Federal Financial Aid Programs
Applicants must be matriculated students and be enrolled at least half time to be eligible for federal financial aid. You must be a US citizen or an eligible non-citizen such as:
- U.S. permanent residents
- Conditional permanent residents
- Other eligible non-citizens with an I-94 showing the designation:
- Refugee
- Asylum Granted
- Indefinite Parole
- Humanitarian Parole
- Cuban-Haitian Entrant
You are not eligible for federal financial aid if you are in the US on an F1 or F2 student visa, a J1 or J2 exchange visitor visa, or a G series visa.
To apply for Federal Financial Aid, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid at FAFSA.
USP's school code is 003353.
Federal Stafford Loan
There are two types of Federal Stafford Loans: subsidized and unsubsidized. You must have financial need to receive a subsidized Federal Stafford Loan. Financial need is not a requirement to obtain an unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loan. The interest rate on both types of loans is fixed. The FAFSA needs to be submitted annually to determine eligibility for each type of Federal Stafford Loan.
Federal Stafford Laon Annual Limits and Interest Rate
Subsidized |
Total (Sub-and Unsubsidized Combined) |
|
(6.8% interest rate) |
(6.8% interest rate) |
|
Graduate Students |
$8,500 |
$20,500 ** |
** No More than $8,500 of the total $20,500 a student is eligible to borrow will be in the form of a Federal Subsidized Stafford Loan.
The US government pays the interest on the subsidized Federal Stafford Loan while the student is enrolled in at least 5 credits per semester for graduate students. The interest on the unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loan will accrue if it is not paid quarterly. There is a grace period of 6 months after the student graduates or ceases to be enrolled at least half-time (5 credits for graduate students) before principal and interest are due. The standard repayment term for both types of Federal Stafford Loans is ten years.
First-time Federal Stafford Loan borrowers must complete a Master Promissory Note (MPN), as well as Loan Entrance Counseling for the loan to be guaranteed and disbursed. This may be completed online at http://www.aessuccess.org. When completing your MPN, you will be required to choose a lender. You may choose any lender, even if it does not appear on the list provided. You may also select the Guarantor for the loan. Be sure to indicate the USP School Code of 003353. If you would like to complete the MPN and/or Loan Entrance Counseling on paper, please contact the Financial Aid Office for the necessary forms at (215) 596-8894.
Federal Grad PLUS
The Grad PLUS allows graduate students to borrow funds to further assist in paying for their education. The PLUS has a fixed interest rate that is currently 8.5%. The maximum amount that can be borrowed is the cost of education minus any other financial aid (including loans) received.
Repayment begins 60 days after the loan is fully disbursed or apply to the lender forbearance. Forbearance will delay the payment of principal while the student is enrolled in school. Interest will continue to accrue during this time and can be paid or capitalized.
Eligibility for this loan is determined by a credit check.
Federal College Work-Study
The Federal College Work-Study (FCWS) Program at USP is designed to stimulate and promote the part-time employment of students who have demonstrated financial need. Students who are awarded FCWS may work up to 20 hours per week for the University and receive the award in the form of an employee paycheck. All positions are on campus.
Tuition Payment Plan
The Tuition Management System is an interest-free monthly payment plan. This plan allows a student the opportunity to make installment payments over the couse of the academic year. Please contact the Office of Student Accounts at 215-896-8860 for information and applications.
Questions?
For more information about Federal Financial Aid and other funding opportunities, contact USP's Financial Aid Office at (215) 596-8894.
