Graduate Student Aid
Students must first complete the FAFSA in order to receive any aid from the university. Steps to apply for financial aid can be found in our How To Apply section.
Aid for graduate students comes in many of the same forms as undergraduates.
Federal Stafford Loans
Subsidized loans: the federal government pays the interest while you are in school.
Unsubsidized loans: the interest starts accruing while you are in school, but may be paid after you start repayment of the full loan.
*Annual Maximum per year = $20,500
Subsidized annual limits = $8,500
Unsubsidized annual limits = $12,000
*Total Maximum for graduate loans = $138,500
(This includes amounts received as Undergraduate and only $65,000 may be in subsidized loans.)
Repayment begins 6 months after you graduate or drop below ½ time.
Grad PLUS Loan
In general, to receive a Grad PLUS Loan, the Cost of Attendance (COA) must be over $20,500 a year. You are required to apply for the Federal Stafford loans first.
Because the graduate COA at UW-Parkside is less than the $20,500 ($17,632) Stafford Loan annual maximum, only a few students would be eligible for the Grad PLUS loan at UW-Parkside, e.g., out-of-state tuition.
You must have no adverse credit history. If approved you may borrow up to the remaining COA.
*PLUS interest rate is 8.5%
Scholarships, Grants, and Fellowships
Advanced Opportunity Program (AOP)
The purpose of the Advanced Opportunity Program (AOP) is to expand the number of minority/disadvantaged students who receive graduate degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Parkside. Individuals who are residents of the State of Wisconsin and members of an ethnic minority group which traditionally have been under-represented in the advanced levels of major fields of study offered at UW-Parkside are given highest priority for receiving AOP awards. The University is committed to recruitment, support, retention, and graduation of AOP recipients. AOP award amounts vary and are subject to availability of funds.
Graduate Level Scholarships
The financial aid section of our website can link you to various resources regarding scholarships for graduates from UW-Parkside.
You may also want to check scholarship information services on the Internet such as Fastweb and Finaid.
Other
Alternative Loans
Alternative loans are also known as private loans. The maximum you can borrow is up to COA minus your other aid. Interest rates vary with the applicant's credit and earnings history. Applicants taking out an alternative loan may require a cosigner.
Additional information: Alternative loans
Reminder: Always keep in contact with your lender and guaranty agency regarding your enrollment status and where you are living, ESPECIALLY if you are going to attend graduate school at a different university than where you got your undergraduate degree.
Great Lakes customer service: 1-800-236-4300 or www.mygreatlakes.com
