Federal Loans
A student must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to request federal loans. The graduate student must be enrolled at least half-time each semester to be eligible.
Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loan
This is a fixed interest rate loan, currently at 4.3%, made by the U.S. Department of Education via the Direct Loan program to graduate students. Interest accrues while the student is enrolled. The student has the option to pay the interest while in school or allow it to accrue.
The Unsubsidized Stafford loans are based on cost of attendance less any other financial aid. Annual limits are based on cost of attendance and vary in amount with the maximum set at $20,500 at the graduate level.
A Graduate PLUS Loan
This is a fixed interest rate loan, currently at 5.3% made by the U.S. Department of Education via the Direct Loan program to graduate students. Interest accrues while the student is enrolled. The student has the option to pay the interest while in school or allow it to accrue.
The Graduate PLUS loan application process requires a credit check on the student-borrower. If declined, the borrower may apply with an endorser. The Graduate PLUS loans are based on cost of attendance less any other financial aid. Annual limits are based on cost of attendance less other financial aid received.