How do I qualify for graduate student loans?
Graduate Stafford loans
Graduate Stafford loans require you to complete the FAFSA financial aid form.
Unsubsidized graduate Stafford loans
- Be enrolled at least half time or better in an approved, accredited program
- Be current and in good standing on any other federal student loans including undergraduate loans
- Be a US citizen or eligible non-citizen
Subsidized graduate Stafford loans
- All requirements of the unsubsidized graduate Stafford loan plus
- Demonstrated need based on FAFSA EFC
Graduate PLUS loans
Graduate PLUS loans require you to complete the FAFSA financial aid form. Graduate PLUS loans are not need-based, however. Additionally:
- Be enrolled at least half time or better in an approved, accredited program
- Be current and in good standing on any other federal student loans including undergraduate loans
- Pass a credit check free of serious delinquencies, defaults, and other serious credit problems
Graduate Private loans
Graduate private loans do not require a FAFSA. Additionally:
- Be enrolled at least half time or better in an approved, accredited program
- Pass a credit check free of delinquencies, defaults, or other credit problems
- Be a US citizen or eligible non-citizen
- Have a qualified cosigner
Apply now for a graduate student loan »
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Other graduate financial aid questions
- What are the graduate student loan interest rates?
- How much can you borrow with graduate student loans?
- What are the benefits of a private graduate loan?
- How do I qualify for graduate student loans?
- What is the best graduate student loan program?
- How do I apply for graduate financial aid?
- Why are my student loan disbursements lower than expected?
- What should I do if my family circumstances changed since submitting my financial aid applications?
