Federal Legislation Updates

Most students finance their education through a combination of funding sources. The good news is that there are more options available than many people realize. This page gives you an overview of every type of aid available at Pacific Oaks College, with links to dedicated pages for each. We recommend reading through all of the options before deciding what is right for you. Sometimes the best funding source is one you didn't know to look for.
Contact Financial Aid
[email protected]
[email protected]

Scholarships & Grants
Pacific Oaks College offers a range of institutional scholarships for both new and continuing students, recognizing academic achievement, professional promise, and commitment to your field. Some scholarships require a separate application and essay; others are assessed automatically at admission with no extra steps required. In addition to institutional awards, a wide world of external scholarships is available through foundations, professional associations, and community organizations. The federal and state government provides funds to eligible students through grants — awards that do not need to be paid back.
We encourage every student to explore all.

Explore Scholarships at Pacific Oaks College
Find External Scholarships

Federal Work-Study
Federal Work-Study is a federally funded program that gives eligible students the opportunity to earn money through part-time employment, on campus or with approved off-campus employers, to help cover education costs. Unlike other forms of aid, Work-Study funds are earned through hours worked and paid to you directly via paycheck rather than applied to your student account. Eligibility is based on financial need and requires a completed FAFSA.

Work-Study is a great option for students who want to offset costs while gaining professional experience in a flexible, student-friendly work environment.
Learn More About Federal Work-Study

Loans
Pacific Oaks College administers federal loan programs for eligible students, and our financial aid office can also assist with the private loan process for students who need funding beyond what federal aid covers. Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans are typically the most advantageous option for graduate students, offering fixed interest rates, income-driven repayment plans, and borrower protections that private loans don't provide. We strongly encourage eligible students to explore federal loan options before turning to private borrowing.

Please note: due to recent changes under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), Graduate PLUS Loans are no longer available to new borrowers for terms beginning on or after July 1, 2026. Visit our Federal Legislation Updates page for full details.
Learn More About Federal Loans
Learn More About Private Loans

Veterans' Benefits
Pacific Oaks College proudly supports veterans, active-duty service members, and their families in accessing the educational benefits they have earned. Programs available may include the Post-9/11 GI Bill, the Yellow Ribbon Program, MyCAA, and other federal and state veterans' education benefits. If you are currently serving or have served, please connect with our military and veterans support team to understand the full range of benefits available to you and how they interact with your financial aid package. Pacific Oaks College is proud to be a Yellow Ribbon school.

Learn More About Veterans' Benefits
Contact Military & Veterans Support

Other Sources of Aid
Beyond the options listed above, there may be additional sources of funding available depending on your program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances. These may include tuition remission or employer education benefits, departmental fellowships or assistantships, and program-specific grants. Some of these are awarded by Pacific Oaks College directly; others come from your employer or outside organizations. We encourage you to explore every avenue. Let our financial aid office know about any outside funding you receive, as it may affect your overall aid package.
Contact Financial Aid to Discuss Additional Options
[email protected]
[email protected]

Not Sure Where to Start?
If you're feeling overwhelmed by the number of options, start with the two most impactful steps: complete the FAFSA to unlock federal aid eligibility, and contact our financial aid office to talk through your full picture. We can help you identify which options apply to your situation and build a funding plan that makes sense for you.

Complete the FAFSA at studentaid.gov
Contact Financial Aid
[email protected]
[email protected]

The Office of Financial Aid is here to help you explore your options, to answer questions, and to create a plan that works for you.
Contact the Office of Financial Aid at [email protected]
[email protected]