Applying for Graduate Financial Aid
Financial Aid for Graduate Students
Graduate students at Saint Mary’s College have access to federal loans, private education loans, and program-specific funding. This page walks you through how to apply, what you’re eligible for, and how enrollment status affects your aid.
Quick Start: What Most Students Need to Do
- Complete the FAFSA (School Code: 001302)
- Enroll in your program at least half-time
- Complete required loan steps based on the aid you choose
- Review enrollment requirements for your specific program
Step 1: Complete the FAFSA
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is required for all federal graduate loans.
- Complete FAFSA before your program begins
- Saint Mary’s FAFSA School Code: 001302
Step 2: Federal Graduate Loan Options
⇒Federal Direct Graduate Loan
Available to eligible graduate students enrolled at least half-time.
Required steps after FAFSA:
⇒Federal Graduate PLUS Loan (Additional Funding)
Students needing funding beyond the Federal Direct Graduate Loan may apply for the PLUS Loan.
Required steps:
- Complete FAFSA
- Submit Graduate PLUS Loan Application
- Complete PLUS Loan MPN
Important Deadline Notice
The Federal Graduate PLUS Loan Program will end on July 1, 2026.
Students enrolling after this date will not be eligible.
⇒Federal Loan Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for federal graduate loans, students must:
- Complete the FAFSA
- Be enrolled in a degree-seeking graduate program
- Be enrolled at least half-time
Credential-only students are not eligible for federal graduate loans.
⇒Private Education Loans (Alternative Option)
Private loans may be used instead of or in addition to federal loans.
Key details:
- Credit-based loans through private lenders
- Apply at elmselect.com
- FAFSA not required
- May be available for less than half-time enrollment
- Not eligible for federal loan benefits (e.g., PSLF)
Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
Students receiving federal financial aid must meet academic progress standards.
View Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Policy
Graduate Course Load & Enrollment Status
Enrollment status impacts financial aid eligibility and loan amounts.
Enrollment Status by Program
School of Economics & Business Administration
Status | Master’s | Doctoral |
|---|---|---|
Half-Time | 3 units | 2.5 units |
Full-Time | 6 units | 5 units |
Kalmanovitz School of Education
Doctoral Students
Status | Units |
|---|---|
Half-Time | 4 units |
Full-Time | 8 units |
Master’s Students
Status | Summer | Fall/Spring |
|---|---|---|
Half-Time | 3 units | 5 units |
Full-Time | 6 units | 9 units |
Credential-Only Students (Undergraduate Aid Rules Apply)
Status | Summer | Fall/Spring |
|---|---|---|
Half-Time | 3 units | 6 units |
Full-Time | 12 units | 12 units |
Other Graduate Programs
Program | Half-Time | Full-Time |
|---|---|---|
MA Leadership | 3 units | 6 units |
MA Kinesiology | 3 (Summer), 5 (Fall/Spring) | 6 (Summer), 9 (Fall/Spring) |
MA Communication | 3 (Summer), 5 (Fall/Spring) | 6 (Summer), 9 (Fall/Spring) |
MFA Creative Writing | — | 6 (Summer), 9 (Fall/Spring) |
MFA Dance | 3 units | 6 units |
PSM Biotechnology | 3 (Summer), 5 (Fall/Spring) | 6 (Summer), 9 (Fall/Spring) |
International Student
Financial Aid Information for International Graduate Students
Most international graduate students are not eligible for U.S. federal financial aid, including FAFSA-based loans. However, other funding options may be available.
Federal Financial Aid
- FAFSA is typically not available to international students
- Federal Direct Graduate Loans and Graduate PLUS Loans generally require U.S. citizenship or eligible non-citizen status
Private Education Loans
International students may consider private education loans.
⇒Important details:
- Credit-based approval
- May require a U.S. co-signer
- FAFSA not required
- Available through private lenders (elmselect.com)
⇒Enrollment Status Matters
Many loan options require enrollment at least half-time. Enrollment definitions vary by program, so review your program’s course load carefully.
Scholarships & Campus Resources
International students are encouraged to:
- Apply for program-specific scholarships
- Explore external scholarships
- Contact the Financial Aid Office with questions about eligibility
Need Help?
Questions about financial aid, loans, or enrollment status?
Contact the Financial Aid Office or schedule an appointment for personalized assistance.
FAQ
Do I need to apply for both federal loans and PLUS loans?
No. The Federal Direct Graduate Loan is the primary loan. The PLUS Loan is optional and only needed if you require additional funding.
What happens if I drop below half-time enrollment?
Dropping below half-time may affect your eligibility for federal loans and could trigger repayment. Always consult Financial Aid before changing enrollment.
Can credential-only students receive federal graduate loans?
No. Credential-only students are considered undergraduate students for federal financial aid purposes and are not eligible for federal graduate loans.
Do private loans require a FAFSA?
No. Private education loans do not require FAFSA completion but are credit-based and lack federal loan protections.
What will replace the Graduate PLUS Loan after July 1, 2026?
Federal guidance is pending. Students enrolling before July 1, 2026 may still be eligible. Financial Aid will provide updates as policies change.
Can international students receive federal loans?
Generally, no. Most international students are not eligible for U.S. federal financial aid but may explore private loans or institutional funding.