FAFSA application For graduate school

While many associate the FAFSA with undergraduate studies, it remains an essential tool for securing financial aid for graduate programs as well.

This is how the FAFSA application process works for graduate school.

FAFSA Application for Graduate School

While the main application process remains similar, there are some important distinctions between applying for FAFSA aid for undergraduate and graduate studies,

Some of these main differences include:

  1. Student Status: Graduate students are generally considered independent students on the FAFSA application. This means you normally won’t need to provide your parent’s financial information. However, if you are married, you will need to include your spouse’s financial details.
  2. Loan Eligibility: Graduate students have access to federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans, which do not require a credit check but carry a higher interest rate than subsidized loans available to undergraduates. There are annual and aggregate loan limits for graduate students.
  3. Grant Eligibility: While some federal grants are available to graduate students, the options are more limited compared to undergraduate programs. However, your FAFSA application can still qualify you for state and school-specific grants.

How to Complete the FAFSA Application for Graduate School

If you are ready to get started with your FAFSA application for graduate school, here’s what the process involves:

  1. Gather Your Documents: You’ll need your Social Security number, Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID (which you can create for free at StudentAid.gov, tax return information (yours and your spouse’s if married), records of untaxed income, and banking statements.
  2. Apply Online: Head to the official FAFSA website to complete the online application. The FAFSA form usually opens on October 1st for the following academic year. Apply as early as possible to increase your chances of receiving aid.
  3. Independent Student Status: When prompted on the application, indicate that you are an independent student.
  4. School Selection: Use the FAFSA application to list the graduate schools you’re planning to attend. This will allow them to receive your FAFSA information electronically.
  5. Review and Submit: Carefully review your application for any errors before submitting it. After you submit it, you’ll receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) summarizing your financial aid eligibility.