Financial Aid for Graduate Students
If you have already determined that PLU has the graduate program you're looking for, managing the costs may still be a question mark for you. How do you work through this very important financial decision? Tuition costs for graduate programs at PLU vary by academic programs. Some programs have all students paying the same tuition and enrolling in the same courses each semester, while others are set up for students to enroll at their own pace, with tuition charged on a per credit basis. To find out the total tuition cost of completing your graduate program, refer to the cost section of your program's Web page.
How Do I Apply for Financial Assistance?
In order to apply for financial assistance at Pacific Lutheran University, graduate students are required to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Upon receipt of your FAFSA information and confirmation that you have been admitted into the program, the Financial Aid Office will generate a financial aid award. We will send you a paper copy of your aid offer, along with any documents necessary to complete your application.
What Financial Aid Programs are Available?
Graduate students have limited access to the financial aid resources when compared to undergraduates, especially scholarships and grants. Federal and alternative loans, and work-study funding, however are readily available. The key difference between these programs is that graduate students have larger loan limits than undergraduate students, but also have less grant/scholarship eligibility. Listed below are financial resources available to graduate students:
1. Graduate Assistantships - A limited number of graduate assistantships are available. Contact the office of Graduate Studies for applications and information. Awarding of graduate assistantships and scholarships are made by each graduate program. For programs beginning in September, the priority application deadline is April 1, 2009.
2. Federal Stafford Loans (thru 2009-10)
3. Federal Direct Loans (Beginning 2010-11)
4. Federal Graduate/Professional PLUS Loans (thru 2009-10)
5. Federal Direct Graduate/Professional PLUS Loans (Beginning 2010-11)