Our School
financial aid | divers institute
fund your
dive career.
COST OF ATTENDANCE
This is your direct program cost — not your total budget.
Factor in Seattle housing and living expenses separately
when planning your finances.
DID YOU KNOW?
Most students qualify for federal aid, which can significantly lower program costs — including federal grants, federal loans, or state grants. Keep in mind federal aid alone typically won’t cover the full cost, so most students combine it with other funding sources — all listed further down this page.
We strongly recommend submitting the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) first, as it determines your eligibility for all of the above. Be sure to use our federal school code.
Start Your FAFSA
SCHOOL CODE: 011481
What is financial aid?
Financial aid is money that helps cover the cost of your training — through grants, scholarships, and loans. Students may qualify for a combination of financial aid options. Our financial aid team makes the process simple, walking you through your options and tailoring a plan that works best for you.
For veterans and military families, our team includes certified VA School Certifying Officials who help you navigate your GI Bill and other VA education benefits every step of the way.
FINANCIAL AID OPTIONS
Everyone’s financial background is different — but everyone here is on the same journey: using financial aid to invest in their training. Learn how each option works, then talk to our financial aid team about which ones fit your situation.
Curious what that might mean for you? Run the numbers yourself with our net price calculator below.
Pell Grant
Need-based (gift aid), doesn’t need to repaid. Repayment may be required upon withdrawal or enrollment status change.
Direct Stafford Loans
Federal loans through the U.S. Department of Education. Two types:
Subsidized
Government covers interest while you’re in school and during your 6-month grace period.
Unsubsidized
You’re responsible for interest starting 30 days after disbursement.
Repayment starts 6 months after you leave school, whether you graduate or withdraw.
Learn More About Student Loans →
Parent PLUS Loan
A federal loan that lets a parent borrow on behalf of their student to help cover the cost of the program.
★ About 1 in 10 DIT families use a Parent PLUS loan.
For those who qualify — this funding must be repaid with interest, and your rate may vary based on your credit strength.
Before applying, it’s worth reviewing your credit standing or asking whether a cosigner could strengthen your application.
Climb Credit
Climb is proud to help Divers Institute of Technology provide flexible payment plans and credit-based repayment loans to its students.
Edly
Edly is proud to help Divers Institute of Technology provide affordable, income-based repayment (IBR) loans to its students.
529 Plan
Funds set aside in a college savings account.
Personal Savings
Pay directly from your own funds.
If this funding option sounds like you, let our financial aid team know if you’d like to make a direct payment or set up an in-school payment plan.
Post-9/11 GI Bill®
Up to $30,908.34 toward tuition, plus housing allowance.
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information is available at benefits.va.gov/gibill.
VA Vocational Rehab
For veterans with a service-connected disability.
Dependents & Spouses
Transferred benefits for military family.
Washington College Grant
A need-based state grant for Washington residents — not a loan, so it doesn’t need to be repaid.
See Washington College Grant →
WorkSource Washington
If you’re currently unemployed, WA state unemployment and training benefits may help cover tuition. Talk to a local WorkSource employment counselor about your eligibility.
Vocational Rehabilitation
If you have a disability, your state’s Vocational Rehabilitation agency may be able to help with training costs.
Outside Scholarships
A list of organizations offering scholarships for students pursuing a career in commercial diving.
See Scholarship Organizations →
Top Student Award
DIT recognizes top-performing students with a scholarship at graduation. This is awarded after completing the program, not something you can put toward tuition up front.
HOW IT WORKS
1
Submit Your FAFSA
Use our federal school code: 011481. Your FAFSA may take 1–3 days to process.
2
Review Your Plan
Once your FAFSA is processed, your financial aid administrator will reach out to review your eligibility and financial aid options.
3
Choose & Finalize
Choose your financial aid option(s) and finalize your plan.
4
Reserve Your Seat
Once you’ve completed steps 1–3, you’re ready to reserve your seat in the program.
A REAL RETURN ON YOUR INVESTMENT
Divers Institute of Technology (DIT) ranked #29 out of nearly 4,600 postsecondary institutions nationwide for 10-year return on investment, according to a recent analysis by Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce. This recognition highlights how DIT graduates are able to see strong financial returns from their investment in career-focused education and training.
The numbers speak for themselves — start earning sooner.
Georgetown University 2025 ROI analysis
#1
among Washington institutions
#29
nationally, all 4,600 institutions
#18
among certificate institutions
$458,000
10-year return on investment
MEET YOUR FINANCIAL AID TEAM
Trinity Huttner
DIRECTOR OF FINANCIAL AID
Amy Robbins
Assistant director of financial aid
shannon faleafine
financial aid administrator
We’re on standby and here to help. Once you make it through the admissions process, we’ll be here to guide you the whole way through — from your first FAFSA question to the day you reserve your seat.
Need quick answers? Check out our FAQs. ↓
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Every school has a federal OPEID code. DIT’s is 011481.
We accept most forms of payment. Your Financial Aid Administrator will work out a plan specific to you.
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid — the U.S. Department of Education uses it to determine your eligibility for aid like the Pell Grant and Direct Loans, based on financial need.
Once your FAFSA is complete and your Financial Aid Administrator has reviewed it, they’ll reach out with the details. You’re also welcome to call and check in.
Not on its own. After your FAFSA is complete, you and your advisor will look at other financing options to cover the rest of tuition and expenses.
A federal loan in default disqualifies you from new federal aid. Our Financial Aid Office can work with you on resolving the default to regain eligibility.
A legal document you complete online to accept your federal loans, confirming you’ll repay the loan plus any interest and fees. Complete it at studentaid.gov.
As long as you’re attending at least half time — which you are here — those payments can be deferred. Our staff makes sure the right organizations are notified.
Yes — the balance owed is your responsibility either way, and a personal loan is one option. We’ll walk through alternatives during your packaging process.
Most private loan options typically require a credit-worthy cosigner.
Timing varies by student — your advisor will walk through your specific dates and amounts.
All federal and private loans you borrow for school. There are several repayment plan options, both during and after school.
It goes to DIT first and is applied to tuition and other charges like gear. Anything left over is direct deposited to you throughout the program.
Yes — all of our programs are VA approved. Just let your Financial Aid Administrator know you’re planning to use your VA education benefits.
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information is available at benefits.va.gov/gibill. FAFSA® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Education.
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