HPU OTD | Tuition and Financial Resources

Tuition and Financial Resources

Tuition And Fees

Information about tuition and fees can be found on HPUʻs Cost of Attendance for Doctorate of Occupational Therapy - LV.

Travel costs are the responsibility of the student and varies depending on transportation, lodging type, and food arrangements. The student will be required to travel to the Honolulu campus six times during the first year and once during the final year of the curriculum.

Financial Information and Resources

College of Graduate and Continuing Health Studies (GCHS) — Doctor of Physical Therapy & Doctor of Occupational Therapy Programs

Information current as of June 30, 2026. Several provisions of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (Public Law 119‑ 21) are still being implemented and clarified by the U.S. Department of Education; details below may be updated as official guidance is finalized. For the most current information, start at studentaid.gov and confirm program‑specific details with the HPU Financial Aid Office.

Getting Started: Applying For & Receiving Your Aid

When will my financial aid package be available?

Packages begin once:

  • Your FAFSA has been received by HPU
  • You have submitted any verification documents requested by HPU
  • You have responded to your financial aid award letter in your myHPU email account
  • Packaging for your program start date has opened (typically late fall)

How will I know what my financial aid package might look like?

Use the Federal Student Aid Estimator tool on the FAFSA website at studentaid.gov/aid-estimator.

What is the Cost of Attendance (COA)?

COA includes tuition, fees, books, supplies, technology, housing, food, transportation, and personal expenses. Financial aid cannot exceed COA. More information about the cost of attendance can be found on HPU’s Cost of Attendance page.

Can I borrow loans to cover housing and living expenses?

Yes. These are included in the COA.

What happens if my FAFSA is flagged for verification?

You may need to submit tax forms, identity documents, or household verification. Aid cannot be processed until verification is completed.

Does residency status impact financial aid?

No. Graduate tuition at HPU is program‑based and not dependent on your official state residency.

How do I accept my federal loans?

Complete the following at studentaid.gov:

  • FAFSA
  • Master Promissory Note
  • Entrance Counseling
  • Grad PLUS application, if applicable

Then accept your federal loan(s):

  • You can accept your Direct Unsubsidized Loan yourself in your myHPU portal.
  • You cannot accept a Grad PLUS loan yourself; our office will accept it on your behalf once it has been processed.

How do I check my loans and remaining eligibility?

Log in to studentaid.gov to review your loan history, servicer details, and remaining federal borrowing limits. You can also check the status of your loan in your myHPU portal.

When do loan funds disburse?

If all requirements are met, disbursements will occur during the first week of class. Funds pay HPU charges first; any excess refund is issued by the Business Office within 14 days. Direct deposit is recommended. Get more information on eRefunds here.

What’s Changing: Federal Loan Limits & Grad PLUS

The questions in this section summarize provisions of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (Public Law 119‑21). Implementation guidance from the Department of Education is ongoing. Always confirm specifics with our office or studentaid.gov before making borrowing decisions.

What is changing for graduate student borrowing, and when?

Starting July 1, 2026, there are new annual and aggregate caps on what graduate and professional students can borrow in Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans, and federal Grad PLUS loans will no longer be available for graduate or professional students for periods of instruction beginning on or after July 1, 2026 (with limited grandfathering (Legacy) rules for some current borrowers. See below). For the most up to date information please visit HPU’s Financial Aid page, What's New?

What federal loan types are currently available to graduate students?

  • Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan: annual limit $20,500 for most graduate students (higher for professional programs. See below). Interest begins accruing upon disbursement and compounds quarterly.
  • Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan: historically covered the remaining cost of attendance after other aid, subject to a credit check. As of July 1, 2026, Grad PLUS is no longer available to students beginning a new period of instruction, except for students who qualify as legacy (see below).

What is the difference between a “graduate student” and a “professional student” under the new rules?

The law distinguishes between (1) graduate students in programs that award a graduate credential other than a professional degree, and (2) professional students in programs that award a “professional degree.” The definition of “professional degree” is tied to federal regulation (34 CFR 668.2) as it existed on July 4, 2025, and the Department is continuing implementation work and clarifications.

How do I know if my program counts as “professional” for the higher loan limits?

Ask our office how your specific program is classified for federal loan purposes. The statute ties “professional degree” to an existing federal definition, and there has been ongoing federal discussion about exactly which fields and programs qualify under implementation guidance. You can also review Public Law 119‑21 directly.

What are the new annual loan limits?

  • Graduate (non‑professional) students: up to $20,500 per academic year in Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans, unless currently in a grandfathered program.
  • Professional students: up to $50,000 per academic year in Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans.

What are the new lifetime (program‑level) caps?

  • Graduate (non‑professional) students: $100,000 maximum aggregate in Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans, beyond what was borrowed for undergraduate education.
  • Professional students: $200,000 maximum aggregate, beyond undergraduate borrowing, with an adjustment if you’ve borrowed under both categories.

Adjustment example: If you borrow $60,000 as a non‑professional graduate student and later become a professional student, your remaining professional aggregate is generally $200,000 minus $60,000 (and the reverse is also true).

Is Grad PLUS really going away, and does legacy apply to me?

  • For periods of instruction beginning on or after July 1, 2026, graduate and professional students are not eligible for Federal Direct PLUS Loans unless they have previously borrowed and are still within the original published program length.
  • If you already had a Grad PLUS loan and were continuously enrolled in the same program before July 1, 2026, federal guidance suggests you may be able to continue accessing Grad PLUS for up to three additional years or until you finish that program, whichever comes first. However, you must be within the original published program length. For example if your program should be completed within 2 years and you do not finish within those 2 years, any enrollment outside of that period would not qualify for Grad Plus.
  • Legacy status does not carry over to a new program: if you start a new program after July 1, 2026, Grad PLUS will not be available, even if you used it in a prior degree.

Because legacy depends on your specific enrollment history, confirm your eligibility with our office before assuming Grad PLUS is or isn’t available to you. There is no published minimum credit score for Grad PLUS, but applicants must not have an adverse credit history (e.g., bankruptcy, collections, or federal loan default).

Are there other aid options available to help cover costs?

Yes, if additional funding is needed, you can apply for alternative/private loans. These loans are contingent upon credit approval. Please visit HPU’s Financial Aid page and compare lenders on FastChoice . 

Is there an overall lifetime cap across all federal loans?

Yes. Beginning July 1, 2026, the lifetime maximum aggregate a student may borrow under federal student loan programs (with specific exclusions, like Parent PLUS borrowed as a parent) is $257,500, calculated without regard to amounts repaid, forgiven, canceled, or discharged. Paying loans down does not “refresh” the lifetime cap. This sits above the $100,000/$200,000 program‑level caps as an overall ceiling; you can hit either type of cap depending on what you’ve borrowed over time.

Repayment

What repayment plans will be available for new borrowers?

For borrowers of new loans, the framework moves toward two main options: a new Standard Repayment structure and the Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP).

What is the new Standard Repayment term structure?

The standard repayment term is based on your total outstanding principle:

  • Under $25,000: 10 years
  • $25,000 to under $50,000: 15 years
  • $50,000 to under $100,000: 20 years
  • $100,000 or more: 25 years

What is RAP (Repayment Assistance Plan)?

RAP is a new income‑based repayment option created under the law, intended to be available no later than July 1, 2026. Exact payment formulas and how RAP applies across different loan cohorts are still being implemented through Department guidance and rulemaking.

If I’m pursuing Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF), will RAP payments count?

Yes, payments made under RAP can count toward PSLF if you meet all other PSLF requirements. Confirm specifics with your loan servicer.

Do the longer Standard plans (15/20/25 years) count for PSLF?

Qualifying PSLF repayment plans include Income‑Driven Repayment (IDR) plans and the 10‑year Standard Repayment Plan. If your standard term is longer than 10 years, assume it may not qualify the same way, and confirm your best path with Federal Student Aid or your servicer.

Scholarships & Other Funding Sources

Are scholarships available?

HPU does not offer internal or merit‑based scholarships for GCHS programs. However, several external scholarships are available, including:

  • American Physical Therapy Association
  • American Occupational Therapy Association
  • American Academy of Physician Associates
  • Other professional organization scholarships, as applicable
  • Community and workforce awards
  • Independent scholarship‑search services such as the Federal Student Aid scholarship search tool

Can I use GI Bill® benefits?

Yes. Contact our Military & Veterans Center for certification and benefit processing at (808) 356-5222 or va@hpu.edu.

What if my tuition and living costs are higher than the federal annual cap?

If the federal annual limit does not cover your total cost of attendance, you will likely be looking at a mix of:

  • Savings or payment plans
  • Private/alternative loans: if you need help finding a lender, visit the financial aid page on our website, which links to FastChoice, a loan‑comparison tool.

Private loans are not federal loans, so they carry different terms, protections, and repayment options.

Resources & Contacts

Who do I contact for financial aid help?

HPU Financial Aid Office

hpu.edu/financial-aid

Email: financialaid@hpu.edu Phone: (808) 544-0253

Appointment scheduling is available on the HPU Financial Aid website.

What should I do now to prepare for Fall 2026?

  • Complete the 2026‑2027 FAFSA
  • Set up your studentaid.gov account
  • Budget for early program expenses
  • Confirm technology and course requirements
  • Watch for emails from Financial Aid and your program

Where should I go for the most current official updates?

Start with Federal Student Aid at studentaid.gov, then confirm program‑specific details with the HPU Financial Aid Office. Implementation updates from the U.S. Department of Education continue to be issued, since parts of how these provisions operate are still being finalized.

Program‑Specific Resources

Physical Therapy:

Occupational Therapy:

General:

Additional Resources

Scholarships

AMBUCS Scholarship Program

Amount: $500 - $6,000

Deadline: May

Requirements: Essay, Transcripts

Method of Submission: Online

Eligibility: Students must be US citizens accepted in a graduate-level program that is accredited by the appropriate therapy profession authority in physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech language pathology, or hearing audiology. Assistant or undergraduate programs are not eligible. Awards are based on financial need, commitment to local community, character for compassion and integrity, and career objectives.

Contact Information: (808) 838-1845, ambucs@ambucs.org

 

 

American Association of University Women—Career Development Grants

Amount: $8,000

Deadline: October

Requirements: Proof of degree, transcripts, proof of underrepresentation, proof of accreditation

Method of Submission: Online

Eligibility: These grants are open to women who: are U.S. citizens or permanent residents, have a bachelors degree, earned their bachelors on or before June 30, 2015, do not have a masters or doctoral degree, and plan to enroll in professional employment or advancement courses. As well as plan to enroll in a bachelors or associate with a different field of study from the earned degree, masters degree program, certification program, or technical school. These programs can be within fields of education; health and medical sciences; science, technology, engineering, and math; or social sciences. 

Contact Information: aauw@applyists.com, (202) 785-7700

 

DAR Occupational/Physical Therapy Scholarship

Amount: $1,000

Deadline: November

Requirements: Not Specified

Method of Submission: Online

Eligibility: Applicants must be U.S. citizens and plan to attend or currently attend an accredited college or university in the United States. Awards are based on academic excellence, commitment to the field of study, financial need, and other scholarship-specific criteria.

Contact Information: scholarships@nsdar.org

HIE Help Center Scholarship

Amount: $1,000

Deadline: July

Requirements: Essay, Transcripts

Method of Submission: Online

Eligibility: Applicants must not be a past, present, or future client of ABC Law Centers (the firm sponsoring the HIE Help Center). Applicants must be seeking or currently completing higher education at an institution in the United States as an undergraduate or graduate student in physical therapy, occupational therapy, or speech therapy. High school seniors may also apply if they have already determined which college or university they will attend. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0.

Contact Information: HIE Help Center, Owned by ABC Law Centers & Jesse Reiter, 122 Concord Rd, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304, community@hiehelpcenter.org

AMN Healthcare Care Champions Scholarship Program

Amount: $5,000

Deadline: November

Requirements: Essay

Method of Submission: Online

Eligibility: Open to U.S. citizens age 21 or older who reside in the United States and are currently enrolled in a graduate program in Speech-Language Pathology, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, or School Psychology. Awards are based on academic excellence, potential for success, creativity, passion, and quality of essay response.

Contact Information: (800) 788-4815

 

Becky Burrows Memorial Scholarship Fund

Amount: $2,000

Deadline: March

Requirements: Essay, Transcripts, Recommendations

Method of Submission: Email

Eligibility: Available to second-career students or students furthering their professional education, such as OTA to OTD students. The scholarship supports students focused on brain health or helping families in need.

Contact Information: piffscholarships@pilothq.org

 

Marie Newton Sepia Memorial Scholarship

Amount: $2,000

Deadline: March

Requirements: Essay, Transcripts, Recommendations

Method of Submission: Email

Eligibility: Available to graduate students interested in working with pediatric populations following graduation. Applicants must submit an application, transcript, essay, and letters of recommendation.

Contact Information: piffscholarships@pilothq.org

 

Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation

Amount: Up to $30,000

Deadline: February

Requirements: Essay, Transcripts, Recommendations

Method of Submission: Online

Eligibility: Available to students pursuing careers in public service. This highly competitive scholarship awards approximately 55–64 students annually. Recipients are required to submit annual reports and attend Truman Scholars Leadership Week.

Contact Information: (202) 395-4831

American Occupational Therapy Foundation Scholarships

Amount: Varied

Deadline: October

Requirements: Essay, Resume

Method of Submission: Online

Eligibility: One application is used to determine eligibility for multiple national and state occupational therapy scholarships. The scholarship committee matches applicants to eligible awards.

Contact Information: (240) 292-1077, scholarships@aotf.org

 

First Gen Scholarship Directory

Amount: Varied

Deadline: Varied

Requirements: Varies by Scholarship

Method of Submission: Varies

Eligibility: Directory of nationwide scholarships available to first-generation college students. Applicants should carefully review each scholarship's individual eligibility requirements.