Loan Options

Loans are a form of financial aid that must be repaid, but generally not until students have graduated, enroll less than half time, or stop attending school. Qualification may be based on need and in some cases a credit check may be required.

Federal Direct Student Loan Program®

Federal Direct Loans are low-interest loans for students and parents (Parent PLUS only) to help pay for the cost of a student's education after high school. The lender is the U.S. Department of Education rather than a bank or other financial institution.

How to apply for federal aid

With Direct Loans, you:

  • Borrow directly from the federal government
  • Can choose from several repayment plans that are designed to meet the needs of almost any borrower, and you can switch repayment plans if your needs change.
  • Must complete Direct Loan Entrance Counseling and a Direct Loan Master Promissory Note (MPN)

There are two types of Direct Loans:

Federal Direct Subsidized Loan

The federal government pays the interest on the loan while the student continues to be enrolled at least half-time; eligibility is based on need and degree program.

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan

The student is responsible for the interest on the loan. The student may let the interest capitalize, but Chamberlain suggests that the student pay the interest quarterly.

Eligibility for a maximum combined Direct Loans (subsidized and unsubsidized)

Independent Students Eligible Amounts Per Semester:

  • Freshman: $4,750
  • Sophomore: $5,250
  • Junior/Senior: $6,250

Dependent Students Eligible Amounts Per Semester:

  • Freshman: $2,750
  • Sophomore: $3,250
  • Junior/Senior: $3,750

The aggregate loan limit for a dependent undergraduate is $31,000. The aggregate loan limit for an independent undergraduate is $57,500.

The aggregate loan limit for a graduate student is $138,500. This includes loans borrowed as an undergraduate student.

Completing Federal Direct Loan Entrance Counseling

Before a student may receive a loan, federal regulations require that first-time borrowers at Chamberlain complete loan entrance counseling. The entire counseling process must be completed in a single session and typically takes between 20 to 30 minutes.

To complete Direct Loan Entrance Counseling:

  1. Log in to studentaid.gov - You will need an FSA ID to complete entrance counseling on the web. If you do not already have an FSA ID or cannot locate it, visit fsaid.ed.gov.
  2. Click on “Complete Loan Counseling (Entrance, Financial Awareness, Exit)”
  3. Click on the “Start” button next to “Entrance Counseling (Required)”
  4. Choose “Illinois” as your school state and “Chamberlain College of Nursing” as your school name - look for school code G06385

AND

Choose the correct student type from the two options:

  • BSN and RN to BSN students should choose the undergraduate option
  • MSN and DNP students should choose the graduate or professional option

Completing a Direct Subsidized/Unsubsidized Loan Master Promissory Note (MPN)

Students complete their Subsidized/Unsubsidized MPN online directly through the U.S. Department of Education. You will need the following items:

  1. An FSA ID to sign the MPN on the web. If you do not already have an FSA ID or cannot locate it, visit fsaid.ed.gov.
  2. Your permanent address and telephone number
  3. Your driver's license number (if you have one)
  4. Names, addresses and phone numbers for two references

To complete the Direct Subsidized/Unsubsidized Loan MPN:

  1. Log in to studentaid.gov using your FSA ID.
  2. Select "Complete Loan Agreement (Master Promissory Note)”
  3. Click on the “Start” button next to “MPN for Subsidized/Unsubsidized Loans”
  4. Choose “Illinois” as your school state and “Chamberlain College of Nursing” as your school name - look for school code G06385

Federal Direct Loan Exit Counseling

If a student who has received a loan falls below half-time enrollment, graduates, and/or leaves Chamberlain, federal regulations require that the student complete exit counseling. All graduates must complete exit counseling at studentaid.gov.

Direct Loans®, Federal Direct Student Loan Program® and FAFSA® are registered trademarks of the U.S. Department of Education.

Federal PLUS Loans

With PLUS Loans, you (or your parent for Parent PLUS only):

  • Borrow directly from the federal government
  • Can choose from several repayment plans that are designed to meet the needs of almost any borrower, and you can switch repayment plans if your needs chang
  • Must complete Loan Entrance Counseling if you are a graduate student applying for a Graduate PLUS loan
  • Must complete a Direct Loan Master Promissory Note (MPN)

There are two types of PLUS Loans:

Federal Parent PLUS Loans

Either parent of a dependent student may borrow up to the student's unmet costs (cost minus aid). The federal government will deduct a loan fee from the loan before the borrower receives any loan money; therefore, the loan funds received by the borrower will be less than the amount they will repay.

A credit check will be done on the parent to establish creditworthiness. Loan funds are sent to the school and applied to the student's account. Parent borrowers begin repayment within 60 days after the loan is fully disbursed. Deferment options are available.

Federal Graduate PLUS Loans

A graduate student may borrow a Federal Graduate PLUS loan to cover any unmet costs (cost minus aid). The federal government will deduct a loan fee from the loan before the borrower receives any loan money; therefore, the loan funds received by the borrower will be less than the amount they will repay.

A credit check will be performed on the graduate student to establish creditworthiness. Loan funds are sent to the school and applied to the student’s account. Students can qualify for in-school determent, which postpones principal payments until the student graduates or drops below half-time enrollment.

How to Apply

Students must complete the current award year’s FAFSA before a PLUS loan application can be submitted. Please see Applying for Federal Aid for more details.

To complete a PLUS loan application:

  • Make sure you have a current FAFSA on file
  • Log in to studentaid.gov with your FSA ID
  • Select “Apply for a Direct PLUS Loan”
  • Select the loan type you are requesting:
    • Direct PLUS Loan Application for Graduate/Professional Students (Grad PLUS)
    • Direct PLUS Loan Application for Parents (Parent PLUS)

Entrance Counseling (Graduate Students Only)

Before a graduate student can receive a Graduate PLUS loan, the student must complete Loan Entrance Counseling - even if they previously completed it for a subsidized or unsubsidized loan.

To complete Graduate PLUS loan entrance counseling:

  1. Log in to studentaid.gov with your FSA ID
  2. Click on “Complete Loan Counseling (Entrance, Financial Awareness, Exit)”
  3. Click on the “Start” button next to “Entrance Counseling (Required)”
  4. Choose “Illinois” as your school state and “Chamberlain College of Nursing” as your school name - look for school code G06385

    AND

    Choose “I am completing entrance counseling to receive Direct Loans as a graduate or professional student”

Completing Your Direct Loan Master Promissory Note (MPN)

Students and parents can complete their loan application online directly through the U.S. Department of Education.

You will need the following items:

  • A Department of Education Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID: You will need to have an FSA ID to complete the MPN on the web. If you do not already have an FSA ID or cannot locate it, visit fsaid.ed.gov. Note: Parents will need their own separate FSA ID when completing a Parent PLUS MPN.
  • Your Social Security Number and if you are a parent, the Social Security Number of the student
  • Your permanent address and telephone number
  • Your driver's license number (if you have one)
  • Names, addresses and phone numbers for two references

To sign an MPN for the Parent PLUS Loan:

  • Log in to studentaid.gov with your FSA ID
  • Select "Complete Loan Agreement (Master Promissory Note)"
  • Select the “Start” button next to "PLUS MPN for Parents"
  • Choose “Illinois” as your school state and “Chamberlain College of Nursing” as your school name - look for school code G06385

To sign an MPN for a Graduate PLUS Loan:

  • Log in to studentaid.gov with your FSA ID
  • Select "Complete Loan Agreement (Master Promissory Note)"
  • Select the “Start” button next to "PLUS MPN for Graduate/Professional Students"
  • Choose “Illinois” as your school state and “Chamberlain College of Nursing” as your school name - look for school code G06385

Exit Counseling

If a student who has received a PLUS loan falls below half-time enrollment, graduates, and/or leaves Chamberlain, federal regulations require that the student complete exit counseling. All graduates must complete exit counseling.

Direct Loans®, Federal Direct Student Loan Program® and FAFSA® are registered trademarks of the U.S. Department of Education.

Private Student Loans

Private loans are non federal loans offered by a bank or lender (not the U.S. Department of Education). Before applying for a private student loan, you should compare all financial aid available to you, including federal student loans. It is important to know the difference between federal loans and private loans. Go to https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/loans/federal-vs-private for an expanded comparison of federal versus private loans.

Before pursuing a private loan:

  1. Complete a FAFSA for the current award year. If you have not submitted your FAFSA, go to studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa.
  2. Review your estimated financial aid awards with your student finance advisor.
  3. Determine how much you need to borrow in each loan program (Direct Loans®, private loans, etc.).
  4. Remember to borrow wisely, and borrow only what you need for educational expenses.
  5. When you apply for a Private Loan, in most cases will be told right away if your loan is approved. There is a credit check process, so your loan approval, subsequent interest rate and loan fees (if applicable), are based on your credit status.

Chamberlain University does not make any recommendations regarding lender selection. Students are encouraged to review each lender’s terms and conditions before selecting a lender. Lender terms and eligibility criteria sometimes change, and while all of the lenders listed below currently provide loans to Chamberlain students, they may not always do so. Students may choose to borrow from one of the lenders listed or from any other lender. The lenders are listed in alphabetical order, and therefore do not indicate any sort of rank or preference. 

Lenders List

The lenders listed below have made loans to Chamberlain University students in the past three years (2022-2024):

  • Affinity Federal Credit Union by Sallie Mae 
  • Alaska Supplemental Loan
  • Arizona Central Credit Union
  • Ascent 
  • CollegeAve
  • Edly Inc Loan Program
  • GraniteEdvCo/EdventinU – New Hampshire Higher Education Loan Corporation
  • Grt Southern 
  • NJ Class
  • PASEFC
  • PHEAA (PA Forward)
  • PNC 
  • Regions – Sallie Mae
  • RISLA
  • SafeCU 
  • Sallie Mae
  • SummitCU
  • TogetherCU
  • UniveristyCU
  • VSAC

The following private student loans are provided by state organizations and have certain state residency or school eligibility requirements.

The following private student loans are provided by state organizations and have certain state residency or school eligibility requirements.

Alaska
Alaska Supplemental Loan

Maine
Maine Loan

Minnesota
Minnesota SELF Loan

Missouri
Health Professional Nursing Student Loans

New Jersey
NJCLASS Loans

North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Montana, Wisconsin, Wyoming
DEAL Loan

Vermont 
Vermont Advantage Loans

Direct Loans®, Federal Direct Student Loan Program® and FAFSA® are registered trademarks of the U.S. Department of Education.

What is the Nursing Faculty Loan Program?

NFLP Overview

The Nurse Faculty Loan Program (NFLP) is a low-interest federal loan/forgiveness program that prepares and trains qualified nurses to become nurse educators to address the current nursing educator workforce shortages within the post-secondary education industry. The NFLP is funded through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and is administered by Adtalem Global Education Inc. d/b/a Chamberlain University, in conjunction with our loan servicer, Tuition Options. 

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The NFLP is designed to increase the number of qualified nursing faculty by providing funding to accredited schools of nursing so they can offer loans to eligible students who are enrolled in advanced education nursing degree programs and are committed to become nurse faculty.

The amount offered to students is dependent upon funding availability and how much the student chooses to receive up to the total charges for tuition and fees. 

Eligible students who receive NFLP funding must intend to fulfill a service obligation to teach as full-time nurse faculty (or in multiple adjunct positions resulting in full-time equivalency) for up to four consecutive years at an accredited school of nursing following completion of their degree program.

Eligible students must intend to teach full-time (or in multiple adjunct positions resulting in full-time equivalency) for up to four consecutive years following completion of their degree program.

Up to 85% of an NFLP loan (including accrued interest) can be forgiven if the service obligation (up to four consecutive years working as nurse faculty) is completed. See the NFLP Guide and chart below:

Teaching Year Amount ForgivenRemaining Balance

1

20%

80%

2

20%

60%

3

20%

40%

4

25%

15%

Eligibility Requirements

Students must meet all eligibility requirements and funding must be available to receive an NFLP loan for the award year. Continuous eligibility requirements must be met each session of enrollment.

Applicants must:

  • Have intent to teach as full-time nurse faculty at an accredited school after graduation.
  • Be a U.S. Citizen.
  • Be enrolled in an eligible program.
     
    • Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or Master of Science in Nursing Educator Specialty Track (MSN EDU). Educator Certificate Program is not eligible.
    • Eligibility for the RN-BSN to MSN EDU Bridge Program is during MSN courses only and a student does not need to have earned the BSN degree while in the MSN portion.
  • Be a new, readmit, and continuing student.
  • Complete the NFLP Application through DocuSign, which includes a credit check.
    • A judgment lien cannot appear during the credit check.
    • Agree that by applying for the loan, the student permits Chamberlain to check their records on studentaid.gov and the General Service Administration's Excluded Party List websites.
  • Complete their first course in the first session of their enrollment.

For continued eligibility, a student granted an NFLP loan must:

  • Maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
  • Maintain at least half-time enrollment (3 credit hours per semester) student status.
  • Be in good academic standing.
  • Reapply for NFLP each award year (July 20XX through May 20XX).

Chamberlain University's Visiting Professors are eligible under the following guidelines:

  • Must have two years of ongoing regular teaching as defined by teaching 38-45 credit hours per year at Chamberlain University.
  • Must commit to teaching at Chamberlain University for two years after graduation from the NFLP qualified program.

Application Process

  • Request the Chamberlain University NFLP Application Form from a Chamberlain admission representative or student finance advisor. 
  • All applicants will receive email notification informing them of their NFLP application status within 30 days of submitting the application. 
  • Chamberlain University will run a credit check to confirm if there are any judgment liens entered against him/her based on the default of a Federal debt, 28 U.S.C. 3201 (e). 
  • Upon credit check completion and approval, the applicant will receive an email from the Chamberlain NFLP Tuition Options third party loan service provider with instructions to register for their online account and to review and e-sign their loan documents and disclosures. 

Please review Chamberlain University’s NFLP Guide for more information regarding program guidelines and requirements.

If you have any questions, please contact a Student Finance Advisor at 888-556-8226.

Connect with a Student Finance Advisor at 888-556-8226 who can answer any questions you may have regarding your NFLP Loan Application or view the NFLP Guide here.

Student Loan Code Of Conduct

Chamberlain University observes the federal regulations regarding student loan requirements.

Code of Conduct agreements were designed to create and ensure uniform student loan practices that focus on the best interest of borrowers. In these documents, restrictions are defined to manage the relationships among school employees, learning institutions, lender advisory board members, and student loan organizations. Students are encouraged to review the Code of Conduct agreements to learn more about the requirements governing loan regulations.

Student Finance Conflict of Interest Policy and Code of Conduct

If you have any questions about these documents, please contact Chamberlain University Student Finance Advising.

Direct Loans®, Federal Direct Student Loan Program® and FAFSA® are registered trademarks of the U.S. Department of Education.

Preferred Lender List

Chamberlain University has entered into an alliance with LCMC Health to provide a unique opportunity for students to enroll in Chamberlain's BSN program in metropolitan New Orleans Louisiana and receive financial aid in the form of a forgivable loan from LCMC Health.  Because the funding in the Called-to-Care Scholars Program is in the form of a loan the Department of Education requires us to provide this preferred lender list.

Preferred Lenders and required information about the lenders:

1. LCMC Health – Called-to-Care Scholars Program (see Solicitation Disclosure tab)

a. Chamberlain University has entered into an arrangement with LCMC Health to offer the Called-to-Care Scholars Program because the loan is favorable to borrowers in the following ways:

i. Has lower interest rate than Federal Direct Loans under Title IV

ii. Has loan forgiveness options

iii. Does not require payments to be made while the borrower is in school

2. Chamberlain students have previously borrowed from a number of other private lenders. For a list of private student lenders that are state organizations please visit: https://www.chamberlain.edu/admissions/financial-aid-scholarships/loans#tab--item-6971.

Method and Criteria used to select preferred lenders:

Chamberlain University selects lenders on the basis of our student’s best interests to include on the preferred lenders list. The selection criteria include:

  • Low fees including application fees, origination fees, loan guarantee fees, repayment fees and late fees.
  • Highly competitive interest rates
  • High-quality loan servicing
  • Favorable repayment terms with preference given to lenders who offer loan forgiveness

Private Lender Disclosure

Chamberlain University has entered into an alliance with LCMC Health to provide a unique opportunity for students to enroll in Chamberlain's BSN program in metropolitan New Orleans Louisiana and receive financial aid in the form of a forgivable loan from LCMC Health.  Because the funding in the Called-to-Care Scholars Program is in the form of a loan we are required to provide the following disclosures.

The terms of the Title IV loan programs (Direct Subsidized, Direct Unsubsidized and Direct PLUS) may be more favorable than the provisions of private education loans. These benefits may include, but are not limited to:

  • Fixed Interest rates
  • Multiple Repayment Plans including income-based repayment options
  • Forbearance options for borrowers in distress

Federal regulations require Chamberlain University to publish information regarding the maximum amounts of federal grant and loan aid under Title IV.  The maximum amounts for federal grants under Title IV are listed below. Federal Student Aid made available under Title IV programs is available for those who apply and qualify.

Pell Grant

Amounts can change yearly. The maximum Federal Pell Grant award is $7,395 for the 2023–24 award year (July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024).

The amount you get, though, will depend on

  • your Expected Family Contribution*
  • the cost of attendance (determined by your school for your specific program),
  • your status as a full-time or part-time student, and
  • your plans to attend school for a full academic year or less.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG)

You can receive between $100 and $4,000 a year, depending on your financial need, when you apply, the amount of other aid you get, and the availability of funds at your school.

TEACH Grant

Up to $4,000 per year. NOTE: Chamberlain University does not offer any programs eligible for TEACH grants.

Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant

You may be eligible to receive the Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant if:

  • you are not eligible for a Federal Pell Grant on the basis of your Expected Family Contribution* but
  • meet the remaining Federal Pell Grant eligibility requirements, and
  • your parent or guardian was a member of the U.S. armed forces and died as a result of military service performed in Iraq or Afghanistan after the events of 9/11, and
  • you were under 24 years old or enrolled in college at least part-time at the time of your parent’s or guardian’s death.

The grant award is equal to the amount of a maximum Federal Pell Grant for the award year but cannot exceed your cost of attendance for that award year. For the 2023–24 award year (July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024), the maximum Federal Pell Grant award will be $7,395.

* Due to sequestration, for any Federal Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant first disbursed on or after Oct. 1, 2020, and before Oct. 1, 2024, the maximum offer of $7,395 is reduced by 5.70 percent ($421.51), resulting in a maximum offer of $6,973.49.

The maximum amounts for federal loans under Title IV programs are listed below.

Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans:

The following chart shows the annual and aggregate limits for subsidized and unsubsidized loans. The current interest rate is 3.73% fixed.

YearDependent Students (except students whose parents are unable to obtain PLUS Loans)Independent Students (and dependent undergraduate students whose parents are unable to obtain PLUS Loans)
First-Year Undergraduate Annual Loan Limit$5,500-No more than $3,500 of this amount may be in subsidized loans.$9,500-No more than $3,500 of this amount may be in subsidized loans.
Second-Year Undergraduate Annual Loan Limit$6,500-No more than $4,500 of this amount may be in subsidized loans.$10,500-No more than $4,500 of this amount may be in subsidized loans.
Third Year and Beyond Undergraduate Annual Loan Limit$7,500 per year-No more than $5,500 of this amount may be in subsidized loans.$12,500-No more than $5,500 of this amount may be in subsidized loans.
Graduate or Professional Student Annual Loan LimitNot Applicable (all graduate and professional degree students are considered independent).$20,500 (unsubsidized only).
Subsidized and Unsubsidized Aggregate Loan Limit$31,000-No more than $23,000 of this amount may be in subsidized loans.

$57,500 for undergraduates-No more than $23,000 of this amount may be in subsidized loans.

 

$138,500 for graduate or professional students-No more than $65,500 of this amount may be in subsidized loans. The graduate aggregate limit includes all federal loans received for undergraduate study.

Direct PLUS Loans (including both parent PLUS and graduate PLUS)

The maximum PLUS loan amount you can receive is the cost of attendance (determined by the school) minus any other financial aid received. The current interest rate is 6.28% fixed.

The following are private education loan disclosures for the lenders/loans that appear on Chamberlain University’s preferred lender list. We recommend that you explore federal student aid programs prior to utilizing any private educational loans. Chamberlain does not endorse or recommend any lenders.

LCMC Health Called-to-Care Scholars Program (see Solicitation Disclosure tab)

Chamberlain students have previously borrowed from a number of other private lenders in the past.  These include but are not limited to: Ascent Tuition, Regions Bank and The Alaska Supplemental loan. For a list of private student lenders that are state organizations please visit: https://www.chamberlain.edu/admissions/financial-aid-scholarships/loans#tab--item-6971.