Tuition & Aid
Your Partner in Education
For over 140 years, PUC has prepared students to lead lives of significance and service. As an accredited Seventh-day Adventist Christian liberal arts college, PUC will provide you with all the advantages of a larger university—a strong academic reputation; over 70 degrees and programs; cutting edge research; classes taught by Fulbright scholars; and a diverse student body—but with the benefits of a small college focused on the undergraduate experience and in an atmosphere of Christian community.
We are committed to working together with you and your family to make PUC possible.
How to Apply for Financial Aid
To receive the maximum amount of aid, follow these important steps.
1. Get your FSA ID for the FAFSA at fafsa.gov. This is required to “sign” the FAFSA.
2. Fill out and submit the FAFSA Starting October 1, go to fafsa.gov; include PUC’s school code (001258) to have your financial data sent to PUC.
3. Use PUC’s net price calculator This will provide you with a preliminary estimate of how much financial aid you may qualify for, including scholarships, grants, and loans. It takes less than 10 minutes—visit puc.edu/npc to get started!
4. Submit GPA verification forms to the California Student Aid Commission Both this form (csac.ca.gov) and your FAFSA are required by March 2 to apply for Cal Grant. (California residents only)
5. Talk with your PUC financial counselor Together we will find the best financial aid package for your family. Call (707) 965-7200 or email studentfinance@puc.edu to get connected with a counselor now.
A Conversation with Freddy Whiteside, Director of Student Financial Services
Freddy Whiteside has been serving Pacific Union College students in the office of student financial services for eight years, and in February of this year, he stepped into his new role as director. “The best part of what I do,” he says, “is interacting with the students and finding additional financial aid options for them whenever I can.”
Financial FAQs
What is financial aid?
Financial aid is money provided to students to help pay for their education. It can come from the federal government, state governments, colleges, or private organizations and is usually awarded based on financial need, academic achievement, or a combination of both.
What types of financial aid are available?
Financial aid can come in various forms:
- Grants: Need-based funds that do not require repayment.
- Scholarships: Merit-based funds that also do not require repayment.
- Loans: Borrowed money that must be repaid with interest.
- Work-Study: Part-time jobs for students with financial need.
How do I apply for financial aid?
To apply for federal financial aid, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Many states and colleges also require the FAFSA to determine eligibility for state and institutional aid.
What information is required for the FAFSA?
You will need the following:
- Your Social Security Number (SSN) or Alien Registration Number (if applicable).
- Your driver’s license number (if applicable).
- Your tax returns (or the returns of your parents, if you're a dependent student).
- Records of untaxed income, assets, and other financial information.
What is the difference between federal and state financial aid?
- Federal aid is administered by the U.S. Department of Education and includes grants, loans, and work-study programs.
- State aid is provided by the state you reside in, and eligibility criteria may vary by state.
How do I know if I qualify for financial aid?
Eligibility for financial aid is determined by the information you provide on the FAFSA. The government calculates your Student Aid Index (SAI), which helps determine the amount of need-based aid you may be eligible for.
What is the Student Aid Index (SAI)?
The SAI is an estimate of your family's ability to contribute to your education costs. It’s calculated based on your family’s income, assets, and other factors. The lower the SAI, the more financial aid you may qualify for.
Will my financial aid offer change?
Your financial aid package can change based on several factors, including changes in your family’s financial situation, changes in enrollment status (e.g., part-time to full-time), or if you fail to maintain satisfactory academic progress.
How do I accept my financial aid award?
Once you receive your financial aid award letter from your school, you will need to accept or decline the offered aid. Follow the instructions provided by your school to accept the aid, which may include signing loan agreements if applicable.
Do I have to repay financial aid?
- Grants and scholarships generally do not need to be repaid.
- Loans must be repaid with interest, but you can apply for deferment or repayment options if needed.
- Work-Study funds are earned through part-time work and do not need to be repaid.
Can I apply for financial aid if I’m a part-time student?
Yes, part-time students can apply for financial aid. However, the amount of aid you are eligible for may be lower than for full-time students, and some programs may have specific requirements for part-time enrollment.
What happens if I don’t get enough financial aid?
If the financial aid you receive does not cover all of your educational expenses, you may want to explore additional options, such as:
- Private loans from banks or other financial institutions.
- Payment plans offered by your school.
- Additional scholarships or grants that may be available.
What should I do if I have problems with my financial aid?
If you encounter any issues or have questions about your financial aid, contact your school’s financial aid office. They can help clarify your eligibility, resolve any discrepancies, and guide you through the appeal process if needed.
Can I appeal my financial aid decision?
Yes, if your financial aid package is insufficient or if there are extenuating circumstances (such as a significant change in your family’s financial situation), you can appeal to your school’s financial aid office. They may request additional documentation to support your appeal.
Tuition: 2024-2025
| Quarter | Year | |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $12,050 | $36,150 |
| Housing (Residence Halls) | $1,772 | $5,316 |
| Meals | $1,500 | $4,500 |
| General Fee | $341 | $1,023 |
| Total | $15,663 | $46,989 |
Department of Defense (DoD) Voluntary Education Partnership Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Rates
- Associate Rate: $1050 per credit hour
- Master Rate: MBA $420 per credit hour
- Master Rate: MSN $420 per credit hour
- Program Specific Tuition Rate: $600
- Institution Fees: $1,023 general fee
Books budget $1,152
Summer School - $525/unit
Cost per unit – under 12 credits $1,050/unit
Cost per unit – over 17.5 credits $800/unit
Advance Payment Discount
A cash discount of 4% will be applied if the total estimated yearly balance is remitted by September 15. The discount is calculated on direct costs less all financial aid.
Tuition: 2025-2026
| Quarter | Year | |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $12,420 | $37,260 |
| Housing (Residence Halls) | $1,780 | $5,340 |
| Meals | $1,550 | $4,650 |
| General Fee | $350 | $1,050 |
| Total | $16,100 | $48,300 |
Department of Defense (DoD) Voluntary Education Partnership Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Rates
- Associate Rate: $1080 per credit hour
- Master Rate: MBA $420 per credit hour
- Master Rate: MSN $420 per credit hour
- Master Rate: Education Master's $420 per credit hour
- Institution Fees: $1,050 general fee
Books budget $1,250
Summer School - $525/unit
Cost per unit – under 12 credits $1,080/unit
Cost per unit – over 17.5 credits $820/unit
Advance Payment Discount
A cash discount of 4% will be applied if the total estimated yearly balance is remitted by September 15. The discount is calculated on direct costs less all financial aid.