Financial options and how to
make this happen.

The financial aid office is committed to helping each current and prospective student with the financial aid process. The financial aid director is available to assist you in planning to make your education at Tai Sophia Institute a reality.

To apply for federal financial aid, students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Tai Sophia Institute's school code to use when completing the FAFSA is G25784.  For more information see our Financial Aid Guide or go to www.studentloans.gov.

Types of Financial Aid Available

The Federal Direct Loan Program

Tai Sophia participates in the Federal Direct Loan Program. This program offers loans that are funded by the federal government, guaranteed by guarantors, and reinsured by the federal government. The Federal Direct Stafford and the Federal Direct Graduate PLUS loans are offered through this program to Tai Sophia students attending at least half time and seeking a master’s degree in Acupuncture, Herbal Medicine, or Transformative Leadership and Social Change (*formerly called the Applied Healing Arts program).

Federal Direct Stafford Loan

The Federal Direct Stafford Loan can be subsidized and/or unsubsidized. The subsidized loan is awarded on the basis of financial need. If you qualify for a subsidized loan, you can receive up to $8,500 and the federal government pays the interest on the loan until you begin repayment and during authorized periods of deferment thereafter. The unsubsidized loan is not awarded on the basis of need. If you qualify for an unsubsidized loan, you can receive up to $20,500 less subsidized eligibility. You will be charged interest from the time the loan is disbursed until it is paid in full. You can choose to pay the interest while you are in school or choose to have the interest added to the principal of the loan. The interest rate is fixed at 6.8 percent; an origination fee of 0.5 percent and a default aversion fee of 1 percent may be deducted from the loan before it is disbursed.

Repayment of the Fedearl Direct Stafford Loan begins six months after the last date of attendance, or if the student’s enrollment status drops less than half-time. Students who have prior loans that are in repayment may be eligible for an in-school deferment. Students should contact their prior lender to verify if they are eligible.

Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan

The Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan is a non-need based loan, which, before approval, requires a credit check by the lender to determine that the student does not have an adverse credit history. Students must apply for their annual Stafford Loan maximum eligibility before applying for this loan. The student can receive up to the cost of attendance less other financial aid in the Federal Direct Graduate PLUS loan. The interest rate is fixed at 7.9 percent; however, the federal government may offer interest rate reductions. An origination fee of 3 percent and guarantee fee of 1 percent may be deducted from the loan before it is disbursed. Interest begins to accumulate on the date of the first disbursement, and repayment begins six months after you graduate or if the student withdraws or drops below part-time enrollment.  Lenders may offer deferment and/or forbearance repayment options; students should contact the federal government for details.

Institutional Scholarships & Fellowships

Tai Sophia Institute Sponsored Minority Scholarship

The Tai Sophia Institute-sponsored Minority Scholarship may provide up to 40 percent remission from the tuition cost of a degree program for one year to a new or continuing eligible minority student who demonstrates financial need. The scholarship will be awarded each September and January based on an evaluation of eligible applicants and availability of funds. Students who are not selected for the scholarship or are nearing the end of their one-year scholarship award period must reapply for future consideration. Candidates for the scholarship must be a member of a racial minority and demonstrate financial need, have a current processed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file with the financial aid office at the time of application, meet satisfactory academic progress requirements, be in good standing as defined by the Institute’s academic policy, and be enrolled as a degree-seeking student in one of the master’s programs (full-time status in the Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine programs, or part-time status in the Transformative Leadership and Social Change program). Eligible students who are interested in applying for a scholarship must submit an application to the chair of the Scholarship Review and Selection Committee by May 31 for the September intake, and September 30 for the January intake. The application must include an essay (no more than two pages) describing why you believe you are deserving of the scholarship, your unique skills and interests that embody the Institute’s values and mission, and two letters of recommendation.

The Debora A. Mahan & Charles D. Hock Scholarship

The Debora A. Mahan & Charles D. Hock Scholarship provides up to $1000 for education-related expenses for one year to new or continuing eligible students who demonstrate financial need. The scholarship will be awarded each September and January based on an evaluation of eligible applicants and availability of funds. Students who are not selected for the scholarship or are nearing the end of their one-year scholarship award period must reapply for future consideration. Candidates must demonstrate financial need, have a current processed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file with the financial aid office at the time of application, meet satisfactory academic progress requirements, be in good standing as defined by the Institute’s academic policy, and be enrolled as a degree-seeking student in one of the master’s programs (full-time status in the Acupuncture or Herbal Medicine program, or parttime status in the Transformative Leadership and Social Change program). Eligible students who are interested in applying must submit an application to the chair of the scholarship review and selection committee by May 31 for the September intake, and September 30 for the January intake. The application must include an essay (no more than two pages) describing why you believe you are deserving of the scholarship, your unique skills and interests that embody the Institute’s values and mission, and a letter of
recommendation.

Sherman L. & Lucy Diaz Cohn Scholarship

Sherman L. & Lucy Diaz Cohn Scholarship provides up to $500 for education-related expenses for one year to a new or continuing eligible student who demonstrates financial need. The scholarship will be awarded each September and January based on an evaluation of eligible applicants and availability of funds. Students who are not selected for the scholarship or are nearing the end of their one-year scholarship award period must reapply for future consideration. Candidates for the scholarship must demonstrate financial need, have a current processed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file with the financial aid office at the time of application, meet satisfactory academic progress requirements, be in good standing as defined by the Institute’s academic policy, and be enrolled as a degree-seeking student in one of the master’s programs (fulltime status in the Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine programs, or parttime status in the Transformative Leadership and Social Change program). Eligible students who are interested in applying for the scholarship must submit an application to the chair of the scholarship review and selection committee by May 31 for the September intake, and September 30 for the January intake. The application must include an essay (no more than two pages) describing why you believe you are deserving of the scholarship, your unique skills and interests that embody the Institute’s values and mission, and a letter of recommendation.

Helen M. & Annetta E. Himmelfarb Scholarship

Helen M. & Annetta E. Himmelfarb Scholarship provides up to $700 for education-related expenses for one year to new or continuing eligible Master of Acupuncture students who demonstrate financial need. The scholarship will be awarded each September and January based on an evaluation of eligible applicants and availability of funds. Students who are not selected for the scholarship or are nearing the end of their oneyear scholarship award period must reapply for future consideration. Candidates for the scholarship must demonstrate financial need, be enrolled full-time in the Master of Acupuncture program, have a current processed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file with the financial aid office at the time of application, meet satisfactory academic progress requirements, and be in good standing as defined by the Institute’s academic policy. Eligible students who are interested in applying for the scholarship must submit an application to the chair of the scholarship review and selection committee by May 31 for the September intake, and September 30 for the January intake. The application must include an essay (no more than two pages) describing why you believe you are deserving of the scholarship, your unique skills and interests that embody the Institute’s values and mission, and a letter of recommendation.

The Jo Ann Barlow Fellowship

The Jo Ann Barlow Fellowship provides partial tuition and/or financial assistance up to one academic year to a new or continuing student enrolled in one of the degree programs who will help the Institute develop a relationship with the international community. Fellowship awards will be decided each September and January based on an evaluation of eligible applicants and availability of funds. Continued funding of the fellowship will be evaluated at the end each trimester or academic year. Candidates for the Jo Ann Barlow Fellowship must be enrolled as a degree seeking student in one of the master’s programs, meet satisfactory academic progress requirements, be in good standing defined by the Institute’s academic policy and pursue work to help the Institute develop a relationship with the international community. Eligible students must be nominated by a faculty member and be approved by the President. Nominations by faculty to the President should be submitted by July 1st for the September awarding period and November 1st for the January awarding period.

Maryland State Scholarships

Maryland State Scholarships are available to Maryland residents who qualify. To apply, students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by March 1 of each year. Recipients will be notified by the Maryland Higher Education Commission.

Outside Scholarships

Outside Scholarships are financial aid funds awarded through outside agencies to assist students with their educational expenses.  Contact the financial aid office for a list of scholarship websites.

Alternative Loans

Alternative loans are available to students who need additional assistance with their educational expenses, are enrolled in the Chinese Herb or Animal Acupuncture programs, or do not qualify for Stafford Loan funds. In an alternative loan, a student can receive up to the cost of attendance less other financial aid. A list of possible lenders is available in the financial aid office.

Veterans Benefits

Students attending Tai Sophia Institute and receiving Veterans Benefits must be aware of the following:

• Students are expected to pursue degree programs or approved post-baccalaureate certificate programs at the Institute.
• Students must achieve satisfactory academic progress toward degree or program completion.
• Students must report changes in enrollment including drops, adds,withdrawals, changes to audit, and changes to educational objectives to the associate vice president of student affairs/registrar as well as the DVA.
• Students who register for courses and do not attend without officially withdrawing are misusing federal funds.
• Students who repeat a course for which a passing grade was awarded are ineligible for DVA benefits for that course.
• Students who audit a course or register for a non-credit course will be ineligible for DVA benefits.
• Students who wish to receive Veterans Benefits must also notify the Registrar’s Office in writing one month prior to the intended start date of every trimester of enrollment.

For further information, please visit the Veterans Benefit website at www.va.gov or call 1-888-442-4551.