The Journal of ExtraCorporeal Technology No 57-3 | Seite 69

B. Johnson: J Extra Corpor Technol 2025, 57, 178--180 179

Table 1. Comparison of degree type and tuition cost for perfusion education programs in the United States.

* Cost of Tuition was based on data for the 2024-2025 academic year available on January 1, 2025. I, In-state Tuition; O, Out-of-state Tuition.

education and how quickly graduates can enter the workforce. The cost of perfusion education also varies based on whether an institution is state-funded or private. State-funded programs usually offer lower tuition rates for in-state students, while private institutions often impose higher fees. Prospective students should consider these differences when evaluating their options. Geographic location also influences the cost and availability of perfusion education programs. Some regions have more accredited programs and a higher demand for perfusionists, which in turn impacts tuition rates and job opportunities. Prospective students must account for these factors when deciding where to pursue their education.

In the context of federal student aid for PEPs, the type of loan awarded is primarily determined by the degree the program offers. Students enrolled in post-baccalaureate certificate programs are considered undergraduate borrowers for federal aid purposes. Consequently, they may qualify for Direct Subsidized Loans and Direct Unsubsidized Loans, provided they have not reached their aggregate loan limits for undergraduate borrowing. In contrast, students in master’ s degree programs are classified as graduate-level borrowers. They are only eligible for Direct Unsubsidized Loans or Graduate PLUS Loans, the latter of which requires a credit check, has higher interest rates, and may necessitate a parental co-signer.

Regardless of the program type, most PEP programs require applicants to have obtained a bachelor’ s degree before matriculation. As a result, they are ineligible for Federal Pell Grants or Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, both of which are designated for undergraduate students pursuing their first degree. It is also important to note that not all PEPs offer federal student aid. Some hospital-based, non-credit-bearing programs may not be recognized as institutions of higher education by the Department of Education. These programs may offer only private loans or no loan options at all.

To address these issues, institutions could explore partnerships with hospitals and healthcare organizations to subsidize tuition or offer scholarships. Models such as employer-sponsored scholarships, loan repayment assistance, and servicebased tuition reimbursement programs not only alleviate the financial burden on students but also encourage long-term employment commitments. These approaches have proven effective in fields like nursing and primary care and could be adapted to perfusion education, particularly in underserved areas where workforce shortages are most severe [ 15--17 ].

Expanding financial aid options and offering more affordable tuition would also increase accessibility for a broader range of students. Targeted scholarship programs for those pursuing perfusion technology could be a strategic way to enhance and