Financing Your Education
Financial aid for graduate students.
Graduate
students may apply for a Federal Stafford Loan package totaling the cost of
their education each year, up to $20,500 ($10,500 for Post-Baccalaureate
Certificate students). Federal Stafford Loans are either subsidized or
unsubsidized. A subsidized loan is awarded on the basis of financial need, as
determined by the federal government. For subsidized loans, the federal
government pays interest on the loan until repayment begins and during
authorized periods of deferment. An unsubsidized loan is not awarded on
the basis of need. Interest for unsubsidized loans is charged starting at
disbursement until the loan is paid in full.
To be
eligible for a federal loan, you need to apply and be admitted to a graduate
program. Students in term-based programs must enroll in at least 4 credits
per term (6 credits per term is required for Post-Baccalaureate Certificate
programs). Students in accelerated, non-term programs are eligible for aid
based on enrolling in the program.
To Begin
the Financial Aid Process
To start
the financial aid process, you need to complete the Free
Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Cardinal Stritch
University’s school code is: 003837
After
completing the FAFSA, you will be contacted by the Financial Aid Office in
approximately two-four weeks. At this time you will be prompted to
complete the following financial aid forms via our website:
- Cardinal
Stritch University Financial Aid Application
- Master
Promissory Note
- Entrance
Counseling
If
additional information is needed, you will be contacted every two weeks until
your file is complete. If no additional information is needed, your
financial aid application is ready to be processed.
Finally,
once you are registered for classes, a financial award will be completed and
you will be notified via mail.
To begin
the Financial Aid process, click here.
Frequently
Asked Questions
Q: As a
graduate student, do I qualify for financial aid?
A: Yes,
graduate students may apply for a Federal Stafford Loan package totaling the
cost of their education each year, up to $20,500 ($10,500 for Post-Baccalaureate
Certificate students). To be eligible for a federal loan, you need to
apply and be admitted to a graduate program. Students in term-based
programs must enroll in at least 4 credits per term (6 credits per term is
required for Post-Baccalaureate Certificate programs). Students in
accelerated non-term programs are eligible for aid based on enrolling in the
program.
Q: We
are a dual income family household, will I qualify for financial aid?
A:
Federal Stafford loans are not contingent on household income. The type of
loan, subsidized vs. unsubsidized, varies based on need, as determined by the
federal government.
Q: How
much financial aid will I receive?
A: As
long as you are enrolled in at least 4 credits in term-based programs or
enrolled in an accelerated program you may receive up to $20,500. The
actual amount will be determined at the time of awarding. Typically, loans
cover all tuition and direct education expenses.
Q:
Does the University offer tuition payment plans other than or in addition to
federal student loans?
A: Yes.
A payment plan is an excellent way to make monthly payments to your statement
of account. Cardinal Stritch University offers two acceptable payment
plans. Both payment plans allow you to make interest-free payments
instead of having to make a lump-sum payment at the beginning of each
term. There is a service fee to participate in the payment plans.
For
further details on either payment plan, you may visit the Web address provided
above. If you prefer, please feel free to contact a Business Office
representative at (414) 410-4230 or toll free at (800) 347-8822, ext. 4230
Q: Can I
enroll in the monthly payment plan and receive student loans?
A: Yes,
any combination of payments and financial aid can be used to pay for school.
Q: Can
my previous student loans go into deferment while I am in graduate school?
A:
Yes. The Registration Office can notify the National Clearinghouse of your
enrollment. Notification will place your loans into an “in-school”
deferment.
Q: When do
I have to start paying back the loans?
A:
Typically, repayment begins six months after you have completed the program or
dropped below half-time status.
Q: Is
there a deadline for financial aid?
A: It is
advised that you complete all paperwork prior to the first night of class. If
you do not, processing is delayed.
Q: What
if I have started a program and realize I want financial aid, am I still
eligible?
A:
Students are eligible while enrolled in a program. You will need to speak with
the Financial Aid Office about what classes could be included and possible
award amounts.
Q:
Are there any grants or scholarships available?
A: Unfortunately, no federal or state
grants are available to graduate students. Institutional scholarships are
limited and typically awarded to students after their first year in the
program. We encourage you to talk to your employer regarding opportunities
they offer (scholarships or employer reimbursement).
Q:
What is the Stafford Loan Forgiveness Program for Teachers?
A: This program forgives up to $17,500
for teachers in certain specialties, and up to $5,000 for other teachers who
teach for five years in low-income schools and meet other requirements. To find
out more about the eligibility requirements, visit www.studentaid.ed.gov
For
additional questions regarding financial aid, please contact a Graduate
Admissions counselor at (414) 410-4042 or gradadm@stritch.edu.