Graduate students pursuing a Master’s of Science in Human Resource Development at Villanova University through our partnership with University Alliance are eligible for a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan through the William D. Ford Direct Loan Program.  Information about the online MS in Human Resource Development and how to apply for admission is available here.  

*Students attending the campus-based MS in Human Resource Development can find information about the program and admission here and about financial aid here.

Financial Aid Overview

Matriculated students in a graduate degree-seeking program are eligible to borrow up to $20,500 in Direct Unsubsidized Loan each academic year.  Beginning with the 2012-2013 academic year, graduate and professional students are no longer eligible to receive Federal Direct Subsidized Loans.  The terms and conditions of Direct Subsidized Loans received by any student for loan periods beginning before July, 1 2012, for either graduate or undergraduate study, are not affected by this change.  The annual loan limit for graduate and professional students remains unchanged at $20,500, but this amount is limited to a Direct Unsubsidized Loan.  The total lifetime aggregate limit also remains unchanged at $138,500.

The Direct Unsubsidized Loans for graduate students accrue a fixed interest rate of 6.8%. Direct Unsubsidized Loans will disburse evenly for each term a student is enrolled in the academic year.  If the Direct Unsubsidized loans do not fully cover a student's educational costs, students can consider a Direct Graduate PLUS loan. More information about the William D. Ford Direct Loan Program including fees, aggregate loan limits, repayment, and Direct Loan Consolidation is available on our website here.

The Financial Aid Process

To apply for financial aid for the 2012-2013 academic year, a student will need to do the following:

Complete a 2012-2013 FAFSA online at www.fafsa.gov with Villanova’s school code 003388.

After reviewing your FAFSA information, matriculation status, and enrollment, the Office of Financial Assistance will notify you of your Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan eligibility by sending an email to your Villanova University email account.  The email will include instructions on how to view your awards in the myNOVA student portal.

Once the Direct Unsubsidized Loan has been awarded, there are two requirements students need to complete in order for the loans to disburse:

·         Complete an Entrance Interview at www.studentloans.gov

·         Sign a Master Promissory Note for the Direct Loans at www.studentloans.gov

Villanova University will be notified automatically once both requirements are complete.

***Students beginning in the 2011-2012 academic year in either the Fall II, Spring I, or Spring II terms are still eligible for financial aid and would need to complete the 2011-2012 FAFSA.

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan funds are required to pay directly to students’ Villanova University accounts in equal disbursement amounts.  A loan disbursement is scheduled to pay each 8-week term a student is enrolled.  Loan funds disburse directly to the student’s account at Villanova during the second week of each term, after the add/drop period has ended. 

Once a loan disbursement has arrived at Villanova, the Office of Financial Assistance will conduct a review of the student’s financial aid award.  This review ensures the cost of attendance matches the student’s original plan of enrollment, and that any outside sources of aid, tuition discount, or employer reimbursement, etc. have been included as resources for the student. The Office of Financial Assistance also reviews to ensure the student is enrolled for the specific term the loan disbursement was received.

Remitting payment to University Alliance and Refunding Loan Disbursements

University Alliances manages the billing of charges for the MS in Human Resource Development program.  Beginning with the Summer II session of the 2011-2012 academic year, Villanova University began a new streamlined process of forwarding the loan disbursement directly to University Alliance for payment of tuition and/or book charges. 

Continuing with the 2012-2013 academic year, M.S. HRD students receiving Federal Direct Unsubsidized loan funds, Federal Direct Graduate PLUS loan funds or a private education loan will no longer receive a refund for the full loan disbursement.  Villanova University will send the loan disbursement directly to University Alliance for tuition and/or book charges.  If a credit balance remains after the full tuition and book charges are paid for each 8-week term, then a student will receive a refund from the Bursar’s Office at Villanova.  If a student still has a remaining balance with University Alliance after the full loan disbursement has been remitted for an 8-week term, then the student will need to seek additional payment arrangements to cover the remaining charges (such as applying for a Direct Graduate PLUS loan, etc.). Students should contact their student services representative at 1-800-280-9718 or via email at studentservices@universityalliance.com.

Upon the registration of courses, students will receive an order from University Alliance via email detailing their tuition and/or book charges for that term. Questions about the billing process should be directed to the Students Services Representative at University Alliance at 1-888-622-7344, ext. 4322 or via email at studentservices@universityalliance.com.  Please note that if a student is not utilizing financial aid that all payment arrangements need to be made directly with University Alliance.

For example:

A student first enrolls in the MS in Human Resource Development program during the Summer II session, which for the 2012-2013 academic year runs from July 5, 2012 through August 28, 2012.  The student submits a 2012-2013 FAFSA and completes an entrance interview and Master Promissory Note for the Direct Loans:

·     The Office of Financial Assistance will automatically award the maximum Direct Unsubsidized loans for the full academic year, which in this case will be for Summer II through Spring II terms, up to the cost of attendance.

·     Loan disbursements will be scheduled to pay after the add/drop period for each 8-week term.

·     After enrollment and outside sources of aid are confirmed, Villanova University will send loan disbursement funds directly to University Alliance for tuition and/or book charges.

·     Any remaining amount from the loan disbursement will be sent directly to the student in the form of a refund check or via direct deposit if the student has provided banking information through the e-refund sign-up in myNOVA.

·     If a balance still exists for the term after the full loan disbursement has been remitted to University Alliance by Villanova, the student will need to seek additional funding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:  What is the cost per credit hour for the MS in Human Resource Development through University Alliance?

A: Beginning with the Summer II term in the 2011-2012 academic year, the cost per credit hour is $930.  Additional information can be found here.

Q: What is included in the cost of attendance for the MS in Human Resource Development program?

A: In addition to calculating the tuition and book charges for an academic year, the Office of Financial Assistance also includes an allotment for living and personal expenses in the total cost of attendance. 

Q: I am currently enrolled in the Master’s Certificate in Human Resources at Villanova University through University Alliance.  Am I eligible for financial aid?

A: No.  Students must be matriculated in a graduate degree program to be eligible for federal financial aid.

Q: I have been conditionally accepted to the MS in Human Resource Development as a conditionally-matriculated student.  Am I eligible for financial aid?

A: Yes.  Students who are either fully-matriculated or conditionally-matriculated are eligible for federal student aid.  Non-matriculated students must become fully matriculated before any financial aid can be awarded.

Q: I previously borrowed federal loans for my undergraduate degree that are currently in repayment.  How do I apply for an in-school deferment?

A:  Enrollment verifications are processed by the Registrar’s Office and can be requested here.

Q:  I completed my FAFSA for 2012-2013 and my Student Aid Report shows that I demonstrate financial need.  Will I be eligible for the Direct Subsidized Loan?

A:  No.  Beginning with the 2012-2013 academic year, graduate and professional students are no longer eligible for the Direct Subsidized Loan as per the Budget Control Act of 2011.

Q:  I am a veteran eligible for VA educational benefits. How do I find information about military tuition assistance?

A:  Information for qualifying veterans can be found here, and instructions can be found at the Registrar’s webpage here. 

Q: I can’t find my email from University Alliance stating my charges for the term.  How can I obtain another copy of the invoice?

A: Students can request an additional invoice via email at customerservice@universityalliance.com. A second invoice will be issued via email within 24 hours.

Q: Where can I sign up for e-Refund so my refund can be directly deposited into my bank account?

A:  The e-Refund enrollment form can be found in your myNOVA account.  The link is located in the Student Tab, under “Bursar Links.” Complete the requested information and submit. 

Q:  I was notified that Villanova University sent the payment to University Alliance from my loan disbursement for the term.  Can I receive an updated invoice showing the payment?

A:  Yes.  Students can request an updated invoice via email at customerservice@universityalliance.com.

Q:  I just completed the entrance counseling requirement at studentloans.gov.  How will I know that Villanova University received the confirmation?

A:  Students can view both satisfied requirements and missing documents by accessing myNOVA, clicking on the Student and Financial Aid tab, then clicking on “My Eligibility.” This tab will display all completed requirements and any items that are still considered outstanding by the Office of Financial Assistance.

Q:  I only want to borrow Direct Loans to cover my tuition and book charges.  How can I make this change?

A: The Office of Financial Assistance advises students to only borrow what you need.  To make a change to your loan amount, please notify our office in writing by sending an email to finaidloan@villanova.edu. Once the change has been made we will send you a letter notifying you it has taken place.