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Financial Aid

Here you will find information on applying for federal, state, and other forms of financial aid and scholarships that will assist you in funding one of our degree programs. To begin the process, explore our Net Price Calculator to obtain information on program pricing and preliminary estimates of available funding: Link: NET PRICE CALCULATOR

The Los Angeles Film School’s Financial Aid Department is here to assist you in understanding what we offer, as well as counsel you in making the best decisions for long-term planning. Approximately 80 percent of our students receive some form of Financial Aid during their educational program. Each financial aid package is unique to the student’s personal situation, and we would like to help you in determining your specific needs.

FAFSA APPLICATION

Students must fill out a “Free Application for Federal Student Aid” (FAFSA) to begin the process of applying for Financial Aid. You can learn more about the FAFSA, how to create a FAFSA ID, and apply online by visiting fafsa.ed.gov. When completing the application, please input the following school code in step six: 040373.

FEDERAL GRANTS

Pell Grant

This is a federal grant awarded to students with exceptional need, and is money that does not need to be repaid. The exact award amount is based on the information provided on the FAFSA. Students must maintain satisfactory academic progress and meet the eligibility requirements for this grant. For more information on the Pell Grant program, please click here.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

This is a need-based federal grant for students which depends on financial need, when one applies, the amount of other aid received, and the availability of funds at The Los Angeles Film School. The Los Angeles Film School receives a certain amount of FSEOG funds each year from the U.S. Department of Education’s office of Federal Student Aid. Once the full amount of the school’s FSEOG funds has been awarded to students, no more FSEOG awards can be made for that year.

FEDERAL LOANS

Students may be eligible to participate in the Direct Loan Program. Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and meet all eligibility requirements to apply. First time borrowers must complete loan entrance counseling, as well as an electronic master promissory note prior to fund disbursement. Entrance counseling and the master promissory note can be completed at www.studentloans.gov. Exit counseling is also required at graduation. Direct Loans are originated and disbursed by the U.S. Department of Education.

Federal Direct Subsidized Loan

This is a Federal loan in which the government pays for all interest while the student is attending school. The student begins repayment on the principal and interest for the loan six months from last day of attendance. Students must meet all eligibility requirements per government regulations.

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan

This is a Federal loan in which the borrower accrues interest while attending school. The student begins repayment on the principal and interest for the loan six months from last day of attendance. Students must meet all eligibility requirements per government regulations.

Direct Parent PLUS Loan

To be eligible for the Plus loan, you must be the parent (biological, adoptive, or in some cases, step-parent) of a dependent undergraduate student enrolled at least half-time at an eligible school, not have an adverse credit history; and meet the general eligibility requirements for federal student aid. If you have an adverse credit history, contact your financial aid representative for additional information. If you are eligible for a Direct PLUS Loan, you will be required to sign a Direct PLUS Loan Master Promissory Note (MPN), agreeing to the terms of the loan, which can be found at www.studentloans.gov. The maximum PLUS loan amount you can borrow is the cost of attendance (determined by the school) minus any other financial assistance received. For Direct PLUS Loans first disbursed on or after July 1, 2017, and before July 1, 2018, the interest rate is 7%. These are fixed interest rates for the life of the loan. There is a loan fee on all Direct PLUS Loans. The loan fee is a percentage of the loan amount and is proportionately deducted from each loan disbursement. The percentage varies depending on when the loan is first disbursed. For loans first disbursed on or after October 1, 2017 and before October 1, 2018, the loan fee is 4.264%. You’ll generally be expected to start making payments on your Direct PLUS Loan once your loan is fully disbursed. However, you may request a deferment while your child is enrolled at least half-time and for an additional six months after your child graduates, leaves school, or drops below half-time enrollment. Your loan servicer will notify you when your first payment is due. During any period when you’re not required to make payments, interest will accrue on your loan.

Federal Work Study

Work Study is available to eligible students who qualify. We advise interested students to meet with our Work Study Coordinator to view available positions. Students must maintain satisfactory academic progress in order to continue in the Work Study program. Funding varies depending on annual allocation from Department of Education, as well as on open positions. For more information on the Federal Work Study program, please click here or consult with the Work Study Coordinator in the Financial Aid department.

ALTERNATIVE LOANS

Private loans may be available for students to cover their tuition balances or living expenses once all federal assistance has been exhausted. Please click here for more information on the Truth in Lending Act (15 U.S.C. 1638(e)).

It is important to note that students may qualify for loans or other assistance programs under Title IV, HEA programs and that the terms and conditions of Title IV, HEA program loans may be more favorable than the provisions of private education loans. Students are free to use any lender of their choosing when applying for alternative loans. Students who wish to make use of private lending options must complete a self-certification form (available here) and forward to the lender of their choice.

For more information on the school’s policy related to relationships with private lenders, please visit this link regarding the institution’s code of conduct. LAFS Code of Conduct Private Lenders

SCHOLARSHIP RESOURCES

Like grants, scholarships do not require repayment. They are awarded according to any number of factors, which may include academic merit, performing talent, participation in certain activities and/or special interests, or demonstrated financial need. Scholarship requirements and application procedures vary depending upon the criteria set by the scholarship provider.

INSTITUTIONAL SCHOLARSHIPS

The Los Angeles Film School is proud to offer various scholarship options to our prospective students interested in completing one of our degree programs. This Scholarship Guide will provide an overview of the types of opportunities offered. Please read the description for each program to determine if any of these programs are right for you. We invite you to contact our Financial Aid department for more information and to obtain an application.

SCHOLARSHIP GUIDE

At the Los Angeles Film School, we recognize that deciding where and how to pursue your higher education is an important and life-changing decision. The scholarships listed below are designed to assist with financing your education at The Los Angeles Film School. Each program is unique and intent to serve the diverse population of students that walk through our doors.

Hollywood Dreams Scholarship

Purpose: Assist with tuition gap for need-based students in the Associate of Science in Film or Bachelor of Science in Film program that do not qualify for PLUS or private loans. This scholarship is awarded only after all other funding options have been exhausted and is offered at the discretion of the institution.
Award: Varies based on need analysis, number of applicants, and availability of funds

Need-Based Scholarship

Purpose: Awarded to need-based students that need assistance in closing tuition gaps and/or other emergency situations. This scholarship is awarded only after all other funding options have been exhausted and is offered at the discretion of the institution. Financial Aid will notify students who may qualify.
Award: Varies based on program, number of applicants, and availability of funds.

Merit Based Scholarship

Purpose: Awarded to students to assist in closing tuition gaps and/or other emergency situations. The student must have received at least 2.0 GPA in high school or previous institution of higher education. This scholarship is awarded only after all other funding options have been exhausted and is offered at the discretion of the institution. Financial Aid will notify students who may qualify.
Award: Varies based on program, number of applicants, and availability of funds.

Innovation Scholarship

Purpose: Assist with tuition gap for need-based students in the Bachelor of Science in Animation and Visual Effects program that do not qualify for PLUS or private loans. Student must have a demonstrated financial need (through completion of FAFSA). This scholarship is awarded only after all other funding options have been exhausted and is offered at the discretion of the institution.
Award: Varies based on program, need-analysis, number of applicants, and availability of funds.

Outside Private Scholarships

Many clubs and organizations offer scholarships to vocational students. You can obtain information about these awards from high school guidance offices, the library, or from the Internet. Past students have used the following free Internet scholarship search engines:

If you or your family belongs to any social, civic, ethnic, religious, professional, or service group, you should contact these private organizations directly. They often have educational assistance programs that they do not advertise. Additionally, employers often have education assistance plans for employees and/or dependents.

Veterans Benefits

The GI Bill

The Los Angeles Film School is proud to participate in the Post-9/11 GI Bill® and the Yellow Ribbon Program. These military education benefits can be applied to housing expenses and fees, in addition to tuition. 

Vocational Rehabilitation

Several states have government-funded programs that enable vocational rehabilitation training for individuals that meet specific guidelines. The criteria for funding from these training programs most often include non-traditional students that are entering or re-entering the work force. Vocational rehabilitation programs vary from state to state, and are intended to be used after all federal financial programs have been exhausted.

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 www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.