Government Loan Programs

The tables below present general information on need-based financial aid for which domestic, non-foreign graduate students are eligible. There are numerous non-need-based sources of funding which all graduate students should investigate further. In addition, graduate students should be sure to check out UW's Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships web site for specific need-based funding information.

Please note, certain types of financial aid have eligibility requirements additional to those listed below. Please be sure to research each type of need-based financial aid thoroughly before applying or accepting admission.

The minimum requirements for receiving need-based financial aid are:

In addition, students must file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for financial aid, grants, and some fellowships. Additional information about the FAFSA, financial aid deadlines, and other important information can be found on our Need Based Financial Aid information page .

Loans (Federal)*:

Program Description Eligibility Terms

Federal Direct Stafford Loan, Subsidized **

Visit the U.S. Department of Education for detailed information

Federally funded
Variable interest rate adjusted annually on July 1, capped at 8.25%. More rate information is available.
See "Borrowing Maximums" chart below

Need-based
All full- and half-time students in a graduate degree program
U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens

Repayment is deferred and there is no interest while enrolled at least half-time
Limited deferment provisions; see the U.S. Department of Education website for more information.

Federal Direct Stafford Loan, Unsubsidized **

Visit the U.S. Department of Education for detailed information

Federally funded
Variable interest rate adjusted annually on July 1, capped at 8.25%. More rate information is available. ¥ See "Borrowing Maximums" chart below.

Non-need based
All full- and half-time students in a graduate degree program
U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens

Interest begins accruing immediately at loan's inception
Student can begin making payments toward interest or choose to have interest accrue (capitalize) while enrolled in eligible degree program (see promissory note)
Repayment of principal deferred while enrolled at least half-time
Limited deferment provisions; see the U.S. Department of Education website for more information.

* Graduate students are considered "independent" for the purposes of Federal (U.S.) need-based lending and financial aid.

** Students accepting Direct Loan funds for the first time must complete a Direct Loan Master Promissory Note before receiving their loan funds. A promissory note will be sent to students after they accept their loan on Visual Aid .

Combined Borrowing Maximums for Subsidized and Unsubsidized Federal Direct Loans

Graduate Students Borrowing Maximums
First Year $18,500 each academic year (only $8,500 of this amount can be a Subsidized Loan)
Second Year $18,500 each academic year (only $8,500 of this amount can be a Subsidized Loan)
Third Year $18,500 each academic year (only $8,500 of this amount can be a Subsidized Loan)
Total Loan Debt Limit $138,500 (only $65,500 can be Subsidized Loan); limit INCLUDES Federal Direct Loans received as an undergraduate at any institution

Please refer to the UW's Financial Services web page dealing with Private Loans and Alternative Payment Options for additional information on funding types and options.

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September 8th, 2009
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September 28th, 2009
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October 20th, 2009
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November 9th, 2009
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December 1st, 2009
Talk and Dine

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Fellows' privileges and responsibilities

Current Fellows

Graduate School Catalog 06-08

Funding Guides:

Fellowships & Grants databases

Major funding organizations

Need-based financial aid

Government loan programs

Private loan programs

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