Graduate Financial Aid
Eligibility for financial aid is determined by filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) through the Federal Processor. The FAFSA can be completed online. To receive federal aid, a student must be fully accepted into a graduate program. Provisional acceptance does not meet the requirements to qualify for federal aid. Graduation from a program can impact eligibility for future federal aid. Graduate students are eligible to apply for Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans. Maximum annual loan amount is indicated below:
| Unsubsidized Stafford |
$20,500 |
This amount will be subject to the student’s filing for federal aid, showing eligibility for loans and cost of attendance for school. Students may or may not be eligible for the maximum possible award based on these criteria.
Semester Enrollment Status for Graduate Students
(Please note - students must be enrolled at least halftime to receive Federal Student Aid):
| Full-time enrollment |
9 credit hours or more per semester |
| Three quarter-time enrollment |
7-8 credit hours per semester |
| Half-time enrollment |
5-6 credit hours per semester |
| Less than half-time enrollment |
4 credit hours or less per semester |
All graduate students who receive federal financial aid must be working toward an eligible degree from Maryville College.
Federal Graduate PLUS Loan
A Federal Grad PLUS Loan is a loan for graduate students who need further assistance after the use of Federal Direct Loans. This is a federal loan with a fixed interest rate and is approved based on a student’s credit. Applications are made at https://studentaid.gov/. Students are eligible for an amount up to the Cost of Attendance, less other aid received.
Grad PLUS Master Promissory Note (MPN)
The Grad PLUS Master Promissory Note (MPN) is required before funds can be disbursed. This MPN is a legal document in which students promise to repay the federal student loan(s) and any accrued interest and fees to the lender or loan holder. This is a Federal requirement that recipients must complete prior to receiving funds from this program.
Loan Exit Counseling
Federal regulations require all students who borrow Graduate PLUS funds to complete exit counseling when graduating or dropping below half-time enrollment.
Annual Student Loan Acknowledgement
Federal regulations require that students complete the Annual Student Loan Acknowledgement before funds can be disbursed each year. Students complete this process to acknowledge they understand how much they owe in student loans and how much more can be borrowed.