How do I pay for my degree at Ottawa University?
You’re ready to go back to school, but financially, you may be concerned that it’s just not feasible. Even if the data show that you’ll make more money after earning your bachelor or master’s degree, the financial barrier to getting there can seem daunting. What to do?
As with any decision, Ottawa University encourages you to weigh the pros and cons of pursuing a degree at this point in your career journey. We can even help you do that. Then, we will help you explore how to pay for your degree at Ottawa University. Here are a few of the available options for aid and savings to make your education more affordable.
Credit Transfer
If you are transferring from a two-year or other college, Ottawa University has a generous credit transfer policy that can reduce the amount of time and number of 8-week terms you need to complete to earn your degree, thus reducing your overall costs. Up to 80 credit hours of lower division credit can be accepted towards a bachelor’s degree; additional hours may be transferred into graduate programs consisting of 50 semester credit hours; and up to 32 credits is accepted for credit by examination. Ottawa University holds articulation agreements with more than 50 community and technical colleges, making it even easier to reduce costs by ensuring courses are compatible and credits are transferrable.
Federal and State Aid
The best way to determine eligibility for Title IV funding is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). It is best to apply early to ensure that funds are available when you need them. When all application materials, including the FAFSA, are received, OU will send you an estimated financial aid award letter. The award letter lists all financial aid you are eligible to receive if you have elected to borrow. The award letter is subject to change if your financial aid eligibility changes. To help you get started on the process, take a look at these useful financial aid links.
Grants and Loans
You have a variety of options when exploring grants and loans to make your education affordable. Some of those options include Federal Student Loans, Graduate PLUS loans, Parent PLUS loans, private, non-federal student loans, the federal Pell Grant, and the Teach Grant Program. Remember, everything you borrow needs to be repaid with interest, so borrow wisely. If you have any questions, contact one of our helpful financial services representatives who will help you find a grant or loan program that helps meet your financial needs.
Cost Estimators
Once you have completed the FAFSA but before you get your OU award letter, you can utilize cost estimators to get a good estimate of your final educational costs. These cost estimator worksheets help you assess how much you may want to borrow in order to cover any educational expenses you need to defer. Your actual costs may vary from what the estimator shows due to loan fees, course fees, tuition rates, etc. Also keep in mind that books are purchased through an external vendor and require payment to a third party other than Ottawa University.
Other Opportunities for Assistance
You will want to explore other avenues for funding assistance, as well. For example, are you eligibile for military personnel discounts? Does your employer offer tuition reimbursement? As a working adult, can you manage your degree timeline to pay for the 8-week terms as you go? Keep in mind that you aren’t locked in to taking 12 credit hours at a time. Whether you complete your education face-to-face or complete one of the online degree programs you may be able to more easily manage the financial factor of the education equation by staggering how many and how often you take courses.
Remember, we are here to make earning your degree as stress-free as possible, including helping you figure out how to pay for your degree at Ottawa University. If you’re ready to get the ball rolling, contact us today!
*Tuition and fees listed below are subject to change.