Maximum Loan Amounts
- $12,000 for an accredited non-degree or associate degree program
- $15,000 for bachelor's degree programs
- $20,000 for master's degree programs
- $25,000 for doctoral degree programs
Eligibility Requirements
A woman is eligible for 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 United States 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 part-time in an accredited U.S. or Canadian post-secondary 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
- Demonstrates financial need
Application Process
Members of a local P.E.O. chapter will interview a student before deciding to recommend her.
- The chapter will vote to recommend a student and complete a recommendation form.
- Next, the P.E.O. Executive Office will send her a link to an online application, which she has 30 days to complete.
- The Educational Loan Fund trustees then review the application. The average processing time is eight to 12 weeks, provided all requirements are promptly met.
The chapter and student will be notified of the trustees' decision regarding the loan application. Only the applicant is notified of the amount of the approved loan.
If you are interested in the P.E.O. Educational Loan Fund but do not know a P.E.O. member, fill out the ELF Eligibility Form. Completing this form does not guarantee recommendation for a loan.