Types of Graduate Financial Aid
Student Aid Program |
Type of Aid |
Program Details |
Annual Award Amount |
| Direct Unsubsidized Federal Student Loan | Loan must be repaid; must be at least a half time student | Unsubsidized: Borrower is responsible for interest during life of the loan; financial need is not a requirement | Up to $20,500 - Annual loan limits and cost of attendance limits apply |
| Graduate Assistantships | Stipend and/or reduction in tuition | Graduate Assistantships provide financial assistance for graduate students, in return for work performed within the department. A separate application is required and available at the Graduate Studies webpage. | Award amounts are determined by the awarding department |
| Direct Federal Graduate PLUS Loans | Loan must be repaid; must be at least a half time student enrolled in a graduate degree program of study | For graduate/professional; Based on borrower credit history; Repayment begins 60 days from date of full disbursement (deferments available); U.S. Citizen or national; U.S. Permanent Resident or eligible non-citizen; FAFSA required; Recommend students apply for Direct Student Loans prior to receiving Grad/PLUS loans, must not be in default on any student loans or owe refund on any educational grants | Up to unmet cost of attendance for graduate students |
| Private Loans | Loan must be repaid | Private (Alternative) loans can only be used to pay for educational expenses, such as tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, and transportation. | Up to unmet cost of attendance for graduate students |
Check with the lender for details and conditions regarding eligibility for special benefits or incentives. If you default on your loan and it is purchased by the guarantor, any interest rate reductions will no longer be applicable. Interest rates referred to herein may vary. Please contact the college or university directly for updated information or visit the websites referred to above for additional rate and disclosure information, including Annual Percentage Rates (APR) examples.