Financial Documents & Proof of Funding Requirements

Required Documents

Documents related to the I-20 process are not required for admission to the University of La Verne. Applicants may submit their I-20-related documents at any time during the application process. However, these documents will only be reviewed after an admission decision has been made.

The Office of International Services and Study Abroad (ISSA) must confirm, evaluate, and process all required financial documentation before issuing the I-20 Certificate of Eligibility (Study in the States – Form I-20).

Important Notes About Actual Expenses
  • Some graduate programs have higher credit hour requirements and tuition rates.
  • The estimated costs are based on full-time enrollment and are subject to change.
  • Please check with your academic department for current tuition rates and fees.
  • You may also check current tuition rates on the University of La Verne’s official website: laverne.edu/tuition.
  • Actual expenses may vary depending on individual spending habits.
  • The estimated cost for room and board is based on on-campus housing.
  • Students living off-campus may experience higher living costs.
Financial Documents & Proof of Funding Requirements

To qualify for an I-20, students must provide documentation proving sufficient financial resources to cover tuition, living expenses, and other required costs for at least one academic year.

General Requirements for Financial Documents

All financial documents must:

  • Be official bank statements or letters from a financial institution.
  • Clearly state the account holder’s name, account type, and available balance in liquid assets.
  • Be issued within the last six months to be considered valid.
  • Be in English or include an informal translation.
  • Bank statements in U.S. dollars are recommended.
  • Show funds that are readily accessible.
  • Funding must be greater than or equal to the annual estimated expense.
  • Consider currency fluctuations when determining the amount of funds to show—insufficient funds at the time of I-20 issuance may delay processing.
  • Funds must be available for your studies by the first day of classes.
  • If you plan to bring dependents (spouse or children), you must demonstrate an additional $6,000 per dependent per year in financial support.

A Sponsor Affidavit Form must be submitted for all sources of funding, including personal funds. If a student is self-sponsoring, they must complete and submit the form themselves

Acceptable Funding Sources
  1. Personal Funds
  • Official bank statement or letter on bank letterhead in the student’s name.
  • Must meet or exceed the estimated cost of attendance.
  • Multiple accounts are accepted if the total balance meets financial requirements.
  • Time/fixed/term deposits or government bonds that are available for withdrawal at any time.
  • A Sponsor Affidavit Form must be completed by the sponsor, regardless of the funding source. If the student is self-sponsoring, they must complete and submit the form themselves..
  1. Private Sponsors (Family, Relatives, or Others)
  • Sponsor’s official bank statement or letter meeting the same criteria as personal funds.
  • A signed Sponsor Affidavit Form (completed by the sponsor) confirming the relationship and financial commitment.
  • Each sponsor must submit a separate affidavit and financial documentation.
  1. Business Sponsorships
  • Recent business bank statement or official bank letter showing sufficient funds.
  • Articles of Incorporation or Business Registration verifying ownership.
  • A signed Sponsor Affidavit Form (completed by the sponsor) confirming the relationship and financial commitment. If the sponsor is a business, each business owner listed on the Articles of Incorporation must complete and submit the form.
  1. Government or Institutional Sponsorships
  • An official sponsorship letter on letterhead, signed by an authorized representative, specifying:
    • Student’s name.
    • Amount covered.
    • Sponsorship duration and any conditions.
  • If the sponsorship does not cover the full amount, additional personal or sponsor financial documents meeting standard requirements may be required.
  1. University of La Verne Scholarships
  • Scholarships awarded by the University of La Verne (e.g., Leo Scholarship, athletic scholarships, etc.).
  • The official scholarship award letter must be submitted as proof of funding.
  • If the scholarship does not cover the full cost of attendance, additional financial documentation must be provided.
  1. Approved Loans
  • Loan approval letter from a recognized financial institution.
  • Must clearly state the approved loan amount and that it is designated for educational purposes.
  • Pre-approved or conditional loans are only accepted if final approval is documented.
  • A Sponsor Affidavit Form (completed by the student) is required.
Unacceptable Funding Sources

The following types of financial documents are not accepted:

  • Documents older than six months.
  • Income or salary statements.
  • Non-liquid assets (e.g., property, vehicles, investments).
  • Life insurance policies, pension funds, or tax returns.
  • Credit card statements or fixed deposits that are not readily accessible.
Next Steps & Contact Information

For any questions regarding financial documentation or sponsorship requirements, please contact ISSA at International@laverne.edu.

Ensure that your financial documents meet all outlined criteria before submission to avoid delays in processing your I-20.