In order to file for financial aid, please follow these steps:

Step 1: Complete your FAFSA at: www.fafsa.ed.gov
This process requires you to use PIHMA’s school code. PIHMA’s school code is G36175. Once completed, you will receive an email confirming the status of your application within 24 hours. PIHMA will receive your information within 2-5 business days. This confirmation is called a Completion Review. If your financial aid application is deemed incomplete by the federal government, you will receive an email regarding missing forms. You will receive another email once your application is complete.


Step 2: Complete the corresponding Financial Aid Handbook for the FAFSA:
Complete student loan counseling here: http://www.mappingyourfuture.org
click on "student loan counseling interview" on the left menu, and then click on “Stafford entrance". Next, select the state of AZ and then Phoenix institute of Herbal Medicine & Acupuncture from the school menu. From that point forward you will be instructed on how to proceed. PIHMA will need a copy of the confirmation page for your Financial Aid file, so please print out the page and deliver to Financial Aid officer, Teresa Begay.

Create your login information here: www.amsa.com/direct
Create a username and password to access your loan on the ASA Direct site. A FAFSA pin is needed to electronically sign the MPN. Please be aware that the site has regular checkups and is sometimes down (a bold red typeset will be present when the site is down). Be sure you select the Stafford Loans Icon and continue with the application. When asked to pick a lender, please note that PIHMA currently works with three lenders: Sallie Mae, Discover Loans and Colledge.

Step 3: Eligibility & Accuracy Review
When your application is complete, the Financial Aid Assistance (FAA) will contact you concerning your eligibility amounts and verify the amount you wish to collect through out the entire academic year. If FAA has questions, FAA will email or call you regarding accuracy or eligibility. Please check email/voice mail regularly because there may be issues with the accuracy or eligibility of your forms. All conflicts of data must be resolved. You may have to make corrections to your FAFSA/SAR and/or submit supporting data to the FAA.

Step 4: Loan Certification
The FAA completes the necessary paperwork and faxes the forms to be completed by PIHMA’s financial aid consulting service. This service will certify your student loan and submit it electronically to your guarantor and/or lender.

Step 5: Award Letter
FAA/ASA will send you an award letter detailing your financial aid award along with your right to cancel the loan.

Step 6: Loan Disbursement
The lender will send financial aid to PIHMA electronically into PIHMA’s financial aid accounts. This process could take up to 14 business days. Please do not contact PIHMA until after the 14 day grace period to see if it has arrived.

Step 7: Delivery of Funds
The PIHMA financial officer will deduct any outstanding balance from your financial aid. If there is financial aid left over, the accountant will email you via your PIHMA email. Your refund check can be picked up at the front desk where you will also sign your award letter.

Please Note: It generally takes 2 - 3 months, from the point that you submit your complete financial aid application, until PIHMA receives your first financial aid disbursement on your behalf.