Graduate/Professional Student

Does your office provide graduate and professional scholarships?
Who should I contact to discuss a potential increase in scholarship?
Do I need to complete the FAFSA application every year to borrow federal loans?
When will I receive my Financial Aid Offer (FAO)?
How do I accept the Federal Direct Loans on my Financial Aid Offer?
How do I adjust or decline my loans?
When will my loan funds pay to my University student account?
I have a credit balance on my University student account. How do I receive my refund?

Does your office provide graduate and professional scholarships?: The Office of Financial Aid administers federal and private loans for graduate and professional students. Please note that we do not award merit or need-based scholarships.
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Who should I contact to discuss a potential increase in scholarship?: For inquiries regarding academic scholarships, fellowships, or assistantships, please contact your admitting department directly, as these are managed outside the Office of Financial Aid.
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Do I need to complete the FAFSA application every year to borrow federal loans?: Yes, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for every academic year you wish to utilize federal loans. Visit our website for information on the Financial Aid Application Process.
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When will I receive my Financial Aid Offer (FAO)?: We typically begin sending Financial Aid Offers to graduate and professional students with completed FAFSA applications in early to mid-April.
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How do I accept the Federal Direct Loans on my Financial Aid Offer?: Students who wish to borrow from the Federal Direct Loan Program should complete the two-step process outlined on our website under How to Apply. To learn more about the Federal Direct Loan Program, visit StudentAid.gov.
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How do I adjust or decline my loans?: You are not required to borrow the full amount offered to you. If you wish to reduce or decline a loan, send an email to loans@nd.edu with your desired changes.
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When will my loan funds pay to my University student account?: Federal Loans: Funds typically disburse to your student account 10 days prior to the start of the term, provided all federal requirements (such as Entrance Counseling and the MPN) are complete.

Private Loans: These timelines vary by lender. Private loans may take longer to process and disburse than federal loans, so we recommend applying early.

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I have a credit balance on my University student account. How do I receive my refund?: If your financial aid exceeds your direct billable charges, the remaining credit balance can be refunded to you to cover other educational expenses.

Submit an online refund request through the Office of Student Accounts website following the instructions available on the Refund Policy page.
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