The P.E.O. Educational Loan Fund trustees evaluate each application and determine the specific amount to be approved. Their decision is based on the program of study and availability of funds. A student may apply for a loan up to the amount recommended by her sponsoring chapter.
ELIGIBILITY
A woman is eligible to apply and receive consideration for an ELF loan if she:
- Is recommended by a local chapter of the P.E.O. Sisterhood with a favorable vote on the amount of the loan
- Is a citizen or legal permanent resident of and resides in the U.S. or Canada
- Submits an application within six to 24 months prior to the stated graduation or course completion date
- Has been accepted by or is enrolled full- or parttime in an accredited U.S. or Canadian postsecondary institution
- Has a high school diploma or the equivalent
- Demonstrates the academic ability to remain “in good standing”
- Meets the minimum credit score of 625
- Does not exceed the indebtedness limit for the degree level
- Has a qualified cosigner for the loan
- Does not have an outstanding ELF loan (A student who did not borrow the maximum amount with her original application and has not completed the program or degree for which the original loan was awarded may apply for an additional loan such that the total of her loans would be no more than the maximum loan amount for the degree level.)
- Demonstrates financial need
The applications of individuals who satisfy the eligibility criteria will be evaluated on a nondiscriminatory basis without consideration of race, national origin, religious affiliation or disability.
- Maximum loan amounts for a qualified woman are:
$12,000 for an accredited non-degree program or an associate degree - $15,000 for bachelor’s degree programs
- $20,000 for master’s degree programs
- $25,000 for doctoral degree programs *$5,000 increase over previous years!
These funds have a 2% interest rate and no origination fee.
*Kansas sisters helped obtain loans approved for 14 women between April 1, 2023, and March 31, 2024, for a total of $175,300.00.
Questions? Excellent resources on candidate eligibility, the application process, and the local chapter recommendation process, including answers to ELF’s most frequently asked questions, can be found on the International website (www.peointernational.org), by clicking on the “Educational Support” menu and then selecting “Educational Loan Fund.”
Kansas P.E.O. ELF Chair: Pat Jones, CJ, Pittsburg
KSCPEOELFSTAR@gmail.com
patbartonekjones@gmail.com
620-687-2879
