Financial Aid

FInancial
Aid

Focused on our students’ future, last year our Office of Financial Aid awarded $64,000 from a growing list of 52 scholarships, and helped Parker University students apply for more than $23MM in federal financial assistance.

From veteran’s benefits to deferring student loans while enrolled at Parker, and all points in between, our financial aid coordinators provide front-line service to achieve your goals – leaving you free to focus on the learning experience ahead.

Scholarships

Parker University offers a variety of merit and need based scholarships for new and returning students.

Admissions Process

Parker is dedicated to assisting you through the entire application process and answering any questions you may have along the way.

Financial Aid

Parker University offers many options to help fund your education. Most students are eligible to receive financial aid, and nearly all of our students receive some form of assistance.

 

Financial Aid is available for those who qualify

The Office of Financial Aid at Parker University is committed to helping you understand all of the resources available to fund your education at Parker. Our office provides assistance to qualified students who need financial help to pursue their education. Students have access to a variety of options to assist in financing their education. Financial aid is intended to supplement, not replace, family resources — the primary responsibility of funding rests with families and students.

It’s never too early to begin exploring financial aid options. We encourage future and current students to start investigating as soon as possible.

You can begin investigating your financial aid options at any time – the sooner the better! Follow these three easy steps and get a head start on understanding financial aid options available to you.

Please review your applications to ensure all required information is complete before submitting. Once we receive all of your applications and you have been accepted into Parker University, we begin the awarding process.

Net Price Calculator

Using the net price calculator, you can find out your eligibility for financial aid and estimate your out-of-pocket expenses.

How to apply for financial aid

For federal and state “need based” financial aid, students must be:

  • U.S. citizens, on a permanent resident visa, or an otherwise eligible non-citizen (You will be asked to provide appropriate documentation.)
  • Attending an accredited college or university
  • Demonstrate financial need
  • Provide copies of their previous year’s tax returns (both federal and state) and other forms as needed to comply with requirements for the various programs

The FAFSA is required for all types of financial aid including Pell and other federal grants, state grants, institutional grants, loans and work study. You can file your FAFSA [link to open new window: as early as January 1 of the year you intend to enter school, and you’ll have to repeat the process each year as you pursue your education.

You’ll need to collect the following information in order to complete the FAFSA:

  • Your Social Security Number
  • Your alien registration or permanent resident card (if you are not a U.S. citizen)
  • Your driver’s license (if any)
  • Your most current Federal Income Tax Return (IRS 1040, 1040A, 1040 EZ)
    • Your spouse’s information, if you are married
    • Your parents’ information, if you are dependent
  • Previous 2 years Forms and other records of money earned
  • Foreign Tax Return, or Tax Return for Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Marshall Islands, the Federal States of Micronesia, or Palau, if not filing a 1040, 1040A, or 1040EZ
  • The prior 2 years untaxed income records
  • Veterans non-education benefit records
  • Child support received
  • Worker’s compensation
  • Previous 2 years business and investment mortgage information, business and farm records, stock, bond and other investment records

 

Parker University School Code

016293

FAFSA

You will need this code to complete your FAFSA

All Direct Loan borrowers must complete a Subsidized/Unsubsidized Entrance Counseling Session. This is an online tutorial on financial awareness that is required by the Department of Education.

A Master Promissory Note (MPN) is also required for all students. This is your agreement to repay the loans you receive.

ENTRANCE COUNSELING & MPN

Parker University’s Cohort Default Rate

Federal Verification Process

We are pleased to announce we have partnered with Inceptia to expedite the federal verification process for Parker University. Verification Gateway (VG) from Inceptia is an online portal to guide students and parents through verification.

If your FAFSA application is selected for verification by the U.S. Department of Education, you will receive an email from VGCS@inceptia.org or a postcard from Inceptia, containing Parker University’s unique website link to start the verification process.

We encourage you to begin the verification process within 7 days of receiving notification from Verification Gateway to ensure you receive your financial aid in time for payments. Failure to complete the verification process could result in the delay or denial of your financial aid.

Follow these steps to complete your verification.

  • Access our school’s unique website link in the email from VGCS@inceptia.org or listed below.
  • Create your account and choose preferences for text messages and e-signatures.
  • Complete your Task List.
  • Confirm your signature and review your information.
  • Sign your account.

*If you are a dependent student, your parent also needs to create their own account and complete each of these steps.

Verification Gateway Links and Deadlines for Parker University

2022-2023 Federal Verification: https://myparkeraid.verificationgateway.org

Deadline for submitting these documents is 7-31-2023.

2023-2024 Federal Verification: https://myparkeraid.verificationgateway.org

Deadline for submitting these documents is 7-1-2024.

Questions about the verification process?

Contact Inceptia, Monday through Friday, 8 am – 7 pm Central, at 888.374.8427 or VGCS@inceptia.org.

About Inceptia

Inceptia, a division of National Student Loan Program (NSLP), is a nonprofit organization committed to offering effective and uncomplicated solutions in financial aid management, default prevention, and financial education. Our mission is to support schools as they launch bright futures for students armed with the knowledge to become financially responsible citizens. Learn more at Inceptia.org

Title IV Loans Code of Conduct

As a participant in the Federal Direct Loan Program, the Parker University will issue Federal loans including the Direct Subsidized and Direct Unsubsidized Student Loans, the Direct Parent PLUS Loans, and the Direct Graduate PLUS Loans. Additionally, the Parker University will process private educational loans for students who request these (via a credit application).

In order to comply with the 2008 Higher Education Opportunity Act, the Parker University adheres to the Student Loan Code of Conduct. The guidelines listed are principles that ensure the integrity of the student aid process and ethical conduct of all Parker University employees in regard to student loan practices.

1. Revenue Sharing
The Parker University and its employees will not enter into any type of revenue-sharing arrangement with any lender, guarantor or servicer. The term “revenue-sharing arrangement” refers to an arrangement between an institution and a lender where a lender provides or issues a loan that is made, insured, or guaranteed to students under the Higher Education Act attending the institution or to the families of such students; and the institution recommends the lender or the loan products of the lender and in exchange, the lender pays a fee or provides other material benefits, including revenue or profit sharing, to the institution, an officer or employee of the institution. All loans are processed without regard to lender or mode of transmission (i.e., electronic or paper).
The Parker University will neither recommend a private loan lender nor accept material benefits including revenue or profit sharing to the institution, an officer, or an employee of the institution or an agent.

2. Gifts
Parker University employees are prohibited from soliciting or accepting any gift from a lender, guarantor, or servicer of education loans.
• Gifts include any gratuity, favor, discount, entertainment, hospitality, loan or other item. This includes a gift of services, transportation, lodging, or meals, whether provided in kind, by purchase of a ticket, payment in advance, or reimbursement after the expense has incurred.
• Gifts to family members of a Parker University employee are considered to be a gift to the employee if the gift is given with the knowledge and acquiescence of the employee and there is reason to believe the gift was given because of the official position of that employee.

3. Contracting Arrangements
Parker University employees are not accept from any lender or affiliate of any lender any fee, payment, or other financial benefit (including opportunity to purchase stock) as compensation for any consulting arrangement or other contract to provide services to a lender or on behalf of a lender relating to education loans.

4. Preferred Lender Status
The Parker University will certify private loans from any lender. We do provide a comprehensive list of all lenders that are utilized by our students and update this annually.

5. Interaction with Borrowers
All decisions will be made by the borrower in his/her independent review of borrower benefits and lender services. The Parker University will not refuse to certify, or delay certification of, any loan based on the borrower’s selection of a particular lender or guaranty agency.

6. Opportunity Pool Loan
The Parker University will not request or accept from any lender any offer of funds to be used for private education loans (defined in section 140 of the Truth in Lending Act) including funds for an opportunity pool loan in exchange for the Parker University providing concessions or promises regarding providing the lender with a specified number of loans made, insured or guaranteed; a specified loan volume of such loans; or a preferred lender arrangement for such loans.

7. Staffing Assistance
The Parker University will not request or accept from any lender, guarantor, or servicer of student loans any assistance with call center staffing or financial aid office staffing.

8. Advisory Board Compensation
Parker University employees who serve on an advisory board, commission, or group established by a lender, guarantor, or group of lenders or guarantors, are prohibited from receiving anything of value from the lender, guarantor, or group of lenders or guarantors, except that the employee may be reimbursed for reasonable expenses incurred in serving on such advisory board, commission, or group.

Fraud and Identity Theft

Every year the Department of Education makes millions of dollars of Title IV money available to Parker University students to help them pay for their education. However, students and the University must satisfy specific eligibility requirements to qualify for these funds. Cases of student aid fraud often involve students making false statements on the FAFSA to the Department of Education and the University on legal verification documents.

Conflicting Information

Parker University’s Office of Financial Aid has the right to verify conflicting information or questionable data that applicants may have submitted on their FAFSA. Conflicting information must be resolved so Title IV funds can be disbursed. Failure to submit accurate and legitimate verification documentation will jeopardize aid eligibility and could result in a fine and imprisonment.

Reporting Potential Fraud/Identity Theft

Federal Regulations require that Parker University provide information to the Department of Education’s Office of Inspector General (OIG) any credible information in which they believe an applicant for Federal Student Aid may be engaging in fraudulent or other criminal misconduct in connection with their application.

Common areas of misconduct include:

  • False claims of independent student status
  • False claims of citizenship
  • Stolen identities
  • False claims of high school completion
  • Forgery of signature on certifications
  • Unresolved conflicting information
  • False statements of income
  • The intent to deceive in order to receive Title IV aid

What are Diploma Mills?

A “diploma mill” is a company that offers “degrees” for a flat fee in a short amount of time with little or no coursework. Degrees awarded through diploma mills are not legitimate, are scams, and cannot be accepted by Parker University for enrollment or financial aid.

Where should you report fraud?

You also can report fraud to the OIG Hotline:

  • Email: oig.hotline@ed.gov
  • Call: 1.800.MISUSED
  • Fax: 202.245.7047
  • Write: Inspector General Hotline, U.S. Department of Education, Office of Inspector General, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20202-1500

types of financial aid

The main criterion for receiving grants is substantial financial need. Grants do not have to be repaid unless a student becomes ineligible. Students must maintain satisfactory academic progress as defined in the Parker University Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy.

Federal Pell Grant
Federal Pell Grants are awarded to qualified undergraduates to help pay for their education. Pell grants do not have to be repaid unless a student becomes ineligible. Eligibility for a Federal Pell Grant is based on several factors. Students complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and this generates an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) number. Using the EFC number and other criteria, the amount of award is determined. Students with a bachelor’s degree are not eligible for Federal Pell Grants.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant FSEOG
The Federal SEOG provides additional grant assistance to students. Funds are limited and priority is given to Pell-eligible students with exceptional financial need. Federal SEOG awards do not have to be repaid unless a student becomes ineligible. Students with a bachelor’s degree are not eligible for Federal SEOG.

A&P Grant
Eligible students can receive a Parker University A&P Grant. Students must maintain a 2.5 GPA throughout the program to maintain eligibility. To be eligible, students must be enrolled in the A&P program with the intention of enrolling into the Doctorate of Chiropractic program. This grant is calculated at $300.00 per credit hour and is only awarded towards A&P credits and cannot be awarded towards general education classes.

Tuition Equalization Grant
The Tuition Equalization Grant (TEG) is a state-funded aid program designed to provide grants to students with financial need to enable them to attend private, non-profit universities in Texas.  To qualify for an initial TEG amount, students must complete an application with the Financial Aid Office and meet the following eligibility criteria:

  • Be classified as a Texas resident;
  • Show financial need (as demonstrated by your FAFSA or TASFA);
  • Be enrolled in an eligible institution in Texas in a degree plan leading to a first associate, baccalaureate, master’s or doctoral degree;
  • Earn and maintain a cumulative college GPA of at least a 2.5 on a 4.0 scale and complete at least 24 credit hours per year (18 credit hours per year if a graduate student) with a minimum completion rate of 75% (this means you are completing at least 75% of the credit hours you attempt in each term);
  • Be enrolled at least three-quarter time; and
  • Be registered for Selective Service or be exempt from this requirement.

To qualify for a continuing (or renewal) amount of TEG, students will not need to complete an additional application with the Financial Aid Office.  Students who receive an initial amount of TEG will automatically have their eligibility re-evaluated in future years.  To be approved for a renewal amount of TEG, the above listed criteria must continue to be met in addition to maintaining satisfactory academic progress.  As this is a limited-funded program, TEG amounts will be offered on a first-come, first-served priority basis, and the Financial Aid Office cannot guarantee that all students who apply will be granted an amount of funding.

Parker University Scholarship Programs

Parker University offers a variety of scholarships ranging from academic to financial for students who meet the criteria set by the university.

Undergraduate Academic Merit Scholarships

Scholarships are available to those students who qualify based on GPA.  Amounts range from $1,000 – $2,150 per term and are available for all Associate and Bachelor programs.

College of Chiropractic

Doctor of Chiropractic – Incoming Student Scholarship Application

College of Business and Technology

William M. Harris MBA Scholarship Application
Merit Scholarship

*Please contact Parker One Stop at Ask1Stop@parker.edu or 214-902-2424 for complete details on the scholarship opportunities and specific criteria.

Private Scholarships
Outside scholarships are available from outside companies. A helpful resource in identifying private scholarships is ScholarshipExperts.

Parker University encourages students to maximize your borrowing by using all federal loan options before borrowing from private/alternative loan sources.

Subsidized and Unsubsidized Direct Loans

Parker University was selected by the United States Department of Education to participate in the Federal Direct Student Loan Program. A Federal Direct Stafford Student Loan eliminates lender and guarantee agencies. Parker University processes a student’s application in-house, and the loan is funded directly by the U.S. Department of Education. The Federal Direct Student Loans are low interest loans.

Federal Direct Loan Subsidized Program repayment begins six (6) months after a student drops below half-time status. The loan has a variable interest rate that is determined each year by the federal government. Based on student eligibility for the subsidized loan, the unsubsidized loan amount may be increased based on unmet need if eligible. Unsubsidized loans are non-need based loans to students who meet the qualifications. The loan is based on the cost of attendance less any other financial aid a student receives. Interest is charged throughout the life of the loan. The following chart provides maximum annual and total loan limits for subsidized and unsubsidized loans as of July 1, 2012.

Combined Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loan Limits for Eight Months of Study

Doctor of Chiropractic Student Unsubsidized Loan = $33,000 Total Loans = $33,000 Massage Therapy Student Subsidized Loan = $3500/Unsubsidized Loan = $6000 Total Loans = $9500
Dependent Freshman (Freshman=0-29 hours completed) Subsidized Loan=$3500/Unsubsidized Loan=$2000 Total Loans=$5500 Independent Freshman (Freshman=0-29 hours completed) Subsidized Loan=$3500/ Unsubsidized Loan=$6000 Total Loans=$9500
Dependent Sophomore (Sophomore=30-59 hours completed) Subsidized Loan=$4500/Unsubsidized Loan=$2000 Total Loans=$6500 Independent Sophomore (Sophomore=30-59 hours completed) Subsidized Loan=$4500/Unsubsidized Loan=$6000 Total Loans=$10,500
Dependent Junior/Senior (Junior/Senior=60+ hours completed) Subsidized Loan=$5500/Unsubsidized Loan=$2000 Total Loans=$7500 Independent Junior/Senior (Junior/Senior=60+ hours completed) Subsidized Loan=$5500/Unsubsidized Loan=$7000 Total Loans=$12,500
Graduate Student Unsubsidized Loan=$20,500 Total Loans=$20,500

Federal Parent Plus Loan

The Federal PLUS Loan (PLUS) programs provide non-need based loans to parents of dependent students. PLUS loan eligibility is based on the cost of attendance less any other financial aid a student receives. Repayment on a Federal PLUS begins within (60) sixty days after the final loan disbursement. These loans have variable interest rates determined annually by the federal government.

Federal Graduate Professional Plus Loan

Graduate and professional degree students are eligible to apply for the PLUS loan program up to their cost of attendance minus other estimated financial assistance in the direct loan program. The terms and conditions applicable to parent PLUS loans also apply to the graduate/professional PLUS loans. The requirements include a determination the applicant does not have an adverse credit history, repayment begins 6 months after the student falls below a half-time enrollment status, and a fixed interest rate of 7.6 % (for loans disbursed 07/01/2018-06/30/2019). Applicants for these loans are required to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). They also must have applied for their annual loan maximum eligibility under the federal subsidized and unsubsidized Stafford loan program before applying for a graduate/professional PLUS loan.

Parker University participates in the Department of Defense (DoD) Tuition Assistance (TA) Program providing postsecondary programs available to the military community. 

TA eligible programs at Parker University are as follows:

 

Active Military Tuition Rate is $250 per credit hour for online undergraduate and master’s programs. This amount reflects only tuition in accordance with DoD Instruction 1322.25. Rates do not include costs associated with room, board, distance learning, equipment, supplies, books/materials, exams, insurance, parking, transportation, admissions, registration, or fines. Compare tuition costs here.

Active military servicemembers requesting tuition assistance may contact the Director of Undergraduate Admissions, Ms. Ginger Bonton, at 214-902-3494 or at gbonton@parker.edu.

Please refer to the below links and Military Education portals for other military benefits and resources:

https://benefits.va.gov/benefits/
https://www.goarmyed.com/
https://www.navycollege.navy.mil/
https://www.fastweb.com/

VA BENEFITS FAQ’S

Effective for periods of enrollment on or after January 1, 2021, Parker University will provide a 10% Tuition Discount to all Veterans and eligible dependents of Veterans. 

Parker University honors its Veterans by providing the following discounts:

  • The Tuition Deposit and Application Fees are waived for all Veterans
  • Parker Grant and Merit Scholarships are also available to qualified Veterans pursuing undergraduate degrees
  • Presidential and Merit Scholarships are available to DC seeking Veterans

For more information on grants and scholarships for Veterans or to determine eligibility, contact Parker One Stop at: Ask1Stop@parker.edu or 214-902-2424.

Payment for tuition, fees, books, and housing can vary depending on your chapter, your location, and the types of courses you are taking. Please view the GI Bill® Comparison Tool: VA.gov for the most accurate payment information.

VA Education Benefits – All major VA benefits are processed by Parker University dependent upon the Veteran’s or Dependent’s eligibility. Information about benefits and eligibility can be found at va.gov. The most utilized benefits at Parker University include:

  • Post 9/11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33)– higher education and training benefits to Veterans, Servicemembers, and their families who served after Sept. 10, 2001.
    • Yellow Ribbon Program–  The Yellow Ribbon Program is designed to supplement those veterans whose educational expenses are covered at 100% under the Post-9/11 GI Bill®, as follows: The Post-9/11 GI Bill® provides a tuition benefit up to the highest public, in-state undergraduate tuition rate. For veterans who qualify under Yellow Ribbon, Parker University (in partnership with VA) assists with the remaining tuition gap.
  • Montgomery GI Bill® (Chapter 30)– assists active duty and reservists with the pursuit of higher education degrees, certificates, and other education and training.
  • Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (Chapter 35)– offers education and training opportunities to eligible dependents of Veterans who are permanently and totally disabled due to a service-related condition or of Veterans who died while on active duty or as a result of a service-related condition.
  • Veteran Readiness & Employment (Chapter 31)– for Veterans with service-connected disabilities. For additional information about VR&E, contact the Regional Office in the state of the Veteran.

Utilizing Benefits at Parker University:

Parker University is approved by the Texas Veterans Commission to certify eligible students for VA Benefits enrolled in approved academic programs. Veterans that wish to utilize their benefits must submit the following documents to the VA School Certifying Official in the Registrar’s Office:

  • VA Enrollment Certification Request Form – must be submitted each term
  • VA Certificate of Eligibility
  • Copy of DD-214 (Veteran only)
  • Copy of VA 1905 (VR&E only)
  • Official military transcript (Veteran only)
  • All academic transcripts from previous schools attended

Contact Parker One Stop at Ask1Stop@parker.edu for more information regarding VA Education Benefits.

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 Web site at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

Some students may need additional funding to cover any shortfall that their Federal Grants and Federal Loans do not cover, or other students may need assistance with living expenses. For these cases, there are Alternative Loans to help.  A sample listing of alternative loan lenders and their products can be found by visiting https://www.elmselect.com/link/query?schoolId=738.  Alternative Loans are credit based, private-education loans, that students can utilize pending an approved application. Most lenders allow for cosigners if needed, offer competitive interest rates, and various repayment terms. Student are not obligated to use any specific lender listed on Parker University’s ElmOne website and are free to use any lender of their choice.

All applicants for private educational loans are required to complete a self-certification form. Prior to completing a private loan application, download, print, and complete the Private Education Loan Applicant Self-Certification form as instructed. You will also be provided with a copy of this form from your lender as part of their application process. Only one self-certification form is required per loan application. To complete this form you will need information about your “cost of attendance for the period of enrollment covered by the loan” and information about your “estimated financial assistance” for that same period.

Private Education Loan Applicant Self-Certification

Financial Literacy

We are excited to announce a new student portal designed to help with real-world budgeting and financial skills. From budgeting and financial advice, to credit monitoring and access to financial experts, this new portal will be a great resource to students in any course of study!

The website is  https://fa.financialavenue.org/. Once you visit the site you will register as a student and search for Parker University. From there you will find various tools and assignments that can be a great benefit to help you begin or improve your personal financial knowledge.

Student Connections

Parker University, in partnership with Student Connections, is committed to guiding and supporting you through the loan repayment journey, whether you’re just starting, managing payments, or exploring forgiveness.

For more information, visit Loan Repayment page.

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