To establish eligibility* for federal financial aid, students must complete the Federal Application for Federal Student Aid* (FAFSA) and upon request, provide required documentation.

*Student Eligibility Requirements For Federal Financial Aid

• Must be citizens or eligible non-citizens
• Must be enrolled and working toward a degree or certificate as a regular student in an eligible program
• Must have a valid social security number
• Must make satisfactory academic progress
• Must not be in default on a federal student loan and not owe money on a federal student grant
• All male students between the ages of 18 and 25 must be registered with the Selective Service System. Only permanent residents of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands and the Northern Marina Islands are exempt from this requirement.
• Must have resolved any drug conviction issues
• Must have no record of conviction for sex offenses
• Must not have been convicted of possession or sale of illegal drugs during a period of enrollment in which Federal financial aid was received.

This federal loan program enables eligible applicants to obtain student loans to meet their cost of attendance expenses. Students must be matriculated and enrolled in a minimum of 6 credits.

Loan Terms: are determined by federal statute and may vary by the year student obtains their initial loan.

The Federal Unsubsidized Direct Student Loan Program allows a graduate student to borrow up to $18,500 per award year. The federal government does not pay the interest  on unsubsidized loans. Students are responsible for the interest that accrues on this loan during the time they are enrolled in school, during the grace period, and during periods of authorized deferment and forbearance.  Students have the option of paying these interest charges while attending school. If they choose not to pay the interest, it will accrue and be capitalized. Graduate/Professional students may not borrow more than a total of $138,000 for all their graduate and undergraduate studies.

Students must complete a Master Promissory Note (MPN) and an Entrance Interview and loan counseling session by going to the website studentloans.gov to ensure that all borrower rights and responsibilities are understood.


Before loan funds can be disbursed, students must complete the Entrance Interview and loan counseling session; Master Promissory Note (MPN).

Loan Terms: are determined by federal statute and may vary by the year student obtains their initial loan.

These loans are available to Graduate students to help meet their cost of attendance expenses. GPLUS loan repayment begins within 60 days of disbursement of funds. GPLUS loan borrowers are subject to a credit check. If approved, students are required to complete a Master Promissory Note (MPN). The loan amount may not exceed the total calculated cost of attendance minus other financial aid received.

Students must complete a Master Promissory Note (MPN) and an Entrance Interview and loan counseling session by going to the website studentloans.gov to ensure that all borrower rights and responsibilities are understood.

Before loan funds can be disbursed, students must complete the Entrance Interview and loan counseling session; Master Promissory Note (MPN).

Loan Terms: are determined by federal statute and may vary by the year student obtains their initial loan.

In accordance with federal regulations, first-time Direct loan borrowers must complete entrance counseling sessions on the web at studentloans.gov. During this counseling session students will learn about the terms of the loan and their rights and responsibilities as loan borrowers. No loans can be credited to a student’s account until entrance counseling is complete.

All recipients of a federal Direct Loan who withdraw, drop below six (6) credits, or graduate must complete an Exit Counseling session on the web at studentloans.gov.

During this counseling, students will be able to view their loan history and learn about deferral and repayment options.

Repayment: The repayment of federal Direct Loans begins six (6) months after a student graduates or drops below half-timematriculated status. The amount of the monthly repayment is calculated based upon the total amount that has been borrowed, as well as the repayment plan selected. Visit studentloans.gov and click on the link “Repayment Plans and Calculators” to learn more.

Students in need of funds beyond those available from federal, state, college and outside grants, scholarships, work study and federal loans may seek non-federal loans. Students should carefully research these options as interest rates, fees and loan terms vary widely among loan providers.
Students must obtain a self-certification form from the Student Financial Services Office and submit the form to their lender upon approval of the alternative, non-federal loan.