Graduate Financial Aid Programs

Federal Work-Study is awarded to students who demonstrate financial need as determined by the FAFSA.  Students can work a maximum of twenty hours per week. Federal Work-Study students are paid on a weekly basis.

Non-Federal Work Study (NFWS) positions are offered by individual offices and departments to students who have not been awarded Federal Work Study. Students are paid on a weekly basis and may work up to twenty hours per week. Students with multiple jobs are still held to the twenty hours a week maximum.

Federal Direct Student Loans

Federal Direct Student Loans are low interest rate federal loans made to graduate students attending accredited colleges and universities. There are two types of federal loans for graduate students, the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Student Loan and the Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan.

Unsubsidized Student Loans do not require a student to have financial need. The U.S. Department of Education does not pay interest on the loan. The interest rate is fixed and is determined each year on July 1. The student has the option to pay the interest while in school. There is a fee that is deducted from the loan before it is disbursed to the university. A FAFSA must be completed and submitted to have your eligibility determined to qualify for the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Student Loan. Click here for more information about this loan program.

Federal Direct Graduate  PLUS Loan is a financing option available to graduate students enrolled in school at least half time and who are making satisfactory academic progress. The interest rate on a PLUS Loan is fixed and is determined each year on July 1. Graduate students who do not have adverse credit histories may borrow up to the annual total cost of education less other financial aid received.  A FAFSA form must be completed and submitted if you are applying for a PLUS loan. Click here for more information about this loan program.