Financial Aid Information

Financial aid offices at St. Catherine University and the University of St. Thomas process financial aid applications:

• The University of St. Thomas, (651) 962-6550. This office processes all applications for students in the MSW program.
• St. Catherine University, (651) 690-6540. This office processes applications for students in all other graduate programs.

These offices can answer applicants’ questions and address requests for financial aid. Most financial aid programs require graduate students to be enrolled at least half time (a minimum of three credits per term).

Applicants planning to apply for financial aid should complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the institutional financial aid application. These should be completed as soon as possible before the beginning of the academic year or prior to the time the applicant is admitted to the program. Financial aid is awarded on an annual basis and students must reapply each year.

LOANS
The Federal Direct Stafford Loan Program provides low interest subsidized and unsubsidized loans to students enrolled at least half-time. On Direct Subsidized Stafford Loans, the government pays the interest while the student is in school and during the grace period. On Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans, interest accrues during the in school and grace period. Both types of Stafford Loans are pre-approved, but must fit within a student's cost of attendance and/or financial aid need. Repayment typically begins following a six-month grace period after graduation, withdrawal, or drop below half-time status.

The Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan Program provides an opportunity for additional low interest loan funding for graduate students.  This loan program features a fixed interest rate and payments that can be deferred until the student graduates, withdraws, or drops below half-time enrollment status.  Interest will accrue from the time the loan is disbursed to the student.  A student must qualify for the PLUS Loan based on cost of attendance and credit-worthiness.

To learn more about federal loan options please contact the Financial Aid Office.

ALTERNATIVE OR PRIVATE STUDENT LOANS
Alternative student loans are another option to help graduate students fund their education. A student’s eligibility for alternative loans is based on her or his credit-worthiness or the credit-worthiness of the cosigner. Please note that as private student loans are essentially a commercial product, the University cannot recommend any one loan option.

To research different loan options please contact the Financial Aid Office.

PROGRAM ASSISTANTSHIPS
The DPT, MAOL, MAT, MLIS and MSW programs may award research assistantships or fieldwork stipends to current students. Consult the program directors for details.