Graduate Loan Options/Paying Your Bill

There are 3 types of loan programs for Graduate students:

FEDERAL DIRECT UNSUBSIDIZED STUDENT LOAN:

A federal loan where the student is the borrower. Students must be enrolled at least half-time (5 credits each term) to be considered for the Federal Student Loan.

FEDERAL DIRECT GRADUATE PLUS LOAN:

A credit based federal loan where the student is the borrower. The Graduate PLUS loan is only eligible to returning students who meet the US Department of Education's definition of "Legacy" student as outlined in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The Office of Financial Aid can let you know if you meet the legacy definition and if you are eligible. All new Graduate students beginning in Fall 2026 are not eligible for the federal Graduate Plus loan.

Students who are determined to be eligible may borrow up to the Cost of Attendance minus any financial aid the student is receiving. A credit-worthy endorser (co-signer) may be required on the loan for it to be approved. Students must first have their eligibility determined for the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Student Loan before borrowing the Graduate Plus Loan.

For more information about this loan program visit our Loans for Graduate Students Web page.

PRIVATE STUDENT LOANS:

These are private credit based loans where the student is the borrower and may require a credit worthy co-signer for the loan to be approved. Students should maximize their federal loan eligibility before applying for a private loan.

LOANS FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS