There are two steps to apply for financial aid for Class 184 starting October 2, 2023:
1) Complete the 2023-2024 FAFSA at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa . The Dept. of Education will electronically send CSPN a copy in about 3 business days — as long as you remember to add our school to your FASFA. Our OPE ID (School ID code) is 012248.
NOTE: You only need to complete one FAFSA (2023-2024) for the fall class (Class 184)
PLEASE DOWNLOAD EITHER THE INDEPENDENT OR THE DEPENDENT PACKET BELOW AND PRINT, COMPLETE AND RETURN THE COVER AND SCHOLARSHIP PAGES. REMIT IT TO CSPN AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. DO NOT EMAIL PICTURES OF THE COMPLETED PAGES. ONLY ORIGINALS ANF .PDFS WILL BE ACCEPTED.
ALSO PLEASE NOTE THAT YOUR INITIAL AWARD OFFER WILL ASSUME YOU WANT THE MAXIMUM DIRECT LOAN AVAILABLE TO YOU. YOU ARE NOT LOCKED IN TO THAT AMOUNT. YOU WILL STILL HAVE THE ABILITY TO DENY IT OR CHANGE IT TO AN AMOUNT YOU ARE COMFORTABLE WITH.
Complete either the Independent Verification Packet or the Dependent Verification Packet Your FAFSA should have told you if you are an Independent or a Dependent student. The completed Verification Packet should be returned to CSPN as soon as possible. You can mail it, drop it off in person (call first!) or email it to the email address below.
Please download these helpful instructions to assist you with applying here.
Note: Your FAFSA account and/or your Student Aid Report (SAR) should have told you if you are an Independent or a Dependent student for Financial Aid Purposes. If you are still unsure, complete the Independent Verification Packet unless you were born after 12/31/1999, you are unmarried and you have no children – then complete the Dependent Verification Packet. Note: in some cases, the Financial Aid Office may determine after a review that you need to complete the Dependent packet, but this is rare.
The financial aid office is available by appointment. Please email the Financial Aid Office.
The following financial aid is available for those who qualify:
- Pell Grants
- Federal Direct Loans
- Scholarships
- All Cuyahoga County residents who apply will qualify for a minimum scholarship of $1500.
- U.S. Department of Education Codes
- 012248
- CIP (identifies LPN program) 51.3901
NEW!! Tuition Assistance Program
CSPN is proud to announce its Tuition Assistance Program, which will be available to new students enrolled in the Fall 2021, Spring 2022, Fall 2022, Spring 2023 and finally Fall 2023 classes.
The Tuition Assistance Program will ONLY be available for the first half of Class 184 before it ends entirely. HEERF funds will expire on 12/31/2023.
CSPN is able to offer this program thanks to funds granted to the school by the Department of Education via the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF), as authorized by the American Rescue Plan (ARP) and the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and. Economic Security Act (CAREs Act).
CSPN is known for offering one of the most cost friendly LPN programs in Northeast Ohio. As a result, CSPN has been able to offer full tuition assistance to its students (for the past decade) via the financial aid program(s) the school makes available. Each student’s individual financial aid depends on his/her personal and financial situation. However, it is not uncommon for our students to qualify for enough financial aid to cover their tuition and possibly still have a credit available for other school expenses.
What is new about this Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) is that students may still have their tuition and fees covered even if they do not qualify for the maximum traditional financial aid offered by CSPN: 1) Pell Grant, 2) Direct Loans and 3) The John Huntington Fund for Education scholarship. The TAP helps bridge the gap in tuition that may not be covered by the three types of financial aid listed above.
Students in the Fall 2021 class (Class 180) will need to complete the 2021-2022 FAFSA and the Class Verification Packet, in order to be eligible for this program.
Students in the Spring 2022 (Class 181) will need to complete both the 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 FAFSAs as well as the Class Verification Packet to be eligible for this program.
Students in the Fall 2022 (Class 182) will need to complete 2022-2023 FAFSA as well as the Scholarship page of the Class Verification Packet to be eligible for this program.
Students in the Spring 2023 (Class 183) will need to complete 2022-2023 and the 2023-2024 FAFSAs as well as the Scholarship page of the Class Verification Packet to be eligible for this program.
Students in the Fall 2023 class (Class 184) will need to complete the 2023-2024 FAFSA and the Verification Packet, in order to be eligible for this program.
No other application will be needed. CSPN will determine if and how much Tuition Assistance you qualify for during the normal verification and awarding processes.
It has never been more affordable to attend CSPN. However, funds and time are limited, so do not wait!
Pell Grants
The Pell Grant is a Federal award that does not have to be repaid and ranges from $0 to $7,395.00
To apply, the student must complete a Free Application For Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online.
Apply NowFederal Direct Loans
This is a loan you must repay that comes in two ways: subsidized and unsubsidized. A subsidized loan means you will not be charged interest on your loan while you are in school. An unsubsidized loan means interest will be charged while you are in school.
Subsidized loans are available for up to $3,500 if you qualify. An additional $6,000 in unsubsidized loans may be available as well. These loans are not subject to credit approval and are available to most students regardless of credit history. Instructions for filing are in the Student Financial Packet that you receive at the information session.
- Apply for a Direct Loan.
- Use your FSA user ID and password.
- Please complete 1) the Entrance Counseling, 2) sign the Master Promissory Note (MPN) and 3) complete the Informed Borrower form for the 2023-2024 Award Year. You can do this by visiting https://studentaid.gov and logging in with your FSA (FAFSA) User ID and password.
- After you are instructed, you can complete your “Exit Counseling”.
Other Student Loans
Other student loans may also be available to you. The loan limit is individually based, and the interest rate is usually much higher than a Direct Loan. For this loan, you need to have good credit or a co-signer with good credit. You will need to contact different banks to see who offers these loans. Wells-Fargo has two alternative student loan programs, and PNC Bank, and Charter One Bank have loans available as well. Another loan program is through Campus Door. Check with local agencies to see what would offer you the best loan package. CSPN has no relationship with, nor does it endorse any bank mentioned here. The banks listed here are suggestions for your convenience.
Scholarships
The School Scholarship is offered to all Cuyahoga County residents thanks to the generosity of the John Huntington Fund for Education. All applicants who reside in Cuyahoga County and apply for a scholarship will receive at least $1,500. This scholarship can only be used for tuition at CSPN and is non-transferable.
Search ScholarshipsApproved for the Training of Veterans
View our return to Title IV Policy.
Open Our Gainful Employment Disclosure
Visit O-NET Code Connector: Occupation – Licensed Practical Nurse
(Provided as required by the final regulations 668.6 (b), published in the Federal Register.)
Request Financial Assistance
If you are in need financial aid, speak with someone in our financial aid office to discuss your options.
Request AssistanceHEERF (Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds) Student Emergency Fund
Through the American Rescue Plan Act, CSPN has been awarded additional funds by the U.S. Department of Education to make emergency financial aid awards to assist students impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic to continue their education.
Central School of Practical Nursing Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) student emergency financial aid awards are prioritized for CSPN students with exceptional financial need to cover costs, such as tuition and fees, food assistance, housing assistance, health care (including mental health care) emergencies, childcare emergencies and other educational related expenses as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. As funds remain available, eligible students may be awarded through December 31, 2023.
Eligible students must:
- Be enrolled currently at CSPN. This Fund will not extend beyond December 31, 2023.
- Demonstrate exceptional need or emergency financial circumstance related to COVID-19
- See our below for our HEERF Student Emergency Fund FAQs for details
Examples of emergency financial need or emergency expenses due to COVID-19 pandemic include, but are not limited to:
- Tuition assistance
- Educational Supplies assistance
- Food assistance
- Housing assistance
- Child care emergencies
- Health emergencies
- Technology and equipment needs
- Loss of employment
- Reduced income
If your financial situation has changed due to a change of income or loss of employment during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Financial Aid Department can help you update your FAFSA and make a professional judgement that may improve your financial aid eligibility.
Students who have provided documentation for emergency expenses or disruptions related to the COVID-19 pandemic may be eligible for funds up to $2,500 for classes 180 and 181 and $2,000 for class 182. The reduction starting with class 182 is due to fund availability Applications will be available to students beginning Thursday, August 12, 2021. Classes 183 and 184 may now be entitled to an increased grant or grants dues to enrollment levels and the extended expiration date of 12/31/2023.
Applying for CSPN HEERF Student Emergency Fund
- The HEERF Student Emergency Fund Application application is open for CSPN students who are enrolled starting with the Fall 2021 class (Class 180). Apply Here
- Students can choose to receive funds directly by check via USPS mail, or have the funds applied to their student invoices to help pay tuition and fees. Any remaining balance after charges are paid will be refunded to the student.
- Students who have already received HEERF Student Emergency fund for the current payment period are NOT eligible to reapply for the fund in the same payment period.
HEERF Disbursement/Refund Process
All approved HEERF applications for the Fall 2021 class (class 180), the Spring 2022 class (class 181) the Fall 2022 class (class 182), the Spring 2023 class (class 183) and the Fall 2023 class (class 184) will be distributed to students no earlier than after the third full week of start of the program
Important Note: Disbursement dates are determined at the time the HEERF application was reviewed. Please review our HEERF Student Emergency Fund FAQs below for additional information on HEERF disbursement timing.
Application Status Notification
Students will receive notification of their Application Status in the following ways:
-
- By receipt of the funds in check form mailed to their home or
- As a credit on their student invoice or
- In a letter mailed to their home.
Please allow 5-7 business days to process after submission of your application before inquiring as to the status.
The Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) for Students Frequently Asked Questions (Fall 2021, Spring 2022, Fall 2022 Spring 2023 and Fall 2023)
- What is the HEERF Student Emergency Fund?
The HEERF Student Emergency Fund for students is from the latest Federal Stimulus package – The American Rescue Plan, passed March 11, 2021 by Congress. The funds are made available to colleges and universities with a portion set aside for additional student emergency financial grants.
- Do I have to complete a FAFSA to be eligible for the HEERF Student Emergency Funds?
No. Students do not have to have a FAFSA one file, but are highly encouraged to do so, especially If your financial situation has changed due to a change of income or loss of employment during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Is there a limit of Emergency Aid that I can receive for the year?
The maximum award for Fall 2021 class (Class 180) and Spring Class (Class 181) is up to $2,500. For Classes 182 and 183 the maximum will be $2,000. Students who received funds for the current classes maybe eligible to reapply, but only if the previous emergency grants awarded were less than $2,500 or $2,000 respectively in total.
- Who is eligible for assistance from the HEERF Student Emergency Fund?
Students enrolled at CSPN now through early December 15, 2023.
- Do I have to be eligible to receive financial aid?
No. Students do not have to be eligible to receive financial aid to receive HEERF Funds. Students must currently be enrolled to qualify.
- Do I have to complete an application to receive HEERF Funds?
Yes. Students must apply to receive HEERF Funds and can access the application from the financial aid webpage.
- What can the HEERF Emergency Fund be used for?
Students may use the emergency financial aid grant toward any component of their Cost of
Attendance, such as tuition or fees as well as additional costs that may arise including:
- Food
- Housing
- Healthcare (including Mental Health)
- Childcare
HEERF student emergency grants are prioritized for students based on exceptional need or extraordinary financial circumstances.
Can I apply for the HEERF Funds if I already received other CSPN emergency grants?
Yes. Students who already received emergency funds should contact the Student Financial Aid office to determine eligibility. Please refer to question #3 for maximum award eligibility.
How will I know if my HEERF application is approved?
Students will receive notification of their Application Status in the following ways:
-
- By receipt of the funds in check form mailed to their home or
- As a credit on their student invoice or
- In a letter mailed to their home.
Please allow up to 5 business days for processing.
- When will I receive my HEERF grant?
All approved HEERF applications for the any class will be distributed to students no earlier than after the third full week of initial instruction.
HEERF (Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund) authorized by the CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) Act Reports
Section 18004(a)(1) Student Portion Funds Quarterly Reporting:
April 9, 2021 (Revisions: 5/12/2020, 5/25/2020, 10/29/2020, 4/09/2021, 07/08/2021,10/10/2021, 01/08/2022, 04/04/2022, 01/12/2023, 04/10/2023, 7/10/2023)
Central School of Practical Nursing (herein after referred to as CSPN or The School) signed and returned to the Dept. of Education (DOE) the Recipient’s Funding Certification and Agreement form for Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. This agreement assures that The School has used, or intends to use, no less than 50% of the funds received under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students.
On May 8, 2020, the DOE made available to CSPN $109,273 in Emergency Financial Aid Grant funds for students.
As of May 18, 2020, CSPN had distributed $109,273 to eligible Students.
As of the date the Recipient’s Funding Certification and Agreement was signed (April 29, 2020) there were 48 active students at CSPN that were eligible to participate in financial aid programs per Section 484 under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 and therefore eligible to receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students under Section 18004 (a) (1) of the CARES Act.
As of May 18, 2020, 48 students have received an Emergency Financial Aid Grant.
CSPN determined that LPN students in classes 176 and 177 were impacted by the Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic and incurred hardships in having to shift from in-school classes to online classes. Expenses included technology items such as securing devices in which to properly access, attend and participate in online instruction as well as purchasing reliable wi-fi in order to minimize interruptions. Other expenses that were affected by the pandemic that are related to the students’ cost of attendance included food, heath care and child care costs. As a result, CSPN has awarded $2,276.52 to all eligible students and issued these funds directly to the students via check. On Monday, 05/18/2020, CSPN mailed these checks to the eligible students.
The School has provided following communication to its students:
Dear Student
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Emergency Economic Security (CARES) Act, Pub. L. No. 116-136 (March 27, 2020), section 18004(a)(1) authorized the Secretary of Education, Betsy DeVos, to allocate formula grant funds to institutions of higher learning, including Central School of Practical Nursing (CSPN).
CSPN signed the Recipient’s Funding Certification and Agreement and applied for this aid via grants.gov in order to secure these grants for its eligible students.
CSPN has determined that students who have completed a 2019-2020 FAFSA and are not prohibited from participating in financial aid programs under Title IV, section 484 of the Higher Education Act are automatically eligible to receive grant aid under the CARES Act.
It is IMPORTANT to note that the agreement signed by CSPN states these grants are , “…for the sole and exclusive purpose of providing emergency financial aid grants to students for their expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to the coronavirus, such as food, housing, course materials, technology, health care, and child-care expenses.”
CSPN has awarded each eligible student an equal share of the grant money provided to the school for the purposes detailed above. The grant aid will be distributed directly to students via check to the address the school has on file for each eligible student. It is anticipated that these checks will be mailed out no later than May 25, 2020. If your address has changed, please notify the school ASAP!
Grants received under the CARES Act will NOT count as income on a student’s FAFSA for purposes of calculating the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) or the estimated financial assistance (EFA) results.
Additional info regarding the school’s participation in awarding CARES Act grants to its students can be found on the school’s website: www.cspnohio.edu
This quarterly reporting represents the FINAL reporting that covers all remaining HEERF fund expenditures for Section 18004(a)(1) Student Portion funds.
Class 178 Technology Grant Application (posted 10/23/2020)
Students in Class 178 may download the Technology Grant Application, complete it and return it to the Financial Aid Office to request an emergency grant to help cover technology needed to shift to distance learning as a result of disruption to CSPN’s normal instruction delivery as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. The Application will be reviewed and if your grant request is accepted a check for the approved amount will be mailed to your home address. Students requesting this emergency grant should have a 2020-2021 FAFSA on file with CSPN’s financial aid office. The deadline for Class 178 to apply for this grant has expired.
Class 178 and 179 Supplemental Emergency Grants
Students received this communication:
Dear Student:
CSPN received additional funding via the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) as authorized by the American Rescue Plan (ARP). In addition to helping incoming students, CSPN has decided to increase previously awarded amounts to our current students up to a total of $2,500.00.
Enclosed is a check that when coupled with your previously awarded amount will equal $2,500.00. For example if you were previously awarded an amount of $2,000.00, then the enclosed check would be for $500.00.
CSPN is awarding you this money to help with your tuition (ex: outstanding Direct Loans) and bridge any shortfalls or disruptions you have experienced which was caused by the COVID-19 Pandemic.
UPDATE: Emergency Grants have been extended to Classes 180, 181, 182, 183 and 184.
Supplemental Section 18004 (a)(1) Student Portion Award:
On February 19, 2021, the DOE made available to CSPN a supplemental $109,273 in Emergency Financial Aid Grant funds for students under Section 18004(a)(1) Student Portion via the CAREs act.
On May 11, 2021 an additional $272,499.00 in Emergency Financial Aid Grant funds for students under Section 18004(a)(1) Student Portion were made available to CSPN via the American Rescue Plan (ARP).
Since May 11, 2020, this brings the total funding of the aforementioned award to $491,045.00.
On April 20, 2021, a total of $28,000.00 was awarded to the students of Class 179. Fourteen students received grants in the amount off $2,000.00 each.
On August 6, 2021 19 currently enrolled students from classes 178 and 179 received supplemental emergency grant funds. The amounts issued on this date when coupled with their previous grants brought these students’ total grants to $2,500.00 per student. A total of $23,500.00 was issued in this disbursement.
On October 12, 2021 the following grants were issued to students: Class 180 received $20,639.96 in Tuition Assistance, Class 180 received $2,000 in Emergency Grants and Class 179 received $551.50.
On March 23, 2022 a $500 Emergency grant was requested and issued to a student in Class 181.
On April 4, 2022 a $500 Emergency grant was requested and issued to a student in Class 181.
On April 6, 2022 $15,980.50 in tuition assistance was awarded to all 16 students in Class 181.
On May 2nd through May 9th, $25,500 in Emergency Grants were awarded to 13 students in Class 181.
On May 23, 2022, $20,000 in emergency Grants were awarded to 10 students in Class 180.
On June 1, 2022, $8,000 in emergency Grants were awarded to 4 students in Class 180.
On August 18, 2022, $500 in emergency Grants were awarded to 1 student in Class 181.
On October 5, 2022, $13,351.50 in Tuition Assistance was given to 20 students in Class 182.
On October 17, 2022, $4,980.50 in Tuition Assistance was given to 4 students in Class 181.
In October of 2022, $14,000 in emergency Grants were awarded to 7 students in Class 182.
In November of 2022, $2,000 in emergency Grants were awarded to 1 student in Class 182.
In December of 2022, $12,000 in emergency Grants were awarded to 6 students in Class 182.
On January 17, 2023, $4,000 in emergency Grants were awarded to 2 students in Class 182.
On January 31, 2023, $11,186.00 in Tuition Assistance was given to 6 students in Class 180.
On April 10, 2023, $15,250.00 in Tuition Assistance was given to 16 students in Class 183.
On April 11, 2023, $6,351.50 in Tuition Assistance was given to 10 students and $2,0000 in Emergency Grants were given to 1 student in Class 182.
On April 19, 2023, $500.00 in Tuition Assistance was given to 1 student and $14,000 in Emergency Grants were given to 7 students in Class 183.
On April 20, 2023, $500.00 in Tuition Assistance was given to 1 student and $2,0000 in Emergency Grants were given to 1 student in Class 183.
On April 24, 2023, $2,0000 in Emergency Grants were given to 1 student in Class 183.
On April 25, 2023, $2,0000 in Emergency Grants were given to 1 student in Class 183.
On May 23, 2023, $4,0000 in Emergency Grants were given to 2 students in Class 183.
As of July 10, 2023, CSPN has distributed a total $365,064.46to eligible Students. This leaves $125,980.54 to be awarded to students by December 31, 2023.
Since CSPN was awarded supplemental grants of $109,273.00 and $272,499.00 to the original amount of $109,273.00 for a total of $491,045.00, the required reporting for grants awarded under Section 18004(a)(1) Student Portion is NO LONGER FINAL. Reporting for these additional monies will continue on a quarterly basis on this page until they have been exhausted.