How to Apply

In order to be eligible for Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans and Grad PLUS Loans, you must file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA takes 4-6 days to process.

Each of our graduate schools has their own application process for grants, scholarships and assistantships.  See page 2 of our Financial Aid Guide for Graduate & Professional Students for details. 

If you would like to borrow a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan, complete our online Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan Request Form.  The maximum annual Direct Unsubsidized loan eligibility is $20,500.  If you need to borrow more than your maximum eligibility in the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan, consider the Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan. 

Submission of a Graduate PLUS request and a credit check at studentloans.gov is required.   You will also need to complete an Entrance Interview and MPN at studentloans.gov if you are a first time borrower as a graduate student at Fordham.

Keep in mind that to be eligible for any Federal Direct Loan, you must be:

• matriculating in a degree granting program
• enrolled at least half-time as determined by your academic department
• making satisfactory academic progress