Student Loans

FEDERAL DIRECT STAFFORD LOANS FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS

This is the most common form of aid available to graduate students. The Federal Direct Stafford Loan Program provides lower interest loans to graduate students enrolled at least half-time (5-8 credits) each semester. Students must be formally accepted to a master’s degree or Special Education Instructional I program. U.S. citizens and permanent residents are eligible. (Note: graduate certificate or certification programs and non-degree students are not eligible for Direct Stafford Loans at Penn State.)

There are no income restrictions to receive Federal Direct Stafford Unsubsidized Loans. Most graduate PSU World Campus classes can be included in the academic load for loan purposes. Principal payments are deferred until a student stops attending half-time (fewer than 5 credits per semester).

Great Valley processes Federal Direct Stafford Loans differently than the other PSU campuses.

Follow these directions

Stafford Loan Information
Stafford Loan Directions
Stafford Waiver & Loan Authorization Forms (return to the PSGV Financial Aid Office).
-- Fall/Spring 2009-2010
-- Spring 2010
-- Summer 2010

FEDERAL DIRECT GRADUATE PLUS LOAN

This is a supplemental loan for Direct Stafford borrowers who have exhausted their eligibility for Stafford for the semester or academic year. The same conditions apply as for the Federal Direct Stafford Loan.

Information & directions

PRIVATE ALTERNATIVE LOANS Available for U.S. citizens and permanent residents as well as International Students with a U.S. Co-signer

A private alternative loan may be helpful for non-degree students, those enrolled in a graduate certificate/certification program, students accelerating their attendance, or masters’ students taking only one class in a semester. Interest rates, fees and repayment terms vary. These are credit-worthy loans. Applicants with a low credit rating or who are not employed may need a co-signer. (Private Alternative Loan rates and fees are higher than the Federal Direct Stafford Loan which is recommended for matriculated half-time masters and Special Education Instructional I students as is the Graduate PLUS Loan, a supplemental federal student loan.) PSU must certify a student applicant’s attendance since receiving the loan is contingent upon enrollment. Although the choice of a lender is ultimately the student’s, we suggest that you may want to consider the lenders listed on the Office of Student Aid Web site.

You can also request a Private Alternative Loan packet from the PSGV Financial Aid Office

Employer-Assisted Tuition Deferred Payment Plan

Tuition deferment is available for students currently employed by an organization that maintains a qualified tuition reimbursement program.