Federal Graduate PLUS Loan Changes and the GSS MSW Summer Jumpstart
Start your Fordham MSW coursework early and save big
Accepted for the fall 2026 Fordham MSW cohort as an on-campus student? You can actually begin your coursework in summer 2026 through our new Summer Jumpstart Option, which gets you closer to graduation and secures your financial aid options. Watch the above video to learn more about this process.
Why this is important: Beginning July 1, 2026, Federal Graduate PLUS loans will no longer be available to new borrowers nationwide. But if you enroll and start classes before that date, you’ll remain eligible for Grad PLUS loans for the entirety of your degree or up to three years, whichever comes first.
Bottom line: Full-time MSW students who enroll in six (6) credits before July 1, 2026, are eligible for Grad PLUS loans. Those who start after will not be eligible.
Want to get started early? Submit your FALL 2026 application as early as possible, as Summer Jumpstart seats are limited.
Questions about Grad PLUS and the Summer Jumpstart Option? Contact [email protected].
Additional Fordham GSS Summer Jumpstart Resources and Information
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Financial Aid & Loans (Critical Updates)
Q: Which FAFSA forms do I need to complete? A: If you are participating in the Summer Jumpstart, you must fill out both the 2025-2026 FAFSA (which covers Summer 2026) and the 2026-2027 FAFSA (which covers Fall 2026 and Spring 2027).
Q: Why is the Summer Jumpstart program being offered? A: The primary driver for the Summer Jumpstart program is upcoming changes to federal Grad PLUS loans that are set to take effect on July 1. Starting early allows students to secure their funding under the current rules.
Q: How do I get "grandparented in" to the current loan rules? (UPDATED AS OF March 3, 2026) A: You must apply for, be approved for, and take out either an Unsubsidized Loan or a Grad PLUS loan before July 1. Previously taking out an Unsubsidized loan (which has a $20,500 limit) was not enough to secure grandfathered status however as of this update that is no longer the case.
Q: Is there a credit check for the PLUS loan? A: Yes, unlike the Unsubsidized loan, the Grad PLUS loan is credit-based. If you have adverse credit, you will need a cosigner.
Q: What exactly can the Grad PLUS loan be used for? A: Grad PLUS loans can cover your tuition. Any remaining funds (up to your total cost of attendance) can be refunded to you to cover living expenses, housing, or transportation.
Q: If I am approved for the Grad PLUS loan, is it necessary to withdraw funds, or is the approval itself adequate? A: To maintain eligibility for the Grad PLUS loan for the duration of your program, you are required to withdraw funds from the loan by July 1st.
Q: Will my institutional scholarship cover summer tuition? A: No. Institutional scholarships do not apply to the summer session. Your summer tuition must be paid entirely out-of-pocket or covered by federal loans. Your scholarships will begin applying in the Fall semester.
Degree Conferral & Start Dates
Q: Do I need my undergraduate degree to be officially finished before I start? A: Yes. Federal loans cannot be disbursed without a final official transcript showing a conferred undergraduate degree.
Q: Should I choose the May or June start date? A: You can choose to start in mid-May or late June. However, if your undergraduate degree won't be conferred (and officially on your transcript) until after the Mid May option, you must choose the late June start date if you are relying on federal loans.
Q: Is my graduation date the same as my degree conferral date? A: Not necessarily. Do not confuse your graduation ceremony date with your official degree conferral date. They are often different, so check with your undergraduate institution's registrar to be sure. A degree conferral letter may be required in order to show proof of degree completion.
Program Structure & Course Load
Q: How many classes will I take during the Summer Jumpstart? A: You will take two classes in the summer. You will take these at Lincoln Center in the May start session or online during the June start session, not both.
Q: What will my course load look like in the Fall and Spring? A:
- Advanced Standing (BSW holders): You will take 3 academic classes per semester alongside your specialist fieldwork.
- Traditional Program (Non-BSW): You will take 3 academic classes per semester alongside your generalist fieldwork.
Q: Is there a tuition difference between online and on-campus formats? A: No, there is no tuition differential. The costs are exactly the same whether you take classes online or on-campus.
Q: Can hybrid students participate in the Summer Jumpstart? A: Yes. Hybrid students can start in May or June and then transition to their standard hybrid format in the fall.
Q: Is field placement mandatory for the Summer Jumpstart program? A:No, fieldwork is not a requirement for the Summer Jumpstart. All students will start their fieldwork in the fall 2026 term.
Next Steps & Logistics
Q: How do I opt in or out of the Summer Jumpstart? A: The Summer Jumpstart Agreement form will be emailed to you if you indicated interest in your Admission Reply Form. If you want to opt out, simply ignore the form. If you haven't opted in yet and want to, you can email Stephen McGowan ([email protected]).
Q: Is graduate housing available over the summer? A: You must contact Residential Services directly to check on availability and costs. Please contact, Chrishane Cunningham, Graduate Housing Manager at gradhousing@fordhamledu, 646-773-1936
Q: Who do I contact if I have specific questions about my financial aid or scholarships? A: Specific questions regarding your individual scholarship awards or aid package should be directed to [email protected].
Learn more about Fordham's MSW program