Funding Your Degree

Keck Graduate Institute understands the importance of financial aid in assisting students to cover the cost of attendance. Last year, KGI awarded over $1.2 million in scholarship aid to the incoming class through endowed, gift and KGI funded scholarships.

At this time, students applying for the Master of Business and Science (MBS) and Master of Engineering (MEng) in Biopharmaceutical Processing program are the only applicants eligible for KGI scholarships. Scholarship matching is only available to MBS students.

Merit Scholarships

MBS and MEng applicants are encouraged to submit their applications in the priority round in order to receive first consideration for KGI scholarships. All KGI scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic merit, and the overall promise shown by an applicant.

General criteria for potential awards include:

• Academic Potential
• Work and/or relevant research experience
• Leadership/community involvement

All admitted students will receive an aid package that is unique to him or her.

Scholarship Application Process

There is not a separate application for merit scholarships. All merit scholarships will be awarded based on information contained within the Admissions application. Notification of merit scholarship awards will be included with your program acceptance letter.

Scholarship Matching

Students who are enrolled in the MBS program and have received a scholarship from outside KGI will be able to have their scholarship matched up to $2,500 per year. Adequate proof of scholarship must be provided before scholarship matching is considered.

There are many places to find outside scholarships. If you belong to clubs and organizations, please speak to their main office for more information. Please follow us on Twitter for outside scholarship opportunities.

Presidential Excellence Scholarship for Incoming Students: PharmD

Presidential Excellence Scholarships are awarded to top applicants based on the school’s comprehensive standard selection criteria for admission.

Award

• 5 awards
• $10,000 per year for four years, amounting to a total award of $40,000
• Divided evenly over four consecutive academic years beginning with the incoming semester; contingent upon the student’s enrollment, maintenance of a GPA of 3.0 or higher, and completion of each of the Fall and Spring semesters through their fourth year

Eligibility

• Student must have accepted their admission offer at the time of the award
• Awarded to top applicants based on the school’s comprehensive standard selection criteria for admission

Deadline

• Students must accept their award within five business days of receipt of their award letter

Cannot be combined with another Presidential Scholarship or with the Dean’s or Walgreens Scholarship for Incoming Students.

Presidential Distinction Scholarship for Incoming Students: PharmD

Presidential Distinction Scholarships are awarded to applicants based on the school’s comprehensive standard selection criteria for admission and support the KGI School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences’s efforts to increase diversity among student pharmacists.

Award

• 5 awards
• $10,000 per year for four years, amounting to a total award of $40,000
• Divided evenly over four consecutive academic years beginning with the incoming semester; contingent upon the student’s enrollment, maintenance of a GPA of 3.0 or higher, and completion of each of the Fall and Spring semesters through their fourth year

Eligibility

• Student must have accepted their admission offer at the time of the award
• Awarded to top applicants based on the school’s comprehensive standard selection criteria for admission who are also members of a minority group underrepresented in pharmacy

Deadline

• Students must accept their award within five business days of receipt of their award letter

Cannot be combined with another Presidential Scholarship or with the Dean’s or Walgreens Scholarship for Incoming Students.

Presidential Promise Scholarship for Incoming Students: PharmD

Presidential Promise Scholarships are awarded to applicants based on a combination of the school’s comprehensive standard selection criteria for admission and financial need.

Award

• 5 awards
• $10,000 per year for four years, amounting to a total award of $40,000
• Divided evenly over four consecutive academic years beginning with the Incoming semester and contingent upon the student’s enrollment, maintenance of a GPA of 3.0 or higher, and completion of each of the Fall and Spring semesters through their fourth year

Eligibility

• Student must have accepted their admission offer at the time of the award
• Awarded to applicants based on a combination of financial need (as indicated on the KGI Need-Based Aid and FAFSA applications) and the school’s comprehensive standard selection criteria for admission
• Incoming Pharmacy students are able to demonstrate a financial need through KGI’s Need-Based Aid application by illustrating how they paid for the undergraduate career, how they plan to meet their expenses for the academic year, and why they wish to be considered for need-based aid

Deadline

• Students must accept their award within five business days of receipt of their award letter

Cannot be combined with another Presidential Scholarship.

To apply online, visit our KGI Need-Based Aid Application. If you have questions about completing or submitting the application, you are encouraged to contact th KGI Financial Aid Office at 909.607.8258 or financial_aid@kgi.edu. In addition to the KGI Need-Based Aid Application, domestic students are required to complete the FAFSA at fafsa.ed.gov for need-based aid consideration.

Dean’s Scholarship for Incoming Students: PharmD

Dean’s Scholarships are awarded to top applicants based on the school’s comprehensive standard selection criteria for admission.

Award

• 6 awards
• $10,000 one-time non-renewable scholarship
• Divided evenly (by semester) over the Incoming academic year and is contingent upon the student’s enrollment and completion of the Fall and Spring semesters

Eligibility

• Student must have accepted their admission offer at the time of the award
• Awarded to top applicants based on the school’s comprehensive standard selection criteria for admission

Deadline

• Students must accept their award within five business days of receipt of their award letter

Cannot be combined with the Walgreen’s Scholarship or the Presidential Excellence or Distinction Scholarships for Incoming Students.

*Applicants accepted via Early Decision will receive priory consideration for scholarships.

KGI offers need-based aid to both domestic and international students who demonstrate a financial need.

Incoming MBS and PharmD students are able to demonstrate a financial need through KGI’s Need-Based Aid application by illustrating how they paid for the undergraduate career, how they plan to meet their expenses for the academic year, and why they wish to be considered for need-based aid.

To apply online, visit our KGI Need-Based Aid Application. If you have questions about completing or submitting the application, you are encouraged to contact the KGI Financial Aid Office at 909.607.8258 or financial_aid@kgi.edu. In addition to the KGI Need-Based Aid Application, domestic students are required to complete the FAFSA at fafsa.ed.gov for need-based aid consideration.

Things to keep in mind when applying:

• It is beneficial to complete the “Student’s Special Circumstances” section with specific information on your financial need and circumstance.
• Need-based aid is offered to incoming students only.
• The total award is divided by the number of years the student will be attending KGI and disbursed each semester.
• At this time, need-based aid is only offered to MBS and Pharmacy Students.

If you have financial aid questions, please feel free to contact financial_aid@kgi.edu.

Please note that only the recipients of the need-based aid award will receive notification. KGI does not send out notification of non-award to those whose applications were not approved.

William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan (Direct Loan) Program

What types of federal student loans are available for Graduate and Professional Students ?

The U.S. Department of Education has two federal student loan programs:

• The William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan (Direct Loan) Program is the largest federal student loan program. Under this program, the U.S. Department of Education is your lender. There are three types of Direct Loans available for Graduate/Professional Students:
  • Direct Subsidized Loans are loans made to eligible undergraduate students with financial need. No interest is charged while the student is in school.
  • Direct Unsubsidized Loans are loans made to eligible undergraduate, graduate, and professional students; the student does not have to demonstrate financial need to be eligible for the loan. Interest is charged on all unsubsidized loans during all periods.
  • Direct PLUS Loans are loans made to graduate or professional students and parents of dependent undergraduate students to help pay for education expenses not covered by other financial aid. Interest on all PLUS loans is charged during all periods.
    • Direct PLUS Loans for Parents – the parent is the primary borrower.
    • Direct Graduate PLUS Loan – the student is the borrower.

You are responsible for paying the interest on all Federal Student Loans during all periods. Interest accrues from the date of disbursement. If you choose not to pay the interest while you are in school and during grace periods and deferment or forbearance periods, your interest will accrue (increase) and be capitalized (added to the principal balance of your loan).

Required Steps to Obtain a Federal Unsubsidized and Graduate Plus Loan:

• Step 1: FAFSA

  The first step in borrowing a Federal Direct Loan is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The Federal School Code for KGI is G38533.

  When completing the FAFSA please indicate the following grade levels:

  PPC Program – 5th yr. /other undergraduate
  All other KGI programs – graduate/professional

  Successful completion for the FAFSA allows the following annual eligibility:

  Dependent Undergraduate Student (PPC ONLY): $7,500
  Independent Undergraduate Student (PPC ONLY): $12,500
  Graduate/Professional Students: $20,500

  Graduate Students that successfully complete the FAFSA will be eligible for a Graduate Level Unsubsidized Loan for the amount of $20,500 per year.

  Once you have completed the FAFSA, please complete Step 2 – Federal Subsidized/Unsubsidized MPN.

• Step 2: Federal Subsidized/Unsubsidized MPN

  The Master Promissory Note (MPN) is a legal document in which you promise to repay your loan(s) and any accrued interest and fees to the U.S. Department of Education. It also explains the terms and conditions of your loan(s); for instance, it will include information on how interest is calculated, when interest is charged, available repayment plans, and deferment and cancellation provisions.

  To sign the MPN for your Unsubsidized Loan, go to studentloans.gov > Log In > I Want to: Complete Loan Agreement (Master Promissory Note)

  Once you complete your Subsidized/Unsubsidized MPN, please complete Step 3 – Entrance Counseling.

• Step 3: Entrance Counseling

  During entrance counseling, you will learn about the following:

  -What a Direct Loan is and how the loan process works
  -Managing your education expenses
  -Other financial resources to consider to help pay for your education
  -Your rights and responsibilities as a borrower
  -Entrance Counseling is required before you can receive your Unsubsidized Loan.

  To complete Entrance Counseling, go to studentloans.gov > Log In > I Want to: Complete Loan Counseling (Entrance, Financial Awareness, Exit).

  To determine if you qualify for additional federal funding, please move to either Step 4 if you are a Graduate/Professional Student or Step 7 if you are a PPC Student.

• Step 4: Federal Graduate PLUS Loan

  The maximum amount a graduate/professional student can borrow with the Federal Unsubsidized Loan is $20,500 per year. If you need to borrow additional funds to cover the gap between the tuition and the unsubsidized loan amount, there is a Federal Loan offered to graduate/professional Students called the Graduate PLUS Loan. With this loan you can borrow enough to cover your funding gap, and you can also borrow additional funds for living expenses.

  Here’s a quick overview of Direct PLUS Loans:

  -The U.S. Department of Education is the lender.
  -The borrower must not have an adverse credit history.
  -The maximum loan amount cannot exceed the cost-of-attendance.

  To apply for a Graduate PLUS Loan, go to studentloans.gov > Log In > I Want to: Apply for a Direct PLUS Loan > Direct PLUS Loan Application for Graduate/Professional Students.

• Step 5: Graduate PLUS MPN

  Because the Graduate PLUS Loan is a Separate Loan from the Unsubsidized Loan, you will need to complete an additional Master Promissory Note specifically for the Graduate PLUS Loan.

  The Master Promissory Note (MPN) is a legal document in which you promise to repay your loan(s) and any accrued interest and fees to the U.S. Department of Education. It also explains the terms and conditions of your loan(s); for instance, it will include information on how interest is calculated, when interest is charged, available repayment plans, and deferment and cancellation provisions.

  To sign the MPN for your Graduate PLUS Loan, go to studentloans.gov > Log In > I Want to: Complete Loan Agreement (Master Promissory Note).

  Once you complete a Federal Graduate PLUS Request, please complete Step 6 – KGI Graduate PLUS Form.

• Step 6: KGI Graduate PLUS Loan Acknowledgement Form

  This form allows students to tell the KGI Financial Aid Department the outcome they would like to accomplish when borrowing a Graduate PLUS Loan. The financial aid team with calculate the amount needed to accomplish the desired borrowing result.

  If you choose not to complete this form you will be disbursed the maximum amount allowed. If you chose to lower your loan amount on the KGI Empower Student Website you are responsible for determining the loan origination fees that will be subtracted by the Department of Education.

  Complete the KGI Graduate PLUS Request.

• Step 7: Federal Parent PLUS Loan and MPN (PPC Students Only)

  The PPC Program is considered a 5th year undergraduate certificate program. The annual maximum a DEPENDENT undergraduate student can borrow is $7,500. The Department of Education offers a loan for the parent(s) of DEPENDENT undergraduate students called the Parent PLUS Loan. The Parent PLUS loan can cover the tuition and student living expenses up to the cost-of-attendance.

  Here is a quick overview of the Parent PLUS Loan:

  -The U.S. Department of Education is the lender.
  -The parent borrower must not have an adverse credit history.*
  -The maximum loan amount cannot exceed the cost-of-attendance.
  *If a parent is declined a Parent PLUS Loan the annual borrowing limit for the student increases to $12,500.

  To apply for a Parent PLUS Loan, go to studentloans.gov > Log In > I Want to: Apply for a Direct PLUS Loan > Direct Loan Application for Parents.

  Upon approval of a Parent PLUS Loan, the parent borrower must complete a PLUS Master Promissory Note. The MPN is located at studentloans.gov > Log In > I Want to: Complete Loan Agreement (Master Promissory Note) > PLUS MPN for Parents.

Each international KGI student is eligible for a KGI International Loan with the following annual loan limits:

• Master of Business and sScience (MBS) $20,500
• Master of Engineering (MEng) in Biopharmaceutical Processing $20,500
• Postdoctoral Professional Masters (PPM) $29,900

Please submit a signed and completed master promissory note to, KGI’s Financial Aid Office. A separate note is required for each academic year. Terms and conditions for this student loan program are included in the master promissory note. Completion of the KGI International Student Loan Entrance Counseling is required.

KGI International Student Loan Master Promissory Note

KGI International Student Loan FAQ

KGI International Student Loan Entrance Counseling (REQUIRED)

Private Student Loans

Private Loans are credit-based consumer loans for students that can be used for educational-related purposes. Many lenders have both fix and adjustable rate loan options available.

KGI is partnered with FASTChoice to make it easier for you to learn about private loans by providing information in a straightforward format to help you determine which private student loan best meets your needs.

There are private student loans available for both Domestic Students (U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents) and International Students.

Private Loans for Domestic Students

Private Loans for International Students

External Scholarships

There are many places to find outside scholarships. If you belong to clubs and organizations, please speak to their main office for scholarship information. Please follow us on Twitter for outside scholarship opportunities.

Veterans’ Education Benefits at KGI

Students who have been or are currently serving in the military may be eligible for VA Educational Benefits. Some benefits are also available to spouses or dependents of veterans. For information on selecting the right benefits for you, please visit the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Education and training Website.

1. Apply for Benefits. Once admitted to KGI, you will need to complete your application for VA Benefits. Your VA Benefits Application can take up to eight weeks to be processed so it is recommended to begin this process as early as possible. If you prefer to submit a paper application please submit it to the KGI Certifying Official.
2. Contact KGI’s Certifying Official. Once you have received your Certificate of Eligibility you will need to turn in a copy of the following documents:
   -Certificate of Eligibility
   -DD-214
   -Class Schedule
3. Keep Us Updated. Please notify KGI’s Certifying Official of any changes to your benefits, course schedule, and address. Failure to notify the KGI Certifying Official could result in payment delay/benefits ceasing.

Yellow Ribbon Program

Your actual tuition & fees may exceed the amount your Post-9/11 GI Bill will pay if you are attending a private school or are attending a public school as a nonresident student. For this reason, KGI is proud to participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program to make additional funds available for your education program without an additional charge to your GI Bill entitlement. Eligibility may vary. For more information please visit the Yellow Ribbon Program website.

Contact Information

For more information on your benefits as well as checking the status of your benefits application, please contact the VA directly at 1.800.827.1000.

For more information about KGI and the use of your benefits on our campus, please contact the Financial Aid office at 909.607.8590 or via email at financial_aid@kgi.edu.