Federal Student Aid Program

Type of Aid

Program Details

Annual Award Amounts         

Direct Unsubsidized Federal Stafford 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 $12,000 for graduate students 
Beginning July 1, 2012 - Up to $20,500 - Annual loan limits apply

Federal Perkins Loan

Loan must be repaid; must be at least a half time student

5% loans for both undergraduate and graduate students; payment is owed to the school that made the loan

Up to $6,000 maximum for graduate students; no minimum award amount

Federal Work-Study

Funds are earned while attending school. Does not have to be repaid

For undergraduate and graduate students; jobs are on campus; students are paid at least minimum wage

No annual minimum or maximum award amounts

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 Stafford 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.

Private Loans