Undergraduate to Graduate

Financial Aid Tips for the Undergraduate Student Matriculating into Graduate/Professional Study

    • In order to apply for financial aid as a Graduate Student, you will need to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
    • If you complete your undergraduate degree and intend to begin course work in a graduate program in the same academic year, you will need to correct your current FAFSA application to update your status as a graduate student. (You will need to answer “Yes” to the FAFSA question: Are you graduate student? You will also need to indicate that you are seeking a graduate degree.) If you have questions on how to update your FAFSA information, contact the OSFAS for assistance.
    • According to federal regulations, graduate or professional students are classified as independent for financial aid purposes. As an independent student you are not required to list any parental information on the FAFSA (other than “in-kind” support).
    • As an undergraduate student you may have received funding from grants such as the Federal Pell Grant, the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant programs. Graduate students are not considered for funding from these programs; however, as a graduate student you remain eligible for consideration for funding under the Federal Work-Study Program, and for increased funding from the Federal Direct Stafford Loan Program (up to $20,500 per academic year).
    • Graduate students are eligible to borrow Federal PLUS loans. Federal Direct Graduate PLUS loans carry a fixed interest rate. If your Federal Direct Stafford Loan amount is not sufficient to cover your expenses, you should consider a PLUS loan before a more costly alternative loan. Additional information on all loan programs is available on our website here.
    • To be considered for funding from all available graduate aid sources, you must meet UConn’s On-time FAFSA Deadline.
    • Additional information on how graduate students can apply for financial aid is available here.
    • If you have any questions regarding the application process or eligibility requirements please contact our office for assistance.

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