Graduate Financial Aid
We're here to assist you with financial aid as you take your education to the next level.
If you've gone through the financial aid process as an undergraduate or with an undergraduate, you'll notice some changes at the graduate stage.
Don't worry. We'll help you understand:
- How many credits you need to be eligible for financial aid in your particular program.
- How a changing course load can affect your financial aid.
- How your financial aid gets applied to your account.
- How your loans will impact your financial future.
Our Student Financial Services team provides the guidance you need so you can focus on your classes, your career and all of life's other responsibilities.
How to Apply
The graduate financial aid staff is here to help, but you need to apply for financial aid before we can put our expertise to work. There is no income cutoff to apply for federal financial aid and the FAFSA is key to determining your eligibility.
The process may seem overwhelming, but the FAFSA website offers helpful tips while you complete the application. Once the federal government processes your FAFSA, we'll receive your results and send you an email notification to log in to the student portal to review your financial aid package.
Receiving Your Financial Aid Package
Once you complete your FAFSA and are enrolled at Wilkes, you will receive an email with your financial aid package.
Please note it may take several business days for your FAFSA to process. If you have any questions while you are waiting for your financial aid package, we offer multiple ways to connect with us and get the answers you need.
Financial Aid Options
Wilkes features a few different financial aid options for graduate students:
Graduate Assistantships
Wilkes offers a limited number of graduate assistant positions for full-time students in departments across campus.
Graduate Scholarships
A few private foundations, civic organizations and other groups offer scholarship funding to encourage graduate students to continue their education.
Loans
Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans
Administered by the Department of Education, this is the primary loan type for graduate students. You do not need to demonstrate financial need but you do need to complete the FAFSA external website. Remember to choose the FAFSA year corresponding to your course enrollment period.
Federal Direct Graduate Plus Loans
This federal loan is available for graduate and professional students who require additional funding beyond the Stafford Loan. You do not need to demonstrate financial need but you do need to complete the FAFSA external website. Remember to choose the FAFSA year corresponding to your course enrollment period.
Private Loans
You may choose a private lender to help you pay for the costs of your graduate education. While the University does not feature a preferred lender, we suggest you use ELMSelect external website, a free online resource that can help you compare lenders and choose the best one for you.