FAFSA covers graduate school, but the process and aid types change significantly from undergraduate

Yes, FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is available to graduate students, but you fill out a different form and the aid you receive works differently than it does for undergraduates. Graduate students cannot receive Pell Grants, which are the largest federal aid program for undergraduates. Instead, graduate aid comes primarily through federal loans, and may be able to access depends on your specific graduate program and your school's participation in federal aid programs.

The key difference: undergraduate FAFSA opens in October and covers the school year starting the following fall. Graduate FAFSA opens on the same schedule but covers different aid types. You must reapply each year you are enrolled in a graduate program, and your Expected Family Contribution (now called the Student Aid Index) is calculated the same way, but graduate students are treated as independent for dependency purposes — your parents' income does not affect your aid.

Key Takeaways

  • Graduate students file FAFSA using the same form as undergraduates, but they are automatically considered independent regardless of age or parental income.
  • Graduate students cannot receive Pell Grants; federal aid for graduate school comes through Direct Unsubsidized Loans and Graduate PLUS Loans.
  • Your school must be a Title IV participant and your program must be may be able to access for federal aid; not all graduate programs may have access to.
  • You must reapply for FAFSA each year you are enrolled in graduate school, and your aid package may change based on program costs and your enrollment status.

What types of federal aid are available to graduate students

Direct Unsubsidized Loans are the primary federal loan available to graduate students. Unlike subsidized loans for undergraduates, the government does not pay the interest while you are in school — interest accrues from the moment the loan is disbursed. The annual borrowing limit for graduate students is higher than for undergraduates: you can borrow up to $20,500 per year, with a total limit of $138,500 in Direct Unsubsidized Loans (including any undergraduate loans you already have).

Graduate PLUS Loans allow you to borrow additional money beyond the Direct Unsubsidized limit, up to the full cost of attendance at your school minus any other aid you receive. These loans require a credit check, and interest rates are higher than Direct Unsubsidized Loans. Graduate PLUS Loans accrue interest immediately and begin repayment six months after you leave school or drop below half-time enrollment.

Some graduate programs may also offer federal work-study, which provides part-time employment on or near campus. Work-study positions are typically reserved for students with demonstrated financial need, and your school determines how much you can earn per year.

How to determine if your graduate program qualifies for federal aid

Not every graduate program is may be able to access for federal student aid. Your school must be a Title IV participant (meaning it participates in federal aid programs), and your specific program must be approved for federal aid. Most master's degrees and doctoral programs at accredited universities may have access to, but some certificate programs, non-degree programs, and programs at non-accredited institutions do not.

The easiest way to check is to ask your graduate program's financial aid office directly. They can tell you whether your program is may be able to access and what aid you can receive. You can also search the Federal Student Aid website's school finder tool to confirm your school participates in federal aid, though you will need to contact the school about your specific program.

If your program does not may have access to for federal aid through FAFSA, you may still be able to borrow through private student loans, though these have different terms and no federal protections. Some graduate programs also offer institutional aid or scholarships through the school itself, which you apply for separately from FAFSA.

When to file FAFSA for graduate school

FAFSA for graduate school opens on October 1 each year and covers the academic year beginning the following fall. If you are starting graduate school in fall 2024, you would file FAFSA in October 2023. The federal deadline to file is June 30 of the award year, but many schools have earlier deadlines — some as early as February or March — so you should check your school's specific deadline.

Filing early matters because some schools distribute aid on a first-come, first-served basis, particularly for work-study and institutional aid. Federal loans are not typically distributed on a first-come basis, but filing early ensures your financial aid office has time to process your application before the semester begins.

You must file FAFSA every year you are enrolled in graduate school, even if you filed the previous year. Your aid package may change based on program costs, your enrollment status (full-time versus part-time), and changes to your financial situation.

How graduate student loans differ from undergraduate loans

Graduate students have higher borrowing limits but fewer grant options. Undergraduates can receive Pell Grants (which do not require repayment) and subsidized loans (where the government pays interest while in school). Graduate students receive only unsubsidized loans and PLUS loans, both of which accrue interest immediately.

Interest rates are set by Congress and change each year. For the 2023–2024 school year, Direct Unsubsidized Loans for graduate students carried an interest rate of 8.05%, while Graduate PLUS Loans were 9.05%. These rates are higher than rates for undergraduate loans in the same year. Interest begins accruing as soon as the loan is disbursed, even while you are still in school.

Repayment begins six months after you leave school or drop below half-time enrollment. Graduate students have access to income-driven repayment plans, which can lower monthly payments based on your income, though these plans may extend the repayment period and increase total interest paid.

What happens if your graduate program is part-time

Part-time graduate students can file FAFSA and borrow federal loans, but your aid may be reduced. Schools calculate aid based on enrollment status, and part-time enrollment typically results in a lower cost of attendance, which means lower loan limits. Some schools define part-time as fewer than 9 credit hours per semester, while others use different thresholds — check your school's definition.

If you are enrolled part-time, you may not may have access to for certain types of aid, such as work-study. Your loan disbursement schedule may also differ: schools typically disburse aid in two payments per semester for full-time students, but part-time students may receive one payment or a different schedule.

If you are considering part-time enrollment, ask your financial aid office how it will affect your aid package before you enroll. Some schools allow you to switch between full-time and part-time status during the year, which can change your aid mid-year.

Federal loans versus private loans for graduate school

Federal loans have fixed interest rates set by Congress, income-driven repayment options, and loan forgiveness programs (though graduate students have fewer forgiveness options than undergraduates). Private loans have variable or fixed rates set by the lender, typically require a credit check, and offer no income-driven repayment or forgiveness options.

Federal loans are almost always the better choice first because they offer more protections and flexibility. You can only borrow private loans after you have exhausted your federal loan limits, and you should compare rates and terms carefully. Some private lenders offer better rates to borrowers with excellent credit, but most graduate students find federal loans more affordable overall.

If you need to borrow beyond federal limits, ask your school's financial aid office whether they recommend specific private lenders or whether they have preferred lender relationships that might offer better terms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use FAFSA to pay for a graduate certificate or non-degree program?

Only if your school and program are Title IV may be able to access. Most graduate certificates at accredited universities may have access to, but some do not — particularly certificates from non-accredited providers or programs that do not lead to a recognized credential. Contact your program's financial aid office to confirm may be able to access before enrolling.

Do my parents' income affect my graduate school FAFSA?

No. Graduate students are automatically treated as independent for FAFSA purposes, regardless of age or whether your parents claim you as a dependent on their taxes. Only your own income and assets (and your spouse's, if you are married) are considered.

What if I already have undergraduate student loans?

Your undergraduate loans do not affect your graduate FAFSA or your ability to borrow for graduate school. However, your total Direct Loan debt (undergraduate plus graduate) cannot exceed $138,500 in unsubsidized loans. Graduate PLUS Loans have no aggregate limit, so you can borrow as much as needed beyond that cap.

Can I get a Pell Grant as a graduate student?

No. Pell Grants are only for undergraduate students. Graduate students receive only loans through FAFSA, though your school may offer institutional grants or scholarships that you apply for separately.

Do I need to file FAFSA if I am only taking one class per semester?

You can file FAFSA, but your aid will be calculated based on part-time enrollment status, which typically results in lower aid. Check your school's definition of part-time enrollment and ask the financial aid office whether filing is worth it for your situation — some schools have minimum enrollment requirements to disburse aid.