How to Apply

The Financial Aid Application Process...

Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at www.fafsa.gov prior to the start of your academic program.

  • The federal school code for Saint Mary's is 001302.
  • The FAFSA is the only form needed to apply for graduate financial aid.

After completing your FAFSA, go to www.studentloans.gov and complete:

  • Graduate Entrance Counseling
  • Graduate Loan Agreement (Master Promissory Note) 

If needed, additional federal student aid is available:

  • Direct Graduate PLUS (up to cost of attendance minus Direct unsubsidized Loan of $20,500) is a credit based loan with option to add an endorser

  • Must complete PLUS Master Promissory Note

  • Eligibility of these loans is based on completing the FAFSA and enrolling in a  degree program based on at least half time status. Credential-only students not eligible.

If needed, private loans may be available:

  • Credit based loans through private lending institutions that can be applied for through www.elmselect.com
  • Do not require a FAFSA and certain lenders will offer a loan for students enrolled less than half time
  • Not eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) policy re: federal financial aid:

Determining Graduate Course Load:

School of Economics and Business

  • Half time status is defined as 4 units per quarter
  • Full-time status is defined as 8 units per quarter

Kalmanovitz School of Education

Graduate Students:

  • Half-time is defined as 3 units in Summer, 5 units in Fall and Spring semesters.
  • Full-time is defined as 6 units in Summer, 9 units in Fall and Spring semesters.

Credential Only Students are considered undergraduate students per federal regulations for Title IV financial aid funding:

  • Half-time is defined as 6 units in Summer, Fall and Spring semesters.
  • Full-time is defined as 12 units in in Summer, Fall and Spring semesters.

Masters in Kinesiology

  • Half-time is defined as 3 units in Summer, 5 units in Fall and Spring semesters.
  • Full-time is defined as 6 units in Summer, 9 units in Fall, and Spring semesters.

Masters of Fine Arts

  • Full-time is defined as 9 units in Fall and Spring semesters.

Masters in Leadership

  • Half-time is defined as 6 units per trimester.
  • Full-time is defined as 12 units per trimester.    

PSM in Biotechnology              

  • Half-time is defined as 3 units in Summer, 5 units in Fall and Spring semesters.
  • Full-time is defined as 6 units in Summer, 9 units in Fall, and Spring semesters.