5th Year Undergraduates

As a student in a 5th-year program, you may be eligible to receive Federal Direct loans. We are not able to offer 5th-year program students federal need-based grants such as the Pell Grant or SEOG. 5th-year program students have the same yearly and aggregate loan maximums as other undergraduates. If you are considered a dependent student, your parent may also apply for the Parent PLUS loan on your behalf. 

Yearly Undergraduate Direct Loan Limits

Dependent student: maximum of $5,500, first-year, $6,500 sophomore, $7,500 junior/senior

Independent student: maximum of $9,500 first-year, $10,500 sophomore, $12,500 junior/senior

Aggregate Direct Loan Limits (combined maximum for all years of seeking an undergrad/5th-year undergrad degree)

Dependent student: maximum of $31,000

Independent student: maximum of $57,500

Students may view their loan history at studentaid.gov website.

  • Students seeking financial aid for the Post-Baccalaureate Pre-Medical and Pre-Allied programs are not considered graduate students; they are considered 5th-year undergraduates taking preparatory coursework. 

    In general, most Post-Baccalaureate students are considered dependents and may receive up to $5,500 in Federal Direct Student Loans (combined subsidized and unsubsidized amounts) during the award period. If a student is determined to be independent, an additional $7,000 in Unsubsidized Federal Direct Students Loans may be available.

    Unsure if you are considered an independent student or a dependent student? Find out here.

    Dependent students whose parents are denied a Parent PLUS loan are eligible to borrow a total of $12,500 in Stafford Loans (up to $5,500 of which can be Subsidized) through the Federal Direct Loan Program. 

    Post-Baccalaureate students may only receive Federal Direct Loans for a two-semester period (Fall/Spring) per Federal regulations and must be enrolled at least half-time (6 units per semester). If you are beginning the program with the summer term, only private alternative loans are available for the summer.

    There are several questions Postbac students must answer to determine if they are a dependent or independent student. If you answer "no" to all questions, you MUST provide parental information on the FAFSA even if you no longer reside with your parents or they no longer provide your support. The federal government will still view you as a dependent student and parental information is required for all dependent students.

    When Completing the FAFSA

    When completing the 2023-2024 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), Postbaccalaureate Pre-Medical students should provide the following answers:

    • When you begin the 2023-2024 school year, what will be your grade level? Answer: 5th year/other undergraduates

    • When you begin the 2023-2024 school year, what degree or certificate will you be working on? Answer: You will answer Certificate/Diploma (occupational/technical/education program of less than 2 years)

    • At the beginning of the 2023-2024 school year, will you be working on a master’s or doctorate program? Answer: No

    • Grade Level: Answer: 5th year, Post Baccalaureate Certification, 2nd Degree

    Eligibility criteria

    • Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5
    • Be enrolled at least half-time (6 or more units)
    • Have remaining eligibility for loan borrowing (Not reached lifetime loan limits associated with the credential program)

    Cost of Attendance

    The cost of attendance below is based on 12 unit enrollment per term (fall/spring), 24 units total for the academic year. 

    *Your actual tuition cost will depend on the number of units you enroll in per term.  The tuition rate is $1,160 per unit. 

    Postbac Pre-Medical and Pre-Allied Programs

    Off-CampusWith Parents or Relatives
    *Tuition (estimated) $27,840 $27840
    Fees $811 $811
    Housing & Food $25,713 $13,929
    Books & Supplies $938 $938
    Personal & Miscellaneous $4,428 $3,609
    Parking & Transportation $1,764 $1,611
    Loan Fees (estimated) $132 $132
    Estimated Total Cost   $61,626 $48,870
  • Students in the Teaching Credential Program are considered 5th-year undergraduate students, not graduates, for Financial Aid purposes and are subject to undergraduate-level loan limits. The types of financial aid available to students pursuing a teaching credential are very specific and different from undergraduate or graduate financial aid. 

    Independent students may be eligible to borrow up to $12,500 in Federal Subsidized and/or Unsubsidized Loans. Dependent students whose parents can borrow a PLUS loan may borrow a total of $5,500 in Stafford Loans (subsidized and/or unsubsidized) through the Federal Direct Loan Program. Your dependency status is determined by federal regulations. If you are dually enrolled as a credential and Masters's student, you are considered a graduate student for financial aid purposes.

    There are several questions students must answer to determine if they are dependent or independent students. If you answer "no" to all questions, you must provide parental information on the FAFSA even if you no longer reside with your parents or they no longer provide your support. The federal government will still view you as a dependent student and parental information is required for all dependent students.

    Unsure if you are considered an independent student or a dependent student? Find out here.

    Eligibility Criteria

    • Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5
    • Be enrolled at least half-time (6 or more units)
    • Have remaining eligibility for loan borrowing (not reached lifetime loan limits associated with the credential program)

    When Completing the FAFSA

    When completing the 2023-2024 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), credential students must provide the following answers:

    • When you begin the 2023-2024 school year, what will be your grade level? Answer: 5th year/other undergraduates
    • When you begin the 2023-2024 school year, what degree or certificate will you be working on? Answer: Teaching credential (non-degree program)
    • At the beginning of the 2023-2024 school year, will you be working on a master’s or doctorate program? Answer: No

    Additional information for Teaching Credential Students

    • You may be eligible for a Federal Work-Study and Federal Direct Loans (including the Federal Direct Parent Plus loan).
    • Federal Direct Loans: Partial loan forgiveness for Federal Direct Loans is available for designated teachers and childcare providers. Information may be obtained at Student Aid on the Web, a site maintained by the U.S. Department of Education.

    Eligible Programs

    In order to be eligible to receive financial aid for your Credential Program, you must be enrolled in a program that prepares you for teaching in a classroom. 

    Programs Eligible for Federal Financial Aid:

    • All Single Subject Credential Programs
    • All Multiple Subject Credential Programs
    • All Elementary Credentials
    • Special Education Credential Program

    Programs Not Eligible for Federal Financial Aid:

    • Administrative Services
    • Pupil Personnel Counseling
    • Non-Degree Certificate Programs

    The U.S. Department of Education limits aid eligibility for credential programs to those programs that prepare a student for teaching in a classroom.

    Cost of Attendance 

    The cost of attendance below is based on 6 unit enrollment per term (fall/spring), 12 units total for the academic year.

    *Your actual tuition cost will depend on the number of units you enroll in per term. The tuition rate is $1,542 per unit. 

    Non-Degree Credential

    On-CampusOff-CampusWith Parents or Relatives
    *Tuition (estimated) $18,504 $18,504 $18,504
    Graduate Fees $200 $200 $200
    Housing & Food $25,073 $25,713 $13,929
    Books & Supplies $938 $938 $938
    Personal & Miscellaneous $2,871 $4,428 $3,609
    Parking & Transportation $1,107 $1,764 $1,611
    Loan Fees (estimated) $132 $132 $1,32
    Estimated Total Cost   $48,825 $51,679 $38,923

     

    Types of Available Aid

    Scholarships 

    Scholarships are available to LMU students. Scholarships are considered gift aid because they don't need to be repaid. There are thousands of scholarships, offered by schools, employers, individuals, private companies, nonprofits, communities, religious groups, and professional and social organizations. There are also scholarships available from your College or program of study. Please review the links below to begin applying for LMU and outside scholarships. 

           Departmental Scholarships       Scholarship Universe   

    Federal Direct Loan

    Students, who file a FAFSA, may be eligible for federal student loans. Your FAFSA will determine if you are eligible for subsidized or unsubsidized federal loans.

    Federal Direct Loan award amounts:

    • Dependent Credential Students:  Eligible for an annual maximum of $5,500 in loans (up to a lifetime limit of $31,000 – including any loans received as an Undergraduate).
    • Independent Credential Students:  Eligible for an annual maximum of $12,500 in loans (up to a lifetime limit of $57,500 – including any loans received as an Undergraduate).
    Federal Parent PLUS Loan

    Parents of students who filed a FAFSA might be eligible to borrow a Parent PLUS loan.

    For Credential Students who are considered to be Dependent Students for financial aid purposes, federal loans are also available for parents to cover their student's remaining education costs. PLUS Loans are Federal Direct Loans in which the parent of a dependent student is the applicant and borrower. Your parent may borrow an amount up to the cost of attendance minus any other aid you are receiving.  

    To qualify for the Direct PLUS loan, your parent must meet some of the general eligibility requirements for federal student aid and will need to pass a modest credit check.

    To Apply: 
    To apply please visit studentaid.gov 

    Cal Grant Teaching Credential Program (TCP)

    Undergraduate Cal Grant A and B recipients who plan to enroll in a teaching credential program (TCP) after they receive their bachelor’s degree may be eligible to renew their Cal Grant award for an additional year. The additional year of payment is provided to students who are seeking an initial teaching credential and cannot be used for other graduate-level courses of study. Request for Cal Grant Teaching Credential Program Benefits

    Golden State Teacher Grant Program

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    What is the Golden State Teacher Grant Program?

    The Golden State Teacher Grant Program (GSTG) awards up to $20,000 to students currently enrolled in a professional preparation program approved by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) and working towards earning their preliminary teaching or pupil personnel services credential.

    Students must complete their program and obtain their credential within 3 years from the first distribution of GSTG funds and commit to work at a priority school in California for 4 years within 8 years of completing their program.

    Eligibility for the Golden State Teacher Grant

    To be eligible for the Golden State Teacher Grant, a student must meet the following eligibility criteria:

    • Be currently enrolled in a California-based professional preparation program approved by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC). View an updated list of eligible schools: CTC Approved Teaching Credential Programs
    • Maintain good academic standing (SAP). Please visit the SAP section of our website for additional information.
    • Be working toward your preliminary teaching or pupil personnel services credential.
    • Submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or CA Dream Act Application (CADAA)
    • Complete their program and obtain their credential within 3 years from the first distribution of GSTG funds.
    • Commit to work at a priority school in California for 4 years within 8 years of completing their program.

    What is the Service Obligation?

    Students commit to work at a California priority school for 4 years within 8 years of completing their professional preparation program. Students must:

    • Work as a teacher, school social worker, school counselor, school psychologist, or school child welfare and attendance official
    • Work in an eligible priority school
    • Submit an annual Employment Verification Form

    What is a Priority School?

    Priority schools have more than 55% of pupils classified as English Learners, eligible for free or reduced-price meals, or current foster youth.

    The priority school list is compiled by April 15 annually using data submitted to the California Department of Education (CDE) by each public California school. Nonpublic schools are not eligible as priority schools as they do not report data to CDE. You view an updated list of priority schools at: CSAC.CA.GOV/GSTG

     For more information contact the Golden State Teacher Grant Program at:

    goldenstateteachers@csac.ca.gov
    https://www.csac.ca.gov/golden-state-teacher-grant-program
    phone: 1.888.224.7268