Frequently Asked Questions
Navigating the financial aid process can be complex, and students often have questions about eligibility, application requirements, funding options, and timelines. This page provides answers to frequently asked questions to help you better understand the financial aid process and available resources. If you need additional assistance, our Financial Aid team is available to provide personalized guidance and support.
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the starting point for nearly all federal financial aid, including loans, grants, and Federal Work-Study. You'll need to complete it every year you wish to receive federal aid. The FAFSA uses your financial information to determine what types and amounts of aid you may be eligible for. It is free to complete and available at studentaid.gov. The earlier you submit it, the better as some aid is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. When completing the FAFSA, enter Pacific Oaks College’s federal school code: 001255.
The Student Aid Index (SAI), formerly called the Expected Family Contribution (EFC), is a federal calculation that estimates your ability to contribute to your education costs for the year. It takes into account factors like family size, household income, assets, taxes paid, and the number of family members currently enrolled in college. The SAI often feels higher than expected, and we hear that concern often. It is important to remember that it does not represent the exact amount you must pay. It is simply a measure used to determine your aid eligibility. If your SAI leaves a gap between your aid and your costs, there are options including loans, payment plans, and scholarships that can help bridge it. Our financial aid team is happy to help you think through your full picture.
Welcome — we're glad you're here. Here's where to start:
- Complete the FAFSA at :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0} using Pacific Oaks College’s school code: 001255
- Review your Student Aid Report (SAR) once you receive it and correct any errors promptly.
- Watch for any requests for additional documentation from our financial aid office and respond quickly. Any delays in submitting documents can delay your aid.
- Once you receive your financial aid offer, review it carefully and accept only what you need.
- If you're borrowing federal loans for the first time, complete Entrance Counseling and your Master Promissory Note (MPN) at :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1} before funds can be released.
Our full step-by-step guide to the financial aid process is available on our main financial aid page.
View the Financial Aid Process
To maintain eligibility for most federal financial aid: graduate students must be enrolled in at least 3 credits per semester; undergraduate students must be enrolled in at least 6 credits per semester.
Yes — Pell Grants are available to eligible undergraduate students based on demonstrated financial need. Approximately 55% of Pacific Oaks College students receive federal Pell Grants. Graduate students are not eligible for Pell Grants. Beginning in the 2026–2027 academic year, students with a Student Aid Index (SAI) greater than twice the maximum Pell award are no longer eligible.
Pacific Oaks College has specific refund schedules based on session length (16-week semester, 12-week summer semester, and 8-week session). See the full Billing & Payments page for all refund schedules, including state-specific schedules for Maryland and Oregon students.
Financial aid is not available for certificate programs at Pacific Oaks College. If you're not sure whether your certificate program qualifies, please contact our financial aid office.
Financial aid for undergraduate programs varies from student to student depending on enrollment status, program, and financial need. Please contact our financial aid office directly to discuss your individual situation and explore what options may be available to you
Students concurrently enrolled in two or more programs may be able to request additional loan funding to help cover the costs of the additional program. Please contact our financial aid office to learn more about requesting funds for concurrent enrollment and to obtain the appropriate request form.
FEDERAL AID CHANGES
You've heard correctly and we want to make sure you have accurate information. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), signed into law in July 2025, makes significant changes to federal student loans beginning July 1, 2026. The most important changes for graduate and professional students include the elimination of Graduate PLUS Loans for new borrowers, new annual and lifetime caps on Direct Unsubsidized Loans, and the launch of a new repayment plan called the Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP). These changes do not affect aid already received for the 2025–2026 academic year. Visit our Federal Legislation Updates page for a full breakdown or contact our financial aid office if you have questions specific to your situation.
The SAVE plan was eliminated in March 2026 following a federal court ruling. If you are currently enrolled in SAVE, you will need to switch to another repayment plan. The new Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP) launches July 1, 2026, and Income-Based Repayment (IBR) remains available now. We strongly recommend contacting your loan servicer as soon as possible to understand your options and avoid any gaps in qualifying repayment credit, particularly if you are pursuing Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF). Our financial aid office can help you think through which plan makes the most sense for your situation.
DISBURSEMENT & BILLING
You will receive a refund when your financial aid exceeds your charges for the term. Before spending any refund funds, please confirm the amount is accurate as aid and charges can both fluctuate due to enrollment changes or adjustments to your award. The fastest way to receive your refund is through direct deposit. If you haven't set that up yet, we recommend doing so early in your enrollment.
Withdrawing or taking a leave of absence will almost certainly affect your financial aid. Federal regulations require Pacific Oaks College to calculate how much of your Title IV aid you have earned based on how long you were enrolled, and any unearned funds must be returned to the federal government. This can result in a balance owed on your account. Please notify our financial aid office in writing before making any changes to your enrollment status. The earlier we know, the more we can do to help you minimize the financial impact.
SATISFACTORY ACADEMIC PROGRESS
Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) is the federal standard that measures whether you're making meaningful progress toward completing your degree. To maintain your financial aid eligibility, you must meet three requirements each term: maintain a minimum cumulative GPA, successfully complete at least 66% of all credits you attempt, and complete your degree within 150% of the normal timeframe. If you fall below any of these thresholds, your aid may be suspended until you return to good standing. Visit our Eligibility page for full SAP details.
If you fail to meet SAP standards, you may lose your financial aid eligibility. In some cases, you can appeal the decision. For example, extenuating circumstances like a medical issue or family emergency contributed to your academic difficulties. If your appeal is approved, you may be placed on a financial aid probation plan with specific requirements to meet. We encourage you to reach out to our financial aid office as soon as you become aware of a potential SAP issue. Early communication gives us more options to work with.
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?
I have a question that isn't answered here. What should I do?
Our financial aid team is here for exactly this. Whether you have a quick question or need to talk through a complicated situation, we want to hear from you. No question is too small, and no situation is too complicated to at least start a conversation about.
Contact the Office of Financial Aid at
[email protected]
[email protected]