Investing in Your Degree : Graduate Students : Office of Financial Aid : University of Notre Dame

Investing in Your
Graduate, Law, or Graduate Business Degree
at the University of Notre Dame

We are pleased to learn of your interest in the University of Notre Dame’s graduate/professional financial aid programs. To assist you in financing your education, we are providing the following information outlining the Office of Financial Aid’s policies, programs, and procedures with respect to your eligibility for federal and private student aid programs.

Cost of Attendance

The estimated 2013/2014 cost of attendance varies based upon the program in which you enroll. Actual costs vary based on housing accommodations, travel costs, and personal expenses. Annual increases in the cost of a Notre Dame education are anticipated.

Scholarship/Fellowship Programs

Academic fellowships, assistantships, and scholarships are administered by individual colleges, schools, or departments. Students interested in these aid opportunities should contact the appropriate office directly.

Applying for Federal Student Aid

The 2013/2014 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) serves as the official application for federal student aid at the University of Notre Dame. Notre Dame’s Federal School Code is 001840 and must be listed in the appropriate section of the FAFSA to be considered for federal financial assistance at the University of Notre Dame. NOTE: If eligible, students are strongly encouraged to use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool option when completing the FAFSA. Choosing this option will streamline completion of federal verification requirements and expedite the review of your financial aid application.

To be eligible for federal student assistance, a student must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident or eligible noncitizen of the United States with a valid Social Security Number. Additionally, students may not be in default on a federal student loan nor owe a refund on a federal student grant. In general, students must be classified as degree-seeking and be enrolled at least half-time to participate in the federal aid programs. Other federal criteria may also impact eligibility.

In addition to completing the FAFSA, if requested, students must be prepared to submit supporting documentation to the Office of Financial Aid. This documentation may include student (and spouse) 2012 Federal Tax Transcript, 2012 W-2 Form(s), and other documents as requested (e.g., Verification Worksheet).

Federal Loan Programs

Federal Direct Student Loan Program

Starting with the 2012/2013 academic year, Direct Subsidized Loan eligibility will no longer be available to graduate/professional students.

The terms of the need-based Subsidized Federal Direct Loan Program require that the student borrower repay, with interest, this source of financial assistance. This program is referred to as subsidized because no interest is charged while the student is enrolled in school and during the six-month grace period.

The terms of the non need-based Unsubsidized Federal Direct Loan Program require that the student borrower repay, with interest, this source of financial assistance. This program is referred to as unsubsidized because the interest is not paid by the federal government while the student is enrolled in school. Interest on Unsubsidized Direct Loans begins to accrue after disbursement of the loan funds; however, the student may choose to have the payment of the interest deferred during enrollment and later capitalized (added to principal) at the time of repayment.

Loan rates and additional terms of the Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loan are subject to revision by federal law.

Federal Direct PLUS Loan for Graduate and Professional Students

The Federal Direct PLUS Loan provides a borrowing option for graduate/professional students. Based on the borrower’s creditworthiness, a student may borrow from this federally guaranteed, non need-based loan program.

Private Loan Programs

After exhausting the opportunities available from the scholarship and federal aid programs, students may consider private loan programs as a source of funding. The terms and conditions of these programs vary, and as such, students are encouraged to review the details of the programs before selecting a private loan program. Interest rates, fees (both at the time of borrowing and at repayment), credit checks, and loan limits require careful evaluation by the student as a consumer. Information on private loans may be obtained from the Office of Financial Aid or its website.

Student Employment

Many graduate/professional students working on campus are employed on assistantship agreements arranged directly with their academic department. Other campus jobs also available and are posted on the JOBboard.

Notification of Financial Aid

For students who apply for financial assistance, the Office of Financial Aid will provide a Financial Aid Notification outlining the eligibility for financial assistance. Official notification of academic fellowships, assistantships, and scholarships is sent by the student’s academic department. Students are asked to notify the Office of Financial Aid of the receipt of any financial assistance beyond that outlined in the Financial Aid Notification.

The University of Notre Dame does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, disability, veteran status, or age in the administration of any of its educational programs, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, athletic and other school-administered programs or in employment.