Office of Financial Aid
and Student Access
college of BioMedical Sciences
MISSION
The Office of Financial Aid and Student Access at Larkin University (LU) is committed to supporting students in achieving their academic goals by providing access to financial resources with integrity, transparency, and personalized guidance. We strive to empower students through education on financial literacy, responsible borrowing, and scholarship opportunities. Our mission is to ensure that financial barriers do not stand in the way of academic success by facilitating access to federal, state, and institutional aid programs. Through exceptional service and a student-centered approach, we aim to make higher education affordable and accessible to all who seek to advance their future at LU.
Financial Resources
The OFASA provides support to students who need financial assistance to pay tuition and living expenses while attending school. Students can receive financial assistance in the form of private student loans and scholarships offered through LU and outside of LU.
Our office has compiled a list of scholarship resources that are offered outside of LU. Please click on each link below and browse each site to determine eligibility requirements and application deadlines.
Students can conduct additional scholarship search on their own. If a student is awarded a scholarship, it is the student’s responsibility to provide the OSFS the necessary information to be awarded accordingly.
Private Student Loans are applied for on an annual basis, at the beginning of the academic year. Private Student Loans are based on the creditworthiness of the borrower. You can increase your chances of getting approved and receiving a lower interest rate by applying with a credit worthy co-borrower.
How to Apply
- Complete Borrowing Essentials, which provides an interactive overview of some basic information about borrowing money to pay for school. Click Here
- Review your credit score. A good credit score means you are more likely to be approved for the student loan, and at a lower interest rate. Click Here to learn more.
- Understanding your rights and responsibilities is extremely important when considering Private Student Loans. Choose the loan that is most suitable for you by considering each lender’s terms and conditions. To learn more of the loan options offered by our lenders and to apply Click Here
We have established a standard allowance for your direct and indirect expenses. The direct expenses are tuition and fee charges to the student’s account made by the institution. Indirectly related to your education, such as an estimate for housing, food/ household supplies, transportation, and personal miscellaneous expenses.
Direct Cost
Indirect Cost (optional)
Students can apply for and receive funding up to the maximum COA budget (direct and indirect expenses). It is our recommendation that students borrow only what is needed and what he/she reasonably repay.
Our office is pleased to provide a monthly budget worksheet, courtesy of Sallie Mae Loans to help you calculate. To access a monthly budget worksheet Click here
What Financial Resources are available?
There are Private Student Loans as well as Institutional and Outside Scholarship resources available to help fund your education while attending Larkin University.
How do I apply for Scholarships?
Apply for scholarships. Click here for a list of scholarships offered. See above for Scholarship Resources.
How to Apply for Private Student Loans?
Please visit our website to compare all the loan options offered by our lenders. Choose the loan that is most suitable for you by considering each lender’s terms and conditions.
What is an interest rate?
When banks lend you money, they also charge you interest, which begins to accumulate as soon as you receive the loan. When it is time to pay back a loan, you must pay back the amount you borrowed plus interest.
What is the difference between fixed or variable interest rate?
Interest rates can be fixed at a specific rate for the entire life of a loan, or they can be variable. Some private student loans have variable rates, meaning the interest rates change at regular intervals (such as once a year). This means your interest rate, and therefore your monthly payment, may increase or decrease over the life of your loan. If you get a loan with a variable interest rate, note how often the rate is reset, when it is reset, and whether it has a maximum limit. For some loans, the interest rates are reset quarterly, while others are reset annually. Tracking rate changes helps ensure you aren’t surprised by higher interest or changing payment amounts.
What should I do prior to applying for Private Student Loans?
Prior to applying for Private Student Loans, review your credit score. Private loan lenders perform a credit check before deciding to approve your loan application. A good credit score means you are more likely to be approved for the student loan, and at a lower interest rate. Click here to learn how to understand your credit score. See above for Additional Resources.
What are direct expenses?
The direct expenses are tuition and fee charges to the student’s account made by the institution.
What are indirect expenses?
Indirectly related expenses to your education are those, such as an estimate for housing, food/household supplies, transportation, and personal miscellaneous expenses. Students can apply for and receive financial resources up to their Cost of Attendance.
What does grace period means?
A period after you leave school, often six months (depending on your lender), during which you do not have to make any payments.
What does deferment mean?
A period during which a lender allows you to temporarily suspend loan payments due to meeting certain eligibility requirements. For example, you may qualify for a deferment if you go back to school.
What does forbearance mean?
A period during which a lender allows you to temporarily suspend loan payments due to financial hardship.
How do I request a deferment of forbearance?
Most deferments and forbearances are not automatic, and you will need to submit a request to your loan servicer, often on a form. Deferment forms must then be certified by the Larking University Registrar, who is the Certifying Official. Please click here for additional information.
Who is my loan servicer for federal student loans?
Visit My Federal Student Aid to view information about all the federal student loans you have received and to find contact information for the loan servicer or lender for your loans.
Who is my loan servicer for private student loans?
Review your credit report to obtain this information. You may request a free annual credit report at www.annualcreditreport.com
How much should I borrow on student loans?
It is important to know how much to borrow. We have established a standard allowance for your direct and indirect expenses. See above for Cost of Attendance.
Office of Financial Aid and Student Access
Office: 2nd Floor – Suite 2400 – Office 4
Phone: (305) 760-7513
Email: OFASA@larkin.edu
Hours: By Appointment
