There are a range of options to help you cover your out of pocket cost after your financial aid offer. Families can choose the option that works best for them, or combine options to develop a unique plan that works for them.
How to know how much to borrow
Deciding how much to borrow in a student loan is an important decision. Students have the option to borrow up to their cost of attendance (link below) and the financial aid office will certify your eligibility for the loan amount you request. The cost of attendance includes items you are billed for directly (for example, tuition) and items you are not billed for directly but will have to buy (for example, text books).
You can determine how much you can borrow for the entire school year by taking your cost of attendance (link below) and subtracting any money you have received from scholarships, grants, work-study, and federal loans (available in the financial aid portal), along with any savings you or your family have for school. Don’t forget to account for any loan fees.
You can determine how much you need to borrow to just cover your billed expenses by reviewing your financial aid award offer or billing statement. Keep in mind that your billing statement includes your billed expenses and financial aid for only one semester so will need to be doubled for the academic year.
Remember, you are only able to borrow only for the cost of tuition, fees, housing and meals (if applicable) and related educational expenses.
Monthly Payment Plan
Arcadia University payment plan options for currently enrolled and new students. Arcadia University offers 2 payment plan options for currently enrolled as well as new, incoming undergraduate students. There is a $50 fee due at the time of registration for either plan. Learn more here.
Private Student Loans
Private student loans are loans in the student name and generally require a credit worthy cosigner. Private loans are borrowed money that you need to pay back over a number of years, almost always with interest and other fees. Interest rates vary. There are a variety of difference products available you can review these options using our loan comparison tool.
Parent PLUS Loan
Parents of dependent students can borrow the total annual cost of attendance (minus other financial aid) through the Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan. Learn more about the Parent PLUS Loan. Use this federal loan fee calculator to find out how much money you will receive after federal loan fees are deducted.
Grad PLUS Loan
Available to credit-worthy graduate students enrolled at least half-time, regardless of financial need, once their Direct Unsubsidized Loan eligibility for the year has been exhausted. Students may borrow up to the cost of attendance minus other financial aid they received. Repayment begins six months following graduation (or the last date of half-time enrollment) and the repayment period is ten years. For the current interest rate and origination fee, go to the Interest Rates and Fees for Federal Student Loans page on the Federal Student Aid site.
To apply for a Graduate PLUS loan:
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Click on Apply for a Grad PLUS Loan, then log in using your Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID.
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Select the appropriate loan award year. Typically, applying for the next loan award year is not an option until early April.
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If your application is approved, sign a Grad PLUS Master Promissory Note (MPN). This is required only for first time Grad PLUS borrowers at Arcadia.
Use this federal loan fee calculator to find out how much money you will receive after we deduct the loan origination fee.
