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Financial Aid

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Graduate and Undergraduate Scholarships, Grants, and Student Loans

Take advantage of your financial aid options
Regardless of your current income level or need, you may qualify for a variety of student financial aid programs that can help offset your tuition costs. To learn more about your personal financial aid opportunities, call 1-888-227-2736 to speak with an enrollment director.

Federal Financial Aid

The federal Stafford Loan Program offers a variety of student loans for both graduate and undergraduate students. Loans are either subsidized (government pays loan interest) or unsubsidized (borrower is responsible for loan interest). Interest rates for student loans are lower than most consumer loans, and repayment can be deferred until after graduation. Loan amounts vary.

Federal Stafford Loan Program

Stafford Loan Eligibility
(Grade level at time of awarding)

Transfer or Earned Credits

Maximum Annual Stafford Loan Amount

Maximum Aggregate Stafford Loan Limit
Grade level 1 and Undergraduate Certificates 0–45 credits 2006–2007
$2,625 subsidized
$4,000 unsubsidized

2007–2008
$3,500 subsidized
$4,000 unsubsidized 		Dependent Undergraduate:
Combined subsidized and unsubsidized up to $23,000
Independent Undergraduate:
Combined subsidized and unsubsidized up to $46,000, of which no more than $23,000 can be subsidized.
Grade level 2 46–90 credits 2006–2007
$3,500 subsidized
$4,000 unsubsidized

2007–2008
$4,500 subsidized
$4,000 unsubsidized 		Dependent Undergraduate:
Combined subsidized and unsubsidized up to $23,000
Independent Undergraduate:
Combined subsidized and unsubsidized up to $46,000, of which no more than $23,000 can be subsidized.
Grade level 3–5 91–180 credits 2006–2007
$5,500 subsidized
$5,000 unsubsidized

2007–2008
$5,500 subsidized
$5,000 unsubsidized 		Dependent Undergraduate:
Combined subsidized and unsubsidized up to $23,000
Independent Undergraduate:
Combined subsidized and unsubsidized up to $46,000, of which no more than $23,000 can be subsidized.
Graduate programs * 2006–2007
$8,500 subsidized
$10,000 unsubsidized

2007–2008
$8,500 subsidized
$12,000 unsubsidized 		Combined subsidized and unsubsidized up to $138,500, of which no more than $65,000 can be subsidized

*Eligibility and award amounts are reviewed annually by the Office of Financial Aid.

The federal Graduate PLUS Loan Program offers master's and doctoral students a resource to bridge the gap between their other financial aid and their full education budget. The Graduate PLUS loan has a fixed interest rate, and repayment can be deferred until after graduation.

Federal Pell Grants are based on financial need and are awarded to eligible learners in an undergraduate program. The maximum Pell Grant allowed for 2006–2007 is $4,050. Because the Pell Grant is considered to be “gift aid,” it does not have to be repaid. The amount of Pell Grant eligibility is based upon actual enrollment (full time or half time).

Federal National SMART Grants (Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent) are financial aid awards given each quarter, with a maximum benefit of $4,000 per year. The National SMART Grants are automatically awarded to students who meet the criteria; there is no application process.

Note: You must be enrolled at least half time to qualify for federal financial aid. Call an enrollment director at 1-888-227-2736 to explore your financial aid opportunities and to map out your program with our unique roadmap system.

Non-federal Student Loans

For learners seeking funding outside the federal Stafford Loan programs, private loans are available through numerous preferred lenders and financial institutions. Interest rates for student loans are low compared to other types of consumer loans, and repayment is deferred until after graduation. Call 1-888-227-2736 to speak with an enrollment services representative about which loan program may be best suited to your needs.

Scholarships and Grants

Many Capella University learners are eligible for graduate and undergraduate scholarships. Your goals, work experience, financial need, or even geographic location may qualify you for an award. Call 1-888-227-2736 to discuss your eligibility and scholarship opportunities with an enrollment director.

Scholarships offered by Capella University:

  • Phi Theta Kappa International Honorary Society Scholarships
  • Spirit of Capella Scholarships
  • The Robert C. Ford Human Services Scholarship
  • The Helene Krivosha Scholarship

Scholarships offered to Capella Learners:

  • Go the Distance Scholarship
  • The Sallie Mae Fund

Commonly Searched Phrases: College Scholarship Grants - College Scholarship Opportunity - Educational Scholarship Plans