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Financial Aid Services at Our Philadelphia, Cherry Hill, and West Atlantic City Campuses

Close up of a graduating student wearing a graduation cap and gown
Many students require financial assistance – Prism helps students explore their funding options

Prism Career Institute is dedicated to providing career training for as many students as possible in our Practical Nursing and Medical Assistant programs. Our Financial Aid department helps eligible students secure a variety of aid, including grants, loans, and more. We participate in several United States Department of Education Title IV Financial Aid programs and other financial assistance programs to help meet the needs of our students in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Cherry Hill, New Jersey, and West Atlantic City, NJ.

Where to Start

To apply for financial aid for nursing school or medical assistant training, applicants must first submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students are responsible for completing and submitting their applications with supporting documentation in a timely manner. General requirements include:

  • Proof of citizenship or eligible non-citizen status
  • A high school diploma or its recognized equivalent
  • Satisfactory progress in the student’s course of study

Types of Financial Aid

All Prism Career Institute students are eligible to apply for financial aid under federal and supplemental financial aid programs, which include:

Federal Pell Grants
These grants do not need to be repaid and are awarded to eligible undergraduate students who do not hold a bachelor’s degree. The U.S. Department of Education uses a standard formula to determine a student’s financial need and eligibility.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG)
This grant is available to students with exceptional financial need. It is reserved for those who qualify for the Federal Pell Grant with the lowest expected family contribution (EFC). The dollar amount of the grant and the number of students who may receive it are based on the availability of U.S. Department of Education funds.

Subsidized Federal Direct Loans
Eligibility for subsidized federal direct loans is based on need. This loan offers a fixed interest rate, which is covered by the federal government while the student attends school on at least a half-time basis. Students are responsible to begin repayment six months after the last day of attendance or after falling below half-time status.

Unsubsidized Federal Direct Loans
This loan is available to dependent and independent students in need of additional financial assistance. Unlike subsidized loans, unsubsidized federal direct loans hold students accountable for fixed interest payments while they’re in school. Repayment starts six months after the last day of attendance or when the student falls below half-time status.

Federal Parent Plus Loans
Parents of dependent students are eligible to apply for this loan. They can borrow up to the cost of attendance depending on other financial aid the student receives. Approval is based on the parent’s credit card history. Repayment must begin sixty days from the last disbursement date of the loan.

Veterans’ Educational Benefits
Prism Career Institute is approved for the training of veterans and eligible veterans’ dependents. To receive veterans’ educational benefits, students must apply for aid prior to admission and submit their application to the Prism Career Institute certifying official. Eligible students must maintain satisfactory academic progress and all applicable eligibility requirements to continue receiving these benefits as laid out in our Student Catalog.

Agency Funding
Prism Career Institute participates in several educational programs offered by various agencies. Further information can be obtained from our Financial Aid Office.

Fostering Independence Tuition Waiver Program
The Fostering Independence Tuition Waiver Program allows eligible students who have been served by the foster care system to receive a university education, build a network of support, and graduate with minimal debt. In collaboration with the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) and the Pennsylvania departments of Education (PDE), Human Services (DHS), and Labor & Industry (L&I), this program provides tuition waivers at postsecondary institutions, such as Prism Career Institute, to program participants for up to five academic years or until they reach age 26.

To be eligible for the tuition waiver, students must:

  • Be a Pennsylvania resident
  • Be under the age of 26
  • Have received a high school diploma or equivalent approved credential
  • Be eligible for services under Pennsylvania’s John H. Chafee Foster Care Program for Successful Transition to Adulthood
  • Be identified as a youth in foster care or a youth discharged or adopted from foster care at age 16 or older
  • Exited foster care on or after age 16 to adoption or permanent legal custodianship
  • Be enrolled as an undergraduate, at least half time in a postsecondary institution that is approved by the U.S. Department of Education for Title IV student assistance programs
  • Demonstrate financial need for the PA Chafee Education and Training Grant (as determined by the postsecondary institution)
  • Maintain satisfactory academic progress (as determined by the postsecondary institution)
  • Not be in default on a federal student loan
  • File the FAFSA

Prism Career Institute Point of Contact (POC):

Name: Debbie Gerena
Title: Director Financial Aid
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 215-331-4600 Ext:203

Other Helpful Resources

Education is among the most valuable investments you can make, and participating in our Practical Nursing or Medical Assistant programs can help you pursue a successful career. That’s why Prism Career Institute’s Financial Aid department supports every student throughout the process. Our administrators will explain available financial assistance options and provide a personalized student financial plan tailored to your needs and eligibility.

Prospective students can also utilize our Net Price Calculator for an estimate of anticipated out-of-pocket costs. While this estimate is based on your unique financial circumstances and anticipated aid, it is only an estimate and not a final quote for tuition and fees. For more information on financial aid for nursing school at our Philadelphia, Cherry Hill, and West Atlantic City campuses or medical assistant training in Cherry Hill and West Atlantic City, contact Prism Career Institute today.