We are committed to helping you understand all of your financial aid options and remove the barriers to the financial aid process to assist you in accomplishing your goal of attending Sonoran University. Most of our students qualify for student loans and assistance, and more than 80% of our students rely on financial aid.[1]
We encourage everyone to explore scholarship and financial aid opportunities.
Read below for details on the financial aid process and reach out directly to our financial aid experts at finaid@sonoran.edu if you have any questions.
Financial Aid Code of Conduct
Sonoran University of Health Sciences complies with, administers, enforces and prominently publishes on its website the Financial Aid Code of Conduct. The Financial Aid Code of Conduct is reviewed annually by officers, employees and agents who have a responsibility with federal student loans.
For more information, click here for the Arizona Student Loan Code of Conduct.
Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Policy
Student’s grades are reviewed at the end of each quarter and at the end of every calendar year. Failure to meet Sonoran’s academic requirements may result in a loss of financial aid eligibility. Please refer to our Sonoran catalog to view SAP and Academic Policies.
Withdrawal and Refund Policies
Sonoran applies the same federal guidelines for prorated refunds to all student refund calculations as those applied to students receiving federal financial aid. The federal guidelines for financial aid refunds are determined on the basis of the student’s withdrawal date and the length of the session. The length of the session is calculated from the first day of instruction through final exams of the registered session(s) and excludes any breaks of five days or more. For programs offered in modules, after the 49% completion point of the term, 0% tuition and fees are refunded. For programs offered in standard terms, after the 60% completion point of the term, 0% tuition and fees are refunded. Further information on Sonoran’s withdrawal and refund policies may be viewed through Sonoran catalog.
Copyright/Copyright Infringement
The Sonoran community shall abide by the Title 17 of the U.S. Code, Public Law 94-5333 of the Copyright Act and the Digital Millennium Copyright Act and expects all community members to adhere to Classroom Guidelines, which are beyond the minimum requirements established by Copyright Law. Please refer to Sonoran University’s Copyright Policy.
Notification and Status of Financial Aid Awards
After applying for federal aid, our financial aid staff will review your FAFSA to determine eligibility. Awards will reflect the maximum amount of aid you may borrow each quarter. Your financial aid offer letter will be posted electronically on MySonoran. If you need to change the award amount, please contact the Financial Aid Office.
Disbursement of Financial Aid Funds
Federal Student Aid will be posted to your account for allowable tuition and fee charges prior to crediting your account for other costs such as living expenses.
Excess of funds are provided to you in the form of a live check or directly deposited in your bank account. Verification of your class attendance must be documented prior to financial aid disbursement.
What financial aid paperwork do I need in order to get started at Sonoran University?
Where can I locate my financial aid status and offer letters?
Offer letters and financial aid status are posted on MySonoran.
How often must I complete a FAFSA?
The 2024-2025 FASFA will be available in December 2023, with more information to be announced. This FAFSA will be effective July 1 to June 30 of the following year and you can apply online at FAFSA for free.
How much money should I borrow?
You are allowed to borrow up to the cost of attendance, which is determined by the Sonoran Financial Aid Office. However, you do not have to borrow the full amount; you can choose to borrow a lesser amount.
Is there money left after tuition is paid?
Yes! If you borrow the full amount you will have money for books, supplies, room and board, transportation and personal expenses.
When do I get money after tuition has been paid?
Federal loan refund checks are distributed by the Sonoran Business Office tentatively at the end of the first week of the quarter, upon enrollment verification.
How is tuition paid from financial aid?
Federal aid is disbursed to Sonoran’s account on the first day of the quarter. Funds are then posted to the student’s account and tuition is deducted prior to the student receiving their financial aid refund check.
How can I make payments toward my accrued interest while I’m in school?
The Department of Education will assign your loans to a servicer who will handle the billing and other services. It is recommended that you create an online account through your servicer’s webpage in order to facilitate loan payments. The loan servicer will contact you and provide updates and reminders regarding your federal student loans.
When should I consolidate my student loans?
The ideal time to consolidate is at the time of repayment. Consolidation is an option; however, once the borrower consolidates repayment begins immediately.
Financial Aid for International Students
Information regarding international students can be found here.
We are here to offer assistance to our students and alumni about repayment options. Before your loans enter repayment, consider the following repayment plans and reach out if you have any questions.
Standard Repayment Plan
Each monthly payment is the same amount throughout the repayment period. The repayment plan is up to 10 years and the amount may be adjusted if there are changes in the variable interest rate.
Graduated Repayment Plan
The monthly payment amount generally starts lower and increases at scheduled times throughout the repayment period. An interest only payment for the first two to four years and it usually takes up to 10 years to repay.
Extended Repayment Plan
Certain borrowers with more than $30,000 in outstanding principal and interest may repay over a period not to exceed 25 years.
Income-Based Repayment Plan (IBR)
The monthly payment amount is adjusted annually based on your income, family size, and federal student loan debt. Monthly payments will be based on 15 percent of your discretionary income. Any outstanding principal and interest owed after 25 years of qualifying payment will be forgiven; however, you may have to pay income tax on any amount forgiven.
Revised Pay As You Earn Repayment Plan (REPAYE)
The monthly payment amount is adjusted annually based on your income, family size and federal student loan debt. Direct loans ONLY are applicable. Monthly payments will be based on 10 percent of your discretionary income. Any outstanding principal and interest owed after 20 or 25 years of qualifying payments will be forgiven. If married, both you and your spouse will be considered whether you file jointly or separately.
*Federal Student Aid offers the Loan Simulator to assist you with selecting the repayment plan that fits your financial needs.
Understanding Deferments & Forbearances
If you have difficulty making your payments contact your lender, holder or servicer immediately to determine if you qualify for either a deferment or forbearance.
Deferment
Deferments are a period of time during which a lender temporarily postpones regular payments. Deferments are considered an entitlement, meaning your lender must grant them if you qualify. It is your responsibility to request a deferment from your lender and provide the necessary documentation for eligibility. If you have been given a deferment, the federal government will pay the interest that accrues on your Subsidized Stafford Loan; however, you will be responsible to pay the interest accruing on the loan.
Forbearance
A lender temporarily reduces, extends, or postpones regular loan payments. Forbearances are usually granted if medical or dental interns enroll in an internship and have exhausted their deferment eligibility if the borrower is serving in a national service position under the National and Community Service Trust Act of 1993; and if annual debt equals or exceeds 20% of a borrower’s disposable income. The federal government does not pay the interest accrued on the Subsidized Stafford Loan. You are responsible for interest and principal amount on both the Subsidized and Unsubsidized Stafford Loans.
Delinquency Through Default
Delinquency occurs when a borrower fails to make monthly payments on time; the student is considered delinquent when missing one payment. History of payments is reflected on a borrower’s credit report and will be reported to the National Credit Bureau. If no payments are made from Day 1 to Day 270, the lender may submit a claim to the guarantor which takes 90 days to process the claim; there are 360 days of period of default.
Consequences Of A Borrower In Default:
ND students qualify for up to $40,500 for a three-quarter academic year. The interest rate is a fixed 7.05 percent guaranteed after July 1, 2023. The origination fee is 1.057 percent, effective October 1, 2023. Interest accrues while students are enrolled; however, students may choose to have the interest capitalize at the time of repayment or may choose to make interest-only payments while in school. Direct Unsubsidized Loan aggregate limit may not exceed $224,000.
ND students may borrow Graduate PLUS loans to pay for their education; students may borrow up to the cost of attendance. Graduate PLUS loans have a fixed interest rate of 8.05 percent guaranteed after July 1, 2023. The origination fee is 4.228 percent, effective October 1, 2023. Graduate PLUS loans do not have annual or aggregate borrowing limits. Graduate PLUS loans require a credit check.
ND students may borrow private educational loans to pay for their education; students may borrow up to the cost of attendance. Private educational loans may have a fixed or variable interest rate, it is the student’s responsibility to seek the lender of their choice and apply for the private educational loan. Private educational loans will require a credit check.
Graduate students qualify for up to $20,500 for a three-quarter academic year. The interest rate is a fixed 7.05 percent guaranteed after July 1, 2023. The origination fee is 1.057 percent, effective October 1, 2021. Interest accrues while students are enrolled; however, students may choose to have the interest capitalized at the time of repayment or may choose to make interest-only payments while in school. Direct Unsubsidized Loan aggregate limit may not exceed $138,500.
Graduate students may borrow Graduate PLUS loans to pay for their education; students may borrow up to the cost of attendance. Graduate PLUS loans have a fixed interest rate of 8.05 percent guaranteed after July 1, 2023. The origination fee is 4.228 percent, effective October 1, 2021. Graduate PLUS loans do not have annual or aggregate borrowing limits. Graduate PLUS loans require a credit check.
Graduate students may borrow private educational loans to pay for their education; students may borrow up to the cost of attendance. Private educational loans may have a fixed or variable interest rate, it is the student’s responsibility to seek the lender of their choice and apply for the private educational loan. Private educational loans will require a credit check.
Sonoran recognizes the importance of balance between school and personal activities, therefore, while we do not recommend students working 10 hours or more a week while enrolled, most students will create a work schedule that meets their needs. Student employment can support academic performance and demonstrate the ability to succeed in a professional setting.
Sonoran students can work on campus while enrolled in degree-granting program, registered at least half-time, demonstrate Satisfactory Academic Progress and be able to present original identification that satisfies the requirements of Form I-9. Sonoran offers the following opportunities to all eligible enrolled students.
Federal Work Study – Title IV Program
Contact the Sonoran Financial Aid Office at 480-222-9202 or finaid@sonoran.edu for more information
Student Part-Time Employment
Contact the Sonoran Human Resources Office at 480-858-9100 or hr@sonoran.edu for more information
Sonoran’s ND and MS programs are an approved program of study by the Arizona State Approving Agency for students eligible to receive VA benefits. Eligibility for VA benefits is determined by the appropriate VA benefits office. Students must contact the VA office and complete required approval forms to determine eligibility. After the student has completed the process, he/she must supply Sonoran with current proof of benefit eligibility (Statement of Benefits or Certificate of Eligibility).
VA benefits are not considered Estimated Financial Assistance when determining eligibility for Federal Direct Loans. Veterans must continue to achieve Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) towards their educational program(s) each quarter in order to remain eligible for benefits. Sonoran must report to the VA office if a student is not meeting SAP or if there is a change in enrollment status.
If you served on active duty, you might be eligible for education benefits offered by the Department of Veterans Affairs. For example, the Post 9/11 GI Bill® provides financial support for educational and housing expenses to individuals with at least 90 days of aggregate service after September 10, 2001, or individuals discharged with a service connected disability after 30 days. You must have received an honorable discharge to be eligible for the Post 9/11 GI Bill®.
If you are the spouse or child of a service member, you may be eligible for transfer of the service member’s Post 9/11 GI Bill® benefits to you.
Sonoran University is an approved participant in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Yellow Ribbon program, individuals who qualify for the post-9/11 GI Bill® may be eligible for additional funding to help them achieve their educational goal.
The Yellow Ribbon GI Education Enhancement Program (Yellow Ribbon Program) is a provision of the Post-9/11 GI Bill® that allows veterans to attend private schools and graduate programs costing more than the state tuition cap. Under the program, Sonoran offers a veterans-only scholarship which the VA will then match. This benefit is offered to a limited number of students on a first come, first-served basis. Veterans should contact the Registrar’s Office for further inquiry of benefits and submission of the Yellow Ribbon Program Application.
Sonoran University has agreed to comply with the Principles of Excellence as issued in Executive Order 13607 and signed on 4/27/2012.
Should you have questions, contact the Sonoran Veterans Affairs Office at VeteransAffairs@sonoran.edu.
VA Office Contact Information:
Out-of-state students, please contact your VA regional office in your area. In-state students, please contact the Muskogee office at 1.888.442.4551 or via email at musropco@vba.va.gov. For GI Bill® benefits, please log onto www.gibill.va.gov; all other inquiries log onto www.va.gov.
This scholarship award for new Sonoran ND students is based on academic excellence. Academic excellence is determined and based on cumulative grade point average (GPA) for all post-secondary coursework, prerequisite GPA, and undergraduate major. The awards range from $4,500-$6,000, which will be credited to the recipient’s tuition during the student’s first two quarters. Scholarship application is not required; however, we do encourage applying for early admissions to the ND program.
This scholarship award for new Sonoran ND students is based on an essay component. Recipients must submit a brief essay describing how the principle of Tolle Totum serves them as a future practitioner of naturopathic medicine. The awards average $9,000, which will be credited to the recipient’s tuition during their first two quarters.
The “We Achieve Excellence” scholarship award is for future leaders who continue to push boundaries through innovation and persistence, celebrating accomplishments, and recognizing the humility and gratitude that continues to drive your goals forward. Multiple “We Achieve Excellence” scholarships are available. Each award of $3,000 will be credited to each recipient’s tuition during their first two quarters.
Scholarship opportunities are now available. To learn more about the application process and requirements, please contact your Admissions Representative.
The “We Love” scholarship award is for future leaders who serve individuals, communities, and humanity by demonstrating kindness, respect, and understanding. Multiple “We Love” scholarships are available. Each award of $3,000 will be credited to each recipient’s tuition during their first two quarters.
Scholarship opportunities are now available. To learn more about the application process and requirements, please contact your Admissions Representative.
Dr. Debi Smolinski received her Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine degree from Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine & Health Sciences in 1997, after which she completed a two-year residency. During her time, Dr. Smolinski profoundly served the College, the Phoenix and Tempe communities, and the naturopathic profession. She developed the Women’s Medicine Program expanding and enhancing patient care and clinical education. Together with her husband Dr. Daniel Rubin, Dr. Smolinski created Naturopathic Specialists the first naturopathic practice invited to join the Honor Health’s Scottsdale campus. Dr. Smolinski served on the Board of Trustees, chairing the Board and helping transform the Tempe Campus with construction of the Community Commons. Dr. Smolinski has been recognized through Alumni Awards for her outstanding contributions and commitment to patients, students, and the community.
Recipients must submit a brief essay describing the contributions they have made within their community and how these contributions have shaped their educational career. A single award of $3,000 will be credited to the recipient’s tuition during their first two quarters.
The “We Achieve Excellence” scholarship award is for future leaders who continue to push boundaries through innovation and persistence, celebrating accomplishments, and recognizing the humility and gratitude that continues to drive your goals forward. Multiple “We Achieve Excellence” scholarships are available. Each award of $3,000 will be credited to each recipient’s tuition during their first two quarters.
Scholarship opportunities are now available. To learn more about the application process and requirements, please contact your Enrollment Coach.
The “We are Resilient” scholarship award is for those who believe in never giving up, finding solutions through tenacity, and who have faced and overcome many obstacles in pursuing their educational goals. Multiple “We are Resilient” scholarships are available. Each award of $3,000 will be credited to each recipient’s tuition during their first two quarters.
Scholarship opportunities are now available. To learn more about the application process and requirements, please contact your Enrollment Coach.
Sonoran University is honored and grateful to receive contributions for our Endowed Scholarship Program and General Scholarship Fund Program. The generosity and commitment of our supporters allows for the continued support of our student’s education and professional development.
Learn More about Sonoran’s Endowed Scholarship Program and General Scholarship Fund Program.
$5,000 in scholarship awards is to be given to students enrolled in CNME-accredited naturopathic programs. Scholarships will be accepted in one of two categories which include: Research Review and Case Study, these must be co-written or supervised by a licensed ND. Entries for both categories are due annually in December.
For more information, click here.
Sonoran University will announce scholarship opportunities as they become available.
Incoming students are eligible to receive only one Sonoran University scholarship award per calendar year, although you may apply for multiple awards.
Scholarship awards are credited to the recipient’s tuition and fees during their first two quarters.
Please contact the Financial Aid Office at finaid@sonoran.edu or call us at 480-222-9202 for more information.