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Grants & Scholarships – Graduate & Doctoral

PAYING FOR GRADUATE SCHOOL

Graduate school is an investment in your calling, career, and future. Federal student loans and outside scholarships may help make your LPU education more affordable. 

Federal Student Loans 

Federal student loans are funds borrowed from the U.S. Department of Education. Unlike scholarships, loans must be repaid with interest. 

Eligible graduate students may receive a Direct Unsubsidized Loan. Beginning with the 2026–27 academic year, new graduate borrowers may be eligible for up to $20,500 per year, subject to federal lifetime limits and individual eligibility. Interest begins accruing after the loan is disbursed, even while you are enrolled. 

Some continuing graduate students may qualify for different loan options under federal transition rules. LPU’s Financial Aid team will review your eligibility and help you understand the options available to you. 

HOW TO APPLY

Start by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid at StudentAid.gov. You will need to sign in with your StudentAid.gov account and select the FAFSA for the academic year you plan to attend.

The FAFSA collects information used to determine your eligibility for federal student aid. Completing it does not require you to accept or borrow a student loan. You must submit a new FAFSA for each academic year you attend LPU.

Graduate and doctoral students are generally considered independent for FAFSA purposes, so parent information is typically not required. If you are married, your spouse may need to provide information and sign the form as a contributor.

Include Life Pacific University on your FAFSA so the university can receive your information and prepare your financial aid offer.

Search for Life Pacific University or enter LPU’s federal school code:

016029

Before submitting your FAFSA, confirm that Life Pacific University appears on your list of selected schools. You can also return to your FAFSA later to add LPU if you have already submitted it.

After LPU receives and reviews your FAFSA, the Financial Aid Office will prepare a financial aid offer based on your eligibility, program and enrollment.

Your offer may include federal student loans and other available assistance. Review each item carefully, along with your estimated tuition, fees and remaining balance. LPU may request additional information or documentation before your financial aid can be finalized, so continue checking your email and student account.

Contact the Financial Aid Office if anything in your offer is unclear.

You are not required to accept the full loan amount offered. Before making a decision, subtract scholarships, employer assistance, personal resources and other aid from your estimated educational costs.

You may accept the full amount, accept a smaller amount or decline the loan. Remember that federal student loans must be repaid with interest, so consider both your immediate expenses and the total amount you expect to borrow throughout your program.

The Financial Aid team can help you adjust your loan amount if needed.

Before federal loan funds can be disbursed, you may need to complete two requirements through StudentAid.gov:

Entrance Counseling explains how federal student loans work, including interest, repayment responsibilities, borrowing limits and what happens if you leave school or drop below the required enrollment level.

The Master Promissory Note is the legal agreement in which you promise to repay your federal loan and acknowledge its terms and conditions.

LPU will notify you if either requirement is incomplete. Your loan cannot be fully processed until all required steps have been completed.

BORROW WISELY

You do not have to accept the full loan amount offered. Before borrowing: 

  • Review your tuition, fees, and personal budget. 
  • Use scholarships, employer benefits, and personal resources first. 
  • Borrow only what you need for educational expenses. 
  • Review current interest rates and estimate your future monthly payment. 
  • Contact LPU Financial Aid before making your decision. 
Contact Financial Aid

OUTSIDE SCHOLARSHIPS

Outside scholarships are funds provided by organizations other than LPU—and they usually do not need to be repaid. 

Scholarships may be available through:
 

  • Your employer or your spouse’s employer 
  • Churches, denominations, and ministry organizations 
  • Professional associations 
  • Local businesses and civic organizations 
  • Community foundations 
  • Organizations connected to your field of study

RECOMMENDED OUTSIDE SCHOLARSHIPS

Fund For Theological Education

College Board

 

Fastweb

 

Scholarships.com

 

SCHOLARSHIP TIPS:

  • Start early. Many scholarships have deadlines months before the academic year begins. 
  • Search locally. Community and church scholarships may have fewer applicants. 
  • Ask your employer. Some organizations offer tuition assistance or reimbursement. 
  • Apply for smaller awards. Several small scholarships can add up quickly. 
  • Reuse your materials. Keep a strong personal statement, résumé, and recommendation letters ready. 
  • Apply every year. New opportunities become available throughout your program. 
  • Never pay to apply. Be cautious of organizations that guarantee an award or request payment. 

Already received an outside scholarship? Send the award information to LPU’s Financial Aid Office so it can be added to your financial aid package. 

Federal loan eligibility and limits are determined by federal regulations and may change. Your financial aid offer will reflect the funding available for your program and academic year.