Funding Your Future: A Guide to Parker University Scholarships and Financial Aid

Parker University is dedicated to making education accessible and affordable. Most students are eligible to receive financial aid, and nearly all receive some form of assistance. This article provides a detailed overview of the various financial aid and scholarship opportunities available at Parker University to help students fund their education. It's never too early to begin exploring financial aid options. Future and current students are encouraged to start investigating as soon as possible.

Understanding Financial Aid at Parker University

The Office of Financial Aid at Parker University is committed to helping students understand the resources available to fund their education. Financial aid is intended to supplement, not replace, family resources. The primary responsibility of funding rests with families and students.

How to Apply for Financial Aid

Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID: A student and/or parent (if applicable) must apply for a Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID at www.studentaid.gov.
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA): Once an FSA ID is obtained, aid applicants must complete a Free Application For Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.studentaid.gov. The FAFSA is required for all types of financial aid, including Pell and other federal grants, state grants, institutional grants, loans, and work-study programs.
Master Promissory Note (MPN) and Loan Entrance Counseling: Aid applicants who wish to apply for a Federal Direct student loan must complete a Master Promissory Note (MPN) and Loan Entrance Counseling.

Determining Financial Need

Based on the results of the FAFSA, the Office of Financial Aid reviews the total cost of attendance, which includes tuition and fees, books and supplies, room and board, personal expenses, and allowable transportation expenses, against an applicant’s expected family contribution (EFC) to determine financial need.

Financial Aid Programs Offered

Parker University offers the following federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs to students who qualify:

Federal and State Grants
Federal Direct Student Loans
Federal Work-Study Programs
Scholarships
Veteran Affairs Benefits

Student Eligibility Requirements

Federal financial aid is not available to international students unless they are eligible non-citizens. Eligible non-citizens must provide current documentation of immigration status prior to applying for financial aid. To be eligible to receive most need-based aid, students must meet the following requirements:

Show financial need
Enroll in an eligible program
Be a United States citizen or eligible non-citizen
Have a valid social security number
Maintain satisfactory academic progress
Comply with requirements of the Anti-Drug Abuse Act
Not be in default on a Federal Perkins Loan (or National Direct Student Loan), Federal Stafford Loan, or Federal PLUS Loan
Not owe a refund on a Federal Pell Grant or Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
Agree to use any Federal student aid received solely for educational purposes
Be enrolled at least half-time (for most programs)

FAFSA Priority Deadlines

To ensure timely processing of financial aid, applicants are advised to follow the recommended timelines for FAFSA submission:

Doctor of Chiropractic Program

Fall FAFSA Priority Deadline: July 1
Winter FAFSA Priority Deadline: November 1
Summer FAFSA Priority Deadline: March 1

Graduate Programs

Fall FAFSA Priority Deadline: July 1
Winter FAFSA Priority Deadline: November 1
Summer FAFSA Priority Deadline: March 1

Note: A mid-term start is also available.

Federal Verification Process

Parker University has partnered with Inceptia to expedite the federal verification process. The mission is to support schools as they launch bright futures for students armed with the knowledge to become financially responsible citizens.

Financial Aid Disclaimer

Parker University strives to provide accurate, current information regarding financial aid opportunities. However, all financial aid-whether federal, state, institutional, or private-is subject to eligibility requirements, availability of funds, and the laws and regulations in effect at the time of disbursement.

Financial aid programs are subject to change without prior notice due to updates in federal, state, or institutional policies. This may include changes to the types of available aid, award amounts, eligibility criteria, and application procedures.

Read also: Parker School Financial Aid

Students are strongly encouraged to consult with Parker One Stop to obtain the most current and personalized financial aid information. Final eligibility for all aid is determined by the applicable regulations in place at the time of disbursement and may be affected by legislative or administrative changes.

Exploring Scholarship Opportunities

Parker University offers a variety of merit- and need-based scholarships for new and returning students. Last year, the Office of Financial Aid awarded \$64,000 from a growing list of 52 scholarships and helped Parker University students apply for more than \$23 million in federal financial assistance.

Parker University Scholarship Programs

A&P Grant: Eligible students can receive a Parker University A&P Grant. Students must maintain a 2.5 GPA throughout the program to maintain eligibility. To be eligible, students must be enrolled in the A&P program with the intention of enrolling into the Doctorate of Chiropractic program. This grant is calculated at \$300.00 per credit hour and is only awarded towards A&P credits and cannot be awarded towards general education classes.
Undergraduate Academic Merit Scholarships: Scholarships are available to those students who qualify based on GPA. Amounts range from \$1,000 - \$2,150 per term and are available for all Associate and Bachelor programs.

College of Chiropractic Scholarships

DC Presidential Scholarship: \$1,500 per trimester for students with a 3.6 incoming or cumulative GPA.
DC Achievement Scholarship: \$750 per trimester for students with a 3.3 incoming or cumulative GPA.

College of Business and Technology Scholarships

William M. Harris MBA Scholarship Application
Olympic Scholarship: 100% tuition coverage for students who have competed in the Olympics.
Practice-Based Internship Program
Yellow Ribbon Match (Post-9/11): 100% tuition match for students eligible for the Yellow Ribbon Program under Post-9/11 GI Bill.
Dual Enrolled scholarships
CBI scholarship
FICS International Federation of Sports Chiropractic
Tuition Remission
Provost Scholarship

The William C. Parker Scholarship

The William C. Parker Scholarship is awarded based on a holistic review of the student’s application for admission with the goal of supporting student success. All incoming first-time freshmen with a minimum unweighted high school GPA of 2.50 will be considered. No additional steps are required to apply for the Parker Scholarship. For maximum consideration, please apply by the Early Action deadline of December 1, 2025*. Because of the number of admissions applicants, not all students who meet the GPA requirement will be selected for a Parker Scholarship.

External Scholarship Opportunities

Students are encouraged to explore outside scholarship opportunities from outside companies. Parker University encourages students to maximize your borrowing by using all federal loan options before borrowing from private/alternative loan sources.

Scholarship Universe (SU): Scholarship Universe (SU) is an online scholarship platform that matches students to relevant, vetted external scholarship opportunities, as well as internal scholarships offered by the university. SU is available for currently enrolled UK students and admitted prospective students who have a linkblue account. Students can login to complete the student profile and search and apply for external and internal scholarship opportunities. Some UK colleges are now utilizing Scholarship Universe for departmental scholarship applications, but please check with your respective college regarding their specific scholarship procedures and deadlines.

The Lois Parker Foundation Scholarship is an excellent opportunity for individuals dedicated to advancing their careers in IT, medical, first responder, and emergency management fields.

Federal Loan Programs

Parker University participates in the Federal Direct Student Loan Program.

Subsidized and Unsubsidized Direct Loans

A Federal Direct Stafford Student Loan eliminates lender and guarantee agencies. Department of Education. The Federal Direct Student Loans are low interest loans.

Federal Direct Loan Subsidized Program: Repayment begins six (6) months after a student drops below half-time status. The loan has a fixed interest rate that is determined each year by the federal government. Based on student eligibility for the subsidized loan, the unsubsidized loan amount may be increased based on unmet need if eligible.
Unsubsidized loans: Unsubsidized loans are non-need-based loans to students who meet the qualifications. The loan is based on the cost of attendance less any other financial aid a student receives. Interest is charged throughout the life of the loan.

Combined Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loan Limits

The following chart provides maximum annual and total loan limits for subsidized and unsubsidized loans as of July 1, 2012.

Doctor of Chiropractic Student

Unsubsidized Loan = \$33,000
Total Loans = \$33,000

Massage Therapy Student

Subsidized Loan = \$3500
Unsubsidized Loan = \$6000
Total Loans = \$9500

Dependent Freshman (Freshman=0-29 hours completed)

Subsidized Loan = \$3500
Unsubsidized Loan = \$2000
Total Loans = \$5500

Independent Freshman (Freshman=0-29 hours completed)

Subsidized Loan = \$3500
Unsubsidized Loan = \$6000
Total Loans = \$9500

Dependent Sophomore (Sophomore=30-59 hours completed)

Subsidized Loan = \$4500
Unsubsidized Loan = \$2000
Total Loans = \$6500

Independent Sophomore (Sophomore=30-59 hours completed)

Subsidized Loan = \$4500
Unsubsidized Loan = \$6000
Total Loans = \$10,500

Dependent Junior/Senior (Junior/Senior=60+ hours completed)

Subsidized Loan = \$5500
Unsubsidized Loan = \$2000
Total Loans = \$7500

Independent Junior/Senior (Junior/Senior=60+ hours completed)

Subsidized Loan = \$5500
Unsubsidized Loan = \$7000
Total Loans = \$12,500

Graduate Student

Unsubsidized Loan amounts vary.

Title IV Loans Code of Conduct

As a participant in the Federal Direct Loan Program, Parker University adheres to the Student Loan Code of Conduct to ensure the integrity of the student aid process and ethical conduct of all Parker University employees in regard to student loan practices.

Revenue Sharing: The Parker University and its employees will not enter into any type of revenue-sharing arrangement with any lender, guarantor, or servicer.
Gifts: Parker University employees are prohibited from soliciting or accepting any gift from a lender, guarantor, or servicer of education loans.
Contracting Arrangements: Parker University employees are not to accept from any lender or affiliate of any lender any fee, payment, or other financial benefit (including opportunity to purchase stock) as compensation for any consulting arrangement or other contract to provide services to a lender or on behalf of a lender relating to education loans.
Preferred Lender Status: The Parker University will certify private loans from any lender. We do provide a comprehensive list of all lenders that are utilized by our students and update this annually.
Interaction with Borrowers: All decisions will be made by the borrower in his/her independent review of borrower benefits and lender services. The Parker University will not refuse to certify, or delay certification of, any loan based on the borrower’s selection of a particular lender or guaranty agency.
Opportunity Pool Loan: The Parker University will not request or accept from any lender any offer of funds to be used for private education loans (defined in section 140 of the Truth in Lending Act) including funds for an opportunity pool loan in exchange for the Parker University providing concessions or promises regarding providing the lender with a specified number of loans made, insured or guaranteed; a specified loan volume of such loans; or a preferred lender arrangement for such loans.
Staffing Assistance: The Parker University will not request or accept from any lender, guarantor, or servicer of student loans any assistance with call center staffing or financial aid office staffing.
Advisory Board Compensation: Parker University employees who serve on an advisory board, commission, or group established by a lender, guarantor, or group of lenders or guarantors, are prohibited from receiving anything of value from the lender, guarantor, or group of lenders or guarantors, except that the employee may be reimbursed for reasonable expenses incurred in serving on such advisory board, commission, or group.

Fraud and Identity Theft Prevention

Every year, the Department of Education makes millions of dollars of Title IV money available to Parker University students to help them pay for their education. However, students and the University must satisfy specific eligibility requirements to qualify for these funds.

Reporting Potential Fraud/Identity Theft

Federal Regulations require that Parker University provide information to the Department of Education’s Office of Inspector General (OIG) any credible information in which they believe an applicant for Federal Student Aid may be engaging in fraudulent or other criminal misconduct in connection with their application.

Common areas of misconduct include:

False claims of independent student status
False claims of citizenship
Stolen identities
False claims of high school completion
Forgery of signature on certifications
Unresolved conflicting information
False statements of income
The intent to deceive in order to receive Title IV aid

Diploma Mills

A “diploma mill” is a company that offers “degrees” for a flat fee in a short amount of time with little or no coursework.

Grants

The main criterion for receiving grants is substantial financial need. Grants do not have to be repaid unless a student becomes ineligible. Students must maintain satisfactory academic progress as defined in the Parker University Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy.

Federal Pell Grant

Federal Pell Grants are awarded to qualified undergraduates to help pay for their education. Pell grants do not have to be repaid unless a student becomes ineligible. Eligibility for a Federal Pell Grant is based on several factors. Students complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and this generates an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) number. Using the EFC number and other criteria, the amount of award is determined. Students with a bachelor’s degree are not eligible for Federal Pell Grants.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

The Federal SEOG provides additional grant assistance to students. Funds are limited, and priority is given to Pell-eligible students with exceptional financial need. Federal SEOG awards do not have to be repaid unless a student becomes ineligible.

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