Financial Aid

Undergraduate Financial Aid

The mission of Loyola Marymount University Financial Aid is to provide students access to financial resources to assist them in achieving their educational goals, and administers federal, state, institutional, and private financial aid programs to help students meet the educational costs to attend Loyola Marymount University.

Located in the Von der Ahe Building, Ste. 270, welcomes visitors from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. The telephone number is 310.338.2753, and the fax number is 310.338.2793. Visit the website at http://financialaid.lmu.edu for the most current information on financial assistance.

Application Procedures

Entering First-Year and Transfer students:

Students can apply for financial aid by completing the required forms prior to being formally admitted:

  1. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid Aid (FAFSA) is available at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa or the CA Dream Act Application (CADAA) is available at https://dream.csac.ca.gov/landing.
  2. California residents only: applicants for the Cal Grant must complete the FAFSA and complete Cal Grant GPA Verification Form by the deadline established by the California Student Aid Commission at http://www.csac.ca.gov/. Students must also make sure a Grade Point Average (GPA) has been submitted to the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC).

Visit the financial aid website at https://financialaid.lmu.edu/ for current year application and program deadlines.

Non-degree credential, post-baccalaureate pre-medical, and pre-allied programs:

Non-degree credential, post-baccalaureate pre-medical and pre-allied students are considered 5th-year undergraduates and complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa. Students should indicate their grade level on the FAFSA as Teaching Credential (non-degree program) or 5th-year undergraduate. Parent information may be required on the FAFSA for dependent students.

Continuing Undergraduates:

LMU requires all continuing undergraduates who have received aid in a prior year at LMU to complete the following: the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov.

Visit the financial aid website at:  https://financialaid.lmu.edu/current/applyingforaid/ for deadlines.

General Eligibility

To receive financial aid:

Students must be enrolled in a degree program or eligible non-degree program at Loyola Marymount University. Students working towards a second Bachelor’s degree are only eligible for the Federal Subsidized and Unsubsidized Direct loan programs.

Students must have received a high school diploma or the equivalent of a high school diploma such as a General Education Development (GED) certificate, have completed homeschooling at the secondary level as defined by state law, or have completed secondary school education in a homeschool setting which qualifies for an exemption from compulsory attendance requirements under state law if state law does not require a home-schooled student to receive a credential for their education.

Students must be enrolled full-time to be eligible for most University-funded financial aid programs. Eligibility for federal and California state grant programs requires at least half-time enrollment. Students who enroll less than half-time are only eligible for the Federal Pell Grant if they meet other federal requirements.

Students must be U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or other eligible non-citizens and meet other program eligibility requirements to be eligible for federal, state, and some University-funded financial aid programs. Limited scholarships and assistantships are available for international students.

Students must not owe a refund from any federal grant or loan or be in default on any federal loan.

Students must make satisfactory academic progress.

Visit the financial aid website at https://financialaid.lmu.edu/financialaidpolicies/generalfederalaideligibility for detailed and additional general eligibility requirements.

Financial Aid Communications

LMU Financial Aid primarily communicates with students electronically. Students are notified of information regarding their aid application via their LMU email and through PROWL, which is part of MyLMU, LMU’s online portal which provides access to various campus systems.

Maintaining Eligibility for Financial Aid

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)

To be eligible for federal, state, and University financial aid programs, students are required to make satisfactory academic progress.

These standards are separate and distinct from the University’s Academic Degree Requirements and Policies as stated in the University Bulletin.

These guidelines are in accordance with those required by federal regulations for recipients of federal grants, work, and loan programs, including the Federal Direct Parent (PLUS) Loan. These standards also apply to state aid or state-funded financial aid programs in accordance with the State of California.

Recipients of LMU tuition benefits who are not receiving any other federal, state, or University funds are not bound by these guidelines.

Undergraduate, teaching credential, and post-baccalaureate students must:

  • maintain a minimum semester and cumulative grade point average of 2.00
  • complete 67% of cumulative attempted hours.
  • not exceed the maximum timeframe to complete an undergraduate degree, 150% of the required semester hours (120) = 180 semester hours.

Note: Recipients of Merit scholarships are required to maintain the minimum grade point average detailed on the Merits Scholarship Benefits and Responsibilities webpage at https://financialaid.lmu.edu/prospectivestudents/scholarships/lmuacademicscholarshipsforfirst-yearstudents/lmumeritscholarshipbenefitsandresponsibilities

Grades

Grades of F, NC, AU, and W do not count in calculating the minimum grade point average. Grades of I (Incomplete) or IP (In Progress) temporarily will not be counted until the final grade is posted. Students must comply with the requirements to convert an I or IP to a permanent grade according to the requirements as stated in the University Bulletin.

Withdrawals

Students who withdraw from all coursework or take a leave of absence and later enroll in a subsequent term retain the SAP status held during their last term of enrollment.

Transfer Student Course Evaluation

Transfer students are evaluated based on the number of units accepted at admission to determine their maximum time frame to receive financial aid.

Repeat Coursework

A student who receives federal financial aid (Title IV funds) must follow Repeat Coursework rules in order to be considered as meeting enrollment requirements for financial aid eligibility and satisfactory academic progress. The federal regulations are listed below:

  • A student may repeat a previously passed course once.
  • A student may repeat a failed course until the student passes the course.
  • A student, who passes a course but does not meet the grade requirement established by the college or school, may only repeat the course one time.
  • A student who earns a passing grade in a course and chooses to retake the course a second time earning a grade of “F” or “W” may not take the course a third time and that course be considered as enrollment of federal financial aid programs.
  • A student may repeat a course as an independent study, special topics, film genre, etc., as long as the subject matter is different for each course and the institution awards new credit each time.
Maximum Time Frame to Complete Degree

Students must complete their degree within 150% of the published credit hours required to graduate. For example, an undergraduate student in a program requiring 120 semester hours to complete must meet all graduation requirements before completing 180 semester hours.

Important: The maximum time frame to complete degree requirements does not override institutional, federal, or state financial aid programs that have a maximum period of eligibility. For example, University funded aid programs and the Cal Grant are available for a maximum of eight semesters. Students should refer to the Academic Degree Requirements and Policies section of the University Bulletin for information on the recommended course load required to complete their degree requirements in eight semesters (4 years).

Satisfactory Academic Progress Review Process

All students receiving financial aid are reviewed for satisfactory academic progress at the end of each term of enrollment.

SAP Warning

Students failing to meet the requirements listed above for the first time receive a “SAP Warning” Notice. Students are eligible for financial aid for their next term of enrollment while on Warning status. Students enrolled for the summer are reviewed after the end of the second summer session.

Financial Aid Probation

A student who has received an “SAP Warning” and does not meet the minimum requirements after their next term of enrollment is not eligible to receive financial aid. The student may submit a Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeal to LMU Financial Aid. This appeal must detail why the student was unable to meet minimum satisfactory academic progress requirements and the steps being taken to meet the minimum requirements to regain eligibility. The appeal must include an academic plan prepared with their advisor which outlines the terms and period that will allow the student to meet the minimum requirements.

Withdrawals–Impact on Financial Aid

Students who withdraw from all coursework will have their tuition charges adjusted based on their date of withdrawal. Current information on University tuition refund policies is available at https://finance.lmu.edu/controller/osfs/studentaccounts/deadlinesrefundsresources/refunds.

Housing and University meal plans will be adjusted according to the terms set by the housing office and meal plan contracts. Students should contact the Student Housing Office and Student Accounts for specific refund information.

Students receiving financial aid who decide to withdraw from all coursework during a term are required to notify the Office of the Registrar and LMU Financial Aid. Federal financial aid will be adjusted according to federal regulations known as “Return of Title IV Aid.”

University- and state-funded programs will be adjusted according to University and state policies.

Unofficial Withdrawal

Students who do not receive a passing grade in any coursework, i.e., all F’s or a combination of F’s and W’s may be required to return all or a portion of their financial aid if it is determined that the student stopped attending without notifying the University. Official documentation will be requested to determine when the student last participated in an academically related activity and financial aid will be returned according to federal, state, and institutional policies. This may result in the student owing a balance to the University.

For detailed information on how financial aid is adjusted based on withdrawal, visit https://financialaid.lmu.edu/.

Financial Aid: Fraud

Any fraudulent use of financial aid funds is cause for immediate suspension or dismissal, as well as discontinuance of future financial aid. This includes but is not limited to, fraudulent statements on Financial Aid forms, tax documents, and student entries in Workday for both hours worked and approvals obtained.

Programs of Assistance for Undergraduate and Graduate

Yellow Ribbon Program, a provision of the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008

This program allows degree-granting institutions in the United States to voluntarily enter into an agreement with the Veteran’s Administration (VA). Under this agreement, the school may contribute up to 50% of tuition expenses, and the VA will match that amount. Detailed information about the Yellow Ribbon Program can be found on the http://www.lmu.edu/financialaid.

Programs of Assistance for Undergraduates

Academic Scholarships for First-Year Students

Loyola Marymount University offers a wide range of academic scholarship programs to recognize and reward the scholastic accomplishments of our most distinguished entering first-year students. Scholarship selection is coordinated by the Office of Undergraduate Admission, in consultation with LMU’s faculty and administration. Detailed information on these programs is available on the LMU Financial Aid website at https://financialaid.lmu.edu/prospectivestudents/otherresources/yellowribbonprogram.

Academic Scholarships for Transfer Students

Loyola Marymount University offers academic scholarship programs to recognize and reward the academic accomplishments of our most distinguished entering transfer students. No special application is required for these scholarships. All applicants for admission are automatically considered. Selection is based on academic accomplishment, including GPA. Additional factors may also be considered for particular scholarships.

Receipt of an Academic Scholarship does not preclude consideration from financial aid awarded by LMU Financial Aid but must be coordinated according to federal, state, and University policies.

Grants

LMU Grants are merit/need-based grants awarded to students who meet all federal and University eligibility requirements. Students must complete the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application to apply, meet LMU’s priority funding deadlines, and comply with all requests for additional documentation to be considered.

The Federal Pell Grant program is a federal aid program designed to provide financial assistance to eligible students for postsecondary studies. The amount of the Pell Grant is determined based criteria established by the U.S. Department of Education as  as determined from the FAFSA and enrollment status.

The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) program is designed to assist those students who would not otherwise be financially able to pursue an undergraduate course of study. The amount of the grant is determined by reviewing the student’s financial resources and also the resources of the parents. Students must be eligible for the Federal Pell Grant and, like other grants, this grant does not have to be repaid.

Cal Grant eligibility is determined by the California Student Aid Commission. All undergraduates who are residents of California are encouraged to apply. Cal Grants can be applied toward tuition and fees. For detailed information on Cal Grants, visit https://www.csac.ca.gov.

The Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant Program provides grants to students who intend to teach in a public or private elementary or secondary school that serves students from low-income families. The TEACH Grant Program provides grants of up to $4,000 a year to students who are completing or plan to complete coursework needed to begin a career in teaching.

Scholarships

There are additional scholarships available to LMU students. Most scholarships are awarded by LMU Financial Aid and do not require that students complete a special application. Scholarships that require a separate application are provided at  https://financialaid.lmu.edu/current/scholarships/.

Student Employment

The Federal Work Study program is another source of employment for students who qualify based on financial need. This program is funded jointly by the Federal Government and the University. It is designed to create jobs for students at the University, such as library researchers, teaching assistants, laboratory technicians, intramural referees, team managers, etc. Under the Work Study Program, most students will be awarded funds to average 6-8 hours of work per week during the term. Students are hired for part-time positions for the entire academic year, and they may earn up to the amount listed on their current financial aid offer letter.

Loyola Work is a University-funded non-need work program. Funding for this program is limited and may not be awarded to those students who do not meet LMU priority funding deadlines.

The Student Worker Program is an employment program designed to give students the opportunity to earn a portion of their education expenses by working on campus. The Student Worker Program is a group that is primarily student-directed, but overseen by Student Employment Services. Jobs for the program include recycling and maintenance tasks for the university but also include some clerical and administrative responsibilities for departments on campus. More information on this program is available at https://studentaffairs.lmu.edu/activities/ses/programs/studentworkers/.

Student Employment Services provides employment assistance to the students of Loyola Marymount University including part-time jobs ranging from 10-20 hours a week, part-time/full-time seasonal work during the Christmas and summer vacations, temporary jobs on an hourly basis, and tutoring positions within the student’s major field of study. These services are for all students regardless of their financial need. They are primarily off-campus positions.

Loans

Federal loans require that the student complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and comply with any requests for additional information.

Federal Subsidized and Unsubsidized Direct Loans are federal loans for students.

The Federal Direct Parent (PLUS) Loan is a federal loan made to credit-eligible parents.

LMU Institutional Loans are low-interest loans offered to students from private funds provided by the University.

Private (Alternative) Loans are loans certified for credit-eligible students who complete the application process with a lender of their choice. Alternative loan counseling with LMU Financial Aid is also required.

For information on loan terms and the application process for these loan programs, visit https://financialaid.lmu.edu/prospectivestudents/loans/.

Graduate Financial Aid

The mission of Loyola Marymount University Financial Aid is to provide students access to financial resources to assist them in achieving their educational goals. LMU Financial Aid administers federal, state, and private awards as well as institutional awards that are selected in conjunction with the Graduate Division.

General Eligibility

Students must be U.S. Citizens, permanent residents, or other eligible non-citizens to be eligible for federal, state, and institutionally-funded financial aid programs and meet other eligibility requirements. Limited scholarships and assistantships are available for international students.

Students must be enrolled in a Doctoral, Master’s, Non-Degree Credential, Post-baccalaureate or eligible Certificate Program at Loyola Marymount University to receive financial aid administered by LMU Financial Aid. Non-degree credential and post-baccalaureate students are considered 5th-year undergraduates for the purposes of financial aid.

A graduate student is eligible to receive federal and/or state financial aid if enrolled at least half-time in graduate-level coursework as required by his/her program. Only courses numbered in the 500s, 600s, 5000s, 6000s, and 7000s are considered graduate level.

Master’s Degree and Doctoral Students not Completing Dissertation

  • Fall Semester, Spring Semester, and Summer Sessions (combined):
    • Full-Time: 6+ semester hours
    • Half-Time: 5-3 semester hours
    • Less Than Half-Time: 2-0 semester hours

Non-Degree Credential (Credential Only)

  • Fall Semester and Spring Semester:
    • Full-Time: 12+ semester hours
    • Half-Time: 6-11 semester hours
    • Less Than Half-Time: 5-0 semester hours

Pre-Medical Post-Baccalaureate and Pre-Allied Program

  • Fall Semester and Spring Semester:
    • Full-Time: 12+ semester hours
    • Half-Time: 6-11 semester hours
    • Less Than Half-Time: 5-0 semester hours
  • Summer Sessions (combined):
    • Full-Time: 6+ semester hours
    • Half-Time: 5-3 semester hours
    • Less Than Half-Time: 2-0 semester hours

Doctoral Students Completing Dissertation

  • Fall Semester, Spring Semester, and Summer Sessions (combined):
    • Full-Time: 2 semester hours

Students must not owe a refund from any federal grant or loan or be in default on any federal loan.

Application Procedures

Grants and Scholarships

All students, including International students, interested in Loyola Marymount University grants, scholarships, or assistantships offered through the Graduate Division, are encouraged to apply by submitting the appropriate application. For additional information pertaining to grants, scholarships, or assistantships, please contact the Director of your graduate program.

Federal and State Aid

U.S. Citizens, permanent residents, and eligible non-citizens interested in participating in federal and/or state aid programs offered through LMU Financial Aid should visit us online at https://financialaid.lmu.edu/ for application information, office hours, and contact information. Please review the Frequently Asked Questions for helpful information.

Financial Aid Communications

Communications from LMU Financial Aid will be primarily electronic in form. The LMU student Lion email account, PROWL, and MyLMU messaging are our primary means of communicating important financial aid information.

  • MyLMU (https://my.lmu.edu)
    MyLMU provides students with access to various campus systems, e-mail, registration, billing, forms, and communications. MyLMU is accessed by a username and a password that is automatically generated upon acceptance to LMU. For assistance logging into MyLMU, contact the ITS Help Desk at 310.338.7777.
  • PROWL (http://www.lmu.edu/prowl)
    PROWL is our online student financial aid resource. Using PROWL, students can view their application status, requests for additional information/documentation from LMU Financial Aid, important messages, and their Financial Aid Award.

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) and Financial Aid Probation

To be eligible for federal, state, and University financial aid programs, students are required to make satisfactory academic progress. These standards are separate and distinct from the University’s Academic Degree Requirements and Policies as stated in the University Bulletin.

These guidelines are in accordance with those required by federal regulations for recipients of federal grant, work, and loan programs. These standards also apply to state aid or state-funded financial aid programs in accordance with the State of California.

Recipients of LMU tuition benefits who are not receiving any other federal, state, or University funds are not bound by these guidelines.

Graduate students must:

  • maintain a minimum semester and cumulative grade point average of 3.00
  • if enrolled full-time, complete a minimum of three (3) semester hours per semester
  • not exceed the five (5) year maximum timeframe to complete a graduate degree.
  • Postbaccalaureate and Non-Degree Credential students should refer to the undergraduate section of the Bulletin.

Grades

Grades of F, NC, AU, and W do not count in calculating the minimum grade point average. Grades of I (Incomplete) or IP temporarily will not be counted until the final grade is posted. Students must comply with the requirements to convert an incomplete to a permanent grade according to the requirements as stated in the University Bulletin.

Withdrawals

Students who withdraw from all coursework or take a leave of absence and later enroll in a subsequent term retain the SAP status held during their last term of enrollment.

Repeat Coursework

A student who receives federal financial aid (Title IV funds) must follow Repeat Coursework rules in order to be considered as meeting enrollment requirements for financial aid eligibility and satisfactory academic progress. The federal regulations are listed below:

  • A student may repeat a previously passed course once.
  • A student may repeat a failed course until the student passes the course.
  • A student who passes a course but does not meet the grade requirement established by the college or school may only repeat the course one time.
  • A student who earns a passing grade in a course and chooses to retake the course a second time earning a grade of “F” or “W” may not take the course a third time.
  • A student may repeat a course as an independent study, special topics, film genre, etc., as long as the subject matter is different for each course and the institution awards new credit each time.

Maximum Time Frame to Complete Program

The normal time allowed for the completion of graduate degree programs is five (5) years. A student who has not completed the degree within five (5) years must request an extension of time. If the extension is granted by the Program Director or Dean of the student’s college or school, the student may be required to undertake additional coursework. Some departments have a shorter limit for the completion of the program. A minimum of 30 graduate semester hours (500 and 600 level) and a minimum of 3.0 (“B”) cumulative grade point average are necessary to qualify for completion of a program. See individual program descriptions for specific and additional graduation requirements.

Important: The maximum time frame to complete degree requirements does not override institutional, federal, or state financial aid programs that have a maximum period of eligibility. For example, Cal Grant TCP is available for a maximum of one (1) year.

Students should refer to the Academic Degree Requirements and Policies section of the University Bulletin for information on the recommended course load required to complete their degree requirements in five (5) years.

Satisfactory Academic Progress Review Process

All students receiving financial aid are reviewed for satisfactory academic progress at the end of each term of enrollment.

SAP Warning

 Students failing to meet the requirements listed above for the first time receive a “SAP Warning” notice. Students are eligible for financial aid for their next term of enrollment while on Warning status. Students enrolled for the summer are reviewed after the end of the second summer session.

Financial Aid Probation

If the student does not meet the minimum requirements after his or her next term of enrollment, he or she is not eligible to receive financial aid. Students may submit a Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeal to LMU Financial Aid. This appeal must detail why the student was unable to meet minimum satisfactory academic progress requirements and the steps being taken to meet the minimum requirements and regain eligibility. If the appeal is approved, the student is placed on Financial Aid Probation for one term. Students who cannot meet the minimum requirements within one (1) term are encouraged to meet with an academic advisor to prepare an academic contract that outlines the terms and period that will allow the student to meet the minimum requirements.

Withdrawal Calculations

When students receiving financial aid are eligible for a refund or a cancelation of LMU charges, their financial aid funding will also be adjusted. A refund is calculated when a student withdraws from the University, drops out, takes an unapproved leave of absence that will exceed 60 days, is expelled, or otherwise does not complete the period of enrollment for which he or she was charged. The financial aid award will be recalculated based on federal refund requirements, and the Controller’s Office will be notified. Any resulting charge will be added to the student’s account. Any resulting refund, due to a federal financial aid program will be made by LMU for the student.

Fraud

Any fraudulent use of financial aid funds is cause for immediate suspension or dismissal and criminal prosecution, as well as discontinuance of future financial aid. This includes but is not limited to, fraudulent statements on financial aid forms or submitted documentation, inaccurate tax returns, and student time cards for both hours worked and signatures obtained.

Programs of Assistance for Graduate Students

LMU Graduate Division

Please visit us on the web at https://financialaid.lmu.edu/graduate/​ to explore the various scholarship, employment, and loan opportunities available for graduate students at LMU through the Division.

Scholarships

Departmental Graduate Scholarships

Each graduate program at LMU awards its own departmental scholarships based on financial need and merit. Applications are available online at http://financialaid.lmu.edu.

Some departments may require that students complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), in addition to the department’s Graduate Scholarship Application, to be considered. Information on how to complete the FAFSA can be found online at http://financialaid.lmu.edu.

Inquiries about the application and/or selection process should be directed to a program’s Graduate Director.

Catholic Teacher/Ministry Fund

Students who work full-time as Catholic school teachers, administrators, or parish administrators are eligible to apply. Students must submit their department’s Graduate Scholarship Application with proof of employment attached (e.g., last pay stub, letter from your supervisor on official letterhead) to be considered. Additional instructions can be found online at http://financialaid.lmu.edu.

Contact the Director of your program if you have questions about the application and/or selection process.

Endowed and Donated Scholarships

Some programs have additional scholarships available. Consult the Director of your program for information about additional scholarships and the application process.

Developing Countries Scholarships

Catholic clergy or members of Catholic religious communities from developing countries may apply for full tuition assistance in order to obtain one (1) master’s or doctoral degree in any field of study at LMU. Interested applicants should submit a copy of their R-1 visa to the Graduate Division, along with a one (1) page statement of intent. Please contact the Graduate Division at 310.338.2721 or graduate@lmu.edu for more information on how to apply for this scholarship.

Religious Scholarships

Catholic Clergy or members of Catholic religious communities are eligible to receive a scholarship equal to 25% of their total tuition costs. Please contact the Graduate Division at 310.338.2721 or graduate@lmu.edu for more information on how to apply for a Religious Scholarship.

Student Employment

Program assistantships are available through individual programs on a competitive basis. Consult the Director of your program for information about available assistantships.

There are also jobs on campus for which graduate students may apply. Visit us on the web at https://financialaid.lmu.edu/graduate/typesofavailableaid/ for application information, or contact the Graduate Division at 310.338.2721 directly for more information.

LMU Financial Aid 

LMU Financial Aid administers federal, state, and private financial aid programs. Additional information can be found online at https://financialaid.lmu.edu/graduate/.

Federal Grants

Teach Grant

The Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant Program provides grants to students who intend to teach in a public or private elementary or secondary school that serves students from low-income families. The TEACH Grant Program provides grants of up to $4,000 a year to students who are completing or plan to complete coursework needed to begin a career in teaching.

State Grants

Golden State Teacher Grant

The Golden State Teacher Grant Program (GSTG) awards up to $20,000 to students currently enrolled in a professional preparation program approved by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) and working towards earning their preliminary teaching or pupil personnel services credential. Students must complete their program and obtain their credential within 3 years from the first distribution of GSTG funds, and commit to work at a priority school in California for 4 years within 8 years of completing their program.

Federal Student Employment

Federal Work-Study

LMU employs students each year to work on campus in a variety of jobs. To receive Federal Work-Study, you must complete the FAFSA and meet financial need and eligibility requirements. Funding to hire students is limited, and eligible students are awarded upon request as funding permits.

Federal Direct Loan Programs

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans

Students who complete the FAFSA and meet federal eligibility requirements will be offered an Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford loan. This means that the borrower is responsible for the interest from the time the loan is disbursed. While enrolled at least half-time, a borrower may defer interest payments and capitalize the interest.

Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan

The Federal Direct PLUS Loan program is designed to help bridge the gap between the financial aid a student is awarded and the cost of attendance. To apply for a PLUS Loan, borrowers must complete the FAFSA and be credit-eligible. Students may borrow up to the LMU standard cost of attendance, minus all other financial aid a student has received.

Reminder: A graduate student must be enrolled at least half-time, as determined by his/her program of study, in order to receive federal financial aid. Students may not borrow in excess of the annual Federal Direct Loan borrowing limits as determined by the federal government.

For information on loan terms and the application process for these loan programs, visit https://financialaid.lmu.edu/graduate/typesofavailableaid/.

For more details on all federal loan programs visit the Federal Student Aid Web site at https://studentaid.gov/.

Private (Alternative) Loan Programs

Private loans are educational loans available from the private sector. The interest rate on these loans varies by lender, and eligibility is based on the credit eligibility of the student or student’s co-borrower. Eligible students are encouraged to apply for all federal and institutional financial aid programs including the Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan, before considering a private educational loan. The maximum a student may borrow in a private loan is LMU’s standard cost of attendance, minus all other financial aid a student has received.

Students interested in borrowing a private loan must complete an Alternative Loan Counseling form and submit it to LMU Financial Aid.

For more information regarding the loans available to graduate students at LMU, please visit LMU Financial Aid online at https://financialaid.lmu.edu/graduate/typesofavailableaid/.

Federal and State Teacher Loan Forgiveness Programs

Federal Perkins Loan Cancellation

Borrowers may qualify for cancellation (discharge) of up to 100% of a Federal Perkins Loan if they have served full-time in a public or nonprofit elementary or secondary school system as a

  • Teacher in a school serving students from low-income families; or
  • Special-education teacher, including teachers of infants, toddlers, children, or youth with disabilities; or
  • Teacher in the fields of mathematics, science, foreign languages, or bilingual education, or in any other field of expertise determined by a state education agency to have a shortage of qualified teachers in that state.

For more information or to obtain an application, contact the office that administers the Federal Perkins Loan program at the school that holds your loan.

Teacher Loan Forgiveness (TLF)

TLF is a federal program to assist teachers in repayment of Federal Stafford and Direct Loans. Eligible loan borrowers must have been employed as teachers for five years in a qualified teaching service area. For more information, visit https://studentaid.gov/.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

PSLF is a federal program that assists U.S. federal, state, local, or tribal government or not-for-profit organization employees in repayment of Direct Loans. For more information, visit https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-servicehttps://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service.

AmeriCorps Education Award

Students who participate in the AmeriCorps service program must request their AmeriCorps Education Award payment online at http://my.americorps.gov. The Education Award will be electronically transferred to their student account at LMU, 7-10 business days from the date payment is requested.