Federal Aid Criteria

The Graduate Financial Aid office is here to assist students with determining their eligibility for Federal Direct Loans, Federal Work-Study, and other types of financial aid. Eligibility for financial aid is based on several factors including: cost of attendance, total amount of aid received, and Federal Title IV eligibility requirements. International students may apply only for non-federal alternative loan funds. 

Ph.D. candidates in extended residence status are ineligible for both student loans (federal or otherwise) and Federal Work-Study. Graham School students in non-degree-seeking programs, such as the Student-at-Large, Certificate, and the Summer Program, are ineligible for federal assistance and may only apply for an alternative loan. Contact your program for additional details on possible private loan availability.

Criteria to Receive Federal Direct Loans or Federal Work-Study

You must:

• Be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, permanent resident, or other eligible non-citizen

• Be enrolled at least half time (200 units or more) in an eligible program leading to a degree 

• Demonstrate federal financial need (except for the Federal TEACH Grant, Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan, and Federal Direct Grad PLUS Loan)

• Have a valid U.S. social security number

• Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) as defined by your specific program as well as the Department of Education, as outlined here

• Not be in default on any federal educational loan and not owe a refund on a federal grant or loan at any institution

• Comply with federal regulations governing the use of funds for educational purposes

• Be creditworthy, if applying for the Federal Direct Grad PLUS Loan