Plaza College

Plaza College is an institution accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and recognized for academic excellence and graduate achievement.

Plaza College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, 3624 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

The associate’s degree Health Information Technology (HIT) is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Heath Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). The five-year graduation cohort rate is 70 percent.

Plaza College’s Medical Assisting program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of Medical Assisting Education Review Board (MAERB).

The program in Dental Hygiene is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation. The Commission is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education.

Plaza College is a private, specialized institution that offers educational programs to students who desire challenging careers and a continuation of their formal education. The curriculum, tailored to meet the needs of a diverse population, offers students a distinct mix of business, liberal arts, and allied health courses. As a teaching and learning College, Plaza is committed to striving for excellence and professionalism in the development of its faculty, students and staff. Plaza, rooted in a tradition of excellence, teaches its students the social, ethical and cultural values needed to become respected members of the community. Teaching the processes of critical thinking, collaboration, and lifelong learning, Plaza prepares its students to participate and compete in today’s global economy.

At Plaza, you will find a community committed to preparing students for the challenges of an evolving world, a faculty whose members bring vast experience as both scholars and professionals, and students of all backgrounds and interests who are driven by a desire to change their lives — and the world around them.

A Plaza College education is an excellent investment in your future.The purpose of financial aid is to remove any financial barriers that may prevent you from pursuing your educational and professional goals. There is a variety of financial assistance options available, tailored to your specific educational path. Whether you are a transfer student or freshman, and no matter your degree program, Plaza College offers many financial aid options to those that qualify.

Federal Pell Grant: Federal Pell Grants are need-based grants provided to students so that they may access postsecondary education. Eligibility for these grants is dependent upon the student’s expected family contribution, cost of attendance, enrollment status (full-time or part-time), and whether or not the student attends for a full academic year. The Federal Pell Grant does not have to be paid back.

Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant: The Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant is for students with exceptional financial need. Dependent upon the application date, financial need, existing funding, and the policies of the financial aid office at Plaza, students receiving the Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant may receive between $100 and $4,000 per year.

Department of Veterans Affairs Educational Benefits: The Department of Veterans Affairs offers a number of education and training programs for veterans and their dependents. A detailed description of programs and benefits is contained in the Federal Benefits for Veterans and Dependents and Survivors. Applications are available at the local VA office.

TAP Award: The Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) is a New York State grant program that helps eligible New York State residents pay for tuition at approved schools in New York State. The amount of the award is based upon the student’s financial status, combined family NYS taxable income, the academic year in which first payment is received, and the type of postsecondary institution. The TAP grant does not have to be paid back.

Federal Direct Loan Program: Direct loans are low-interest loans for students through the US Department of Education, and there are two types of loans: subsidized and unsubsidized. Subsidized loans are for students who demonstrate financial need, and they are not charged interest while the student is in school at least half-time. Unsubsidized loans are not based on financial need, and they are charged interest while the student is in school and during grace and deferment periods. Once you graduate or separate from the College, these loans must be paid back.

Federal Direct Parent Loan Program (PLUS): The Federal Direct Parent Loan Program (PLUS) is an unsubsidized loan program for parents of dependent students that assists with the cost of attendance minus all other awarded financial aid. Interest on PLUS loans begins accruing immediately while the student is in school and during grace and deferment periods.

Non-Federal Alternative Loan Programs: These loans are a source of funds for students who may be ineligible for loans under one of the federal programs and are available through a number of banks, agencies, and credit unions. Borrowers or their co-signers must be citizens or eligible non-citizens and pass a credit check. The Financial Aid office can provide more detailed information.