Graduate and Professional Students

The U.S. Department of Education estimates that 90 million individuals participate in some form of adult education each year, including training and basic education offered outside traditional higher education. The Department's website provides some specific information for adults who are considering returning to school for a graduate or professional degree.

 President Obama signed the Budget Control Act into law on August 2, 2011.  This  legislation increased the federal debt ceiling and prevented the United States from defaulting on current financial obligations. This bill made some significant changes to the Federal Direct Student Loan Program that will impact graduate students effective with the 2012-2013 academic year. Learn more.

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In This Section:

Types and Sources of Financial Aid | Applying for Aid | Aid and Your Bill | Managing Your Money | Graduation and Beyond

Types and Sources of Aid

Loans

Loans are sources of financial assistance that allow you to spread the cost of education over time. All need-based financial aid awards will include loans. Students are not required to accept the loan portion of their financial aid packages.  Loans are serious legal obligations. They must be repaid. We urge all first-time borrowers to spend some extra time learning about the loan process so that they can make informed choices throughout their education.

Federal Tax Benefits for Education

Review this page for information about CURRENT programs. This page also contains reference links to help families through the filing process.

Programs for Veterans of Military Service
Scholarships

Scholarships are sources of financial assistance that do not have to be repaid. For specific information about scholarships available to graduate students, contact the individual graduate programs.  You may also view our "Outside" Scholarship list compiled from information sent to our office.

Applying for Need-Based Aid (Federal Student Loans)

Students who are enrolled on at least a half time basis (5 hours per semester for graduate students) in a degree seeking program can apply for federal student loan funds to help with the cost of their education. Students who are conditionally admitted into a graduate program pending completion of additional undergraduate coursework are limited in the amount that they can borrow under the Federal Stafford Loan Program.

Check this page for detailed information about applying for federal student loan programs

Aid and Your Bill

To make smart decisions about the amount of student aid to accept, you need to understand what items are included and are not included in the cost of attendance.  You also need to anticipate what charges will be applied to your student bill and know what deptarments work together to process student funds.  Visit our Aid and Your Bill page to learn more

Managing Your Money

The financial aid staff exists to help students seek, obtain, and make the best use of all available financial resources.  This includes providing education resources that will improve financial literacy.  Visit the pages below for more detailed information on each financial literacy topic.

Graduation and Beyond

This page details information about the Alumni Association Graduation Awards Program, money management tips for  alumni, community service programs, and information about loan repayment options.

 

A Master

Legislation

Consumer Disclosures

Updated April 12, 2013