Student Loans

Graduate Student Loan Guide

Federal Stafford Loans

All graduate students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents and registered for at least 5 credits (half-time status) may qualify for a maximum of $18,500 per academic year under the Federal Stafford Loan Program.

To apply for the Federal Stafford Loan students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the University of Pittsburgh's Financial Aid Application Supplement (FAAS). All FAAS forms must be returned to Admissions and Enrollment Services for certification of enrollment. They will then be forwarded to the Financial Aid Office for loan processing.

Graduate PLUS Loans

This new government based loan is available to students who have exhausted all Federal Stafford Loan funds. The interest rate on a Graduate PLUS Loan is fixed at 8.5%.

In order to be eligible for a Graduate PLUS Loan students must:

1. File a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
2. Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
3. Be creditworthy
4. Be at least half-time (5 credits)
5. Be making satisfactory progress
6. Not be in default on an education loan

Apply for a Graduate PLUS Loan

Tuition Answer Loan

Sallie Mae now offers the Tuition Answer Loan. This loan allows students to obtain funds for their education to cover any college-related expenses. The Tuition Answer Loan does not require the use of federal forms and has no deadline.

Apply for a Tuition Answer Loan

Private Alternative Educational Loans

Many graduate students require additional funds for educational and living expenses, not covered by the Federal Stafford Loan Program. These funds can be obtained through private lending institutions as listed on the following link: http://www.pitt.edu/~oafa/loan_alternative_apply.html.