Graduate Students
To receive Stafford Loans, graduate students at GCU must file a FAFSA each year. To be eligible, you must be matriculating in a graduate degree program and taking at least 5 credits.
Federal Loans for Graduate Students
The annual borrowing limit for graduate and doctoral students is $20,500 or up to the cost of attendance in a Direct Stafford Unsubsidized loan per year up to a total aggregate limit up to $138,500 that includes all loans taken out at the undergraduate and graduate level. Graduate students are encouraged to review their Direct Stafford loan history that includes amounts borrowed and aggregate totals by going to https://www.govloans.gov/loans/stafford-loans-for-students/.
Other Financial Aid Options for Graduate Students
There are a few more options for graduate students who wish to secure financial aid.
- Graduate Assistantships: Graduate assistantships are granted to graduate students who want to work closely with faculty members and receive a stipend or scholarship. For more information on this program, click here.
- Grants: Graduate students are not eligible for Pell and NJ TAG awards, but can apply for the TEACH Grant. For more information, click here.
- Summer Loans: In order to be eligible for summer session loans (including Stafford Loans and PLUS Loans), you must be enrolled for at least 5 matriculating credits. For more information, click here.
Questions?
If you have any questions about the process, please reach out to the GCU Office of Financial Aid at financialaid@georgian.edu or 732-987-2258.