Frequently Asked Questions

1. Apply for an FSAID on the Federal Student Aid website.
   This is used to electronically sign Federal Student Aid Documents, including FAFSA and MPN. If you are a dependent student, your parent will also need an FSAID.
2. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application after October 1, 2025.
   Start Date: August 2026
   Chatham’s school code: 003244
   Federal Student Aid Information Center (FAFSA and PIN helpline): 800-433-3243
   PA State Grant Deadline: May 1, 2026
3. Complete the Federal Direct Loan Master Promissory Note (MPN) and Entrance Counseling on the Federal Student Aid website.
   An MPN is a promise to repay document for the Direct loan. It is also where you agree to the terms and conditions of the loan. Entrance Counseling ensures that you understand your rights and obligations as a borrower.

A federal loan that is available to students who meet the following three criteria:

1. Enrolled at least half-time (six credits)
2. US citizen or eligible non-citizen
3. Not in default on prior federal loans

• The lender is the US Department of Education
• The Direct loan can be either subsidized (it does not accrue interest while you are enrolled at least half-time) or unsubsidized (it does accrue interest while you are enrolled in school), depending on financial need
• Loans disbursed on or after July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026: Direct Subsidized Loans and Direct Unsubsidized Loans for Undergraduate students: 6.39%. Direct Unsubsidized Loans for Graduate or Professional students: 7.94%. Direct PLUS Loans for Parents and Graduate or Professional Students: 8.94%. All interest rates shown in the chart above are fixed rates. A fixed rate will not change for the life of the loan. 
• Click here to visit the federal website for the origination fee schedule.
• The amount that may be borrowed annually is based on grade level and dependency status
• The loan is automatically deferred while you are enrolled at least half-time
• 6-month grace period after graduation

Apply for Aid Online

Federal Direct Parent PLUS loan

• Federal loan available to parents to borrow on behalf of a dependent
• Credit-based
• Can borrow up to the Cost of Attendance minus other aid received
• The lender is the US Department of Education
• Direct PLUS Loans first disbursed on or after July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, the interest rate is 8.94%. This is a fixed interest rate for the life of the loan.
• Click here to visit the federal website for the origination fee schedule.
• Upon request, can be deferred while the student is enrolled at least half-time

Apply for Aid Online

Private Alternative Loans

• Credit-based
• Borrowed in the student’s name, but would likely require a cosigner
• May have a variable or fixed interest rate, which will be determined based on your creditworthiness when you apply

Chatham University, in an effort to recognize academic excellence, awards scholarships to deserving incoming full-time students. Many of these scholarships are funded by our various endowed scholarships. To qualify for a Chatham scholarship, students must complete an admission application, and in some cases interview or audition.

Chatham scholarships are all awarded through the Office of Admission, so please contact them should you have any questions regarding the application process or your scholarship eligibility. Admission can be reached at 412-365-1825 or by email Undergraduate Admission.

In addition, Chatham offers generous need-based financial aid. Students must complete the FAFSA in order to determine need-based aid eligibility.

For information regarding on-campus employment opportunities, email the Office of Career Development, call 412-365-1209, or visit the Career Development page.

Chatham University offers an outside scholarship database on myChatham for all deposited and current students. You can also visit our Admission & Aid section for more general information.

The award letter will be sent electronically via Chatham’s eAward system after your FAFSA is received by the Office of Financial Aid. You will receive an e-mail notification once your award letter is ready to view. The award letter will detail your financial aid eligibility and Cost of Attendance.

Tuition Due Dates

• August 15^th for the fall term
• December 15^th for the spring term
• May 15th for the summer term

Installment Dates

• Installment payments are due on the 15^th of each month. Please log in to TouchNet to view and enroll in a payment plan.

All full-time students are required to have health insurance coverage. The University-sponsored plan through UPMC is designed to meet basic healthcare needs at an affordable cost. 

Full-time students who wish to enroll in the Chatham University Student Health Insurance Plan can do so by submitting a completed Student Health Insurance Enrollment Form (MyChatham > Documents and Forms > Student Accounts).

• Coverage costs will be determined by April 30
• Open enrollment runs June 1 through September 15 

Bookstore vouchers are available to students with credit balances on their student accounts and will be charged to your student account for the full voucher amount

• Students can receive up to $500 per term (depending on credit balance amount)
• Students will receive a credit on their student account if less is spent at the Bookstore