We always recommend you borrow the Federal Direct loan first, Federal Graduate PLUS second and all other private educational loans as a last resort.

Graduate students can borrow up to $20,500 in the Direct Unsubsidized loan, based on your enrollment and cost of attendance. Students needing additional funds can borrow a Federal Graduate PLUS loan or private educational loan up to the cost of attendance less any other aid offered.  

Be aware, students cannot exceed the Cost of Attendance with any education-related loan even if they are credit approved.

Rates and fees vary between loan programs. All borrowers are encouraged to review the Federal Direct Unsubsidized loan and Federal Graduate PLUS loan sections for details. Private educational loan interest rates are based on the lender of choice.

All borrowers should secure funds annually (based on how they have been awarded) and not on a semester by semester basis. Borrowing annually minimizes application time, processing time and assures that funds will be available for both semesters. It also avoids multiple credit reports which can often have an adverse effect on your credit score.

Students who are denied a GradPLUS may elect to try and resolve the denial or seek an endorser (similar to a co-signer).

• To resolve a Denial students work directly with the Department of Education regarding the credit override and can contact Application Services directly at 800-557-7394.
• A Direct PLUS Loan borrower with an adverse credit history may still receive a Direct PLUS Loan if he/she obtains an endorser who does not have an adverse credit history. If seeking this option, an endorser would complete the Endorser Addendum and MPN. Additional information regarding the endorser process will be sent via email from the Department of Education.
• Students who have adverse credit and have obtained an endorser or documented extenuating circumstances accepted by the Department of Education must complete PLUS Credit Counseling before funds can be send to the school.
  Review the Credit Counseling area

If you are looking for financial aid for the Summer 2021, Fall 2021 or Spring 2022 semester(s), you will need to complete the 2021-22 FAFSA. The FAFSA is available beginning October 1.

Yes, the FAFSA now requires you submit your tax return from two years prior (known as prior-prior year information). For example, for 2021-22 you will use your 2019 tax return.

While we understand the FAFSA does not reflect your current situation, we do not adjust a student’s income information because they have left their job, as this is a common situation for many of our graduate programs.

Yes, you need to reapply and submit the FAFSA (for federal funds), the Graduate Grant application (for grant funds) and the financial aid application each year.

Yes, as long as the semester or academic year in which you are enrolled has not ended.  Students must submit all financial aid paperwork at least 2 to 3 weeks prior to the end of the semester for the paperwork to be processed. In addition, students will need to review all communications with the financial aid office to confirm all necessary paperwork is completed for the funds to come to the school.

As long as you are enrolled at least part-time (5 or more credits) each semester, then you may qualify for an in-school loan deferment on your Federal loans for that semester (as long as the semester has begun). The Registrar’s office will report electronically 2 weeks into the semester that you have returned to school to the Student Loan Clearinghouse. As a borrower, you will want to confirm with your lender/servicer if they participate or if you have to file paperwork. If so, paperwork can be sent to the Registrar’s office.

If you have private educational loans you are paying on, you want to confirm that you would qualify for the in-school deferment and then complete the necessary paperwork.

We understand that many students, depending upon their program of study may need more than the $20,500 (maximum amount) to cover their expenses. Generally, students consider submitting the QU Grant paperwork for consideration of the University grant funds (if eligible), consider Federal Graduate PLUS or private educational loans (see loan section) or research outside scholarship opportunities (see our Helpful Resources & tools section).

If you have borrowed in excess of your bill, the funds will be issued to you in the form of a credit refund within two weeks of school starting and the funds coming to the school. The refunds are direct deposited into your bank account (if you signed up for direct deposit in Self-Service) or mailed to your permanent mailing address. Please note, refunds are not guaranteed to be available by the first of the month to cover rent and other expenses, we encourage you to plan accordingly.

While we understand that students will all have different financial situations, financial aid budgets are based on expenses for the student only.

We realize that based on personal lifestyles and courses required, the cost of books, supplies and living expenses will vary from student to student. To remain fair and equitable to all financial aid recipients, we use a standard budget for students based on their program, housing and enrollment plans.