GRADUATE & PROFESSIONAL FINANCIAL AID   

We have provided information on the following on our Scholarships and Fee Waivers page for Graduate & Professional students. Please look through the information and contact us with any questions that you have regarding Student Financial Aid at our institution.

• Scholarship and Waiver Opportunities
• Assistance Programs
• Military Exemptions and Scholarships

 Learn More about Scholarships & Fee Waivers for LSUHS students    

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Students may also use scholarship search engines to increase the chances of reducing tuition expenses. Scholarship Search Engines shortens the search and submission process for scholarships.  LSU Health Shreveport is not responsible for the administration of the below-listed scholarships or their affiliates. The Office of Student Financial Aid is providing the below information for you to research and apply at your own discretion. 

Common Scholarship Search Engines

We have provided information on the following student loan opportunities on our STUDENT LOAN INFORMATION webpage. Please look through the information and contact us with any questions that you have regarding Student Financial Aid at our institution.

• Federal Direct Master Promissory Note
• Federal Direct Subsidized Loan
• Federal Direct Graduate Plus Loan
• Credit Based Educational Loans from Private Lenders

 Learn More about Student Loans 

VETERAN'S BENEFITS

Students can receive eligible Veterans Benefits while attending LSU Health Shreveport.  Information pertaining to school policies, catalogs, residency, academic calendars, tuition and fee charges and more can be found on the LSUHS Registrar's website.

Steps for receiving benefits:

1. The student should contact the Registrar's Office for completion of required documentation certifying eligible tuition, fees and enrollment data.  
2. Benefits are approved by the Veterans Affairs Administration and funds are transferred to the university via ACH deposit.
3. The Bursars Office notifies the Student Financial Aid Office of receipt of funds.
4. The Financial Aid Office adds the amount of the award to the system.
5. The Financial Aid Office notifies the student that there is a new award in the Student Self Service Portal. 
6. The Financial Aid Office authorizes the disbursement of funds to the Student Account.    
7. The Bursar's Office processes the disbursements and notifies the student by email when a credit balance check is available to be picked up.

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The U.S. Department of Education and the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau offers the following school comparison tools for students trying to decide which school is the best fit for their educational needs:

College Scorecard - http://collegecost.ed.gov/scorecard/
College Navigator - http://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/
Paying for College - http://www.consumerfinance.gov/paying-for-college/

Students are encouraged to visit multiple lenders’ web pages to verify the interest rate, repayment options, fees charged, and borrower benefits. Our office does not endorse any lenders, receive any incentives, or have any arrangements or agreements with any lenders.  Private Lenders are commonly utilized by students after federal aid options are no longer available or if the interest rates or other criteria better fit their needs.

Considerations When Selecting a Lender

Applications and Eligibility

Requirements vary according to lender. Some of the most common borrowing requirements are as follows:

• must be an undergraduate or graduate student in a degree or certification program
• must be enrolled at least half-time
• must be a credit-worthy borrower or a borrower with a credit-worthy cosigner
• must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress
• must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or eligible non-citizen

Interest Rates and Fees

Interest rate options vary. The interest rate options may be fixed or variable rates. Many education loans involve fees. Fees are usually added to the amount requested to borrow, but sometimes they are deducted from loan proceeds. Borrowers should consult their lender and read their promissory note carefully to determine the interest rate and fees associated with their loan.

Repayment and Deferment

Lenders are often willing to allow deferment of payments while the borrower is enrolled in school at least half-time. During this time, interest may accrue, but the student does not need to make any monthly payments. Students should contact their lender for specific options.

Borrower Benefits

Borrower benefits can significantly alter the cost of a loan. Students should research the fine print on a lender’s borrower benefits and keep up their end of the bargain.

Finding a Lender

Financial Institutions

Students should start their search for a reputable lender with their bank, credit union, or other financial institution. Students should always compare several loan options or lenders.

Parent Employer

Employers sometimes help families pay for children’s education by offering financing options of their own. For example, some employers help employees with education expenses such as education through private loans, automatic deductions from paychecks, and other financing options.

Internet Search

Use the Internet to search websites that list alternative (private) loan lenders.

Questions to Ask a Potential Lender

• Can the application be completed online?
• What is the approximate time it takes to obtain a decision for loan approval?
• Is a cosigner required?
• What is the minimum and maximum loan amount per year?
• Are there minimum enrollment requirements?
• Can I borrow for past due balances?
• Do I need to be enrolled in a degree-seeking program in order to qualify?
• Is the interest rate fixed or variable? If variable, how frequently can the rate change?
• Are there any loan fees?
• Does the interest rate change when I enter repayment?
• What fees are applied to the loan and when and how are they applied?
• When does repayment begin? What will be my monthly payment?
• Is the interest and/or principal deferred while I am in school?
• What are the repayment options and are they any repayment benefits?