Types of aid available for Graduate and Professional Students

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans

You are automatically considered for Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans when you submit the FAFSA. Eligible students can borrow up to $20,500 per year and up to $138,500 during their career as a graduate student. The graduate debt limit includes Direct Loans received for undergraduate study.

To be eligible for Unsubsidized Loans, you must be enrolled at least half-time(5 credits per semester for graduate and medical students, 6 credits per semester for law students). The loan(s) will go into repayment 6 months after you leave school or cease to be enrolled at least half-time.

Federal Direct Subsidized Loans are not available for graduate students.

Direct Graduate PLUS Loan

For a Graduate PLUS Loan, you can borrow up to the cost of attendance minus any other financial assistance received. After you apply for a Graduate PLUS Loan, a credit check will be performed. If you have an adverse credit history and are denied the loan, you can obtain an endorser (cosigner) or appeal the denial.

In order to qualify for a Graduate PLUS Loan, you must be enrolled at least half-time (5 credits per semester for graduate and medical students, 6 credits per semester for law students). The loan(s) will go into repayment 6 months after you leave school or cease to be at least half-time.

Federal Work-Study 

This need-based program allows you to earn money to help pay for educational expenses.