How to Apply for Financial Aid

To be considered for financial assistance, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.fafsa.gov and add Pepperdine University using the school code, 001264. Here is an easy step-by-step video on how to complete the FAFSA.

In some cases, we may require additional information for your financial aid application. If so, the GSEP Financial Aid Office will notify you via email. You can also check your "To Do" list in your Student Center to find out if additional information is required. (To access your Student Center, log in to Wavenet and click on the "Student Services" link in the upper right of the Wavenet homepage).

For our On-Ground/Hybrid format programs, if you plan to use financial aid within any of the terms from Fall 2023 - Summer 2024, you will need to complete the 2023-2024 FAFSA.

For our 100% Online Psychology programs, if you plan to use financial aid within any of the terms from Summer 2023 - Spring 2024, you will need to complete the 2023-2024 FAFSA. 

Alternatively, if you prefer a private educational loan or do not qualify for federal loan funding, you may also apply for private loan funding. Additional information regarding private loans and comparisons can be found at FASTChoice. FASTChoice helps you determine which loan is right for you by providing detailed information for various loans, as well as the terms and benefits offered by different lenders. Since you have to apply directly with the lender of your choice, you will be subject to their processing time frames and a 14 day waiting period.

After you have applied for federal financial aid, you will want to make sure you review all possible scholarship opportunities. On our website, we have a section specifically designated for Scholarships and another section designated for Grants. It is recommended you review these opportunities well in advance of the start of your program and complete the scholarship applications before the specified deadlines. It is also recommended that you review the scholarship descriptions and eligibility requirements closely to determine what is available within your program.

For students in 100% online programs, the Pepperdine Scholarships available are to those who either are veterans/active-duty or a dependent/spouse of one. This aside, we recommend reviewing our list of "External Scholarships" and the "Scholarship Search Websites" tab on the Scholarships portion of our website.

There are additional financial aid opportunities for those interested in Federal Work-Study programs, those who qualify for Veteran Affairs benefits, and for Pepperdine Faculty/Staff members.

For students interested in our Federal Work-Study programs, we recommend visiting the Student Employment Office website for more information. Federal Work-Study provides part-time jobs for graduate students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to help pay education expenses. The program encourages community service work and work related to the student's course of study. Please note that a FAFSA application is required if you are interested in utilizing Federal Work-Study funds. Here's a quick overview of Federal Work-Study:

• It provides part-time employment while you are enrolled in school.
• It is available to undergraduate, graduate, and professional students with financial need.
• It is available to full-time or part-time students.

For students who may qualify for Veteran Affairs benefits, we recommend reviewing the Pepperdine Veteran Affairs website for more information.

For students who are faculty/staff members at Pepperdine, spouses of faculty/staff, or a dependent who is 25 years old or younger, we recommend reviewing the Pepperdine Tuition Remissions and Exchange Programs website for more information about tuition remission opportunities and related policies.

You will receive an email notification to your Pepperdine email address when your financial aid offer has been finalized, along with instructions to log into the University portal, WaveNet, to accept, decline, or reduce each financial aid award. 

For detailed instructions on how to view and accept, decline, or reduce your financial aid awards, view the Wavenet Financial Aid Guide.

If you accepted a Federal Direct Stafford Loan, you are required to complete Entrance Counseling online at studentloans.gov. The purpose of Loan Counseling is to inform you of your rights and responsibilities in borrowing a student loan. You must also complete an online Direct Loan Master Promissory Note (MPN) at studentloans.gov. Additional information about Federal Direct Stafford Loans can be found by clicking the "Loans" link on the blue menu at the left of this page. Please note it may take up to 2-3 business days for these items to process after they have been completed.

For students who plan to borrow the Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan, a PLUS application and PLUS Master Promissory Note are required to be completed online at studentloans.gov. A credit check is required for the Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan. If denied for the loan, you can reapply with a cosigner or appeal the denial through the Department of Education. Within 2-3 business days of credit approval, the Graduate PLUS Loan offer will be posted to your WaveNet account and the student will also receive an email notification regarding this update.

Alternatively, if you prefer a private educational loan, please apply with the lender of your choice directly. Additional information regarding private loans and comparisons can be found at FASTChoice. FASTChoice helps you determine which loan is right for you by providing detailed information for various loans, as well as the terms and benefits offered by different lenders. Since you have to apply directly with the lender of your choice, you will be subject to their processing time frames and a 14 day waiting period.

While students do receive email notifications any time an update is made to their financial aid offer, it is recommended students regularly check their WaveNet account for any pending items on their "To Do List", changes to financial aid offers,  or adjustments to tuition relating to enrollment changes.

Additionally, students should review the Academic Calendar for their respective program to be aware of pertinent due dates and deadlines relating to tuition and enrollment. It is recommended students complete all financial aid requirements several months prior to the start of the term and/or financial aid year.