Types of Graduate Financial Aid
Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans: Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans are available for students who do not demonstrate need or who have exhausted their need-based aid eligibility before reaching their estimated cost of attendance. To be eligible, students must be admitted to the University, degree-seeking, have a valid FAFSA on file and enroll in at least six degree-applicable credit hours. Students who borrow under this program are required to pay the interest while in school but have the option to defer the interest payments until the loan enters repayment. Loan repayment will begin at the end of the six-month grace period after the student graduates or ceases to be enrolled at least half-time (defined as six credit hours).
Federal Work Study: The Federal Work Study Program is a federal program supported with matching funds from UNF. This program provides employment opportunities and work experience to students while they attend school. Students are paid an hourly rate on a bi-weekly basis. Students must demonstrate financial need through completion of the FAFSA and be enrolled in at least six credit hours. Federal Work Study awards cannot be used to defer tuition, room or board
Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loans: The Direct Graduate PLUS Loan is a low-interest loan available to students enrolled in a graduate or professional degree program. The student's eligibility for a Direct Graduate PLUS loan is determined by a credit check conducted by the U.S. Department of Education. Students must be admitted to the University, degree-seeking and enrolled in at least six degree-applicable credit hours. An eligible graduate student may borrow up to their cost of attendance minus other sources of aid. Students who borrow under this program are required to pay the interest while in school but have the option to defer the interest payments until the loan enters repayment. Loan repayment will begin at the end of the six-month grace period after the student graduates or ceases to be enrolled at least half-time (defined as six credit hours).
Graduate Assistantships: A limited number of graduate assistantships and fellowships are available to qualified students. Graduate students who wish to apply for assistantships should write to the chairperson of the department in which they plan to enroll. Graduate students must be enrolled in nine credit hours for fall and for spring or six credit hours for summer to be employed and classified as a graduate assistant. Continuation of the award is based on the student's satisfactory performance in both academic and assigned duties.
Graduate Matriculation Fee Waivers: The State of Florida funds a limited number of graduate matriculation fee waivers for graduate students who are on either graduate assistantships or fellowships. These matriculation fee waivers can be used to offset a portion of a graduate student's in-state tuition. Eligible students must be admitted to the University as degree-seeking graduate students. Because each college administers this program using different requirements, students are encouraged to contact their individual college as early as possible to determine their eligibility.
Out-of-State Tuition Waivers: Out-of-State tuition may be waived for certain full and part-time enrolled non-Florida residents who have skills or abilities which will contribute to the academic environment of the University. UNF attracts a great majority of its students from Northeast Florida. In an effort to create a diversified student body, the University actively seeks students who reside outside of Florida. Non-Florida resident students should contact the individual college to apply. Awards are made based on the availability of funds.