Payment Options

Planning is key to financing your education. To assist our students, we offer several options to pay for tuition:

  • Short Term Payment Plan
  • Sallie Mae private loans
  • CDU accepts Federal Financial Aid.  Students who wish to participate should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).  Only students who have completed all admissions requirements for the  AA, BA, or MA programs are eligible to apply for financial aid.
  • Financial Aid Deadlines: Students may apply for federal financial aid at any point prior to or during the term in which the aid is requested, so long as processing is completed prior to term end date. CDU encourages students to submit their FAFSA as soon as possible so they are aware of their available aid and financial obligations as quickly as possible. For the purposes of institutional aid, students must apply for aid by term start date. Institutional aid is processed on a first come, first served basis until annual funding is exhausted.

Also, don’t forget that certain tax credits may be available to students.

Contact our Bursar at 1.888.254.4238 ext. 708 or bursar@cdu.edu to learn more about the options available to pay for your education.

*Detailed cost of attendance budgets can be found here.

Scholarships, Grants and Other Free Sources

Many companies offer tuition reimbursement programs to assist employees and their families, and a number of Catholic parishes and dioceses offer tuition assistance.  In addition, we partner with several Catholic dioceses to make scholarships available. Contact your local Catholic parish or diocese  to inquire about tuition assistance that may be available to adults studying at CDU. To serve current military personnel, families, and veterans, CDU participates in tuition assistance for all U.S. military services and the VA G.I Bill ®. For more information, visit our Military Assistance page.

Here are a few suggestions to learn more about possible options for financing your education:

Church Ministry Grant

The Church Ministry Grant is an institutional grant available to current undergraduate and graduate students accepted into an academic degree or certificate program who are actively working or volunteering in church ministry in their parishes or dioceses. Click here for details.

To apply, applicants must complete and submit an application and have a church or diocesan employee submit a brief letter on official letterhead or an email from the institutional account to the registrar at registrar@cdu.edu that attests to your active work in ministry in an ecclesial setting. Members of religious communities are welcome to apply.

Sallie Mae Private Loans

While it is wise to borrow only when necessary, a loan from a private lender may be the best answer when searching for ways to finance your education. CDU’s status as a Title IV school allows graduate and undergraduate program students to borrow at very competitive interest rates. Sallie Mae’s online application is quick and easy; many students receive loans within a few days.

Log on to www.SallieMae.com/student-loans to learn more about the Signature Student Loan and to start the application process. After completing the online application, Sallie Mae will process your loan, obtain school certification, and distribute loan proceeds to the financial aid office. Applications can also be requested by phone.

Tax Credits for Students

The Secretary of Education has determined that Catholic Distance University is an eligible institution under The Higher Education Act of 1965. This recognition allows students to consider deferment of certain federal student loans and possible tax credits for tuition payments. These tax credits can provide dollar-to-dollar reductions in your final tax liability.

  • The Lifetime Learning Credit: Please consult your tax advisor for your eligibility to claim the credit.
  • The American Opportunity Credit: Please consult your tax advisor for your eligibility to claim the credit.
  • Status as a Title IV school also offers some students the option to defer federal education loan payments. A deferment is a period of time during which no payments are required and interest may not accrue. Students who are at least half-time (as defined by the U.S. Department of Education) are eligible to apply for deferments. Requests for deferments must be certified by CDU and approved by the lender.

Students are encouraged to visit the IRS web site at https://www.irs.gov and talk to their accountant to learn more about possible tax credits.

529 Plans

A 529 plan is a tax-advantaged savings plan designed to encourage saving for future college costs. 529 plans, legally known as “qualified tuition plans,” are sponsored by states, state agencies, or educational institutions and are authorized by Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code.

As a Title IV eligible institution, CDU is able to accept funds from 529 plans. If you run into difficulty using your 529 funds to pay for your CDU education, please contact the Bursar’s Office ( bursar@cdu.edu) for help.