Frequently Asked Questions

Five Branches University is an accredited institution of higher education approved to participate in federal financial aid programs. Eligibility for financial aid is determined using a federal formula as outlined by the U.S. Department of Education. For detailed instructions on how to apply for financial aid please refer to:

Applying for Financial Aid

You may submit your FAFSA anytime beginning January 1 of the current year-through the end of the academic year for which you are applying. If you are a continuing student and want to have financial aid available to pay tuition at the start of the Fall term, you will want to complete your FAFSA by April 15 of the current year.

The Cost of Attendance (COA) is determined using rules established by the U.S. Congress. It is the total amount it will reasonably cost a student to go to school and is usually expressed as a yearly figure. COA includes tuition and fees, housing and food allowance, books and supplies, transportation costs, loan fees, applicable dependent care, costs related to disability, and miscellaneous expenses including a one-time allowance for the purchase of a personal computer. The only costs you are responsible to pay directly to Five Branches are tuition and fees. You are under no obligation to borrow the maximum amount, and we encourage you to budget and borrow only what you need. All other costs not paid to Five Branches are estimates used to establish need.

The following budget reflects reasonable, estimated costs associated with the DTCM/MTCM or DAc/MAc programs eight-month academic year (two semesters).

The following budget reflects reasonable, estimated costs associated with the Postgraduate DAOM Program eight-month academic year (two semesters).

These budgets are for estimating purposes only and do not consider additional expenses such as: child care, other transportation costs, medical expenses, etc. Personal budgets may need to be adjusted on a case-by-case basis. Expenses not included in the cost of attendance are addressed in the Additional Expenses Appeal Policy located in the Student Handbook.

Five Branches University is approved for participation in the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan and the Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan programs. All loans are funded through the Federal Direct Loan program.

Students may receive up to $20,500 per academic year in Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans, depending on remaining aggregate eligibility. Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans have a six-month grace period (following graduation) before principal payments are due; however, interest begins accruing upon the disbursement of the loan. Students can elect to pay the interest while enrolled in the program, or allow it to accrue and be capitalized (added to the principal).

Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loans are available to students with a good credit history, determined in the credit pre-approval process. The Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan is available to students who have received the aggregate maximum amount of Stafford loans. The amount a student can borrow is the difference between the cost of attendance and other financial aid received. Graduate PLUS Loans have a six-month post-enrollment deferment period, following graduation (or if you are no longer enrolled on at least a half-time basis), before principal payments are due; however, interest begins accruing upon the disbursement of the loan. Students can elect to pay the interest while enrolled in the program or allow it to accrue and be capitalized (added to the principal) at repayment.

Loans and grants are disbursed at the beginning of each term. Financial aid received is first applied to any outstanding balance owed to Five Branches University. Aid in excess of what you owe will be issued to you by check.

You are eligible to apply for financial aid for each year you are a student at Five Branches University. You are required to progress through the program at a satisfactory rate and complete the program within the maximum time frame. You may receive Federal Direct Student Loans during any term of enrollment of six or more units for the DTCM/MTCM or DAc/MAc programs, and seven or more units for the DAOM program. Satisfactory academic progress will be reviewed at the end of each term to determine your continued eligibility to receive financial aid.

There are several different repayment options, deferment programs and income-based repayment plans available to help you manage your financial obligations while growing your practice. For more information regarding repayment, please visit:

https://studentaid.gov/h/manage-loans

Yes, the Federal Work-Study program allows students to earn money to help pay for their educational expenses. Students may apply for available student employment at Five Branches and receive a paycheck that is partially funded by the Department of Education. If you are interested in applying for the Federal Work-Study program you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) which is available online at:

www.fafsa.ed.gov

The majority of our scholarship funds come from private donors and TCM affiliated organizations with a sincere interest in supporting Five Branches students and the growth of the TCM profession. Students attending Five Branches are eligible for numerous scholarships ranging from $500 to $5,000 per academic year. For a listing of the current scholarships available go to: Scholarships or contact the admissions office at 831-476-9424, or admissions@fivebranches.edu for more information.