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:
- be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen;
- be registered with Selective Service (if required);
- attend a participating school;
- be working toward a degree or certificate;
- maintain satisfactory academic progress;
- not owe a refund on a federal grant or be in default on a federal educational loan; and,
- have financial need (except for Federal Unsubsidized Direct Loan)
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 |
Need-based |
Repayment is deferred and there is no interest while enrolled at least half-time |
Federal Direct Stafford Loan, Unsubsidized ** Visit the U.S. Department of Education for detailed information |
Federally funded |
Non-need based |
Interest begins accruing immediately at loan's inception |
* 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 |