Federal Financial Aid

Over 90% of students who applied qualified for Federal Student Aid last year! Our Financial Aid Advisor has the experience to assist you in exploring available financial resources and can make the Federal Student Aid application procedure simple. Additional financing options available include: in-house payment plan, Veterans Benefits (VA), Vocational Rehabilitation Funds, Americorps, and external scholarships.

How Can You Finance Your Education?

Types of Financial Aid available at IPSB:

Federal Pell Grants
Funds are awarded to students who demonstrate financial need based upon Department of Education guidelines.  A Federal Pell Grant does not have to be repaid as long as the student completes his/her scheduled units.

Subsidized Federal Stafford Loan
A Subsidized Federal Stafford Loan is a need-based, lowinterest loan made by a lender to students. The federal
government pays the interest during school attendance, for a six-month grace period following school attendance, and approved periods of deferment. Eligibility for a Subsidized Stafford Loan is based upon financial need.

Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loan
An Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loan is a low-interest loan made by a lender to students. A student does not
have to demonstrate financial need to obtain this loan.  Interest accrues on loan while attending school.

Federal PLUS Loan
Federal PLUS Loans are low-interest loans made by a lender to the parents of a dependent student. The loan
application is subject to lender credit approval. All loans must be paid back in full plus interest. See www.direct.
ed.gov.

Qualifying for Federal Financial Aid
To be eligible for federal, state and institutional aid students must meet the following criteria:
1. Demonstrate financial need (may not be required for some loan and institutional programs)
2. Have a standard high school diploma or GED on file.
3. Be enrolled in an eligible degree or certificate program.
4. Not be in default or owe a repayment of Title IV funds.
5. Have a valid Social Security number or Resident Alien number.
6. Be a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen with permanent residency status and an alien registration identification
number, or I-94 Proof of Entry stamp (may not be required for some institutional programs).
7. Be registered with the Selective Service (males between the ages of 18-25).
8. Have not borrowed in excess of loan limits under the Title IV program (may still receive Pell Grants if eligible).
9. Federal regulations require that students may only receive financial aid if they are maintaining satisfactory academic progress. (See previous page, SAP Policy.)
10. Must have all requested documents for FAFSA verification on file before aid can be packaged and disbursed.

A student’s eligibility for any of the Federal programs may  be suspended or terminated by a court as part of a conviction for possessing or distributing drugs. 

Tip: Speak with your Financial Aid Advisor before making
a program change or dropping courses. It could delay or cancel your student aid.

To apply for financial assistance it is the student’s responsibility to annually apply for financial aid by completing
the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA form is available at www.fafsa.gov. The students
must also provide any required forms and documentation deemed necessary to the Financial Aid Advisor before any
financial aid disbursements can be made.

Students must reapply for funding every borrower-based award year, usually spanning over three consecutive quarters.
The quarter before a student’s next award year begins, s/he is required to complete the reapplication process on
VFAO website. It is imperative that students reapply for future loans or grants early to ensure that their coursework is
not interrupted. If this is not completed in a timely manner, students will not be able to receive funds on the term’s anticipated disbursement date, and will be required to comply with the terms and conditions of the payment plan. If a student fails to supply the documents requested for verification before the 30-day deadline, or is unable to qualify for
financial aid, s/he will be responsible for any outstanding balances incurred and must select another finance option.

How to Apply for Financial Aid
• Complete the FAFSA at www.fafsa.ed.gov. IPSB’s school code is 041347.
• Complete the interview process in IPSB’s Virtual Financial Aid (VFAO) office at HTTPS://ipsb.vfao.com.
• Complete a master promissory note at www.dlenote.ed.gov
• Schedule an appointment with IPSB’s Financial Aid Advisor.  For more detailed information, call IPSB at (858) 505-1100. 

In addition to the Title IV Federal Financial Aid programs, students may qualify for:

Eligible students such as veterans, active military, or those qualifying for state sponsored vocational training may apply
for tuition benefit payments from the following agencies:

• Veterans Administration benefits (most chapters; including 33/Post 9/11, My CAA (Military OneSource ‘s Spouse Career Center), TA (Tuition Assistance)
• Active military (Navy, Marines and Coast Guard): speak with your base representative.
• WIA (Workforce Investment Act) 1-800-300-5616, and Vocational Rehabilitation Funds (San Diego District)
619-767-2100.

Additional Resources:
• The California Student Aid Commission: (888) 224-7268
• The Federal Student Aid Information Center: (800) 4FED-AID or (800) 433-3243
• College Navigator/IPEDS
• Student Body Diversity

Veterans Administration Benefits: US Department of Veterans Affairs

Post 9/11 GI Bill Information: Welcome to the GI Bill Web Site

California Department of Rehabilitation :  Vocational Rehabilitation 

Workforce Investment Act:  US Department of Labor – Employment & Training Administration

San Diego Workforce Partnership : San Diego at work

IPSB’s three programs (Massage Therapy, Holistic Health Practitioner Program and Associate of Science Degree in Holistic Health) qualifies for the Workforce Partnership funds job training programs to meet the region’s demand for qualified workers.  The programs benefit local employers, unemployed and recently laid-off adults, and at risk youth ages 14 to 21. To contact San Diego Workforce Partnership call: 1-888-884-SDWP (7397).

Other state loans and grants may depend on the student’s state of residence.  Individual employers frequently offer education funds for employees or for retraining of employees.

Need a Copy of Your Tax Return Information?

Visit the IRS website or call the IRS at 1-800-908-9946 and request a “tax return transcript.”  There is no fee but you will need to allow two weeks for delivery.
A tax return transcript shows most line items from your tax return (Form 1040, 1040A or 1040EZ) as it was originally filed, including any accompanying forms and schedules.  It does not reflect any changes you, your representative or the IRS made after the return was filed.  In many cases, a return transcript will meet the requirements of lending institutions such as those offering mortgages and for applying for student loans.