To help our graduate students finance a Saint Joseph´s University education, we are pleased to be able to offer several need- and non-need-based loans. Students are encouraged to review the options to determine which is best suited for their specific needs.
Descriptions of need- and non-need-based federal loan programs (below) help determine the amount of additional financing a student might require.
Federal Stafford Student Loan - Subsidized: This program allows graduate students who demonstrate federal financial aid eligibility and who are enrolled for at least six credits per term to borrow up to $8,500 per academic grade level. The interest rate is fixed at 6.8 percent. Interest does not accrue, nor does repayment begin, on subsidized Stafford Loans until six months after termination of college enrollment on a less than half-time basis.
Federal Stafford Student Loan - Unsubsidized: This loan allows all students regardless of federal financial aid eligibility who are enrolled for at least six credits per term to borrow up to $20,500 per academic grad level including any amount borrowed under the subsidized Stafford Loan Program. The interest is the same as specified above; however, interest accrual begins immediately during in-school and deferment periods. Interest accruing during those periods may be paid or capitalized.
Federal Graduate PLUS Loan: This program allows graduate students who do not have an adverse credit history to borrow up to the full cost of attendance, less other financial aid received, including Federal Stafford Loans (subsidized and unsubsidized).
The interest is fixed at 8.50 percent. Interest accrual begins on the date of the first disbursement; the first payment is due within 60 days after the final disbursement.
Colleges determine eligibility for the Federal Stafford Loan before determining any remaining eligibility for a Federal Graduate PLUS Loan. The Office of Financial Assistance will calculate the maximum a student may borrow through the Graduate PLUS Loan program after completion of the Federal Stafford Loan application process.
