Graduate Student Loan Introduction

Graduate students have a unique set of needs in educational financing. For many graduate students, there are a myriad of issues to face when considering advanced degrees - financial issues included.

Financial aid availability: Many federal and state aid programs available to undergraduate students are not available to graduate students (Pell Grants, SEOG as well as many state scholarships). Much of the aid received by graduate students is in the form of loans.

Learn the Basics

You've taken a great first step by visiting this web site, but we can't stress enough that you need to research financial aid in all its forms. Visit Graduate Financial Aid 101 to learn the basics and become familiar with terms such as FAFSA, Guarantor and many other programs that you probably won't come across in everyday-life. It's definitely worth your time and effort to learn about the financial aid process now, before you start filling out forms. It may even help you save money.

File the FAFSA

Make sure you have completed the appropriate FAFSA application. You won't qualify for federal aid, such as stafford student loans until you submit the FAFSA form. For free application advice and submission, visit FAFSA Online or the Department of Education web site: www.fafsa.ed.gov.

FAFSA applications are required for all federal student aid and are strongly recommended for all students.

Research Scholarships

There is nothing better than money you do not have to give back. Scholarships can be found at both the local and national levels, so do your research. Consider using our professional graduate scholarship search to access more than $14 Billion in free money.

Stafford Loan for Graduate School

Once you have the results from your FAFSA and know how much you qualify for, apply for the Graduate Stafford Loan. Visit our Graduate Stafford Loans page to learn more about this federal loan program.

Graduate Private Student Loans

If your federal student aid report indicates that you do not meet the requirements for federal funding, or it falls short of what you need, consider applying for a private student loan. Visit our Graduate Alternative Student Loan section to learn more

Grad PLUS Loan

Graduate students can apply for a PLUS loan with their own signature. The Federal Graduate PLUS Loan is a low interest federally subsidized student loan, guaranteed by the U.S. Government.

Perkins Loans

A Graduate Federal Perkins Loan is a low-interest (5%) loan for both undergraduate and graduate students with exceptional financial need. Graduate students can borrow up to $6,000 for each year of graduate or professional study. The total amount you can borrow as a graduate/professional student is $40,000, including any Federal Perkins Loans you borrowed as an undergraduate).

Graduate Student Loan Consolidation

Once you have graduated, you can consolidate your graduate loans. www.GradLoans.com offers Graduate Stafford Loan Consolidation and Graduate Private Loan Consolidation services.

Visit GraduateCenter.com - Graduate Schools and Financial Services

Graduate Center offers online graduate degree programs as well as financial services for graduate students including graduate insurance, credit cards for grad students and much more. If you are looking for graduate programs, use their graduate school search tool.