Financial Aid Websites & Disclosures
- (school code: 003244)
- Financial Aid Disclosures
Chatham's dedicated financial aid counselors are here to help all students to understand their options in financing their education. Even after you graduate, we are still here to help you with any of your loan repayment questions.
Students taking classes in one of Chatham’s graduate programs but not yet admitted to the program are not eligible for financial aid through the Federal Stafford Loan program. Non-Degree Seeking Students can take up to 12 credits before having to enroll in the program, at which time they become Degree-Seeking Students eligible for financial aid as noted in the paragraphs above.
International students may borrow a private non-federal loan if they are credit approved with a creditworthy United States citizen as a cosigner.
Students enrolled in one of Chatham’s certification programs (except for the teacher certification program) are not eligible for financial aid through the Federal Stafford Loan program. However, they may be eligible for an alternative loan and should contact a financial aid counselor for more information.
Federal Loans are available to United States citizens and permanent residents only. In addition to a valid FAFSA students must be enrolled at least part time in a degree seeking program. Federal student loans can only be used for the completion of degree requirements. Federal loans must be repaid, even if the student does not graduate, or find employment.
The Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan is available to all students who have been denied or show reduced eligibility for the need-based Federal Subsidized Student Loan. The Unsubsidized Stafford loan also provides additional loan eligibility to independent students.
While repayment begins six months after graduation or cessation of at least half-time enrollment, the student can make interest payments or have the interest capitalized during in-school, grace or deferment periods. Students must file a Master Promissory Note (MPN) to receive these funds. You do not have to complete a separate MPN for Subsidized and Unsubsidized Stafford Loans. Your signature on the MPN will remain valid, so you will not need to complete a new MPN annually.
To complete an MPN:
The Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan is a federal loan that is available to graduate students, and can be used to cover educational expenses. In order to apply for the Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan, you will need to and complete a Direct Graduate PLUS loan application. The application is where you specify the dollar amount that you are applying for. This application also initiates a credit check. Once you have logged in, click on the "Request PLUS Loan" link on the left-hand main menu. You will be notified in writing of the results of the credit check by the Direct Loan Servicer. If you are credit approved for the PLUS loan, please complete the Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan Master Promissory Note (MPN). An MPN is a promise to repay document that must be signed before any loan funds can be disbursed. The Direct Graduate PLUS Loan MPN may be completed online by clicking on the "Complete MPN" link on the left-hand main menu and selecting "Graduate PLUS" loan type. Students may borrow a Graduate PLUS Loan up to the Cost of Attendance provided in your financial aid award letter less any other aid received, including Stafford Loans.
Federal regulations require that all first-time Federal Direct Loan borrowers at Chatham University complete an Entrance Counseling Session. The purpose of this session is to inform all borrowers of their rights and responsibilities as a federal student loan borrower. This process, in addition to a completed Master Promissory Note (MPN), must be completed before your student loan can be credited to your account. Please complete this requirement promptly to avoid processing delays.
To complete your Entrance Counseling Session:
Please be sure that you also complete your Master Promissory Note (MPN):
Federal regulations require that anyone who has borrowed a Federal Direct Loan at Chatham University complete an Exit Counseling Session. The purpose of this session is to inform all federal student loan borrowers of their loan repayment rights and responsibilities. This is required anytime that your enrollment is less than half-time, you graduate or withdraw from the University.
To complete your Exit Counseling Session:
After exhausting the opportunities available from the federal aid programs, many students will consider private loan programs as a source of funding. As always, taking on debt for any reason should be done deliberately and only for the amounts needed. Additional information regarding the availability of federal student aid is available from the Department of Education publication, .
The terms and conditions of these credit-based private loan programs vary, and as such, students are encouraged to review the details of the programs before selecting a private loan program. Private loans are not eligible for loan consolidation programs made available for federal student loans. Interest rates, fees (both at the time of borrowing and at repayment), credit checks, and annual and aggregate loan limits require careful evaluation by the student as a consumer.
As part of the application process, students will be required to complete the Private Education Loan Applicant Self-Certification Form available through their lender's website or by downloading the PDF form here. Information needed to complete this form, such as cost of attendance, may be obtained here, while estimated financial assistance may be obtained from the student’s Financial Aid Award Letter.
Private loans are funded through a lender, and choosing a lender is an important decision - it involves a financial obligation that will be a part of your life for many years to come. Picking a lender can seem like a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be. You may choose any educational loan lender you prefer. Remember to always take advantage of your federal loan options first.
Below is a historical list of lenders who continue to participate in the private loan program and who within the last three years Chatham University students have used. The University does not endorse any lender. You may choose any educational loan lender you prefer.
Before you apply for the loan you will want to make sure you have done your research. Here are loan term definitions you should know before applying:
Some questions you may want to ask are:
You have selected a lender, now it is time to apply using their website! Did you know that peak processing begins before school starts in the fall? Our sample timeline will guide you through the loan processes.
PRIVATE STUDENT LOANS: |
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April/May - Shop around for your lender. |
June - On your lender's website complete the application/promissory note. Please note, at that time your co-signer must also complete his/her portion of the application. Follow up with your lender 4-5 days after completing the application. This is the time to verify that your application is complete and that no further information is required. (Common missing items include a copy of a driver's license, pay stub, or co-signer signature.) |
July - The lender will then notify the financial office office will begin the process of certifying your student loan. |
August-September - The lender will electronically send the loan funds to Chatham University. |
Please note that individual loan providers have their own applications and timelines. Plan to apply at least 45 days prior to the date the bill is due.
Borrowers may compare lender discounts and other borrower benefits with the following loan comparison tools:
Chatham University adheres to the Financial Aid Code of Conduct based on the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008:
Financial Aid staff members are responsible for adhering to principles of good practice as mandated by state, federal, and institutional regulations, including the Policy for Ethical Practice. Financial Aid staff, as well as officers, trustees, and employees of Chatham University who make financial aid decisions for the University must adhere to the following professional standards.
We’re pleased to announce that we’ve adopted a new solution that lets you submit payment via electronic check by choosing the option VeriCheck Payment on the portal. This option allows you to avoid the 2% processing fee but still have the convenience of paying online.
The Company Reimbursement Program is offered for students who work for an employer who offers tuition reimbursement. The program allows students to defer payment of the reimbursed portion of their educational expenses until 30 days after the end of the term. Students are required to submit a completed Corporate Payment Options Application & Contract and a letter from their employer verifying employment and eligibility to participate in their company's tuition reimbursement program. Any amount not covered by tuition reimbursement must be paid in accordance with standard Chatham University payment policies. Company reimbursement may be counted as a financial aid resource for students receiving financial aid assistance. Applications for this program must be received by the close of the add/drop period.
UPMC Tuition Advancement is a special program for employees of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC). Students must first submit the completed Corporate Payment Options Application & Contract in order to receive a special UPMC invoice. The student submits this invoice to the UPMC Employee Service Center along with the required UPMC advancement application. The Employee Service Center will process the advancement request and provide the student with an advancement letter indicating the amount of advancement. The student then submits the advancement letter to Chatham as a form of payment. Chatham University will then bill UPMC for all advancement amounts. Any amount not covered by tuition advancement must be paid in accordance with standard Chatham University payment policies. Tuition advancement may be counted as a financial aid resource for students receiving financial aid assistance. Applications for this program must be received by the close of the add/drop period.
The Tuition Reduction Program is offered for students who work for an employer that is on Chatham University Corporate Payment Options list that has entered into a partnership agreement. Upon receipt of a completed DocuSign application and employment/partnership verification letter or proof of membership, a 20% tuition discount will be applied to the student account after add/drop period. Students already receiving discounted tuition are not eligible for an additional 20% discount. Applications for this program must be received by the close of the add/drop period.
To apply for one of the Corporate Payment Options, please complete the correct DocuSign and attach all required documents from your employer as required for the payment option you choose. Upon receipt of your completed DocuSign, Chatham University will review your application for approval and contact you should they require additional documentations. Please remember that this process must be completed for every semester attended. All discounts will be added after the add/drop period.
All questions should be directed to The Office of Student Accounts at 412-365-2719 or studentaccounts@chatham.edu.
If you have questions about financial aid, please contact the Office of Financial Aid located at Braun Hall on the Shadyside Campus.
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Phone: 412-365-2781
Fax: 412-365-1871
Email Financial Aid
If you have questions about student accounts, please contact the Office of Student Accounts located at Braun Hall on the Shadyside Campus.
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Phone: 412-365-2719
Fax: 412-365-1834
Email Student Accounts