarships, state grants, and privately funded scholarships.  If a student withdraws after completing over 60% of the payment period, the student is considered to have earned all aid for the payment period.

Privately funded student loans, also called alternative loans, are not adjusted once the loan has disbursed.  Students who withdraw after the private loan has been disbursed but before the end of the payment period are responsible for repaying the loan to the lender according to the original terms of the loan.

STUDY ABROAD

Students who study abroad in approved Pacific University programs are eligible to utilize their institutional, federal, and state financial aid toward program costs.  Approved study abroad programs are listed in the Study Abroad section of this catalog.  Students who study abroad will not be awarded Federal Work Study for the semester or academic year in which they are abroad.

Students who study abroad in programs that are not affiliated with Pacific University are ineligible for institutional grants and scholarships.  Students enrolling in unaffiliated programs may be eligible to participate in some federal Title IV financial aid programs by utilizing a Consortium Agreement.  A Consortium Agreement is a written, formal agreement between two institutions eligible to participate in federal Title IV funding programs.  The Consortium Agreement allows a student to enroll in courses at another institution (Host Institution) while working toward a degree at Pacific University (Home Institution).  Classes taken at the Host Institution under a Consortium Agreement must be classes never offered at Pacific University and fully transferrable toward a student’s degree requirements at Pacific University.  Students interested in establishing a Consortium Agreement with an eligible institution should contact the Office of Financial Aid.