Maximum Loan Amounts

  • $12,000 for an accredited non-degree program, an associate or bachelor’s degree
  • $15,000 for master’s degree programs
  • $20,000 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
  • Is a citizen or legal permanent resident of the United States or Canada and resides in the United States or Canada
  • Submits an application within six to 24 months prior to stated graduation or course completion date
  • Is accepted in an accredited United States or Canadian postsecondary institution
  • Has a high school diploma or equivalent
  • Meets the minimum credit score of 625
  • Does not exceed the indebtedness limit for her degree level
  • Has one qualified cosigner for the loan
  • Demonstrates financial need

At the time a loan is disbursed, a student must be enrolled full time or part time in an accredited United States or Canadian postsecondary institution. Proof of enrollment is required before each loan installment is paid. Final disbursement must be at least four months prior to stated graduation or course completion date.

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.