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.elmselect.com.

Types of Financial Aid Available

The Federal Family Education Loan Program

Tai Sophia participates in the Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP). This program offers loans that are funded by private lenders, guaranteed by guarantors, and reinsured by the federal government. The Federal Stafford Loan and the Federal Graduate Plus Loan are offered through this program to Tai Sophia students attending at least half time and seeking a Master degree in Acupuncture, Applied Healing Arts and Herbal Medicine.

Federal Stafford Loan

The Federal 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, 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 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% and an origination fee of 0.5% and default aversion fee of 1% may be deducted from the loan before it is disbursed.  Students can borrow up to $20,500 per academic year and only $8,500 of this amount can be subsidized.

Repayment of the Stafford Loan begins six months after the last date of attendance or if the student's enrollment status drops less than halftime. Students that 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 Graduate PLUS Loan

The 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 Graduate PLUS loan. The interest rate is fixed at 6.8%; however, lenders may offer interest rate reductions. An origination fee of 3% and default aversion fee of 1% may be deducted from the loan before it is disbursed. Interest begins to accumulate on the date of the first disbursement and repayment begins once the loan is fully disbursed. Lenders may offer deferment and/or forbearance repayment options; students should contact their lender for details.

Institutional Scholarships & Fellowships

Tai Sophia Institute Sponsored Minority Scholarship

The Minority Scholarship may provide up to 40% remission from the tuition cost of a degree program for one year to a new or continuing eligible minority student demonstrating 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 defined by the Institute's academic policy and be enrolled as a degree seeking student in one of the master's programs (at least full-time status in the Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine programs and part-time status in the Applied Healing Arts program). Eligible students who are interested in applying for scholarship must submit an application to the Chair of the Scholarship Review & Selection Committee by May 31st for the September intake and September 30th 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 $1,000 for educational related expenses for one year to new or continuing eligible students demonstrating 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 defined by the Institute's academic policy and be enrolled as a degree seeking student in one of the master's programs (at least full-time status in the Acupuncture or Herbal Medicine program or at least part-time status in the Applied Healing Arts program). Eligible students who are interested in applying must submit an application to the Chair of the Scholarship Review & Selection Committee by May 31st for the September intake and September 30th 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 educational related expenses for one year to new or continuing eligible students demonstrating 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 defined by the Institute's academic policy and be enrolled as a degree seeking student in one of the master's programs (at least full-time status in the Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine programs and at least part-time status in the Applied Healing Arts program). Eligible students who are interested in applying for the scholarship must submit an application to the Chair of the Scholarship Review & Selection Committee by May 31st for the September intake and September 30th 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 educational related expenses for one year to new or continuing eligible Master of Acupuncture students demonstrating 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 scholarship must demonstrate financial need, be enrolled fulltime 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 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 & Selection Committee by May 31st for the September intake and September 30th 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 1st of each year.

Outside Scholarships

Outside Scholarships are financial aid funds awarded through outside agencies to assist students with their educational expenses.  For a list of outside scholarships see our Financial Aid Guide or contact the financial aid office.

Alternative Loans

Alternative loans are available to students who need additional assistance with their educational expenses, are enrolled in the Chinese Herb and Animal Acupuncture programs or do not qualify for federal loan funds. A list of possible loan lenders is available on  www.elmselect.com.

Tax Credits

The Lifetime Learning Tax Credit is available for those who qualify. Check with your accountant.
IRS Publications:
Publication 970
Tax Topic 605

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 or please contact the Registrar's Office at ext. 6620 or .