Graduate Students - Online
Students enrolled on at least a half-time basis (at least three credits) in an eligible program may apply for the Federal Direct Stafford Unsubsidized Loan, Federal Direct PLUS Loan for Graduate Students or Alternative Loan Program.
The Federal Direct Stafford Unsubsidized Loan Program is the primary source of financial aid for many graduate students.
Required Documents for Aid Applicants
All online graduate students applying for financial aid must complete the . The FAFSA Title IV School code for the ÌÇÐĶÌÊÓƵapp: 003384.
- 2023-2024 FAFSA Semesters: Fall 2023, Spring 2024, Summer 2024
- Form must be filed by June 30, 2024 or before ceasing enrollment.
Direct Stafford Unsubsidized Loan Eligibility for Graduate StudentsÌýÌý
The annual grade level maximum for Graduate students is $20,500.The annual grade level maximum for Masters of Health Administration is $33,000.
Important Note on Course Registration
Financial aid is packaged on a 14-week semester basis. Each semester is 14-weeks long, and it includes two 7-week terms.
For students who begin their program in the first 7-week term, the ‘Part 1’ term, you are advised to register for all courses and foundation modules you intend to take in the full 14-week semester when registration opens. If you make any changes to your enrollment after your initial registration for a semester, whether adding or dropping courses, you must inform the Financial Aid Office.
For students who begin their program in the second 7-week term, the ‘Part II’ term, you are advised to register for all courses and foundation modules you intend to take in the 7-week term when you register for your first course. This will ensure that your Financial Aid Package reflects all of your enrollment.
Enrollment Status for Online Graduate Students
Full Time: enrolled for 6 credits per semester• Between the ‘Part I’ and ‘Part II’ 7-week terms.
Three Quarter Time: enrolled for 5 credits per semester.
• Between the ‘Part I’ and ‘Part II’ 7-week terms.
Half-Time: enrolled for 3 to 4 credits per semester.
• Between the ‘Part I’ and ‘Part II’ 7-week terms.
My.ÌÇÐĶÌÊÓƵapp Resources
Financial Aid Notifications
- Located at
- Click on Self-Service
- Under Student Services & Financial Aid Tab
- Click on Financial Aid to gain access to the Electronic Eligibility Notification
Electronic Eligibility Notification
- Online graduate students must file a FAFSA and be enrolled to receive a Financial Aid eligibility notification
- Lists offered and recommended aid awards
- Contains messages particular to students’ awards (PLEASE READ)
- Requests submission of certain documents for individual awards
- Contains general terms and conditions of award package
Award/Status Update Form
Completion of the Status Update Form is necessary only if a student decides to reduce or decline the loans.
Financing Options
Employer Reimbursement
Employer reimbursement will be considered as a resource and will be counted toward Loan eligibility. Please notify the Financial Aid Office if you are receiving Employer Reimbursement.
Deferment of Tuition Payment for Students with Employer Tuition Reimbursement
In order to be eligible for deferment of student's tuition payment, students must complete the Deferment of Tuition Payment form for each 7-week term students are seeking tuition reimbursement. Forms must be submitted to the Bursar's Office no later than one week after the first day of classes for each term. Pay all tuition not covered by student's employer by the normal due date. Deferred tuition must be paid in full within 14 days after the release of grades. Please visit the Bursar's website under common forms.
Payment to The ÌÇÐĶÌÊÓƵapp, Direct Stafford Loan, Direct Graduate PLUS Loan and Alternative Loan Options
For a list of payment options and loans, visit Graduate Loans & Financing Options.
Loan Process
Loan Eligibility
Students must file the appropriate year FAFSA, be enrolled at least half-time, and meet the basic eligibility criteria to qualify for the Federal Direct Stafford Loan. Financial Aid will be packaged for the entire academic year based on the initial enrollment. Those enrolled full-time in fall will have estimated full-time enrollment for spring and summer. Those enrolled half-time for fall will have estimated half-time enrollment for spring and summer.
- Example: A graduate student who starts the academic year in fall Part I, and is enrolled for 3 credits in Part I and 0 credits in Part II, will packaged as a half-time student for fall, spring, and summer, as they are enrolled for at least 3 credits between Fall Part I and Fall Part II, but less than 6.
The Financial Aid Office will monitor drop in enrollment status, which may result in loss of aid. However, we cannot monitor an increase in enrollment. Please contact the Financial Aid Office if you move from half-time enrollment to full-time enrollment, and more funds are needed to cover your tuition.
For new Stafford Loan borrowers, you will be required to complete an electronic Federal Direct Stafford Loan Master Promissory Note (MPN) and must complete Entrance Counseling requirements before receiving the loan funds. Visit the section on the Financial Aid website for more information.
Disbursements
Loan disbursements will be divided evenly between each 7-week term regardless of half-time and full-time enrollment status.
- Continuing the example from “Loan Eligibility”, the student will have 6 disbursements, Fall Part I, Fall Part II, Spring Part I, Spring Part II , Summer Part I and Summer Part II, despite not being enrolled for Fall Part II, Spring Part II, and Summer Part II, as they are half-time.
Disbursement Eligibility
Online Graduate students must be enrolled for at least 3 credits in Fall Part I, Spring Part I, and Summer Part I to be eligible for their ‘A’ disbursements. If students are not enrolled for at least 3 credits for these terms, they will be considered ineligible, and their disbursement will be canceled.
Online Graduate students must reach their half-time or full-time enrollment by their Fall Part II, Spring Part II, and Summer Part II terms to be eligible for their ‘Part II’ disbursement, based on their half-time or full-time loan. If they do not meet their enrollment requirement for their loan disbursement, that loan disbursement will be canceled.
Additional Information
Veterans Education Benefits
The ÌÇÐĶÌÊÓƵapp is proud to offer education programs in support of veterans and active personnel of the U.S. military and their families. There are a number of services and benefits for veterans. Please visit on the Financial Aid Website.
Satisfactory Academic Progress
Each student is responsible for achieving Satisfactory Academic Progress. Guidelines are found in the Comprehensive Guide to Financial Programs. Please visit on the Financial Aid Website.