Graduate

Graduate Financial Aid Information

Basis of Student Aid

George Fox University offers several financial assistance programs for its degree-seeking students. Loans are a primary source of financial aid for graduate study. A limited number of need-based and academic-based grants, and scholarships are available in some programs. All students in need of financial aid are encouraged to apply.

Information on financial aid options and application procedures are available from Student Financial Services. These change annually, so please make sure you have information for the current year. Students must be enrolled at least half time (4 credits per semester) to receive financial aid. They must also meet eligibility requirements of the programs from which they receive assistance. Such requirements include maintaining satisfactory academic progress toward a degree, maintaining a minimum grade point average, having financial need, and other specific conditions of federal, state, or university regulations.

Awards Based Upon Financial Need

Financial need is determined by a uniform method of analysis of information the student provides on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The need analysis helps the university determine the contribution the student is expected to make. The difference between expected family contribution (EFC) and the cost of attendance at the university is the "need" that financial aid attempts to fill.

Financial assistance awarded by George Fox University takes the form of grants and loans. "Need-based" financial assistance comes from the state or federal government and from the university. Students awarded federal and state aid are subject to the laws regulating those programs. For instance, all federal and state assistance requires signed statements from the recipient attesting that the funds will be used only for educational purposes, that the student is not in default on any government loan nor owing a refund on any government grant, and that the student has registered with the Selective Service or that he or she is not required to do so.

The total financial aid package including all grants, scholarships, and loans may not exceed the amount of need when federal program funds are included. Virtually every student in the university who can demonstrate need is awarded funds to assist in meeting the cost of attendance.

Loans

The University participates in the Direct Loan Program for the Federal Subsidized Stafford Loan and the Federal Unsubsidized Stafford. Eligibility for the Subsidized Stafford and the Unsubsidized Stafford is determined by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and other enrollment factors. Graduate students may also consider the Federal Direct Grad PLUS Program if additional aid is needed beyond the Stafford Loan Program.

When other funds are not available, loans place the responsibility for financing higher education on the student. Students are encouraged to be cautious when applying for loans but to consider the value of receiving financial assistance when needed and of paying some of the cost of education later when they are better able to do so. The university expects loans to be a significant part of the usual financial aid award, but the students must decide whether the loans are necessary based upon their financial situation. For additional information on student loans, click here.

Governmental Funds and Provisions

Prospective and enrolled students may request and receive information from the Student Financial Services staff concerning available financial assistance and student consumer information. Financial resources are supplied by the federal government through Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 as amended. This aid includes the Direct Loan Program and the Federal Guaranteed Student Loan Program. Students may inquire about eligibility for aid, criteria for selection, award amounts, and rights and responsibilities.

Veterans Administration (V.A.) Assistance

The university is listed with the U.S. government as a recognized graduate school for the training of veterans. All prospective students eligible for V.A. assistance should write to the university registrar for V.A.-approved program information and follow procedures required by the Veterans Administration for transfer of training to George Fox University. To be recommended for V.A. assistance, the student must continue as a bona fide registrant throughout the semester. Those receiving V.A. assistance must meet the minimum academic standards of the university for enrollment and progress toward degree completion.