
Sign up & start saving!
Get our weekly newsletter for the latest in money news, credit card offers + more ways to save
Finder is committed to editorial independence. While we receive compensation when you click links to partners, they do not influence our content.
As a grad student, you might not be eligible for as much federal aid as you were as an undergrad — especially if you’ve already taken out federal loans. But it’s still worth filling out the FAFSA. You might get more aid than you expect and even avoid having to take out private loans.
Filling out the FAFSA as a graduate student works a lot like completing it as an undergrad. While it’s possible to complete a paper application, the vast majority of students complete it online. Follow these steps to get started:
Step-by-step guide to answering every question on the FAFSA
The main difference between filling out the FAFSA as an undergraduate student versus a graduate student is that graduate students are usually considered independent students. Independent students can choose whether they want to complete the parent demographics section, whereas dependent students are required to complete it.
Some types of graduate students still might want to answer questions about their parents, such as law students, medical students and nursing students. And some schools might also require you to answer questions about your parents — even if you’re an independent student.
Another difference is that some information might already be prefilled if you’ve already filled out the FAFSA as an undergraduate student. This can save you a good bit of time, though you’ll want to review that information to ensure it’s still accurate.
The FSA considers you to be an independent student if you’re enrolled in a master’s or doctorate program, including but not limited to:
If you’re enrolled in a joint undergraduate-graduate degree program, contact your school’s financial aid office to find out when you start to qualify as a graduate student.
Other ways to qualify as an independent student
Not enrolled in a master’s or doctorate program? You might still be considered an independent student if you meet one of the following criteria:
As a graduate student, you’re eligible for the following types of federal student aid:
You might want to consider the following options to help pay for your graduate degree after exhausting all federal options:
How graduate student loans work
Filling out the FAFSA as a graduate student is a lot like completing it as an undergrad. But it might not take as much time, since you likely aren’t required to complete the parent demographics section. You also might have part of the application prefilled if you’ve already applied as an undergraduate.
Learn more about how paying for school works by checking out our guide to student loans.
Commonly asked questions about filling out the FAFSA as a grad student.
Do I have to complete the FAFSA as a graduate student?
Nobody is required to complete the FAFSA. But it’s to your benefit — federal aid is often the best deal out there. And some schools and scholarship programs require you to complete the FAFSA to be considered for funding.
When is the FAFSA deadline?
The federal deadline to submit the FAFSA is June 30th at the end of the year you plan on attending school. So for the 2019–2020 academic year, that’s June 30, 2020. However, you might want to get it in before then. Many states and schools have their own FAFSA deadlines, and you might not receive as much financial aid if you submit it late.
The FSA recommends submitting the FAFSA as soon as possible after applications open on October 1st the year before you intend on using financial aid.
How much federal loans can I get as a graduate student?
It depends on the type of loan. Direct Unsubsidized Loans are capped at $20,500 per year or $138,500 per lifetime. Direct PLUS Loans are capped at your cost of attendance each year.
From making a business plan and getting insurance to marketing and setting your prices — here’s how to start your own cleaning business.
Explore the options and programs that Canada has in place to help you move to Canada.Â
Reduce your debt by around 30% after fees — but only if you can stick with the program. Here’s how.
Don’t be fooled by false promises — here are red flags to watch out for and tips to find a legit company.
Here’s where to get financial help for yourself and your business if you’ve been affected by the storm in February 2021.
The White House announced new changes to PPP loans, helping the smallest businesses and opening access to people with student loan defaults or nonfraudulent felony convictions.
President Biden said he supports offering $10,000 in forgiveness for federal loans, plus a few other options. Here’s what to expect.
A poor driving record may result in higher rates on your life insurance, with some insurers turning you away altogether.
No-cost options are available, but these policies may not offer the coverage you need.
Our top picks for cards across 7 student categories, including international students, first-time cardholders and cashback.