We know college is a significant investment. That’s why at Pacific we’re committed to providing you with the resources and support you need to navigate the financial aid process. In this guide, we’ll provide you with insights and information to help you manage your investment in your Pacific education.
FAFSA: Your first step
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is necessary for accessing need-based grants and loans. While not required for merit scholarships, filing the FAFSA is highly recommended for other reasons. For example, having a FAFSA on file can save you time and trouble if your family’s finances change. Remember, you’ll need to file the FAFSA each year you attend college. Don’t forget to keep an eye on important FAFSA deadlines as well.
Maintaining financial aid eligibility
To keep your financial aid, you need to meet satisfactory academic progress (SAP) standards. This means maintaining a 2.0 cumulative GPA and successfully completing 67% of your courses. While an occasional withdrawal won’t derail your progress, it’s essential to stay on track and seek support if you’re struggling academically.
Be aware that withdrawing from classes can impact your SAP percentage, and while it’s sometimes necessary, frequent withdrawals can jeopardize your financial aid. If you encounter circumstances that prevent you from meeting SAP requirements, Pacific offers an appeal process where you can submit an explanation, accompanied by supporting documentation, regarding the circumstances that impacted your academic performance.
Exploring financing options
Pacific offers various options to help families cover remaining costs beyond scholarships, grants and federal loans. These include:
- Monthly payment plan: Choose between a three-month or five-month plan, with a small enrollment fee and no interest.
- Federal parent PLUS loan: This loan is in the parent’s name and requires a credit check. If a parent’s credit is denied, options include appealing the decision, applying with a cosigner or exploring an increase in the student’s loan eligibility.
- Private loans: These loans are typically in the student’s name and often require a cosigner. Compare interest rates and terms carefully before choosing a private loan.
Work-related scholarships
Pacific offers two different programs to help students manage their educational expenses:
- Federal work-study: Provides part-time employment opportunities to help students earn money for college costs. To receive federal work-study, you must apply and be accepted into a job position, the award is earned through paychecks and is not applied directly to your tuition bill.
- Pacific’s College Corps Program: Offers students the opportunity to perform community service while earning course credit and a living allowance to help with educational expenses.
Maximizing scholarship opportunities
Be sure to look for as many scholarship possibilities as possible. Pacific offers a variety of merit-based and need-based scholarships. To increase your chances of receiving scholarships, apply early, explore external scholarship opportunities and maintain good grades. Applicants typically maintain a GPA of 3.5 or higher.
For international students, merit scholarships are the primary source of financial aid offered by Pacific. Explore private loan options and contact Career Services for on-campus job opportunities, as there may be visa-related work restrictions.
Stay informed and seek support
Review your financial aid offer and billing statements carefully. If you notice any discrepancies or have questions, contact Pacific’s Office of Financial Aid immediately. Don’t wait until it’s too late to address any issues.
College is an investment in your future, and Pacific is here to support you every step of the way. Take advantage of the resources available, stay informed and don’t hesitate to reach out to the financial aid office for guidance.
If you have any questions about your financial aid options, contact Pacific’s Office of Financial Aid:
- 209.946.2421