Graduate Financial Aid Guide
We strive to help you determine the combination of financing options and resources that serve you best. We provide a variety of options, including loan programs, gift aid, and payment plans, that can make your education more affordable. We’re excited to support you as you take the next step in furthering your education with us. Use this guide and our Direct Loan Checklist for Graduates to help you understand financing options and assist you with the application process.
Financial Aid Next Steps
June — Students applying for fall financial aid should have their FAFSA,
Federal Direct Loan Master Promissory Note and Entrance Counseling submitted; this marks the beginning of the academic year.
August — Disbursement of fall financial aid/loans begins; classes start
September — Fall add/drop period ends; processing of fall financial aid refunds begin
October — Students applying for spring financial aid should have their FAFSA, Federal Direct Loan Master Promissory Note, and Entrance Counseling submitted.
January — Disbursement of spring financial aid/loans begins; classes start; spring add/drop period ends and financial aid refunds begin mid-late January
March — Students applying for summer financial aid should have their FAFSA, Federal Direct Loan Master Promissory Note, and Entrance Counseling completed.
May — Disbursement of summer financial aid/loans begins; summer add/drop period ends and financial aid refunds begin; this marks the end of the academic year
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The Cost of Attendance (COA) is an estimate of the education-related expenses a student may incur. It is also used to determine your maximum financial aid eligibility for an academic year. The COA includes direct expenses (tuition & fees) and an estimate of a student's indirect expenses (housing, food, transportation, and other miscellaneous expenses).
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- Institutional Funding & Assistantships provide financial opportunities to graduate students which are directly funded by the university. For information regarding which opportunities are available, you must contact your graduate school directly.
- The Veterans Initiative provides funds to individuals with at least 90 days of aggregate active duty service on or after September 11, 2001, or individuals discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 days.
- Institutional Funding & Assistantships provide financial opportunities to graduate students which are directly funded by the university. For information regarding which opportunities are available, you must contact your graduate school directly.
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- Direct Unsubsidized Loans do not require a credit check and students are eligible for up to $20,500 as long as they are enrolled at least half-time and have a valid FAFSA. Here's how to apply.
- Graduate PLUS Loans are credit-based loans available to students with a valid FAFSA who are enrolled at least half-time. If approved, students can borrow up to their full Cost of Attendance. Learn how to apply or increase an existing loan.
- Private Education Loans are available from various financial institutions. These are not guaranteed by the federal government, so we suggest exploring your federal loan options first, as they may have more favorable terms and conditions. Here's how to apply.
- Direct Unsubsidized Loans do not require a credit check and students are eligible for up to $20,500 as long as they are enrolled at least half-time and have a valid FAFSA. Here's how to apply.
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All billing information can be found in your E-Bill Suite. You'll be able to view your bill, make payments, monitor account activity, and more. Access your account here.
Graduate students enrolled at least half-time are automatically enrolled in and billed for the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP). Students with adequate health insurance coverage can waive SHIP and the related charges.
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A refund occurs whenever a student has funds credited to their account that exceed the total amount of billed charges. Credit balances are refunded directly to the student as soon as possible but no later than 14 days after the first day of classes or the date the funds were applied to a student's account whichever comes last.
Please note: all unpaid charges on the bill must be satisfied before a refund can be processed.
We recommend that all students enroll in Direct Deposit to ensure prompt receipt of their refunds via electronic transfer.
Didn't find what you're looking for? Visit our Graduate Financial Aid Homepage.