Getting Started
How to Apply for Aid
Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for each year that they attend and wish to be considered for aid.
- FAFSA application is available on October 1st each year
- UConn School Code: 001417
- On-time deadline is February 15th for all students
Note: Students who are admitted for the summer 2023 term will need to complete a 2022-2023 FAFSA before June 30th and a 2023-2024 FAFSA.
Next Steps
- You will receive an email at your UConn email address notifying you of your financial aid offer. Upon receipt of this email, access the Student Administration System to review and take action on your financial aid offer. In addition, complete all of your To-Do Action Items, found on the Action List tile in the Student Administration System.
- Financial aid offers will be created based on full-time enrollment (nine or more credits). If you plan to enroll as a part-time student, your financial aid may be reduced.
- Students who are planning to register for less than nine credits must complete the 2023-2024 Anticipated Enrollment Form.
- Graduate Assistants (GA’s) are considered full-time with 6 credits. However, since financial aid offers for graduate students are created based on the assumption that a student will register for 9 credits per semester, a GA’s financial aid eligibility may be reduced. GA’s that are planning to register for less than 9 credits, must complete the 2023-2024 Anticipated Enrollment Form
- Review Loans for Graduate Students for next steps in completing loan requirements, and how to apply for a Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan.
Research and Directed Studies
Students who are registered for the following Graduate Research and Directed Studies courses are considered full-time with 3 credits:
- GRAD 5960 Full-Time Master’s Research Three credits per semester, no other courses may be taken concurrently; students cannot hold a graduate assistantship.
- GRAD 6960 Full-Time Doctoral Research Three credits per semester, no other courses may be taken concurrently; students cannot hold a graduate assistantship.
- GRAD 5930 Full-Time Directed Studies (Master’s Level) Three credits per semester, no other courses may be taken concurrently.
- GRAD 6930 Full-Time Directed Studies (Doctoral Level) Three credits per semester, no other courses may be taken concurrently.
However, since financial aid offers for graduate students are created based on the assumption that a student will register for 9 credits per semester, the student’s financial aid eligibility may be reduced.
Federal Aid Eligibility
Eligibility Requirements and Terms and Conditions
In order to be considered for financial assistance at the University of Connecticut, students must meet certain eligibility requirements. Please see the full list of eligibility requirements and Terms and Conditions.
Types of Aid
Loans
Graduate students who apply for financial aid are considered for Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans. They may also apply for a Federal Direct (Graduate) PLUS Loan or Private Education Loan. More information about these loans is available in the Loans for Graduates section.
TEACH Grants
TEACH Grants at the University of Connecticut are available to high-achieving graduate students in selected high-need teacher preparation programs within the NEAG School of Education. Navigate to the Grants section to get more information about the TEACH Grant program.
Federal Work-Study
Federal Work-Study is awarded to students as part of their financial aid package. Work-Study is a program that allows students to earn money to help pay for educational expenses.
For more information about Federal Work Study, navigate to the Student Employment section.
Academic Merit Awards
The UConn Graduate School administers financial aid awards based on academic merit for graduate students. Awards based on merit include:
• Graduate Assistantships (for teaching or research)
• University Predoctoral Fellowships
• Dissertation Fellowships and Summer Fellowships
Additional information is available on the Graduate School website.
Scholarships
The primary source of information about scholarship programs is the school, college or department in which students are enrolled or plan to enroll.
More information about scholarships is available on the Other Types of Aid page.
Financing Options for Educational Expenses
Determining how to pay for remaining educational expenses can be challenging and overwhelming. The Office of Student Financial Aid Services (OSFAS) is here to assist you in identifying options and provide information that will help you decide what works best for you and your family.
Links have been provided for additional information.
Scholarship Opportunities
This resource provides links to UConn Departments that offer scholarships to current students. There are also links to scholarship resources outside the University that can be explored.
https://financialaid.uconn.edu/scholarships/
Private/Alternative Education Loans
Private Education Loans are non-federal loans made by private lenders. These types of loans require completion of an application and a valid credit check. Additional information about UConn’s Suggested Lender List for Private/Alternative loans can be found at the following website.
https://financialaid.uconn.edu/altloan/
Federal Direct (Graduate) Plus Loans
The US Department of Education’s Federal Direct Loan Program offers loans to Graduate students who have completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). To be considered for this type of loan, an application as well as a credit-check is required. Additional information about the Federal Direct (Graduate) Plus loan can be found at the following website.
https://financialaid.uconn.edu/loans-for-graduates/
To apply for the Federal Direct (Graduate) Plus Loan, students will sign in with their FSA ID and complete the online application available at studentaid.gov.
UConn Payment Plan
The University of Connecticut’s Office of the Bursar offers an optional payment plan for the fall and spring semester. Additional information about the UConn Payment plan can be found at the following website.