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The Federal Student Financial Aid Programs provide grant, loan and work-study assistance to eligible graduate students.
Federal Pell Grant Program
William D. Ford Federal Direct Student Loan Program
Federal Work-Study Program
Federal Pell Grant Program
A Federal Pell Grant, unlike a loan, does not have to be repaid. Generally, Pell Grants are awarded only to undergraduate students who have not earned a bachelor's or professional degree. (A professional degree is usually earned after earning a bachelor's degree). In some cases, you may receive a Pell Grant for attending a post-baccalaureate teacher certificate program. For many students, Pell Grants provide a foundation of financial aid to which other aid may be added.
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Eligibility
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Students must be enrolled in a credential-only program.
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Conditions
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Since this program is intended to provide assistance to those applicants with greatest need, not all aid applicants will be eligible for a Pell Grant. The award is pro-rated for students enrolled less than full-time. Students can receive only one Pell Grant in an award year.
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Amount
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In 2002-2003, the maximum award was $4,000.
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Application
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A Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is required. The FAFSA is available on-line. Hard copies of the FAFSA can also be obtained from the USF Financial Aid Office at (415) 422-6303, and from regional campuses. |
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Contact
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William D. Ford Federal Direct Student Loan Program
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To participate in the Direct Student Loan program, applicants must be enrolled at least half-time (see chart below for credit hour status) every term during which aid is received. For the University's merit program and for many private programs, full-time enrollment may also be required. |
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While the amount borrowed can never exceed the applicant’s demonstrated need, the Subsidized Federal Direct Student Loan makes available up to $5,500 a year to juniors, seniors and credential only students, and up to $8,500 a year to graduate students. Interest, which is variable, begins to accrue and repayment of this loan begins 6 months after the borrower ceases to be enrolled at least half-time in a degree or credential program.
The Unsubsidized Federal Direct Student Loan is for all eligible students, regardless of demonstrated need. Applicants with limited or no eligibility for the Subsidized Loan are eligible. In addition, graduate students and independent undergraduate aid applicants may borrow to supplement their Subsidized loan eligibility. The terms and conditions of the Unsubsidized loan are identical to those of the Subsidized loan except that interest begins to accrue immediately and it is the borrower’s responsibility to pay the interest or to arrange for a deferment of interest payments while in school.
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Amount
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Annual loan limits, subsidized and unsubsidized combined, are $20,500 for graduate students and $10,500 for juniors, seniors and credential-only students.
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Application
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A Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is required. The FAFSA is available on-line. Hard copies of the FAFSA can also be obtained from the USF Financial Aid Office (tel.: 415-422-6303) and from regional campuses. |
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Contact
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Graduate students enrolled at least half-time may be eligible to defer repayment on some or all outstanding loans borrowed for undergraduate study. Eligible students should request deferment forms from their lenders or servicers and submit them to the Registrar's Office for processing after completing the registration process for their first term at USF. Some lenders require that enrollment be verified each term; others require that it be done once each academic year.
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Credit Hour Load
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Full-Time
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Half-Time
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| Credential Level |
12+
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6
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| Master's Level |
8+
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4
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| Doctoral Level |
6+
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3
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December 2004 Update:
On October 30, 2004, the "Taxpayer-Teacher Protection Act of 2004" was signed. This change made to the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) provides increased Federal Stafford Loan forgiveness for “highly qualified” teachers of math, science, and special education who agree to teach for five or more years in high-poverty K-12 schools. This Act authorizes up to $17,500 (previously limited to $5,000) in loan forgiveness for new Federal Stafford Loan borrowers under the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program and Federal Direct Loan Program who meet certain criteria.
Read More >>
Federal Work-Study Program
The Federal Work-Study Program provides jobs for undergraduate and graduate students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to help pay education expenses. The program encourages community service work and work related to students' courses of study.
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Eligibility
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Students who are enrolled full-time in their degree or credential program and who are not otherwise employed.
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Conditions
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Work-study funds are generally offered to aid applicants who indicate an interest in student employment on their FAFSA. Work-study jobs are limited to eligible employers, that is, public and non-profit agencies who have a current work-study contract with the University.
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Amount
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Your Federal Work-Study wages will be at least the current federal minimum wage, but it may be higher, depending on the type of work you do and the skills required. Your total Federal Work-Study award depends on when you apply, your level of need, and the funding level of your school.
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Application
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A Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is required. The FAFSA is available on-line. Hard copies of the FAFSA can also be obtained from the USF Financial Aid Office at (415) 422-6303, and from regional campuses. |
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Contact
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