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Earning an advanced degree is making an investment in yourself—and your future. A degree can open the door to more career choices and increase your earning potential. In times of economic uncertainty, possibly one of the best investments you can make is in your education, and in the professional skills that can lay the foundation for your future.
Most U.S. citizens or permanent residents who are enrolled in a degree or certificate program at Adler University may use financial aid to cover the full cost of their educational expenses. Financial aid may be used to cover the cost of tuition, fees, books and living expenses during all academic terms in which a student is registered at least half-time.
Aid is available from Adler University, the U.S. federal government, and outside programs.
Students may be able to work part-time while attending Adler University and earn an income through the Student Employment Program. Program participants can be hired for a part-time job at Adler University or through a designated outside community partner. The majority of Student Employment Program participants are funded through the Federal Work-Study (FWS) program. FWS is a need-based employment program that is funded partially by the U.S. government and is factored into the student’s overall financial aid offer for the year.
To qualify for a Student Employment Program position, a student must complete the FAFSA, if eligible, and demonstrate financial need as determined by the FAFSA, and then interview and be hired for a Student Employment position.
Student Employment Program participants are paid an hourly rate and while time commitments vary by position, most positions are for 8-10 hours per week. Students may work up to 20 hours per week while classes are in session. Student Employment positions are not guaranteed, and the number of available positions may be limited.
The Office of Financial Aid assigns each U.S. student aid recipient an annual cost of attendance, which determines the amount of financial assistance that a student can receive for a given academic year. The cost of attendance includes allowances for:
Students are encouraged to borrow as conservatively as possible to minimize loan repayment amounts following graduation. Detailed cost of attendance information for the 2021-2022 academic year is available here and for the 2022-2023 academic year is available here.
Tuition and Fees
Tuition and fees are set annually by Adler University. A student’s cost of attendance will include an allowance for tuition and fees based upon the student’s actual enrollment in required courses for the year. Initial awards are based upon the published course sequence for the student’s academic program. If a student deviates from the published course sequence, the cost of attendance will be adjusted to reflect any differences in charges.
Books and Supplies
Cost of attendance budgets include a book and supply allowance based on the number of credit hours for which the student is registered at a rate of $50 per credit hour. This allows students to utilize financial aid to fund book and supply costs that are not billed by Adler University.
Living Expenses
Students are able to borrow student loan funds to assist with living expense costs, as necessary. The annual living expense allowance is detailed in the cost of attendance.
The monthly living allowance is based on data regarding average living expenses for the Chicagoland metropolitan area. The living allowance is intended to assist with living expenses associated with the student (rather than the student’s other family members) and is limited to months the student is enrolled. Individual students with living expenses that exceed the established allowance may submit an appeal to the Office of Financial Aid for cost of attendance increase consideration.
Living expense funds borrowed through student loans will be refunded to the student by the Office of Student Accounts at the close of the add/drop period each semester (fall, spring, summer) for students to allocate towards their living expense costs throughout that semester.
Average Loan Fees
The federal government assesses a loan fee on each loan made to a student. Students are provided with an allowance in their cost of attendance. This allowance is an average of fees charged to students in specific ranges of cost of attendance.
Other Expenses
On a case-by-case basis, the Office of Financial Aid will allow a student to appeal to increase their cost of attendance from the standard amounts provided. The following costs are eligible for consideration under a cost of attendance appeal.
The government requires certain criteria to be met in order to qualify for U.S. federal student aid. Those requirements, such as being enrolled in a degree or certificate program at Adler University, are available here.
In addition, in order to continue receiving financial aid, including Adler University scholarships, students must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress towards completion of their degree/certificate.
Federal student loans require a student to maintain at least half-time enrollment. Federal work-study does not require at least half-time enrollment. Enrollment status definitions are as follows, with all measures being taken on a per-semester basis.
Only credits required for degree or certificate completion count in a student’s enrollment status for the semester.
| Program | Full-Time | Half-Time | Less Than Half-Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Adler Graduate-Level Programs | 6+ credits | 3-5 credits | 1-2 credits |
Students enrolled in the following courses satisfy the full-time enrollment definition for the semester:
Students enrolled in the following courses satisfy the half-time enrollment definition for the semester:
Students enrolled in the following courses and not enrolled in other coursework for the semester are considered to be enrolled less than half-time for the semester:
Questions concerning course type designation can be verified with your program director.
Enrollment Status Considerations When Retaking Coursework:
For the purposes of determining a student’s enrollment status, there are special considerations for students who are repeating coursework:
Loans
Money that must be repaid at some point in the future, with interest. Graduate student federal loans are not need-based, but there may be a credit check required.
Student Loan Financing Options
Many Adler University students elect to borrow student loans to finance all or a portion of their costs. The Office of Financial Aid strongly encourages those who qualify to explore U.S. federal student loan options first. Federal student loans that a student took out prior to enrolling with Adler University are eligible for in-school deferment as long as the student maintains at least half-time enrollment.
Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans
The Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan is the basic component of a student’s financial aid award offer. A student must be enrolled at least half-time to be eligible for federal loans. The interest rate on the Unsubsidized loan is fixed annually; a fee is assessed by the government when the loan is disbursed. There are several repayment plans available. Direct Unsubsidized Loans are not need-based and are available to degree and certificate students at all academic levels. The amount awarded for the year cannot exceed the annual loan limit and is based on the student’s academic level and/or program.
To qualify for a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan, a student must:
Students are held to annual and lifetime aggregate maximums for Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans. These amounts are based on a student’s academic level and/or program. Online campus graduate students are limited to $20,500 in Unsubsidized Loan funding for each academic year, and $138,500 in lifetime aggregate Unsubsidized Loan funding.
Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loans
The Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan (GradPLUS) is available to graduate/professional degree-seeking students. Students are encouraged to expend annual Direct Unsubsidized Loan eligibility prior to borrowing a GradPLUS loan; however, the GradPLUS loan is a federal student loan option to help meet costs that exceed the annual or lifetime Unsubsidized loan limits.
A student must be enrolled at least half time to be eligible for the GradPLUS loan. The interest rate on the GradPLUS loan is fixed annually; a fee is assessed by the government when the loan is disbursed. There are several repayment plans available. GradPLUS loans are not need-based but a credit-based loan application is required. The amount awarded for the year cannot exceed your specified Cost of Attendance, less all other aid. There is likewise no lifetime max on the GradPLUS loan.
To qualify for a Federal Direct GradPLUS Loan, a student must:
Withdrawing and Financial Aid
Students who withdraw or take a leave of absence may no longer be eligible for the entire amount of financial aid they were awarded and/or received. Review Adler University’s Withdrawing and Financial Aid policy for more information about the impact to financial aid when a semester is not completed.
Loan Repayment
Borrowers of Federal Student Loans are required to complete Exit Counseling whenever they graduate, withdraw from school (including taking a leave of absence), or cease to maintain at least half-time enrollment. If Exit Counseling is required, the student will be notified by the Office of Financial Aid.
There are several repayment options for Direct Loans, including loan forgiveness, cancellation and discharge. Borrowers have the option of a standard, 10-year repayment or other extended repayment options based on time to repayment or the borrower’s income. These loans also allow for specific deferments or forbearances, time periods when the government designated loan servicer will temporarily suspend collection activity on the loan. Borrowers requiring a temporary postponement or partial reduction in monthly payment may request a forbearance if deferment is not available.
Alternative Loans
Alternative loans are private, credit-based loans the student applies for directly with a financial institution. These loans cannot be combined with Federal Direct Loans into a Federal Consolidation Loan following graduation. Alternative loans may be available to international students who have U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident co-borrower, or borrowers who are not able to file a FAFSA. Interest rates on alternative loans are typically not fixed and may vary based on the lender and the borrower’s credit rating.
Students who are eligible for Federal Direct Loans are encouraged to explore federal loans first as there are many benefits that may be unavailable through an alternative loan program.
Adler University offers a variety of scholarships to help support the educational goals of its students. Unlike student loans, scholarships do not need to be repaid and are awarded based on a variety of criteria including, but not limited to, academic excellence, mission relevance, and community involvement and service.
Adler University is pleased to offer merit scholarships to all academically accomplished first-year students who are admitted and enroll. All admitted applicants are automatically considered for merit scholarships; no additional scholarship application is required. Merit scholarships are awarded based on the applicant’s undergraduate GPA at time of application submission. Students may also be awarded additional merit scholarship funding based on a holistic review of the application for admission and other factors including (but not limited to): admissions interview, relevant work/volunteer experience, and demonstrated commitment to Adler University’s mission. Admission to Adler University is highly competitive and applicants are encouraged to complete the application process as soon as possible.
NOTE: With exception of the Military scholarship, Master’s and Doctoral Merit Scholarships cannot be combined with any other Adler University Scholarship.
Master’s Merit Scholarship
| Undergrad GPA | Minimum Scholarship |
|---|---|
| 3.81+ | Starting at $6,000 |
| 3.41+ | Starting at $4,000 |
| 3.0+ | Starting at $2,000 |
Doctoral Merit Scholarship
| Undergrad GPA | Minimum Scholarship |
|---|---|
| 3.81+ | Starting at $9,000 |
| 3.41+ or Graduate degree with GPA above 3.80 | Starting at $6,000 |
| 3.0+ or Graduate degree with GPA above 3.50 | Starting at $3,000 |
Adler Alumni Merit Scholarship Guarantee
Adler University recognizes the achievements of our alumni and support their ongoing career growth through a doctoral Merit scholarship guarantee. Graduates of any Adler University master’s program who are admitted to a doctoral program will receive a minimum scholarship package of $10,000 through the Merit Scholarship program.
Promising Scholars Scholarship
Adler University’s Promising Scholars Scholarships are awarded based on past dedication and/or future contributions to service, commitment to social justice, academic excellence, and leadership. Candidates are reviewed automatically, and scholarships are generally awarded at time of acceptance. Awarded over 2 years (6 semesters) for M.A. applicants; awarded over 3 years (9 semesters) for all doctoral applicants. Recipients of Adler University’s Merit Scholarship are not eligible for the Promising Scholars Scholarship.
Starts at $2,000
Community Partner Scholarship
Adler University values the long standing relationships we have with several community organizations. Recipients of the Community Partner Scholarship must be a full-time employee at one of Adler University’s designated high-impact community partners. Scholarship recipients must submit all admissions documents and be accepted to a Master’s or Doctoral degree program at the Chicago campus. Candidates are reviewed automatically and scholarships are awarded at time of acceptance only. Applicants who qualify for the Community Partner Scholarship are not eligible for any other scholarships or discounts from Adler University.
Award Amount: 50% of tuition for program
AmeriCorps Service Scholarship
The University will provide a 50% tuition scholarship for AmeriCorps Alumni who are newly admitted students to any of our Chicago campus or online programs. Applicants must have served no less than 1 year, completing 1,700 hours and awarded the maximum Segal Award. Upon admission to Adler University, the scholarship will be applied across the first year of their program of study. Students should submit a completed Adler University application for admission and verification of an AmeriCorps Educational Award. Students may apply for fall admission prior to completing their AmeriCorps service, and awards will be matched upon receipt of the AmeriCorps voucher. In this case, students should submit a letter from a program supervisor. Eligible candidates will not receive additional merit funding if awarded the AmeriCorps scholarship. However, additional external scholarships may be applied towards tuition and fees, including the Segal award.
Award Amount: 50% of tuition for program
Peace Corps Service Scholarship
Adler University would like to recognize those who have served the community abroad through the Peace Corps program. Recipients of the Peace Corps Service Scholarship must be a current Peace Corps member, alumni, or volunteer. Scholarship recipients must submit all admissions documents, be accepted to a Master’s or Doctoral degree program, and submit verification of Peace Corps service. Candidates are reviewed automatically and scholarships are awarded at time of acceptance only. Applicants who qualify for the Peace Corps Service Scholarship are not eligible for any other scholarships or discounts from Adler University.
Award Amount: 50% of tuition for program
John Lewis Good Trouble Scholarship
“When you see something that is not right, not just, not fair, you have a moral obligation to say something, to do something.” John Lewis was an activist and civil rights icon who served in the United States House of Representatives from 1987 until his death in 2020. He is remembered for encouraging young people to “To find a way to get in the way. To find a way to get in trouble. Good trouble, necessary trouble.” The John Lewis Good Trouble Scholarship is open to incoming students at Adler University’s Online Campus. Recipients are selected based on a 500-word or less essay, or a 5-minute or less video or other media form describing what ‘good trouble’ looks like to you. How do you ‘get in the way’ and what are you doing in your community to make some noise? Priority will be given to individuals who belong to one or more socially marginalized groups (i.e. ethnic/racial minority, member of LGBTQIA+ community, first-generation college student, etc.).
Award amount: Half Tuition
Military Scholarship
Adler University acknowledges the sacrifices made by those who serve our country in the military. As a way of saying “thank you” for your service, all active-duty, veteran, or retired U.S. military service members, Reservist or National Guard (and their spouses or civil partners) who enroll may qualify for a Military Scholarship. Scholarship recipients may be asked to provide the appropriate documentation. THIS PRODUCT OR SERVICE HAS NOT BEEN APPROVED OR ENDORSED BY ANY GOVERNMENTAL AGENCY, AND THIS OFFER IS NOT BEING MADE BY AN AGENCY OF THE GOVERNMENT.
Award Amount: $1,000
General scholarship criteria:
Scholarship Application Instructions and Deadlines
Continuing Online Campus students are notified of the availability of scholarship opportunities during spring semester each year. Instructions for applying for awards are included in the announcement.
The Alfred Adler Scholarship
Current, full-time, Chicago Campus students are invited to apply for the Alfred Adler Scholarship. Recipients are selected based on academic performance at Adler University and on a 500-word essay demonstrating commitment to the Adlerian value of social interest through either a history of or an articulated plan to provide service to their community. Required materials: scholarship application and 500-word essay.
Award amount: $2,500, disbursed toward tuition and fees for two sessions (Fall I and Fall II)
Quintana Last Mile Scholarship
The Quintana Last Mile Scholarship is designed to support students who are currently or formerly incarcerated, and lack funds (up to $10,000) to complete a course of study. Preference will be given to those who are within 2 semesters, or in their last year of coursework. This scholarship could also be used to clear past school/loan debt that is keeping someone from completing a degree or certificate program.
Please click here to complete the application online or download the questions here. Applications must be submitted online or postmarked no later than end of day on July 23rd, 2021.
Unlike student loans, scholarships do not need to be repaid. Hundreds of thousands of scholarships and fellowships are awarded annually by private companies, community organizations, and many other sponsors. These scholarships have varying eligibility criteria and often require an essay submission; however, dedicating time to researching and applying to scholarships can reduce your overall cost or loan debt.
Review finaid.org for more information on how to explore scholarship opportunities from outside organizations.
Assistance available to Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces and their dependents or those on active duty/reserve.
Using Veterans Education Benefits or Military Assistance
U.S Military Veterans or those who are on active duty/reserve may qualify for education benefits to help fund their Adler education. A student must be admitted prior to applying for Veterans Education or Military benefits. Once admitted, the student can start the process of applying for benefits by following the steps below.
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.
Veterans Education Benefits
Veterans education benefits are approved by the Illinois State Approving Agency. These programs offer a variety of benefits for students based on their individual Military Enlistment history. Below are the different benefits that are approved by the Illinois State Approving Agency. Use the GI Bill® Comparison Tool to determine which benefit program is the right one for you. Payment rates for each type of benefit are also available online.
The Post-9/11 GI Bill® (Ch. 33) provides the following benefits to, or on behalf of, the student:
Note: Students in Adler’s Online Campus will be paid at one-half the BAH national average. Students on active duty or who are enrolled half-time or less are not eligible for the MHA.
Active duty Service Members and their spouses are not currently eligible for Yellow Ribbon consideration.
Applying for Veterans Education Benefits
To begin using VA Education Benefits, the student must submit the appropriate forms to the VA.
After applying for or transferring benefits, the Department of Veterans Affairs will determine the student’s eligibility and issue a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) to the student. The student must provide a copy of the COE to the Financial Aid Office before benefits can be certified.
Students wishing to use Veteran Readiness and Employment benefits can begin the application process on the VA’s website. If you have additional questions about using the benefits at Adler University, contact the Office of Financial Aid for specific information at 844.459.3710 or [email protected].
Pending Tuition and Fee Payments
Students utilizing Post 9/11 G.I. Bill® (Ch. 33) or Veteran Readiness and Employment (Ch. 31) education benefits may have a tuition and fees payment sent directly to Adler University. While the tuition and fee payment is pending from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Adler will not take any of the following actions:
This pending payment provision supersedes other policies listed elsewhere in the Course Catalog.
To qualify for this provision, Ch. 31 and 33 students may be required to submit the following to the Office of Financial Aid:
Military Tuition Assistance
Each branch of the US Military offers a Tuition Assistance (TA) program to Active and/or Reserve Military Service members. TA can cover up to $250 per credit hour, not to exceed the amount per Military Fiscal Year based on branch of service. For more information on TA, including a breakdown of Tuition Assistance dollar amounts by branch, please see below.
Applying for Military Tuition Assistance
Note: Army TA users will need to complete the TA process through the Go Army Ed website.
More Information
If you have questions about using your Veterans and/or Military benefits at Adler University, do not hesitate to reach out to Adler University staff.
Veterans Education Benefits Questions:
Office of Financial Aid
Doris Valarezo, Senior Financial Aid Specialist
844.459.3710
[email protected]
Veteran Readiness and Employment Benefit Questions:
Office of Financial Aid
Zach Weber, Associate Director of Financial Aid
844.459.3710
[email protected]
Military Tuition Assistance Questions:
Office of Student Accounts
312.662.4135
[email protected]
Students who are U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent residents begin the U.S. financial aid process by completing and submitting a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at studentaid.gov using Adler’s school code (G20681). Financial aid applications are year-specific and must be renewed each academic year in order to continue funding.
Current students should complete the applicable FAFSA based on the following:
Prospective students should complete the applicable FAFSA based on the following:
Students who are Canadian citizens may be eligible to apply for student aid through your province or territory; more information can be found on the Canadian government website. We encourage you to contact your province or territory’s student aid office with any questions about determining your eligibility for Canadian aid programs.
The Office of Financial Aid will help you understand your options and answer any questions you have. Our financial aid counselors are available for phone or in-person consultations. You can reach the Office of Financial Aid by calling (844) 459-3710 or via email.
Have you already been admitted to Adler University? Your financial aid information is accessible online through the Adler Connect portal. Select Self Service from the Quick Links menu in Adler Connect to get started.