Financial Aid Policies

Academic Requirements for Financial Aid

Students receiving financial aid must be matriculated into a degree-granting program or eligible certificate program, and enrolled in the appropriate credit hours per term.  Students must also maintain satisfactory academic progress.

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)

In accordance with federal regulations, all financial aid recipients are required to make Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) towards their degree, and be in good academic standing in order to remain eligible to receive federal, state or institutional financial aid. It is important to note that SAP standards described here are separate from, and in addition to, the Academic Standing Policy established by the faculty of the University.

Students who have applied to a graduate program but will not be matriculated prior to the mid-point of the semester are not eligible for the Federal Direct Loan. You may, however, apply for an Alternative Education Loan.

Federal Direct Student Loan Lifetime Limits

BORROW WISELY: Borrow only what you need to cover your costs.

As of July 1, 2026, the Federal Direct Loan Limit for graduate programs will depend on the following factors:

  • Your program of study
  • Whether you received a Federal Direct Loan in that program of study prior to July 1, 2026
  • Whether you have exceeded your published program length (maybe applicable to students enrolling part time)

Click here to view detailed information regarding your eligibility. We encourage you to contact our office to discuss your individual circumstances.

Covering Living Expenses

Students can borrow in excess of their charges to assist with educationally related expenses, such as living costs. In order to determine the total amount of aid allowed per semester, including both federal and private loans, a cost of attendance is created. This cost of attendance includes direct charges to your bill (tuition & fees), as well as estimated indirect/personal expenses that a student may incur. Students may not borrow in excess of the approved cost of attendance. Each year the cost of attendance is adjusted to reflect changes in costs and expenses. Contact Student Financial Services for more information on your personalized cost of attendance.

Graduate Certificate Programs and Federal Loans

Currently, the following graduate level certificate programs are eligible for federal financial assistance:

Federal aid can only be applied to to stand alone certificates, not certificates embedded in other programs.

Students seeking financial assistance for other certificate programs may use private alternative financing.