Applying for Aid

Financial aid helps make college more affordable by bridging the gap between your education costs and financial resources.

As a PLNU student, you may be eligible for grants, scholarships, and Federal Direct Student Loans. Graduate students are only eligible for Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans.

You must reapply for financial aid each year.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for need-based federal student aid, you must:

  • Demonstrate financial need
  • Be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen
  • Have a valid Social Security number
    (Students from the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, or the Republic of Palau are exempt)
  • Be enrolled—or accepted for enrollment—as a regular student in an eligible degree or certificate program
  • Maintain satisfactory academic progress
  • Provide consent for your federal tax information to be transferred directly into your FAFSA®
  • Sign the FAFSA certification, confirming:
    • You’re not in default on a federal student loan
    • You don’t owe money on a federal grant
    • You’ll use federal aid only for educational expenses
  • Be qualified to pursue a college or career school education

Learn more about eligibility requirements. 

Step 1: Complete the FAFSA

Complete the 2025–26 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online.

  • Gather Your Information:
    • Social Security number and driver’s license (for you and parent(s), if applicable).
    • Tax return or W-2 from 2023. Use the Direct Data Exchange (DDE) to import tax data automatically.
    • Apply for an FSA ID (students and parents need separate IDs). 
  • Submit Your FAFSA 
    • Submit between October 1 and March 2 for priority consideration.
    • Use PLNU’s School Code: 001262.

Undocumented Students: 
Complete the California Dream Act Application (CADAA) and submit the California Dream Student Affidavit Form with supporting documents.

  • Submit Your GPA (Undergraduates only):
    • California residents must submit the Cal Grant GPA Verification Form by March 2.
    • If you received a Cal Grant last year, you do not need to submit it again.

Step 2: Complete Additional Documents

  1. Student Loan Entrance Counseling
    • Complete online at studentaid.gov.
    • Financial aid will not be disbursed until this is completed.
       
  2. Master Promissory Note (MPN)
    • Sign your MPN for Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans.
    • Complete Direct Parent PLUS Loan or Direct PLUS Loan for Graduate/Professional Students (if applicable).
    • If you've completed an MPN at another institution within the last 10 years, contact Student Financial Services at gpssfs@pointloma.edu to confirm if a new MPN is needed.

Step 3: Submit Verification Documents

If selected for verification, you will see a note on your FAFSA Submission Summary or receive a notification from Student Financial Services.

  • PLNU partners with Inceptia for an easier verification process:
    • Complete verification through Verification Gateway.
    • Contact Inceptia at (888) 374-8427 for help.

Step 4: Review Your Award Notification

  • Once all documents are processed, you will receive a Financial Aid Award Notification via email.
  • The award notification will include:
    • Types and amounts of aid offered.
    • Instructions on accepting, declining, or adjusting your loan amount.
  • Review the GPS Financial Aid Terms and Conditions for Accelerated Undergraduate, Graduate, and Teaching Credential Programs.

Need Help?

Contact One-Stop Student Financial Services at gpssfs@pointloma.edu or call (619) 563-2882 for assistance.