How to Apply

Teaching Credential and Graduate Students

Federal Stafford Loans

There are two types of Stafford Loans: Subsidized and Unsubsidized. To qualify for a Subsidized Stafford Loan, you must demonstrate financial need as determined by the FAFSA. The federal government pays (“subsidizes”) the interest on this loan from the time of disbursement until six months after you graduate, withdraw, or drop to less than half-time status. The Unsubsidized Stafford Loan does not require financial need. You are responsible for repaying all the interest that accrues on this loan from the time of disbursement until the loan is fully repaid. Repayment begins six months after you graduate, withdraw, or cease to be enrolled at least half-time. Half-time is three units/semester for Graduate students and six units/semester for Credential students. The annual borrowing limit for Credential Students is $12,500 for Independent students and $5,500 for Dependent students. The annual borrowing limit for Graduate Students is $20,500.

Follow these steps to apply for a Federal Stafford Loan:

FAFSA PIN
Request a PIN from the U.S. Department of Education. Your individual PIN is used as your electronic signature on the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid); therefore, it is required before filling out the FAFSA online.

FAFSA on the Web
After receiving your PIN, you are able to fill out the online version of the FAFSA. Please file your FAFSA as soon as possible to ensure timely processing of your financial aid package. One FAFSA must be filed for each school year attended.
PLNU’s School Code: 001262

PLNU Post-Baccalaureate Financial Aid Application
The financial aid application must be completed on your Student Portal under My Tasks.  It is a quick, simple electronic application that should only take a few moments of your time.  Please contact your Regional Center's Student Financial Services Office if you have any questions about the application. 

Entrance Interview
Before any disbursement of funds can be made, you must complete EdFund’s Entrance interview. Please follow the links to complete the interview.

Apply for/claim your loan
Please have the following information available in order to process your loan:

• Pin number (the same number used to electronically file your FAFSA)
• Social Security Number
• State Driver’s License or State issued ID Card
• Two Personal References
• PLNU’s School Code: 001262

Exit Interview
It is also a federal regulation that you complete an exit interview. This step must be completed ONLY after you have obtained your degree or credential, have dropped below half time enrollment, or are not enrolled at the university for 30 days or longer.