Financial aid can take many forms. At Duquesne University, graduate student financial aid can be scholarships, assistantships, federal work study, and student loans.

For all scholarships and assistantships, you need to speak with your graduate program staff. Who receives this type of assistance is determined at the department or program level not by the Financial Aid office.

Eligibility for Graduate Student loans and Federal Work Study are determined by the Financial Aid office at Duquesne University.

Only citizens and permanent residents of the United States who are in good academic standing and enrolled at least half-time in degree programs are eligible to apply for federal loan funds. Most Graduate Schools at Duquesne University define half-time as registration 4.5 credits per semester. A student must maintain at least half-time registration during the entire period of time covered by a loan.

Initially, you need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and a Graduate Aid Application. You can complete the FAFSA online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. If you have not completed a Graduate Aid Application, you can download it at http://www.financialaid.duq.edu/studentforms.html

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If you expect to receive federal student loans or federal work study, the answer is yes, even if your income does not change dramatically.

To receive maximum consideration for aid, students must complete a FAFSA and a Graduate Aid Application prior to May 31st each year.

Subsidized Federal Stafford Loan Program
The Subsidized Federal Stafford loan is a need based, variable interest loan. Subsidized Stafford loans do not accrue interest while the student is enrolled at least half time in school. The maximum amount that a graduate student may borrow in an academic year is $8,500. In accordance with federal regulations, each student will be subject to a needs analysis. Need equals the student's cost of education budget less any University or outside supp' (including federal work study, assistantships, and scholarships) less expected student/spouse contributions-which comes from the FAFSA.

Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loan Program
An Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loan is not based on financial need and is available to students who have borrowed the maximum subsidized Federal Stafford loan, or are only eligible for a partial subsidized Federal Stafford loan, or are not eligible for any subsidized Federal Stafford loan. A student who borrows unsubsidized loans funds is responsible for interest; interest accrual begins on the date of disbursement. The maximum amount of both subsidized and unsubsidized loans that a student may borrow is $20,500 per academic year. A student's eligibility is determined by subtracting any aid to be received for the loan per' (including other loan funds) from the cost of education.

No. The total of any University-administered financial aid may not exceed the cost of education (tuition and fees).

You may want to take out a Graduate PLUS loan through a bank or agency.