Figuring out student loans doesn’t have to be stressful. At Pacific, we make the process easier with guidance every step of the way. Here’s what you need to know to get started. 

Understanding your financial aid offer 

First, review your financial aid offer letter. It was sent to your Pacific email as well as the email you used to apply. The offer letter is a comprehensive breakdown of the resources and aid that will be available to you. Here are the different components of this letter: 

• Gift aid: This includes scholarships and grants, which are funds you don’t have to repay.  

• Cost of attendance: This outlines the estimated costs for one year at Pacific, including direct costs (tuition, fees, room and board) and indirect costs (transportation, books and personal expenses). 

• Net Cost: This is the remaining amount you may owe after scholarships and grants are applied. 

• Student Loans: Borrowed funds that must be repaid with interest. 

Focusing on federal student loans 

For most students, federal student loans are a primary source of financial aid. These loans, offered by the U.S. Department of Education, come with several benefits, including fixed interest rates and flexible repayment options. 

• Eligibility: New first-year students can typically borrow up to $5,500 per academic year. This amount may increase in subsequent years. 

• Subsidized vs. unsubsidized: Subsidized loans are need-based, and the government pays the interest while you’re in school. Unsubsidized loans accrue interest from the moment they’re disbursed.    

The loan application process 

• Accessing federal student loans: You must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Your financial aid offer letter will indicate the loan amounts you’re eligible for. 

• Accepting loans: You’ll need to accept your loans through the MyPacific portal.  

• Loan requirements: Accepting your loan isn’t automatic. You must complete a Master Promissory Note (MPN) and loan entrance counseling to fully understand your loan obligations. 

Key considerations and timelines 

• Confirmation deadline: Remember that your confirmation of enrollment is due May 1. 

• Loan acceptance timeline: While you can accept loans at any time after receiving your offer, you should finalize all loan paperwork by early July to ensure funds are applied to your bill. 

• Parent PLUS Loans: If additional funds are needed, parents can consider the Federal Parent PLUS Loan, which allows borrowing up to the remaining cost of attendance. Applications for this loan open on April 15. 

• Outside scholarships: If you receive scholarships from external sources, notify the financial aid office. Those funds may affect your overall aid package. 

• Housing costs: Be aware that student loans may help cover housing costs, but this varies depending on your individual aid package. 

Navigating your options 

• Payment plans: Pacific offers monthly payment plans to help manage your out-of-pocket expenses. Consider this option if paying in full is challenging. 

• Seeking assistance: Don’t hesitate to contact Pacific’s Office of Financial Aid with any questions. We’re here to provide personalized guidance and support. 

• FERPA: If you want your parents to discuss your financial aid details with us, be sure you complete a FERPA release form. 

Understanding your financial aid offer and student loan options is important for making informed decisions about your college education. By familiarizing yourself with each of these steps, you can confidently navigate the financial aid process and focus on your academic journey at Pacific. 

If you have any questions about your financial aid options, contact Pacific’s Office of Financial Aid: 

• financialaid@pacific.edu  

• 209.946.2421 

The journey to your college education is filled with excitement, anticipation and a lot of financial planning. If you’re exploring ways to cover the costs, the federal parent PLUS loan is a common option. It’s a credit-based federal loan that your parent or guardian can take out. This guide will walk you through each step, ensuring easier navigation of the PLUS loan application process. 

Step 1: Head to the Federal Student Aid website – your central hub 

The Parent PLUS Loan application for the 2025-26 academic year opens April 15. Just like completing your FAFSA, your journey begins at the Federal Student Aid website.  This website is the official portal for all federal student aid. Remember, this loan is specifically for parents, so you will need them to log in using their own FSA ID and password, not your own. This is an important distinction – using a student login will lead to processing errors. 

Step 2: Locating the PLUS loan application 

• Once logged in, look for the “loans and grants” tab.  

• Within this section, find “get a loan” and then select “grad PLUS and parent PLUS.”  

• You’ll be presented with various loan options, but for this purpose, choose the “direct PLUS loan application for parents.” 

Step 3: Verification and credit check preparation 

Before diving into the application, your parent will need to verify that they haven’t placed a freeze on their credit report. If their credit is frozen, they’ll need to contact the credit bureaus to temporarily lift the freeze. This step is essential because the PLUS loan requires a credit check. 

Step 4: Entering essential details – award year and student information 

The next step involves specifying the award year for which they’re applying. Your parent will also need to provide your student information, including your Social Security number and potentially your date of birth. Ensure this information is accurately displayed before moving on. 

Step 5: Designating the school 

Your parent will need to indicate the school where the loan proceeds should be sent. Search for the institution by state and name (e.g., California, University of the Pacific). They will need to double-check that they’ve selected the correct school before proceeding. 

Step 6: Specifying application type and loan amount 

Choose “new” if this is their first time applying for a PLUS Loan. Then, your parent will need to decide how much they want to borrow. There are a few options: 

• Maximum amount: This allows the school to determine the maximum loan amount based on your cost of attendance and other financial aid. 

• Specific amount: If they know the exact amount you need, enter it here. Remember to factor in the loan fees, which as of March 2025 are approximately 4%. They can use the calculator provided on the web page to ensure your family borrows enough to cover the actual costs. 

• Unknown amount: While this option exists, it’s not recommended. Schools will likely follow up, which will delay the process. 

Step 7: Defining the loan period and deferment options 

In this section, specify the loan period, typically one academic year (e.g., August 2025 to May 2026). It’s important to understand that PLUS Loan applications are for one school year only, not for the entire duration of your education.  

Your parent will also be asked about deferment. This allows them to postpone payments while you’re enrolled at least half-time and for an additional six-month grace period after you graduate or stop attending school. Electing deferment is generally recommended.  

It’s important to remember that PLUS Loans still accrue interest during deferment periods. This means that while your parent is not required to make payments, the loan balance is still growing due to interest. 

Step 8: Loan usage and disbursement 

Your parent will need to indicate whether they want the loan to cover other education-related charges, such as lab fees. Then, they will decide whether to receive any excess funds or have them sent directly to you, the student. 

Step 9: Relationship and other verifications 

Your parent will need to clarify their relationship with you (biological, adoptive or step-parent) and confirm your citizenship status. Only U.S. citizens, nationals, permanent residents or other eligible non-citizens are eligible for the PLUS Loan. 

Next, your parent will need to verify their address, contact and employer information. Finally, they’ll authorize the Department of Education to conduct a credit check. 

Step 10: Review, submit and credit decision 

Your parent will need to carefully review all the information they’ve entered before submitting the application. They will receive an immediate credit decision: 

• Approved: Proceed to complete the master promissory note (MPN). 

• Denied: Your parent will have options that include appealing the decision, using an endorser or increasing your unsubsidized loan. 

If approved, complete the MPN on Federal Student Aid website. This is a legally binding agreement to repay the PLUS loan. 

By following these steps, your parent can confidently navigate the Parent PLUS Loan application process and make the first steps in your educational journey at Pacific. Remember, Pacific’s Office of Financial Aid is here to help, so reach out with any questions.  

Contact Pacific’s Office of Financial Aid: 

• financialaid@pacific.edu  

• 209.946.2421 

We know college is a significant investment. That’s why at Pacific we’re committed to providing you with the resources and support you need to navigate the financial aid process. In this guide, we’ll provide you with insights and information to help you manage your investment in your Pacific education.  

FAFSA: Your first step 

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is necessary for accessing need-based grants and loans. While not required for merit scholarships, filing the FAFSA is highly recommended for other reasons. For example, having a FAFSA on file can save you time and trouble if your family’s finances change. Remember, you’ll need to file the FAFSA each year you attend college. Don’t forget to keep an eye on important FAFSA deadlines as well. 

Maintaining financial aid eligibility 

To keep your financial aid, you need to meet satisfactory academic progress (SAP) standards. This means maintaining a 2.0 cumulative GPA and successfully completing 67% of your courses. While an occasional withdrawal won’t derail your progress, it’s essential to stay on track and seek support if you’re struggling academically. 

Be aware that withdrawing from classes can impact your SAP percentage, and while it’s sometimes necessary, frequent withdrawals can jeopardize your financial aid. If you encounter circumstances that prevent you from meeting SAP requirements, Pacific offers an appeal process where you can submit an explanation, accompanied by supporting documentation, regarding the circumstances that impacted your academic performance. 

Exploring financing options 

Pacific offers various options to help families cover remaining costs beyond scholarships, grants and federal loans. These include: 

• Monthly payment plan: Choose between a three-month or five-month plan, with a small enrollment fee and no interest. 

• Federal parent PLUS loan: This loan is in the parent’s name and requires a credit check. If a parent’s credit is denied, options include appealing the decision, applying with a cosigner or exploring an increase in the student’s loan eligibility. 

• Private loans: These loans are typically in the student’s name and often require a cosigner. Compare interest rates and terms carefully before choosing a private loan. 

Work-related scholarships 

Pacific offers two different programs to help students manage their educational expenses: 

• Federal work-study: Provides part-time employment opportunities to help students earn money for college costs. To receive federal work-study, you must apply and be accepted into a job position, the award is earned through paychecks and is not applied directly to your tuition bill. 

• Pacific’s College Corps Program: Offers students the opportunity to perform community service while earning course credit and a living allowance to help with educational expenses. 

Maximizing scholarship opportunities 

Be sure to look for as many scholarship possibilities as possible. Pacific offers a variety of merit-based and need-based scholarships. To increase your chances of receiving scholarships, apply early, explore external scholarship opportunities and maintain good grades. Applicants typically maintain a GPA of 3.5 or higher. 

For international students, merit scholarships are the primary source of financial aid offered by Pacific. Explore private loan options and contact Career Services for on-campus job opportunities, as there may be visa-related work restrictions. 

Stay informed and seek support 

Review your financial aid offer and billing statements carefully. If you notice any discrepancies or have questions, contact Pacific’s Office of Financial Aid immediately. Don’t wait until it’s too late to address any issues. 

College is an investment in your future, and Pacific is here to support you every step of the way. Take advantage of the resources available, stay informed and don’t hesitate to reach out to the financial aid office for guidance.  

If you have any questions about your financial aid options, contact Pacific’s Office of Financial Aid: 

• financialaid@pacific.edu  

• 209.946.2421 

Once you’re admitted to University of the Pacific one of the first things you’ll receive next is your financial aid offer. In this guide and video, we will walk you through your offer letter, breaking down each section of your offer letter so you can understand more about the process. If you’re not familiar with all the financial aid terms be sure to check out this blog story as well.  

1. First steps

Before you receive your offer letter, make sure you’ve taken care of these steps: 

• Ensure your FAFSA is filed: You’ll need to have a 2025-26 FAFSA on file with Pacific’s school code (001329) to receive your financial aid offer. 

• Parents, complete the FERPA release form: To discuss your student’s financial aid details with the Financial Aid Office, ensure your student completes a FERPA release form. You can find the link in the offer letter email, at the bottom of the offer letter itself or on Pacific’s Financial Aid website. 

• Check your email and online portals: Once processed, you’ll receive an email notification with a link to your offer letter. You can also access it by checking your Pacific email account, the email account you used to apply to Pacific, by logging into pacific.awardletter.com with your Pacific Net credentials or through the financial aid section of myPacific. 

2. Understanding your offer letter 

Let’s break down everything that’s in your offer letter: 

Scholarships and grants

• The top section outlines your merit-based scholarships and need-based grants (if applicable). 

• These are awarded annually, with amounts broken down per semester (fall and spring). 

• This is gift aid, meaning you don’t have to repay it. 

Cost of attendance

• Direct costs: These are billed directly by the university and include tuition and fees, as well as housing and food. 

• Indirect costs: These are estimated expenses not billed by the university, such as transportation, books, supplies and personal expenses. 

• The letter calculates your net cost after deducting gift aid from direct costs. This gives you an initial estimate of your potential out-of-pocket expenses for your first year. 

• Important note: All students are automatically charged for school health insurance. Complete the health insurance waiver (available in June) if you have alternative coverage to avoid this cost. 

Federal student loans

• This section details the federal student loans you’re eligible to borrow in your name for your first year. 

• The maximum amount for qualifying first-year students is $5,500, divided equally between fall and spring semesters. 

• The letter recalculates your estimated remaining cost after factoring in potential loan amounts.

Housing

• Pacific has a two-year residency requirement for new students. 

• If you have exceptional circumstances (including financial hardship), you can petition for an exemption through the Residential Life and Housing Office. 

• Note: If you receive need-based grant aid (specifically the UOP Tuition and Housing Grant) and are approved to live at home, the grant amount may be reevaluated. 

Payment options

• Pacific offers a monthly payment plan with three or five monthly installments per semester. 

• There’s no interest charged, only a small enrollment fee ($25 for the three-month plan and $75 for the five-month plan). 

3. Next steps 

Navigating your offer letter and applying for loans properly is an important task, here are some things to keep in mind when you’ve finished. 

• Review your offer carefully and compare costs. 

• Watch our other financial aid webinars to learn more about managing your investment in Pacific. 

• Contact the Financial Aid Office if you have questions: 

• financialaid@pacific.edu  

• 209.946.2421 

Filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) can feel a bit daunting. But many common beliefs about the FAFSA are simply myths. Let’s debunk these misconceptions and clarify the realities to help you maximize your financial aid potential. 

Myth 1: It’s too late to file your FAFSA

Reality: Pacific’s priority filing deadline helps the Office of Financial Aid send out timely financial aid offers, but it isn’t too late to file your FAFSA.  Financial aid offers are sent out every week when new FAFSA forms are received.  You will still be reviewed for all available federal, state and institutional aid resources so file your FAFSA today, so you don’t leave money on the table.

Myth 2: You only need to file the FAFSA once

Reality: You must file the FAFSA every year while you are in school to ensure that your financial situation is up-to-date and you will be eligible for the appropriate amount of aid. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking one application covers your entire college career. 

Myth 3: The FAFSA is too hard to fill out

Reality: While it may seem intimidating, the FAFSA has been streamlined to make it significantly faster and easier. Recent updates include skip logic, a tool that automatically skips unnecessary questions based on your answers to previous questions, and direct IRS data retrieval, which simplifies income reporting.  

Myth 4: You won’t qualify for aid because you make too much money

Reality: This is a common and costly misconception. Filing the FAFSA opens access to federal loan options, which are available regardless of income. Additionally, you might qualify for need-based aid even if you think you won’t. The FAFSA provides a baseline for determining your eligibility and establishes a foundation for special circumstance reviews. If your financial situation changes unexpectedly, having a completed FAFSA can be crucial. It acts as an “insurance plan” for unforeseen hardships. 

Myth 5: Grades, ethnicity or age will disqualify you from aid

Reality: Need-based aid is primarily determined by household income and assets. Your academic performance, ethnicity and age do not disqualify you from receiving aid. While age can affect the information you need to provide, it does not bar you from eligibility. The FAFSA focuses on financial need, not personal demographics. 

Additional clarifications: 

• Divorced parents: The parent who provides the most financial support should be listed on the FAFSA. If support is equal, list the parent with the higher income and assets. 

• Proactive filing: Even if you’re unsure if you’ll qualify, filing the FAFSA is a proactive step that can open doors to various aid options. 

• Financial aid counseling: Don’t hesitate to reach out to your school’s financial aid counseling team. They are there to help you navigate the process and answer your questions. 

By understanding the realities behind these myths, you can approach the FAFSA with confidence and maximize your chance of securing the financial aid you need. 

Contact Pacific’s Office of Financial Aid if you have questions: 

• financialaid@pacific.edu  

• 209.946.2421 

Join University of the Pacific’s Senior Assistant Director of Financial Aid Kaitlyn Goslinga as she guides you step-by-step through the 2025-26 FAFSA form. Kaitlyn will cover the documents you’ll need —from you and your parents, what to expect when you fill out the form and what happens after you submit.

Learn more about financial aid at Pacific