Financial Aid

Pell Grant

This is a federal entitlement program available to undergraduate and teacher credentialing students who have demonstrated need. Awards are up to $5550 for the 2011-2012 financial aid year. The Pell Grant is the largest source of gift aid from the federal government. When the FAFSA is filed, a student is automatically considered for the grant.

Stafford Loans

Stafford loans are available to undergraduate and graduate students. Stafford loans are long-term, with a low fixed interest rate set by the federal government and repayment generally begins six months after the student graduates or ceases to be enrolled at least half-time.

Based upon calculated financial need, annual award amounts will be determined based on the following limits:

• Dependent students may borrow up to the following amounts:
  • Teaching credential: $5,500 (all of this may be subsidized)
• Independent students may borrow up to the following amounts:
  • Teaching credential: $12,500 (of which no more than $5,500 can be subsidized)
• Graduate (seeking a master’s degree) students may borrow up to $20,500 (of which no more than $8,500 can be subsidized)

Subsidized: All accrued interest is paid by the United States government until the student begins repayment of the loan.

Unsubsidized: All accrued interest is paid by the student while in school; however, the student may elect to postpone or capitalize the interest until repayment of the loan begins.

For more information, visit our student loan page.

Parental Loan for Undergraduate Students, or PLUS

This loan is available to parents of students who are classified as “dependent” by the U.S. Department of Education. A credit check of the parent is required. If the parent is denied the PLUS, the student becomes eligible to apply for additional unsubsidized Stafford loans. PLUS loans are long-term, with a fixed interest rate set by the federal government and repayment that generally begins within 60 days of the final disbursement of the loan for the academic year. For more information, visit our student loan page.

PLUS Loan for Graduate Students

This loan is available to graduate students, in addition to Stafford loans. This loan is credit based. The loan has a fixed interest rate set by the government, but repayment starts soon after the last disbursement. The loan amount can vary but can be awarded up to the full cost of attendance minus any other financial assistance received.

Once you have been awarded federal student loans, visit our student loan page for more information. Loan funds will not post to your student account until the loan request process is complete, a valid MPN is on file, and entrance counseling has been completed, if applicable.

California student financial aid is available to eligible residents of the state of California who are not in default on a prior student loan or do not owe a refund on any federal or state education grant.

Cal Grant Teaching Credential Program (TCP) Benefits

Cal Grant Teaching Credential Program Benefits are available for those students who received Cal Grant as an undergraduate student and are continuing into the teaching credential program. Credential students can receive one additional year of Cal Grant eligibility. Award amounts for this additional year remain at the same level as the student’s initial year of Cal Grant eligibility. A Cal Grant TCP Benefits Form should be filed with the California Student Aid Commission before enrolling in the credential program.

Assumption Program of Loans for Education (APLE Grant)

The Assumption Program of Loans for Education(APLE) is a loan forgiveness program offered to California teachers by the state of California. If you would like to apply for the APLE Grant, you may do so by completing the application and submitting it to Student Financial Services before receiving your credential.

For information on the APLE Grant, please visit the California Student Aid Commission website.

If you have questions regarding a submitted APLE Grant application, please contact the Student Aid Commission directly.

Legacy Scholarship

Students in the credential or credential and Master of Arts in Education combination program, who received their Bachelor’s degree from Simpson University, are eligible to receive the Legacy Scholarship. The Legacy Scholarship entitles students to receive a 10% discount on the tuition charges for the program. Continuous enrollment and priority application are required.

Any students receiving outside scholarships must agree to have all outside funds posted to their student account so long as there is an outstanding balance due. Scholarship funds payable to the student may be released directly to the student so long as the account is paid in full and Student Financial Services has been notified of the scholarship.

Stafford Loans

Stafford loans are available to undergraduate and graduate students. Stafford loans are long-term, with a low fixed interest rate set by the federal government and repayment generally begins six months after the student graduates or ceases to be enrolled at least half-time.

Based upon calculated financial need, annual award amounts will be determined based on the following limits:

• Graduate students may borrow up to $20,500 (of which no more than $8,500 can be subsidized)

Subsidized: All accrued interest is paid by the United States government until the student begins repayment of the loan.

Unsubsidized: All accrued interest is paid by the student while in school; however, the student may elect to postpone or capitalize the interest until repayment of the loan begins.

For more information, visit our student loan page.

PLUS Loan for Graduate Students

This loan is available to graduate students, in addition to Stafford loans. This loan is credit based. The loan has a fixed interest rate set by the government, but repayment starts soon after the last disbursement. The loan amount can vary but can be awarded up to the full cost of attendance minus any other financial assistance received.

Once you have been awarded federal student loans, visit our student loan page for more information. Loan funds will not post to your student account until the loan request process is complete, a valid MPN is on file, and entrance counseling has been completed, if applicable.

Any students receiving outside scholarships must agree to have all outside funds posted to their student account so long as there is an outstanding balance due. Scholarship funds payable to the student may be released directly to the student so long as the account is paid in full and Student Financial Services has been notified of the scholarship.