Paying for graduate school

Graduate aid works differently from undergraduate aid. Grants are rarer, departments matter more, and federal loan rules changed for new borrowers in 2026.

The FAFSA still comes first

Graduate students file the FAFSA as independent students, so parents’ information is not needed. It opens the door to federal loans and to many school awards.

Federal loan limits for graduate and professional students changed for new borrowers from July 2026. Check studentaid.gov for the limits that apply to your program this year before you plan around a figure.

What to do

• File the FAFSA as an independent student
• Check this year’s federal loan limits on studentaid.gov
• Ask the department about assistantships
• Ask your employer about tuition support

Funding through the department

Many graduate programs, especially research degrees, fund students through teaching or research assistantships and fellowships that cover tuition and pay a stipend. These come from the department, not the aid office, so ask the program director how they are awarded.

In graduate school, much of the funding is held by the department rather than the aid office.

Employers and service programs

Employers sometimes pay for degrees related to your work. Public service programs in fields like health care and teaching can repay loans in exchange for years of work in an area of need.