Admissions & Aid

Financial Aid

USAHS has several resources to help students who qualify to fund their education, including dedicated financial aid advisors. Every advisor is available to assist students at any point in the process.

Find on this page:

Financial Assistance Information

The department staff are available to help students by email, telephone, or virtual appointments. Regular office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, Eastern time zone.

In addition to reviewing eligibility for one of the USAHS scholarships, students are encouraged to explore financial assistance programs available from health care providers who employ therapists or scholarships available for graduate education.

USAHS is approved to participate in the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan (Direct Loan) Program and Federal Work-Study programs. USAHS complies with the requirement for consumer information to be disclosed to the student pursuant to the applicable federal and state financial aid programs (34 CFR 668) and follows the disclosure requirements of Section 485(f) of the HEA (Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics).

Students who have not submitted all admissions requirements are not eligible to receive Title IV funds until those requirements are met. If a student obtains a loan to pay for an educational program, the student has the responsibility to repay the full amount of the loan plus interest, less the amount of any refund, and if the student has received federal student financial aid funds, the student is entitled to a refund of the money not paid from federal student financial aid program funds.

In addition to reviewing eligibility for USAHS scholarships, students are encouraged to explore financial assistance programs available from healthcare providers who employ therapists or scholarships available for graduate education.

Federal and private loan options are available to cover education expenses for students who meet the eligibility guidelines set by the lenders and who maintain eligibility and enrollment requirements including the satisfactory academic policy of USAHS.

You may be able to receive financial aid through a local state grant program funded by your state of residence. Check with the appropriate state agency.

USAHS offers Title IV financial aid for students enrolling in the mid-term intake. However, USAHS does not offer Title IV financial aid for any term in which an accelerated learning course is taken without a full term “Anchor” course. Other financing alternatives may be available. 

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans are available to undergraduate, graduate and professional students, but eligibility is not based on financial need. 

The student has the option to pay the accruing interest while enrolled in school unless the student arranges to postpone the interest payment. To determine the servicers on your Direct Loan, login to your StudentAid.gov account here.

Students may borrow up to $20,500 per academic year. 

The interest rate for Direct Unsubsidized Loans, for graduate/professional students, first disbursed on or after July 1, 2023 and before July 1, 2024 is a fixed rate of 7.05%.   

The Direct Unsubsidized Loan has an origination fee which is deducted from the amount borrowed.   Loans first disbursed on or after October 1, 2022 and before October 1, 2024 have a 1.057% disbursement fee. Students are required to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form to apply for this loan. Visit https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa for more information. 

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Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loans

Federal Direct Graduate PLUS loans are available to graduate/professional students enrolled at least half-time without adverse credit history. Students may borrow up to the cost of attendance minus any other financial aid received and other resources which equals the loan eligibility for the academic year. The total cost of attendance may include tuition and fees, living allowance (e.g. housing and food, personal, transportation), books and supplies. The interest rate for Direct Graduate PLUS loans first disbursed on or after July 1, 2023 and before July 1, 2024 is fixed at 8.05%.   

The Federal Direct Graduate PLUS loan has an origination fee. Loans first disbursed on or after October 1, 2022 and before October 1, 2024 have a 4.228% loan fee. Visit https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa for more information. 

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Federal Work Study Programs

The Federal Work-Study (FWS) Program provides part-time employment to students attending USAHS who need the earnings to help meet their costs of postsecondary education, and encourages students receiving FWS assistance to participate in community service activities. This program encourages community service work and work related to the student’s course of study. Federal Work-Study positions are available in areas such as health care, education, literacy, wellness center, and tutors. For positions and requirements please write to [email protected].

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Private Alternative Loans

Private financial institutions offer a variety of financial products to help graduate students fund their education. Visit ELMSelect to learn more about private lending options and download the Private Education Loan Self-Certification form.

USAHS does not have a preferred lender arrangement.  The ELM website link provides a comprehensive listing of lenders that have made loans to the institution’s students within the past 5 years. A student/borrower can choose to use any lender, including a lender not listed.

To view data on USAHS on College Navigator, visit here.

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USAHS Scholarships & Grants

USAHS offers several scholarships to recognize outstanding academic achievement and reward personal accomplishments in community- and diversity-focused areas. These scholarships not only acknowledge past achievements but empower and motivate students to strive for continued excellence along their educational journeys.

Scholarships are available to all new students enrolling in the following entry-level programs: Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD), Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT), and Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (MS-SLP). Scholarship funds are applied to tuition and fees only. We encourage you to review the eligibility requirements for the scholarships available in your program of interest.

Physical Therapy Scholarships

The following scholarships are available to all applicants for the DPT or DPT Flex program who meet the eligibility criteria:

Occupational Therapy Scholarships

The following scholarships are available to all applicants for the OTD, OTD Flex, MOT, MOT Hybrid Immersion or MOT Flex program who meet the eligibility criteria:

Speech-Language Pathology Scholarships

Scholarships are available for new students admitted to the MS-SLP program for the 2024 Spring term.  A separate scholarship application is required for these awards.  We encourage you to review the eligibility requirements and apply for these scholarships.

We are currently accepting MS-SLP scholarship applications for the 2024 Summer term.  The application deadline is April 15, 2024. Only scholarship applications submitted by students who have started and/or completed their MS-SLP admissions application will be considered.

Grants

The Lighthouse Alumni Award Program offers USAHS alumni the opportunity to recommend exceptionally talented prospective students to enhance the quality of our entry-level occupational and physical therapy programs.

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Veteran’s Benefits

St. Augustine, Florida, Campus – The first professional Doctor of Physical Therapy, Doctor of Occupational Therapy, and Master of Occupational Therapy degree programs are approved by the Florida Department of Veteran Affairs for training of veterans and other eligible persons. Questions regarding benefits, enrollment certification, etc., should be directed to the certifying officer in the Financial Aid Office on the St. Augustine, Florida, campus.

San Marcos, California, Campus – The first professional Doctor of Physical Therapy, Doctor of Occupational Therapy, and Master of Occupational Therapy degree programs are approved by the California State Approving Agency for Veterans Education. Questions regarding benefits, enrollment certification, etc., should be directed to the certifying officer in the Financial Aid Office on the San Marcos, California, campus.

Austin, Texas, Campus – The first professional Doctor of Physical Therapy, Doctor of Occupational Therapy, Master of Occupational Therapy, and Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology degree programs are approved by the Texas Veteran Commission for training of veterans and other eligible persons. Questions regarding benefits, enrollment certification, etc., should be directed to the certifying officer on the Austin, Texas, campus.

Dallas, Texas, Campus – The entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy, Doctor of Occupational Therapy, Flex Doctor of Occupational Therapy, and Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology degree programs are approved by the Texas Veteran Commission for training of veterans and other eligible persons. Questions regarding benefits, enrollment certification, etc., should be directed to the certifying officer on the Dallas, Texas, campus.

Miami, Florida, Campus – The first professional Doctor of Physical Therapy, Doctor of Occupational Therapy and Master of Occupational Therapy degree programs are approved by the Florida Department of Veteran Affairs for training of veterans and other eligible persons. Questions regarding benefits, enrollment certification, etc., should be directed to the certifying officer in the Financial Aid Office on the St. Augustine, Florida, campus.

Post Professional Programs –

The post professional Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy, Post Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy, Doctor of Education, Master of Health Administration, Master of Health Science, Master of Nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice, and Post-Graduate Nursing certificate degree programs are currently approved by the California State Approving Agency for Veterans Education for training of veterans and other eligible persons. Questions regarding benefits, enrollment certification, etc., should be directed to the certifying officer in the Financial Aid Office on the San Marcos, CA, campus.

Campus based First Professional programs participate in Yellow-Ribbon program for eligible Veterans.

The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS) is pleased to continue participation in the Yellow Ribbon GI Education Program for the Campus-based first Professional campus degree programs. Yellow Ribbon is a scholarship designed to help students supplement the tuition and fees cost that exceeds the amount allotted in the Post 9/11 GI Bill yearly cap. The program is a provision of the Post 9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008.

Applications are accepted on a first come, first-served basis up to:

  • San Marcos, California Campus: 8 – Graduate students at $5,000.00 and 4 – Graduate students at $2,500.00
  • Augustine, Florida Campus: 8 – Graduate students at $5,000.00 and 4 – Graduate students at $2,500.00
  • Austin, Texas Campus: 8 – Graduate students at $5,000.00 and 4 – Graduate students at $2,500.00
  • Miami, Florida Campus: 8 – Graduate students at $5,000.00 and 4 – Graduate students at $2,500.00

The recipients of Yellow Ribbon can receive up to $10,000 (up to $5,000 from USAHS and up to $5,000 to be matched by the VA) for tuition and fees per academic year.

For Post 9/11 GI Bill® (Ch 33) students and VA Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Ch 31) students, our tuition policy complies with 38 USC 3679 which means Post 9/11 and Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment students will not be charged or otherwise penalized due to a delay in VA tuition and fee payments.  For eligibility consideration, a Post 9/11 GI Bill student must submit a VA Certificate of Eligibility (COE) and a Vocational Rehabilitation Student must provide a VAF 28-1905 form. Please see 38 USC 3679(e) for complete details.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).  More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/.

For questions regarding eligibility, yellow ribbon benefits, and the application process, contact the certifying officer on the respective campus.

Military Tuition Assistance

Active duty military personnel may be authorized to receive Federal Tuition Assistance.  All Active Duty Service Members (including Guard and Reserve) must contact their Education Service Officer (ESO) or Education Counselor within your branch of service prior to enrolling in USAHS.

Our Financial Aid Director is required to complete the DoD MOU Compliance Tutorial and have the experience and qualifications to administer Tuition Assistance funds.

Return of Tuition Assistance:  Military Tuition Assistance (TA) is awarded to a student under the assumption that the student will attend school for the entire period for which the assistance is awarded.  When a student withdraws, the student may no longer be eligible for the full amount of TA funds originally awarded.  To comply with the new Department of Defense policy, USAHS will return any unearned TA funds on a prorate basis through at least 60% portion of the period for which the funds were provided.  TA funds are earned proportionally during an enrollment period, with unearned funds returned based upon when a student stops attending.  These funds are returned to the military Service branch.  Instances when a Service member stops attending due to a military service obligation, the educational institution will work with the affected Service member to identify solutions that will not result in student debt for the returned portion.

The “Paying for College” webpage, which can be used by prospective students to enter up to 3 schools and receive detailed financial information on each, can be found here.

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Financial Aid Disbursement Process and Requests for Excess Funds

Most financial aid is disbursed in three equal payments over the award period. Students in good standing may have an excess balance in their account returned to them to pay for indirect education expenses. Any time financial aid proceeds credited to a student’s account exceed direct charges, this creates a Title IV credit balance. The Office of the Bursar will automatically forward the credit balance directly to the student, no later than 14 calendar days after the Title IV credit balance occurs. It is recommended, at the beginning of each term, to make plans to cover living expenses for at least the first 3 weeks without reliance on loans. Loans do not begin disbursing until a week after classes start.

USAHS has partnered with BankMobile to deliver your financial aid refund. For more information about BankMobile, visit this link: http://bankmobiledisbursements.com/refundchoices/

To view our institution’s contract with BankMobile, a Division of Customers Bank, click here.

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CARES Act & COVID-19 Guidance

Latest Institutional Quarterly Report

Update January 7th, 2022 – Quarterly Reporting Ending December 31st, 2021

  1. University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences signed and returned to the Department the Certification and Agreement and the assurance that the institution has used the applicable amount of funds designated under the CRRSAA (HEERF II) programs to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students.
  2. University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences has received the following HEERF II funding allocations from the U.S. Department of Education for Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students:
    1. HEERF II: $1,561,853
  3. USAHS has distributed the following to eligible students:
    1. HEERF II: $1,560,903 (fully distributed)
  4. The estimated total number of students at USAHS that are eligible to receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students:
    1. HEERF II: 2825
  5. The total number of USAHS students who received Emergency Financial Aid Grants is:
    1. HEERF II: 2592
  6. University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences expended HEERF II funds based on meeting federal requirements as well as USAHS guidance released in a September 29, 2021 announcement from Frank Ravja, Apply Now for Student Grants Supporting Hurricane Ida Relief, detailing criteria and eligibility for HEERF II funds. Remaining HEERF II funds were awarded using an application system in order to complete the above process.
  7. In addition to campus notification of funds by Frank Ravja, grant recipients received a personalized email containing additional information and instructions for the HEERF II funds.

HEERF II did not have any Institutional Portion Allocation.

As of December 31, 2021, HEERF II Student funds were disbursed by USAHS in their entirety. Therefore, this is the final quarterly report for HEERF II.

Update October 8, 2021-Quarterly Reporting Ending September 30th, 2021

  1. University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS) signed and returned to the US Department of Education the Certification and Agreement and the assurance that the institution has used the applicable amount of funds designated under the CRRSAA (HEERF II) programs to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students.
  2. USAHS has received the following HEERF II funding allocations from the US Department of Education for Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students:
    1. HEERF II: $1,561,853
  3. USAHS has distributed the following funds to eligible students:
    1. HEERF II: $1,522,400 (fully distributed)
  4. The estimated total number of students at USAHS that are eligible to receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students:
    1. HEERF II: 2825
  5. The total number of USAHS students who have received Emergency Financial Aid Grants is:
    1. HEERF II: 2556
  6. USAHS has expended HEERF II funds based on students meeting federal requirements as well as USAHS guidance released August 4, 2021 in the announcement from President Vivian Sanchez detailing criteria and eligibility for HEERF II funds. Remaining HEERF II funds will be expended using an application demonstrating need after the above method had been completed.
  7. In addition to campus notification of funding by President Sanchez, grant recipients received a personalized email containing additional information and instructions for receipt of the HEERF II funds.

HEERF II did not include any Institutional Portion Allocation to USAHS.

Update July 9, 2021-Quarterly Reporting Ending June 30th, 2021
The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences acknowledges that it signed and returned to the U.S. Department of Education the Certification and Agreement Form assuring the University intends to use at least 50% of the funds received under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act (HEERF I) to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students. This report is posted to meet the reporting requirements outlined in the CARES Act passed by Congress and signed by President Trump on March 27, 2020.

A supplemental round of funding called the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021 (CRRSAA) was passed by Congress and signed into law by President Trump on December 27, 2020. The CRRSAA (known as HEERF II) provides economic relief to American workers, families, and businesses who, through no fault of their own, have been adversely impacted by the pandemic. The University has accepted the HEERF II funds by signing the Certification and Agreement Form and intends to disburse 100% of the funds as direct payments to students. USAHS has received $1,561,853 for student grants and will award based on exceptional financial need as determined by the FAFSA. USAHS has not received any Institutional funds under HEERF II.

How much did USAHS receive from HEERF I and HEERF II?
The total amount of HEERF I funding USAHS received from the US Department of Education was $993,092. Half of this amount—$496,546—is HEERF-Student, which must be used for direct relief payments to students pursuant to the college’s Certification and Agreement for Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students. The other half is HEERF-Institutional and USAHS has elected to convert the institutional share into student portion.

The total amount of HEERF II Funding USAHS received from the US Department of Education was $1,561,853. The entire amount will be used solely for student grants. USAHS has not received any institutional portion.

How much of the emergency grant funding was distributed to USAHS students?
As of July 10, 2021 for quarter ending June 30, 2021 the total amount of HEERF I-Student grants distributed directly to students is $966,676. The final quarterly reporting/posting of June 30, 2021concludes all reporting on expenditures of the HEERF I student portion.

As of July 10, 2021 for quarter ending June 30, 2021, the total amount of HEERF II- student grants distributed directly to students is $200.

How many USAHS students are eligible to receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants under HEERF I and HEERF II?
The total number of students at the University eligible to receive HEERF I grants was 3607. The total number of students at the University eligible to receive HEERF II grants was 2540.

How many USAHS students have received an Emergency Financial Aid Grant under HEERF I and HEERF II?
As of July 10, 2021 for quarter ending June 30, 2021 the total number of USAHS students who received a HEERF I-Student grant was 3607. The final quarterly reporting/posting of June 30, 2021 concludes all reporting on expenditures of the HEERF I student portion.

As of July 10, 2021 for quarter ending June 30, 2021 the total number of USAHS students who received a HEERF II-Student grant was 1.

How did USAHS determine which students receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants and how much they would receive?
Based on the University’s determination, all CARES Act (HEERF I) funds that the University has received, including those received for the University to cover its own higher costs incurred due to the COVID-19 crisis, should disburse to eligible residential students as part of financial relief in recognition of the unprecedented COVID-19 situation. The total number of students eligible to participate in federal aid programs as of March 2020 and therefore eligible to receive CARES Act funds was 3607 for a grant of $268 per student.
For HEERF II, the University of St. Augustine for Health Services has first identified all students actively enrolled in Fall 2020 who remained enrolled in Spring 2021 and Summer 2021 terms. The University than ranked Title IV recipients by lowest EFC (Expected Family Contribution) first, to confirm the students with greatest financial need, and then all other students regardless of Title IV recipient status. Funds will not be awarded to students who have graduated, withdrawn, or on a Leave of Absence, and undocumented, DACA, or international students. The anticipated awards range from $750-$200 based on exceptional need. The University plans to distribute these funds during summer 2021.

How were the HEERF-Institutional funds used?
The University allocated the remaining institutional funds from HEERF I of $26,416 to the cost of personal protective equipment related to COVID-19. As of the end of February 2021, the University has disbursed all HEERF I student funds as well as institutional funds allocated to it from HEERF I funds received in 2020.

For HEERF II, USAHS did not receive any Institutional portion.


Last Updated:  May 27, 2021

University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences acknowledges that it signed and returned to the U.S. Department of Education the Certification and Agreement Form assuring the University intends to use at least 50% of the funds received under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students. To meet the reporting requirements outlined in the CARES Act passed by Congress and signed by President Trump on March 27, 2020, the University is providing the following information:

The University was approved for and has been allocated Higher Education Emergency Relief (HEER) funds under the CARES Act totaling $993,092. Those funds were received from the US Department of Education on May 13, 2020. Those funds were allocated as HEER funds for Student Aid in the amount of $496,546 as well as HEER funds for the Institution in the amount of $496,546. Under the CARES Act, we are permitted to award HEER emergency student grants to first professional Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Speech-Language Pathology students enrolled in a campus-based degree-granting program of study as of March 13, 2020.

Based on the University’s determination, all CARES Act funds that the University has received, including those received for the University to cover its own higher costs incurred due to the COVID-19 crisis, should disburse fully to eligible residential students as part of financial relief in recognition of the unprecedented COVID-19 situation. The total number of students eligible to participate in federal aid programs and therefore eligible to receive CARES Act funds is 3,607.

Starting on May 14, 2020, the University has released CARES Act funds in the amount of $268 per student to 3,607 eligible students in the total amount of $966,676. Payments have been processed and disbursed through BankMobile, the University’s third party processor that issues student refunds, to eligible students who applied for the funding by November 1, 2020.

The University informed students of the availability of this funding and steps to confirm eligibility through University communications, as well as posting on the financial aid website.

The University has also allocated the remaining institutional funds of $26,416 to the cost of personal protective equipment related to COVID-19. As of the end of February 2021, the University has disbursed all HEER Student Aid as well as Institutional funds allocated to it under the CARES Act funds received in 2020.

As required, the University also submitted its first HEERF CARES Act Annual Performance Report at the end of January 2021.


Last Updated: August 5, 2020

University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences acknowledges that it signed and returned to the U.S. Department of Education the Certification and Agreement Form assuring the University intends to use at least 50% of the funds received under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students.  To meet the reporting requirements outlined in the CARES Act passed by Congress and signed by President Trump on March 27, 2020, the University is providing the following information:

The University was approved for and has been allocated Higher Education Emergency Relief (HEER) funds under the CARES Act totaling $993,092. Those funds were received from the US Department of Education on May 13, 2020. Those funds were allocated as HEER funds for Student Aid in the amount of $496,546 as well as HEER funds for the Institution in the amount of $496,546. Under the CARES Act, we are permitted to award HEER emergency student grants to first professional Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Speech-Language Pathology students enrolled in a campus-based degree-granting program of study as of March 13, 2020.

Based on the University’s determination, all CARES Act funds that the University has received, including those received for the University to  cover its own higher costs incurred due to the COVID-19 crisis, should disburse fully to eligible residential students as part of financial relief  in recognition of  the unprecedented COVID-19 situation.  The estimated total number of students eligible to participate in federal aid programs and therefore eligible to receive CARES Act funds is 3,707.

Starting on May 14, 2020, the University to date has released CARES Act funds in the amount of $268 per student to 3,586 eligible students in the total amount of  $961,048.  Payments have been processed and disbursed to students through BankMobile, the University’s third-party processor that issues student refunds. The University is planning to release the remaining balance to 121 students as their eligibility status is confirmed.

The University informed students of the availability of this funding and steps to confirm eligibility through University communications, as well as posting on the financial aid website.

CARES Act FAQs

Previous Institutional Quarterly Reports (zip)

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Let's Connect

Speak to a financial aid advisor today!

Department Contact Information: (904) 423-2010 or [email protected]

 

Financial Aid Office Hours:

We’re available to help you by email, telephone, or virtual appointment! Regular office hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday, Eastern time zone.

We have several resources to help you fund your education, including dedicated Financial Aid Advisors. Financial Aid Advisors are expected to have knowledge, experience, and skills in Federal Title IV Aid, as well as Tuition Assistance and Veteran’s Benefits programs. Every advisor listed is available to help you at any point in the process:

USAHS Financial Aid Team

Vanessa Flowers, Director of Financial Aid
Clara Cadatal, Assistant Manager, Financial Aid Processing
Kiah Firebrand, Assistant Manager, Financial Aid Advising
Juliana Davis, Sr. Financial Aid Advisor
David Skinner, Financial Aid Advisor
Jessica Speed, Financial Aid Advisor
Florencia Briseno, Financial Aid Advisor

Washington State Residents

For Washington State residents seeking information and resources about student loan repayment or seeking to submit a complaint relating to your student loans or student loan servicer, please visit www.wsac.wa.gov/loan-advocacy or contact the Student Loan Advocate at [email protected].

Cost of Attendance by Term

Students’ Cost of Attendance (COA) budgets are developed each academic year by the Financial Aid office. The COA budgets below demonstrate the estimated anticipated expenses students can potentially incur while enrolled in the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences. Click to see the cost breakdown by term.

Code of Conduct — Financial Aid

University of St Augustine for Health Sciences Code of Conduct for Financial Aid Professionals

University of St Augustine for Health Sciences (“USAHS”) expects its financial aid professionals to always maintain exemplary standards of professional conduct in all aspects of carrying out their responsibilities, specifically including all dealings with entities involved in any manner in student financial aid, regardless of whether such entities are involved in a government sponsored, subsidized, or regulated activity. USAHS believes there should never be any difference between “ethical” and “best” practices.

For purposes of the Code of Conduct (the “Code”) set forth below, “financial aid professional” means any USAHS University officer, employee, or agent with responsibilities with respect to educational loans offered by USAHS University. Each of these covered individuals must abide by the Code of Conduct and USAHS University must, on an annual basis, provide them training on the contents of the Code. If a financial aid professional violates the Code the consequences include disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment.

The ethical practice is the best practice. To that end, USAHS’s financial aid professionals shall abide by the following Rules of Conduct:

I. Do Not solicit or accept gifts or anything of value from any entity involved in the making, holding, consolidating, or processing of any student loans.

No financial aid professional, or member of his or her family, shall accept cash payments, stocks, club memberships, gifts, entertainment, expense-paid trips, or other forms of inappropriate remuneration from any business entity involved in any aspect of student financial aid. For its part, USAHS shall not engage in any revenue sharing relationship with any lender or guaranty agency, and no financial aid professional shall agree to any such arrangement.

Gifts include anything of value except the following:

  • Standard material, activities, or programs on issues related to a loan, default aversion, default prevention, or financial literacy such as a brochure, a workshop, or training;
  • Food, refreshments, training, or informational material provided as part of a training session designed to improve the service of a lender, guarantor, or servicer if the training contributes to the financial aid professional’s professional development;
  • Exit counseling services as long as USAHS staff are in control of the counseling and the counseling does not promote specific products or services;
  • Philanthropic contributions to USAHS from a lender, guarantor, or servicer that are unrelated to loans; and
  • State educational grants, scholarships, or financial aid funds.

This prohibition is intended to avoid both actual conflicts of interest and the appearance of a conflict of interest, which arises when a financial aid professional accepts benefits from a lending institution or similar entity. The fact that the financial aid professional may have no intention to provide an advantage to the lender as a result of the benefit he or she receives, and indeed does not provide any such advantage, does not change the prohibition. The benefit received by the financial aid professional creates an appearance that he or she may not be impartial, and may not be acting solely in the best interest of the students and parents he or she serves. Such an appearance can do great harm and is prohibited.

II. Do Not enter into consulting arrangements with any entity involved in the making, holding, consolidating, or processing of any student loans, or accept anything of value, including reimbursement of expenses, for serving on an advisory body of or as part of a training activity sponsored by such an entity.

Financial aid professionals are prohibited from entering into consulting arrangements or other contract for services arrangements with a lender or on behalf of a lender.

Financial aid professionals are also prohibited from accepting anything of value for serving on the advisory board for any entity involved in the making, holding, consolidating or processing of any student loans.

Financial aid professionals are further prohibited from accepting trips paid for by an entity involved in the making, holding, consolidating, or processing of any student loans.

Although there is value in providing lenders with the unique expertise and perspective that only USAHS’s financial aid professionals can provide, receiving any remuneration for such service, even if only in the form of reimbursement for expenses, creates the appearance of a conflict of interest and must be strictly avoided. The same principle applies to reimbursement for lender-sponsored training activities. Professional development is a key component of being an effective financial aid professional, and attending lender-sponsored training programs can be a valuable way of obtaining the most current information. However, receiving any remuneration for such attendance from a source other than USAHS, even in the form of reimbursement for expenses, creates the same impermissible appearance of a conflict of interest and must be avoided.

III. Do Not take any action for personal benefit.

A financial aid professional shall not take actions which, while on balance may be supportive of the financial aid professional’s work, are chosen from among alternatives because they also benefit the financial aid professional. While performing one’s work in an exemplary fashion should result in “personal benefit” in the form of professional advancement and recognition, this prohibition relates to actions that are contrary to the obligations a financial aid professional has to USAHS, its students, and their parents.

IV. Ensure that all information provided is accurate, unbiased, and does not reflect any preference arising from actual or potential personal gain.

When providing information, transparency is the priority at all times. Students and parents should be able to fully understand their rights, obligations, and–of paramount importance–their alternatives. Financial aid professionals must never direct borrowers to particular lenders or refuse to certify or delay certification of any loan based on the borrower’s selection of a particular lender or guarantee agency.

V. Be objective and transparent in making decisions and advising USAHS regarding relationships with any entity involved in any aspect of student financial aid.

Financial aid professionals must always be fair-handed when recommending or entering into a business relationship with any entity offering a product or service related to financial aid. Transparency also requires that when a student or parent communicates with the USAHS financial aid office these communications be with only USAHS employees. No employee or agent of a lender should ever be identified, either directly or by implication, as an employee or agent of USAHS. Further, no employee or agent of a lender should work in or provide staffing to the USAHS financial aid office or call center, if applicable. Finally, no lender should be given permission to use the USAHS name, emblem, mascot, logo, or anything readily identifiable as USAHS to market its products.

VI. Disclose to USAHS conflict of interest policy any involvement with or interest in an entity involved in any aspect of student financial aid.

The goal, again, is transparency and avoiding actual conflicts of interest as well as the appearance of any conflict. All financial aid professionals are expected to strictly abide by USAHS’s conflict of interest policy, particularly with regard to any activities, involvement, investment, or interest in any financial aid-related entity. Specifically, financial aid professionals shall avoid any personal investment in or financial relationships with lenders or any entity involved in the making, holding, consolidating, or processing of student loans.

VII. Do Not take any action that is contrary to law, regulation, or the best interests of USAHS students and parents.

Our financial aid professionals work in a complex legal environment. Any doubts as to whether a course of conduct is legally proper should be resolved by referring the matter to the Office of the General Counsel for guidance. In addition, financial aid professionals should understand and adhere to all institutional policies applicable to their conduct and job performance, as well as to all federal statutes and regulations governing the administration of student financial aid and all applicable state and local statutes, regulations, and ordinances.

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Terms and Conditions — Financial Aid

Office of Financial Aid Program Terms and Conditions for 2023-2024

Please see the latest Financial Aid Program Terms and Conditions document below.

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