Graduate Financial Aid Programs

University Assistantships & Scholarships

Information regarding these programs, the application process and priority deadlines can be found on our Graduate Assistantships and Scholarships web page.

Federal Loan Programs

  • Federal Direct Unsubsidized Student Loan

    This is a low interest rate federal loan made to graduate students attending accredited colleges and universities. The federal Direct unsubsidized student loan does not require a student to have financial need, although a FAFSA must be completed and submitted to have your eligibility determined for this loan. The U.S. Department of Education does not pay interest on the loan. The interest rate is fixed and is determined each year on July 1. Students have the option to pay the interest while in school. There is a fee that is deducted from the loan before it is disbursed to the University. Students must be enrolled at least half-time to be considered for this loan program. Students must also meet the Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements of the University each year to be eligible for this federal loan. For more information about this loan program visit our Loans for Graduate Students Web page.

    • Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan

      A credit based federal loan where the student is the borrower. The Graduate PLUS loan is only eligible to returning students who meet the US Department of Education's definition of "Legacy" student as outlined in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The Office of Financial Aid can let you know if you meet the legacy definition and if you are eligible. All new Graduate students beginning in Fall 2026 are not eligible for the federal Graduate Plus loan.

      Students who are determined to be eligible may borrow up to the Cost of Attendance minus any financial aid the student is receiving. A credit-worthy endorser (co-signer) may be required on the loan for it to be approved. Students must first have their eligibility determined for the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Student Loan before borrowing the Graduate Plus Loan.

      For more information about this loan program visit our Loans for Graduate Students Web page.

      • Student Employment

      • Federal Work Study

        Federal Work Study is a program where a student works in a part-time job while enrolled, to earn the amount offered. To be eligible for Federal Work Study, students must demonstrate financial need as determined by their FAFSA.

        Students must complete and submit the FAFSA form each year to have their eligibility determined for this federal program. Based on the results of the FAFSA, students may also need to submit additional information to the Financial Aid Office. For more information regarding the application process, visit our Apply for Graduate Financial Aid web page.

        Students are paid on a weekly basis for the hours they work in their Federal Work Study position. Currently students are paid the minimum wage set by the State of Connecticut. Students are not permitted to work in multiple Federal Work Study positions. Students must meet the Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements of the University each year to be eligible for this federal program.

        • Non-Federal Work Study

          This is a program offered by the University where a student works in a part-time position to earn money while enrolled. Individual offices and departments determine the position(s) they have available. Students can view open positions and apply for them through the University’s career system. Students are paid on a weekly basis and may work up to twenty hours per week. Students with multiple jobs are still held to the twenty hours per week maximum.