Eligibility for Federal Aid

Federal financial aid is available to graduate students in the form of loans (Federal Direct Unsubsidized and Federal Direct Grad PLUS Loans) and Federal Work Study (FWS) up to the amount of the cost of attendance minus any departmental or outside aid received.

Students must meet all eligibility requirements described here to be considered for any Title IV federal financial aid programs:

  • Enrolled in an approved degree-seeking program (students in certificate programs are not eligible for aid)
  • Enrolled at least half time (minimum of 6 hours per term)
  • Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
  • Have a valid Social Security Number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
  • Not be in default on a loan or owe a refund on a grant
  • Demonstrate satisfactory academic progress towards your degree

International Students

The University does not award federal financial aid to international or foreign students. Students may apply for alternative loan programs that are available from private financial institutions.

Continuing Education Students

Students attending the School of Continuing and Professional Studies must meet all the general requirements described above. In most cases, students in a non-degree or certificate program are not eligible to receive federal financial aid.

For additional detail about general eligibility requirements for all students (graduate and undergraduate), see Eligibility Requirements under Financial Aid for New Applicants.