Forms of financial assistance for graduate students
Elon is committed to assisting eligible students in securing the necessary funds for their graduate school program. To the extent possible, eligible students receive assistance through careful planning and through accessing various forms of financial assistance.
In order to receive any type of university, state or federal funding, students must demonstrate satisfactory academic progress toward the completion of graduate degree requirements. No financial assistance is offered until an applicant has been accepted for admission to a graduate program.
Elon University payment program
Elon offers a payment plan to all graduate students. The plan requires an initial payment of one-third of the total cost of the program with the remainder divided into two equal payments. In addition, for the M.Ed. program, there are alternative payment plans. For further information on payment plans, contact the Bursar’s office. Students must submit a new application for each semester.
We are making a policy adjustment that will affect students that pay tuition and fees with credit cards. While we understand the reasons people choose this payment method, the university has borne the cost of paying transaction fees to the credit card companies, amounting to approximately $1.1 million annually. We believe that money would be much better spent supporting our educational mission.
As a result, families that pay tuition statement bills with MasterCard, Discover, American Express and VISA cards will be assessed a 2.75% convenience fee. Students that wish to avoid the fees are encouraged to use online checks/ACH or personal checks, wire transfers or other payment options. There will be no extra fees for other Elon transactions, such as online tickets or Phoenix Cash deposits. In addition, the university accepts American Express, VISA, MasterCard and Discover cards for payment of books.
If you have questions about the new payment options, contact the Bursar’s Office.
Federal Stafford Loan (unsubsidized)
Graduate students may borrow up to $20,500 annually. Repayment of principal begins six months after graduation or when you are no longer enrolled at least half-time. The fixed interest rate is set by the Department of Education and will be established each award year. A small processing fee will be withheld by the Department of Education from your requested loan amount. Federal regulations require the loan proceeds to be disbursed in two equal amounts. These proceeds are applied directly to your tuition account. Unsubsidized Stafford Loans are available through the Direct Loan program, which is administered by the federal government. All loans will be processed with the Department of Education as your lender. First-time borrowers will be required to complete a Master Promissory Note with the Department of Education and are also required to complete student loan entrance counseling at studentloans.gov. Information about the Federal Stafford Loan (unsubsidized) may be obtained from the Office of Financial Planning website at elon.edu/finaidborrow.
The Federal Graduate PLUS Loan Program
This is a loan made to graduate and professional students based on credit worthiness. You may borrow up to the cost of education less any other financial aid awarded. Federal regulations require the loan proceeds to be disbursed in two equal amounts. These proceeds are applied directly to your tuition account. Graduate PLUS loans are available through the Direct Loan Program, which is administered by the federal government. All loans will be processed with the Department of Education as your lender. The fixed interest rate is set by the Department of Education and will be established each award year. The Department of Education will withhold a small processing fee from your requested loan amount. First-time borrowers will be required to complete a Master Promissory Note with the Department of Education and are also required to complete student loan entrance counseling at studentloans.gov. Information about the Graduate PLUS Loan may be obtained from the Office of Financial Planning website at elon.edu/finaidborrow.
Forgivable Education Loans for Service
Created by the 2011 N.C. General Assembly, this program is a forgivable loan providing funding to students pursuing degrees in certain critical fields. Recipients must sign a promissory note agreeing to repay the loan by working in North Carolina in their approved field of study. Students enrolled in Elon's PA and DPT programs are eligible to apply for this loan. Visit the College Foundation of North Carolina’s website for more information (CFNC.org/FELS) or 866-866-2362.
Yellow Ribbon Program
Elon’s Health Sciences and Interactive Media programs participate in the federal government’s Yellow Ribbon Program, designed to assist post-9/11 veterans with secondary and post-secondary educational opportunities. Elon will contribute $5,000 to four post-9/11 veterans on a first-come, first-serve basis, which will be matched by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
American Academy of Physician Assistants
Elon PA students are encouraged to review the Student Academy of the American Academy of Physician Assistants Financial Aid Resources website for information about scholarships, awards and grants.
National Health Service Corps
The National Health Service Corps (NHSC) scholarship is a competitive program that pays tuition, fees and provides a living stipend to students enrolled in accredited medical (MD or DO), dental, nurse practitioner, certified nurse midwife, and physician assistant training programs. Upon graduation, scholarship recipients serve as primary care providers between 2 and 4 years in a community-based site in a high-need Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) that has applied to and been approved by the NHSC as a service site.
Awards are made to applicants most committed to serving underserved people, most likely to build successful careers in HPSAs, and meet future needs for care throughout the nation. Application instructions can be found at the NHSC website.
Note: Candidates must be accepted for enrollment or enrolled in a program on or before September 30 in order to apply for the scholarship. Because the Elon PA program enrolls in January, our students are eligible to apply during their first year of enrollment. For example, an Elon PA student could apply as early as March of their first year and if awarded the scholarship begin receiving funding in July of their first year. As a result, the PA student could receive funding for a total of 21 out of their 27 months of the program.
American Physical Therapy Association
Doctor of Physical Therapy students are encouraged to review the American Physical Therapy Association website for information about scholarships, awards and grants.
Scholarship programs
A limited number of Doctor of Physical Therapy scholarships ranging from $6,000 to $15,000 will be awarded annually to students who have demonstrated academic ability and talent as well as an enthusiasm and commitment for the physical therapy profession. Every admitted student will be considered for scholarship in light of all academic work, GRE scores, letters of recommendation, interview scores and demonstrated leadership ability. Students will be notified of their award at the time of acceptance if selected. Students who receive a scholarship are required to maintain good academic and professional standing in the program.
A number of merit-based scholarships are also available to Interactive Media students who demonstrate an enthusiasm for learning and a commitment to energizing media communication. Scholarship amounts range from $6,000 to $15,000.
Private sources
Many companies, corporations, foundations and school systems offer assistance to students based on a variety of qualifications. Students should investigate policies of their employers and check with the many local civic organizations to determine the availability of such funds and their application procedures.
Please note that federal and state loan programs are not available to international students.