Sources of Aid
In this section
In this section
Sources of Aid
There are a variety of sources and types of financial aid available to assist students with their health profession education expenses. These include three basic types of aid: loans, scholarships, federal work-study. Be sure to check if you are eligible to receive federal student aid.
Loans
Loans must be repaid, usually with interest, and over a specified period of time (5-25 years) after graduation. Most loans for graduate/professional school are from federal sources, although collegiate and/or private loans are available to help.
All loans are subject to final approval by your lender based on criteria set forth by federal regulations and lender policies. The specific details of these programs may change at any time due to government legislation and regulation or lender/institutional policy.
FEDERAL LOANS
You must be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States to participate in the federal loans programs.
Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan
The Unsubsidized Stafford loan is awarded based on the completion of the FAFSA, there is no requirement to demonstrate financial need for this loan. The loan limit is between $20,500 and $47,167 (based on your program). Interest is charged during the in-school period. The interest rate changes July 1st each year.
Additional Information about the Unsubsidized Stafford can be found at: https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/types/loans/subsidized-unsubsidized
Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan
The Direct Graduate PLUS loan is awarded based on the completion of your FAFSA and an annual credit check application through StudentLoans.gov. The loan limit is the maximum cost of attendance minus all other financial aid resources. The interest rate changes July 1st each year.
For Direct Graduate PLUS loan applications with adverse credit, you will be required by the Department of Education to do additional Direct Graduate PLUS loan counseling. You will be notified by the Department of Education if you need to complete additional Direct Graduate PLUS loan counseling. If required, the loan will not be disbursed until this is complete.
More information about the impact credit has on your financial aid.
Additional Information on the Graduate PLUS loan can be found at: https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/types/loans/plus
Federal Health Professions Student Loan (HPSL)
The Federal Health Professions Student Loan program provides long-term, low interest rate loans to full-time, financially needy students to pursue a degree in a variety of health professions, specifically those students pursuing degrees in the College of Pharmacy, and Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine. Funds are limited and award amounts vary.
PRIVATE LOANS
Outside agencies also offer credit-based loans to graduate and professional degree students. Before applying for these loans, be sure you have reviewed all of your federal loan options and eligibility. Federal loans generally have better benefits and lower, fixed interest rates. RFU encourages you to consider the Federal Direct Graduate PLUS loan before applying for a private loan.
Residency and Relocation Loans
Available to students in their final year of study. These private loans are designed to provide students with additional funds to help offset the expenses associated with travel and relocation costs for interviews, etc. These loans require a credit check and do not require the financial aid office to certify the application, so they do not count toward your student expense budget. Before you utilize one of these programs, please verify that you have exhausted eligibility in other financial aid programs with the financial aid office.
Loan Resources
Scholarships
Scholarships can help defray the cost of education. Scholarships are aid sources that no not require repayment. Some scholarships are merit based and some are need based. Scholarships can be through the admissions process, specific departments, and externally based. Find information on scholarships you can apply for in the database below.
Federal Work-Study
Federal Work-Study (FWS) provides part-time jobs for students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to help pay education expenses. Federal Work-Study is money that you earned and will not have to payback. Since FWS is need based aid, all students interested in FWS must file a FAFSA each year in order to demonstrate financial need eligibility. All FWS awards will be included as part of the student's financial aid package and will count as a resource toward the overall cost of attendance budget.
Veterans Education Benefits
At RFU we are committed to serving veterans who have serves us and our country. Our staff and faculty are ready to help you, your spouse or your dependents as you navigate your Veterans Education Benefits while enrolled at RFU. Visit the Eligibility and Applying for Veterans Benefits page to find out more on our offerings and resources.