Graduate Students

Application Process

In order to apply for the below-referenced Federal Student Aid Programs, graduate and professional students must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).  Click here for instructions.

If your program begins during Summer Session, complete the FAFSA for the outgoing and incoming award years.  For example: students whose program begins Summer 2025 must file the 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 FAFSAs.

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans are available at the graduate level to students who are in a master's or doctoral degree program. Students can receive up to $20,500 per academic year, at a fixed interest rate set by the federal government based on the first disbursement date of the loan. Students are charged interest from the time that the loan is disbursed to the time that the loan amount is repaid in full. Borrowers may not exceed the federally mandated aggregate limit of $138,500 for all direct loans borrowed at both the graduate and undergraduate levels and includes subsidized and unsubsidized loans.

In order to accept an Unsubsidized Direct Loan, eligible students must complete a Master Promissory Note and Entrance Counseling; go to studentaid.gov.

Graduate Plus Loan

The Graduate Plus Loan is a credit-based, fixed-interest-rate student loan funded through the United States government that provides assistance for graduate and professional degree students. Students may borrow up to the total cost of their education, minus any other financial aid and assistance, and must be enrolled at least half-time (minimum 4.5 credits per semester). Students must be creditworthy to be eligible. Students can apply for the Graduate Plus Loan at studentaid.gov.

Federal Work-Study

The Federal Work-Study program provides jobs for students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to help pay educationally related expenses. The program offers jobs on campus and with off-campus community service agencies.  Students earn hourly wages and general work around 15 hours per week. The program is available to both graduate and undergraduate students.