Can You Get FAFSA for Graduate School?

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a gateway to federal financial assistance for higher education, including graduate-level studies. While the process shares similarities with undergraduate applications, distinct considerations exist for graduate students. Understanding available aid, eligibility criteria, and application steps is important for funding advanced degrees. This article explores the federal aid landscape for graduate students, from preparation to managing financial aid offers.

Types of Federal Aid Available

Graduate students primarily access federal student loans through the FAFSA. The two main types are Direct Unsubsidized Loans and Direct PLUS Loans, often called Grad PLUS Loans. Direct Unsubsidized Loans are available to eligible graduate students regardless of financial need. Interest begins accumulating on these loans from the time of disbursement, as the government does not pay interest while a student is in school or during grace periods.

Grad PLUS Loans are federal loans for graduate and professional students. They can cover educational expenses up to the cost of attendance, minus other financial aid. A credit check is required for Grad PLUS Loans. Borrowers with an adverse credit history may need an endorser or Department of Education approval based on extenuating circumstances. For the 2024-2025 academic year, the interest rate for Grad PLUS Loans is a fixed 9.08%, and an origination fee of 4.228% is deducted from the loan amount before disbursement. Unlike some undergraduate loans, Grad PLUS Loans do not have a grace period after enrollment ceases, though deferment or forbearance options may be available.

While federal grants are generally limited for graduate students, the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant may be an exception. This grant is for those pursuing careers in specific high-need teaching fields. It can provide up to $4,000 per academic year, with a lifetime maximum of $16,000. However, it converts to a loan with accrued interest if service requirements are not met.

Eligibility Requirements for Graduate Students

To qualify for federal student aid as a graduate student, several general eligibility criteria must be met. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens and possess a valid Social Security number. Enrollment in an eligible degree or certificate program at an accredited institution is also a prerequisite for receiving federal aid.

Maintaining Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) is another ongoing requirement for federal aid eligibility. Each institution sets its own SAP standards, which typically involve maintaining a certain grade point average, completing a percentage of attempted credits, and progressing toward degree completion within a maximum timeframe. Failure to meet these standards can lead to a warning period or suspension of federal financial aid. Students must also not be in default on any federal student loans or owe a refund on a federal student grant.

A significant distinction for graduate students is their FAFSA dependency status. Unlike most undergraduates, graduate students are automatically considered independent for FAFSA purposes, regardless of their age or parental financial support. If a graduate student is married, their spouse’s financial information will need to be included on the FAFSA.

Preparing for Your FAFSA Application

Before beginning the FAFSA, graduate students should take several preparatory steps. A primary requirement is creating an FSA ID, a username and password combination used to access U.S. Department of Education online systems. The FSA ID serves as a legal signature for the FAFSA and should be created by the student. To create an FSA ID, individuals need their Social Security number, full name, date of birth, and a valid email address or mobile phone number.

Gathering necessary documents beforehand is also important. This includes the student’s Social Security number and, if applicable, their driver’s license number. Federal tax returns from the relevant tax year are crucial; the FAFSA typically requires information from the tax year two years prior to the academic year for which aid is sought. For example, for the 2025-2026 FAFSA, 2023 tax information would generally be used.

Beyond tax returns, applicants should compile records of untaxed income, such as child support received or veterans’ non-education benefits. Information regarding current cash, savings, checking account balances, and investment records will also be requested. Identifying the FAFSA codes for all graduate programs or schools under consideration is important, as these codes direct the FAFSA information to the correct institutions. Listing up to 10 schools on the FAFSA is permissible, even if acceptance letters have not yet been received.

Completing and Submitting the FAFSA

Once all preparatory information is gathered, the process of completing and submitting the FAFSA can begin. The application is typically accessed online through the official Federal Student Aid website. After logging in with their FSA ID, graduate students navigate through various sections of the form. These sections include personal demographic information, details about their educational plans, and the selection of schools to receive their FAFSA data.

A helpful feature for many applicants is the IRS Data Retrieval Tool (DRT). This tool allows for the secure transfer of federal tax information directly from the IRS into the FAFSA form, which can save time and reduce errors. To use the DRT, tax filers generally need to wait a couple of weeks after electronically filing their tax returns or several weeks for paper filers, to ensure their data is processed by the IRS. If the DRT cannot be used, tax information must be manually entered.

After completing all sections, the application should be carefully reviewed for accuracy before final submission. Upon successful submission, applicants typically receive a confirmation page. This is followed by the Student Aid Report (SAR), which summarizes the submitted FAFSA information.

Understanding Your Financial Aid Offer

After the FAFSA is processed, the Student Aid Report (SAR) becomes available. This report summarizes the submitted FAFSA data and provides an initial estimate of federal aid eligibility. It is important to review the SAR thoroughly for any inaccuracies; corrections can be made online. The SAR also includes the Student Aid Index (SAI), a number schools use to determine the types and amounts of aid a student may receive.

Schools to which the student applied will use the FAFSA data to create financial aid award letters. These letters detail the specific types and amounts of aid offered, including federal loans, and outline the estimated Cost of Attendance (COA) for the academic year. The COA typically includes tuition, fees, and living expenses, providing a comprehensive view of educational costs.

Upon receiving the financial aid offer, students must formally accept or decline the aid they wish to receive. This process is usually completed online through the school’s financial aid portal. It is advisable to accept grants and scholarships before considering loans, as grants do not need to be repaid.

Federal aid funds are typically disbursed directly to the student’s account at the school, often in at least two payments per academic term. These funds are first applied to tuition and fees, with any remaining balance then issued to the student for other educational expenses. All federal loans must be repaid, and borrowers will enter repayment after leaving school or dropping below half-time enrollment, often after a grace period.