Frequently Asked Questions
What do the Federal Loan Changes Mean to Me
The OBBBA is federal legislation that changes how graduate/professional students may borrow federal student loans beginning July 1, 2026. These changes affect the types of loans available, limits on how much you can borrow, and some repayment options.
If you begin borrowing federal loans on or after July 1, 2026, these rules apply to you. Students who were continuously enrolled and borrowing before that date may have legacy/transition eligibility. Contact our Financial Aid Office to assess your individual borrowing history and determine which rules apply to your specific situation.
You may need to consider other funding sources such as scholarships, employer tuition support, savings, or private student loans. SCU offers tools and counseling to help compare private student loan options if needed.
Yes. SCU Financial Aid Counselors can help you estimate borrowing amounts, explore alternative funding, and model estimated monthly repayment based on projected earnings after graduation.
No. These changes affect loan availability and limits only. SCU’s programs remain accredited and unchanged in curriculum or licensure preparation.
SCU uses reputable labor data sources (e.g., U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) to help you understand typical earnings by profession. Ask your Financial Aid Counselor or Admissions Advisor for program-specific outcome information.
- Schedule a one-on-one meeting with the Office of Financial Aid.
- Estimate your program’s total cost (tuition, fees, living expenses, supplies).
- List all expected funding sources (federal loans, private loans, scholarships, VA education benefits, and employer support).
- Compare your planned borrowing to federal loan limits.
- Plan for repayment early by understanding potential monthly payments.
Email: financialaid@scuhs.edu
Phone: 562-947-8755, Option #2, then Option #1
Applying for Aid
- Create an FSA ID and Password. Create an account via www.studentaid.gov if you haven’t done so already. Your FSA ID and password will serve as your login credentials to all federal student aid systems.
- Complete the FAFSA via www.studentaid.gov. Complete the FAFSA every year with our school code, 001229.
- For federal student loan borrowers, complete Entrance Counseling and MPN. To be eligible to borrow student loans, you will need to complete both requirements via www.studentaid.gov.
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the form you need to fill out to get any financial aid from the federal government to help pay for college.
Upon submission, it can take 5-7 business days for SCU to receive your FAFSA application.
Once the Office of Financial Aid receives your FAFSA and all required documents, your Financial Aid Counselor will email your award offer to your SCU email. You will be directed to review and accept/decline/amend your aid offer on the student financial aid portal.
Yes. Students can apply for private student loans that are based on credit. Students can apply for up to the Cost of Attendance, but we recommend that you borrow only what you need.
Yes. SCU provides access to FastChoice, a lender-neutral tool that allows you to compare private loan options used by SCU students.
Loan rates are typically locked in for at least 180 days. Check with your selected lender for specifics.
Types of Aid
See the page on Undergraduate Student Aid.
Yes. If your financial aid awards exceed your tuition and fees, you may be entitled to a credit balance stipend that you can use towards books, supplies, and living expenses. If your financial aid is not enough to cover tuition and fees, you can apply for additional loan sources, such as a private student loan.
Please check our Dates and Deadlines page that lists the credit balance stipend release dates for every term.
Graduate PLUS Loan (end July 1st, 2026)
A Graduate PLUS loan allows graduate students to borrow additional loans that may be used for educational expenses. Unlike the Direct Unsubsidized loan, approval for the PLUS is based on credit. Students can borrow up to their Cost of Attendance (COA). Note that every student’s COA of attendance varies based on program and enrollment status.
Graduate PLUS loans will no longer be available as of July 1, 2026.
Federal Work-Study (FWS)
The Federal Work-Study Program (FWS) provides jobs for undergraduate and 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
Yes. All students are assigned a Cost of Attendance (COA), which is comprised of direct costs (tuition and fees) and estimated indirect costs (books, supplies, living expenses, transportation). The COA serves as a limit on how much financial aid a student can receive per term. Note that loans, scholarships, FWS, and state aid are all considered financial aid.
No. If you wish to continue to participate in FWS, you must complete a new FAFSA and complete a new set of FWS paperwork by June 1st of every year.
Scholarships
Yes! All institutional scholarship opportunities are posted on our scholarship page.
We also have a number of external scholarships posted here.
Award Offer
No. We recommend that you borrow only what you need. Please see our Cost and Aid snapshots.
Your Financial Aid Counselor awards you the maximum amount of standard federal aid allowable based on your eligibility.
If you are already borrowing the maximum PLUS allowable but still need additional funds, you may be considered for a Professional Judgment.
Office of Financial Aid
Visit our Meet our Team page
You can email us at financialaid@scuhs.edu or call us at 562-947-8755, Option 2, then #1.