Financial Aid Links
Finding the time and money for school are major concerns for anyone looking to resume undergraduate study within a high-quality program.
Cairn University provides you with the support of Financial Aid professionals who are committed to helping you find the best way to meet your education costs.
2021-2022 TUITION
$588
per credit hour
Tuition & Costs
2021-2022 Degree Completion Program Tuition & Fees | |
---|---|
Tuition (per credit) | $588.00 |
Graduation Fee | $120.00 |
Course Audit Fee | $283.00/course |
Types of Aid
Eligible Degree Completion students may apply for various University Scholarships and tuition discounts through the Financial Aid Office.
As a Degree Completion student you are considered a full-time undergraduate if you are taking 12 or more credits – this means more aid may be available to you. We also encourage you to look into any incentives your employer may provide for continuing education and ask our Financial Aid Office about them.
Church Matching Scholarship
Cairn University will match up to $1,000 given by a church in support of a student. This award is for the fall semester only.
Aid amount:
Up to $1,000/year
How to apply:
A church official must submit the Church Matching Scholarship Application with payment to the Financial Aid Office by August 1st for the fall semester.
Christian School Educators Scholarship
Educators and employees who work in a Christian school are eligible for a scholarship up to 50% of tuition each semester.
Aid amount:
Up to 50% of tuition, including Federal and State Grant eligibility.
How to apply:
Complete Christian School Educators Scholarship Application
Scholarship America Matching Scholarship
Scholarship America is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to make a college education possible through scholarships and educational support.
Cairn University is pleased to offer Scholarship America client employees and their immediate family members a discounted tuition rate for Graduate and Degree Completion programs, as well as a matching scholarship opportunity for undergraduate student applicants. Applicants must meet the University’s standard admissions requirements.
Aid amount:
8% discounted tuition rate per credit for all graduate and Degree Completion programs.
Cairn University will also provide a matching scholarship to employees or dependents of employees at Scholarship America partner companies who enroll in full-time traditional undergraduate programs. An employer contribution of $1,000 will be matched by the University for a total scholarship award of $2,000 for eligible students. This scholarship may be applied for annually.
How to apply:
- Graduate and Degree Completion: Complete the online application for your program of choice at https://cairn.edu/apply/. Make sure to select “Scholarship America” under the “How did you hear about Cairn?” field on the application.
- Undergraduate: Complete the Scholarship America Matching Scholarship application.
Spouse Discount
Married couples who register in the same semester may apply for a tuition discount.
Aid amount:
Degree Completion: 50% discount for spouse taking fewer credits
How to apply:
Complete the Spouse Discount Request
Need-based financial aid programs are designed to meet a student’s demonstrated financial aid need. Cairn University participates in all federal and state need-based grants, loans, and work-study programs.
Federal Pell Grant
Needy students taking at least 3 credits in an undergraduate degree program could be eligible for the Federal Pell Grant.
Aid amount:
$500-$5,815 (2016-2017 academic year)
How to apply:
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
Need-based grant awarded to students demonstrating the greatest financial need that qualify for a Federal Pell Grant.
Aid amount:
$500-$1,500/year
How to apply:
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Federal Direct Loan
Federal Direct Subsidized Loan is a loan for students with demonstrated financial need. The government pays the loan interest for the student while the student is in school and this the preferred loan of the two direct loans due to this subsidy.
Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan is a loan which is not based on a students’ financial need. Students pay the loan interest while enrolled or the student can elect to have it deferred and capitalized upon graduation.
Aid amount:
Annual borrowing limits range from $5,500-$12,500.
How to apply:
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Complete the Federal Direct Loan entrance counseling and a Direct Loan Agreement (MPN) at StudentLoans.gov.
FAFSA required prior to applying for a Direct Loan.
Federal Work Study (FWS)
Available to students demonstrating financial need.
Aid amount:
Determined by need and limited by the amount of work hours available.

Cairn University is committed to helping veterans secure the GI Bill funds they are eligible for under any of the following VA chapters:
- Post 9/11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33)
- Chapter 35 Dependents’ Education Assistance
- Chapter 1606 Selected Reserve (Guard)
- Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment Services
Yellow Ribbon Program
The Yellow Ribbon Program (YRP) was established by the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008. This program provides supplemental education funding to veterans by matching contributions made by participating colleges and universities. Learn more at http://www.benefits.va.gov/GIBILL/yellow_ribbon.asp
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.
Important Dates
- February 15 – FAFSA priority deadline
- August 1 – Church Match payment due
- August 1 – Fall tuition payment due
- December 15 – Spring tuition payment due
Helpful Links
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
StudentLoans.gov – Federal Direct, PLUS Loan Application
PA State Grant Program – Grant Application
U.S. Department of Education Student Guide
Fastweb.com– Scholarships
FinAid.org – Student Guide
Selective Service Registration
Cairn University Financial Aid Eligibility Requirements