Financial Aid – New
Financial Aid
- Overview
- How to Apply
- Fixed Rate Tuition Guarantee
- Undergraduate Aid
- Graduate Aid
- Costs of Attendance
- Costs and Aid Snapshot
- Net Price Calculator
- Professional Judgement
- Scholarships
- FAQs
Overview
Office of Financial Aid
Mission Statement
We believe you deserve a high-quality educational experience to achieve your academic and professional goals. We support academic success by providing student-focused services and timely financial assistance, and remove financial barriers in compliance with all federal, state, and University policies.
Our core values center on effective and clear communication, transparency, empowering individuals, and fostering a positive and collaborative environment. We help you navigate various resources to make informed financial decisions.
Contact Us
The Office of Financial Aid staff is here to assist you with all of your education-related financial aid needs. Please contact us at financialaid@scuhs.edu or call us at 562-947-8755 ext. 766
How to Apply
How to Apply for Financial Aid
At SCU, we are committed to helping you understand the financial aid process and navigate available resources to aid in your education. Please complete the following steps to start the financial aid process.
- Create an FSA ID and Password – Create an account via studentaid.gov if you haven’t done so already. Your FSA ID and password will serve as your log in credentials to all federal student aid systems.
- Complete the FAFSA – Complete the FAFSA on studentaid.gov every year with our school code, which is 001229.
- Complete Entrance Counseling and MPN – To be eligible to borrow student loans, you will need to complete both requirements via www.studentaid.gov.
If you experience a technical error with our SCU pages, please clear your cache and consider using a different internet browser. If issues persist, please contact our IT department at (877) 796-2350.
Once all steps have been completed, your Financial Aid counselor will review your file for aid eligibility. You will receive an email to review and accept your awards once your financial aid package is complete. Please be advised that all our email communication is sent to your SCUHS email account.
Eligibility Requirements
Your family income, size, and the number of people in your family attending college along with the cost of attending SCU are all factors that help determine your financial need. SCU uses formulas established by the federal government to determine need based on the information you provide on the FAFSA.
While financial aid is intended to support only your school expenses, an allowance for indirect costs such as books, course supplies, living expenses, food, personal expenses, and transportation is part of our Cost of Attendance (COA).
The difference between the COA and your student contribution is what is called your financial need.
SCU considers several factors for financial aid eligibility. To qualify, you must:
- Demonstrate financial need through the FAFSA application process
- Be accepted into a degree or certificate program
- Register at least half-time
- Be a US citizen or an eligible non-citizen
- Not be in default status on previous loans or owe an overpayment on aid
To apply for a professional judgement, please fill out the digital form to the best of your ability and include supporting documentation. If you have any questions, please contact the financial aid office at financialaid@scuhs.edu.
Fixed Rate Tuition Guarantee
Fixed Rate Tuition Guarantee
One price means clarity, certainty, and savings. The tuition price when you walk in the door will be the same as when you stride across the graduation stage.
Fixed Rate Tuition is the tuition program for students entering Southern California University of Health Sciences (SCU). The tuition rate a student pays will stay the same as long as a student maintains continuous full-time enrollment in a degree program. Continuous full-time enrollment means that the student stays enrolled and graduates either on time or with one additional term, and the student does not take a leave of absence of more than one term. Fixed Rate Tuition rates are higher than traditional rates because they are based on the projected average of flat rate tuition over the duration of the academic program. As with traditional tuition, the Fixed Rate Tuition amount will vary depending on the program the student is enrolled.
Tuition Rate Coverage
The Fixed Rate Tuition rate defined above includes tuition only. Fees and other charges are not fixed and are subject to change. Fees and other charges associated with attendance at the University include (but are not limited to): student fees, lab fees, room and board, textbooks, supplies, fines, transcript fees, late registration fees, drop/add fees, examination/testing fees, and other voluntary fees.
The Fine Print
The Fixed Rate Tuition Program covers only tuition charges as defined, from time to time, by the University and in no way limits the University’s rights in respect of matters, including University charges, not covered hereby. The benefits of this Agreement are not assignable to any other student. The student will make payments in accordance with the University payment policy.
If the enrollment of the student is canceled for any reason (including withdrawal, suspension, or expulsion), the amount of the refund shall be in accordance with the general refund policy of the University. The University reserves the right to offset any amounts refundable hereunder against any amounts owed by the student.
1 Rate is fixed as long as you graduate on time, or on time plus one additional term.
Undergraduate Aid
Undergraduate Aid
There are four main types of financial aid for college students including grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study funds. Here’s more information about the aid available at SCU.
- Federal Pell Grant: This grant is awarded to undergraduate students based on estimated family contribution, cost of attendance, and enrollment status. You can receive this grant for a maximum of six years, which includes time attending other campuses.
- Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (SEOG): This federal grant does not need not be repaid for undergraduate students. It is awarded based on exceptional financial need and availability of funds.
- Cal Grant: The State of California offers the Cal grant to California residents. This is a need-based grant to undergraduates that also factors in your high school GPA or your GPA from the last college you attended. The yearly application deadline for each Fall term is March 2nd, and the application requires a FAFSA for the upcoming year and a GPA verification form. If you already have a Cal grant and wish to have it applied to SCU, please contact the California Student Aid Commission.
- Work-Study: The Federal Work-Study Program (FWS) provides jobs for undergraduate students with financial need, allowing you to earn money to help pay for your education-related expenses. The program encourages community service work and work that’s connected to your program of study. For a list of available job opportunities, please visit Work-Study for more information.
- SCU Scholarships: A number of scholarships are available. Visit our scholarship page for the list.
- Federal Direct Loans: Loans that are part of the Direct Loan program borrow directly from the government. Terms of the loan are covered in greater detail in the required Entrance Counseling and Master Promissory Note. Loan repayment begins six months after you graduate, withdraw, or drop below half-time status. Direct Loan programs for undergraduate students include:
- Federal Direct Subsidized Loan: are loans made to eligible undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need to help cover the costs of higher education at a college or career school.
- Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan: are loans made to eligible undergraduate students, but eligibility is not based on financial need
- Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan: are loans made to parents of dependent undergraduate students to help pay for education expenses not covered by other financial aid. Eligibility is not based on financial need, but a credit check is required. Borrowers who have an adverse credit history must meet additional requirements to qualify.
- Private Loan: Loans are credit-based funding provided by external, nonfederal lenders to help cover educational costs. Take into consideration repayment terms, interest rates, and deferment options before choosing a private loan. Some lenders may require a co-signer for credit reasons. For students who apply through a lender on the Fast Choice website, the loan funds will be disbursed electronically, allowing for an efficient process for the borrower and the school.
- Veterans Education Benefits: SCU is involved with several government-sponsored programs to repay veterans for their service and sacrifice and to help ensure their opportunity to receive a valuable education in a variety of disciplines of integrated healthcare. SCU supports student veterans through its participation in several successful programs sponsored by the VA. SCU accepted veterans programs or covered programs are listed below.
- CHAPTER 30 (MGIB-AD) – Montgomery GI Bill® for Active Duty
- CHAPTER 1606 (MGIB-SR) – Montgomery GI Bill® Selected Reserve
- CHAPTER 31 (VR&E) – Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment*
- CHAPTER 32 (VEAP ) – Post-Vietnam Era Veterans Educational Assistance Program
- CHAPTER 33 – Post 9/11 GI Bill®
- CHAPTER 35 (DEA) – Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program
* Vocational Rehabilitation can be used based on the approval of your Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor.
Graduate Aid
Graduate Aid
There are four main types of financial aid for college students including grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study funds. Here’s more information about the aid available at SCU.
- Work-study jobs: The Federal Work-Study Program (FWS) provides jobs for graduate students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to help pay for expenses related to their education. The program encourages community service work and work related to your course of study. For a list of available job opportunities, please visit our FWS page.
- SCU Scholarships: Visit our scholarship page for the list of available scholarships.
- Federal Direct Loans: Loans that are part of the Direct Loan program borrow directly from the government. Terms of the loan are covered in greater detail in the required Entrance Counseling and Master Promissory Note. Loan repayment begins six months after you graduate, withdraw, or drop below half-time status.
- Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan are loans made to eligible graduate and professional students, but eligibility is not based on financial need.
- Healthcare Unsubsidized Loans are loans made to eligible graduate students of the Doctor of Chiropractic program. The terms and conditions are similar to the Direct Unsubsidized loans.
- Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan are loans made to graduates to help pay for education expenses not covered by other financial aid. Eligibility is not based on financial need, but a credit check is required. Borrowers who have an adverse credit history must meet additional requirements to qualify.
- Private Loans are credit-based funding provided by external, nonfederal lenders to help cover educational costs. Take into consideration repayment terms, interest rates, and deferment options before choosing a private loan. Some lenders may require a co-signer for credit reasons. For students who apply through a lender on the Fast Choice website, the loan funds will be disbursed electronically, allowing for an efficient process for the borrower and the school.
- Veterans Education Benefits: SCU is involved with several government-sponsored programs to repay veterans for their service and sacrifice and to help ensure their opportunity to receive a valuable education in integrated healthcare. SCU supports student veterans through its participation in several successful programs sponsored by the VA. SCU accepted veterans programs or covered programs are listed below.
- CHAPTER 30 (MGIB-AD) – Montgomery GI Bill® for Active Duty
- CHAPTER 1606 (MGIB-SR) – Montgomery GI Bill® Selected Reserve
- CHAPTER 31 (VR&E) – Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment*
- CHAPTER 32 (VEAP ) – Post-Vietnam Era Veterans Educational Assistance Program
- CHAPTER 33 – Post 9/11 GI Bill®
- CHAPTER 35 (DEA) – Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program* Vocational Rehabilitation can be used based on the approval of your Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor.
Costs of Attendance
Costs of Attendance
Cost of Attendance, also referred to as COA, is the total average cost to attend a school.
- The COA varies from school to school and depends on multiple factors, such as your program, its start date, whether you are a full-time student, etc.
- A COA is comprised of both direct costs (tuition and fees) and indirect costs (the estimated expense of books, supplies, food, transportation, etc).
- Every Financial Aid Office uses the COA to determine what your financial aid award maximums will be.
Below you will find the indirect cost components of the COA for each academic level.
2023-2024 Academic Year
| Undergraduate Indirect Cost Components | Estimate Costs per term |
| Books, course materials, supplies, and equipment | $384.00 |
| Transportation | $1,694.00 |
| Miscellaneous Expenses | $1,968.00 |
| Loan Fees | $111.00 |
| Living Expenses | $11,500.00 |
| Total | $15,657.00 |
| Graduate Indirect Cost Components | Estimate Costs per term |
| Books, course materials, supplies, and equipment | $700.00 |
| Transportation | $1,694.00 |
| Miscellaneous Expenses | $1,968.00 |
| Loan Fees | $415.00 |
| Living Expenses | $11,500.00 |
| Total | $16,277.00 |
Cost of obtaining a license, certification, or first professional credential have been added to the COA starting the 2023-2024 Academic Year. Below is the estimated cost per term:
| Graduate Programs | Estimate Costs per term |
| Doctor of Chiropractic 10* | $600.00 |
| Doctor of Chiropractic 12* | $470.00 |
| Physician Assistant | $258.00 |
| Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine | $533.00 |
| Occupational Therapy | $274.00 |
*The licensure cost component is added to the COA for continuing students only in the DC program since the first exam takes place after term 5 of the program.
Q: What is included in the COA?
A: The COA includes tuition, fees, and the average cost of books, supplies, room & board, transportation, and personal/miscellaneous costs.
Starting the 2023-24 academic year, the average costs of obtaining a license, certification have been added to the COA for Doctor of Chiropractic, Physician Assistant, Occupational Therapy, and Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine.
The Department of Education allows a school to include these basic necessities in a COA.
Q: Where can I find my COA and how much are my tuition and fees?
A: Your COA is displayed on your financial aid offer letter which can be accessed on your student portal. Please visit your program page for applicable tuition and fees. Remember that tuition and fees are the only items that show up as a mandatory charges on your student account statement. Check with the Financial Aid Office for other specific program cost components.
Q: How can I figure out how much of a refund I can expect to receive?
A: The easiest way to estimate your possible refund is by using the following formula: Maximum loans borrowed – tuition and fees = your estimated refund or living expense.
Keep in mind that most loans have origination (processing) fees that are automatically taken from the amount you applied for, so these calculations are an estimate. There are other factors that may affect your refund as well, such as additional charges for extra units, parking fines, and the types of loans you apply for. Check your billing statement or contact Student Accounts if you have questions about your billing statement and charges.
Examples of refund estimation:
Example 1: $16,500 (gross) loan per term minus $11,400 tuition/fees equals $5,100 estimated refund.
Example 2: $10,250 loan borrowed per term minus $12,000 tuition/fees equals $0 estimated refund.
Example 3: $22,000 loan borrowed per term minus $12,500 tuition/fees equals $9,500 estimated refund.
Since you are responsible for repaying the loan to the lender with interest, it’s best be be prudent with what you borrow.
Costs and Aid Snapshot
Costs and Aid Snapshot
The Cost and Aid Snapshot includes estimated tuition and fees, standard financial aid, as well as anticipated tuition credits/refund or outstanding balances per term. Please note that these figures are subject to change. Factors such as enrolled units, transferred units, remaining financial aid eligibility, available aid, and individual eligibility can affect your overall cost. Note that other expenses such as books, supplies, equipment transportation, living expenses, etc. are indirect cost components of obtaining a degree. See a full list of our estimated Cost of Attendance per term.
For an accurate portrait of your Financial Aid Award Package, please log into the Financial Aid Portal to view your financial aid award. The loan amounts on the Cost and Aid Snapshot are based on a Grade Level 3 BSHS or Post Baccalaureate student and Grade Level 1 for an Ayurveda student who has an EFC of 0. A full list of tuition and fees can be located under each academic program on www.scuhs.edu.
Net Price Calculator
Net Price Calculator
The Net Price Calculator is an easy-to-use tool that gives an undergraduate student a sense of how much federal, state, and institutional financial aid they may qualify for — based on your unique background and academic history. In less than 5 minutes, you can get a personalized estimate of your actual cost of attending SCU.
This calculator provides Ayurvedic Wellness Educator Certificate students with early financial planning. This calculator will provide an estimate of your cost to attend SCU as well as the federal, state, and institutional financial aid you may qualify for. In just a few minutes you can estimate your potential costs and awards.
Professional Judgement
Professional Judgment
We understand that there may be circumstances that affect your ability to pay for college. These changes may not be included in your initial financial aid information. The Financial Aid team is authorized to use professional judgment (PJ) to adjust, on a case-by-case basis, the cost of attendance or the values of the items used in determining the Expected Family Contribution to reflect a student’s special circumstance.
Main Categories of Special Circumstance
How to Apply for a Professional Judgment
To apply for a professional judgement, please fill out the digital form to the best of your ability and include supporting documentation. If you have any questions, please contact the financial aid office at financialaid@scuhs.edu.
Apply for a Professional Judgment Appeal
Use the Professional Judgment Appeal form.
Professional Judgment FAQs
Scholarships and Financial Assistance
Scholarships & Financial Assistance
Southern California University of Health Sciences (SCU) offers a variety of institutional scholarships. The eligibility requirements of each scholarship are listed below. Scholarships are available to incoming undergraduate and graduate students as well as continuing and returning undergraduate and graduate students to SCU.
Complete and submit this application by no later than the published deadline of August 1, 2023. Only those applications received by the published deadline will be considered. Applications received after the published deadline will not be considered. To be eligible for any SCU Scholarship, candidates must be matriculated in a minimum of half-time enrollment status per term for each of the three terms of the academic year (fall, spring, and summer).
Applicants are responsible for verifying that all required documentation is complete and submitted by the deadline. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Financial Assistance for New Students – Application not Required
Financial Assistance for Canadian Students
SCU’s Canadian Scholarship is for F-1 Visa Canadian students who are enrolled in the Doctor of Chiropractic program and provides a maximum of a 20% discount on tuition. Students must be continuously enrolled full-time, maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5, remain in good academic and conduct standing, and adhere to all student rights and responsibilities as outlined in the University Catalog. This scholarship is automatically provided to those who qualify with no application required and is subject to modification based on quarterly reviews by the university.
Relocation Assistance Program
The Relocation Assistance Program was developed to help students who are relocating to SCU from areas within the U.S. more than 250 miles away from the SCU campus. A student applying for this program must demonstrate financial need. Funding is limited and will be awarded until exhausted.
Alumni Referral Assistance Program
An eligible student pursuing a degree or certificate can receive a scholarship in the name of the SCU alumni who referred the student. Applicants for the Alumni Relations Referral Assistance Program at the entrance with SCU must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 in all their undergraduate coursework and demonstrate participation in community service or outreach at their prior institution. Interested applicants must notify the Office of Admissions of the referring alumni’s contact information (full name, email, and phone number) for verification by emailing admissions@scuhs.edu and notifying their Admissions Advisor.
The Legacy Scholarship
Legacy Scholarship has been designed to acknowledge and recognize the children and grandchildren of SCU alumni who have also chosen to pursue a career in complementary and alternative health care. Students who are awarded the Legacy Scholarship will receive a 5% discount on tuition for each of their 10 terms at SCU provided they maintain a minimum of a 2.0 cumulative GPA. The applicant for this scholarship must provide appropriate documentation of their relationship with the alumnus.
Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences (BSHS) Transfer Scholarship
Make the transfer to SCU an easy one by participating in the BSHS Transfer Scholarship saving $100 on every credit hour taken. Students participating in the BSHS Transfer Scholarship are afforded the following services/benefits. A reduction of $100/credit hour for all courses taken as part of the BSHS degree and guaranteed admission to the SCU BSHS program provided the student meets all requirements. BSHS transfer students are eligible to transfer to SCU once they complete 57 credit hours of approved coursework with some transferable coursework from a Partner College. Partner Colleges currently include Rio Hondo College and Santa Monica College. SCU is continuing to grow the number of Partner Colleges, if your school is not on the list, please contact admissions for assistance.
Available Scholarships
Standard Process Scholarship
The Standard Process Scholarship was established to recognize academic excellence and the integration of chiropractic, acupuncture study and nutrition. It was made possible by a generous donation from Standard Process. Applications are not accepted at this time. Please continue to check this page for future updates.
Dana Goodrich Deane Scholarship
The Dana Goodrich Deane Memorial scholarship was created by the Goodrich and Deane families to honor SCU alum, the late Dana Goodrich Deane (DC, 1992). The Dana Goodrich Deane Memorial Scholarship provides an opportunity to financially assist Chiropractic students. This scholarship will be awarded in the Fall term to 2 chiropractic students. The chosen recipients will receive a $15,000 award per year for 2 years, or $5,000 per trimester if fewer than 2 years remain in the program. Applications are not accepted at this time. Please continue to check this page for future updates.
Dr. Stephen and Mrs. Alice Kwan Care and Love Scholarship
Dr. Stephen and Mrs. Alice Kwan Care and Love Scholarship is a merit and need-based academic scholarship available to candidates for admission to our Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine (DAcCHM) graduate program at SCU. The scholarship award covers 50% of the DAcCHM program tuition each term the student remains eligible. Applicants must demonstrate commitment to integrative healthcare, demonstrate financial need, and have an entering grade point average (GPA) of 3.4 or higher. In addition to the SCU Scholarship application, three letters of recommendation from supervisors and/or previous or current faculty of courses taken must be submitted as well. These letters can be emailed directly to financialaid@scuhs.edu. Upon notification of scholarship selection, scholarship recipients must also agree to other terms as indicated by the donors.*
Presidential Scholarship
The Presidential Scholarship was established by Dr. John Scaringe at the time of his inauguration as President of the Southern California University of Health Sciences to recognize and acknowledge outstanding students at SCU who exhibit leadership in evidence-based, integrative healthcare. The Presidential Scholarship will be awarded once a year. The recipient must be an SCU student in the 6th term or above enrolled in SCU College of Eastern Medicine or Los Angeles College of Chiropractic. Applicants for the Presidential Scholarship must: have a cumulative GPA of 3.3 or better, demonstrate a history of leadership in evidence-based, integrative health care during their time at SCU, and submit a 500-600 word defining evidence-based practice and integrative medicine. If selected, the award is a one-time $2500 upon notification of selection.
Alumni Association Scholarship
The SCU Alumni Association Scholarship Program was initiated in 1984 to provide financial assistance to outstanding students who exhibit great potential for service and leadership to the University. In line with The Alumni Association’s purpose to foster connection and communication between alumni, the University, and current students, this scholarship is intended to support the recipients’ academic journeys. Scholarships are awarded to up to four (4) individuals attending any of the university’s degree and certificate programs. Consideration will be given to all colleges and programs, but the strength of the application will determine the recipients. The standard scholarship award is $1000, awarded over two terms (Fall and Spring). Especially strong applications may be awarded a “grand prize” scholarship of $2,500, determined through a review of applications by the Alumni Association Scholarship Committee. Up to two (2) grand prize scholarships may be awarded per academic year application cycle.
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