Graduate Loans

Carlow University offers guidance for financing graduate expenses with student loans through the Office of Financial Aid. Before applying for loans, you will need to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Available loans include:

• Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan
• Graduate PLUS Loan
• Alternative Loans

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan

To apply for the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan, fill out the following forms on Federal Student Aid: Entrance Counseling and Master Promissory Note.

Current interest rates apply and accrue upon first disbursement. The loans are in deferment while you attend school on at least a half-time basis. There is a six-month grace period after you stop attending before loan payments are due. There is no penalty for early payments. 

Lifetime borrowing limit

• $138,500 lifetime limit for graduate students (includes undergraduate loans)

Because of the nature of federal, state and institutional guidelines affecting financial aid programs, the information on this website is subject to change.

Track your federal loans and grants through the National Student Loan Data System.

Graduate PLUS Loan

To apply for the Graduate PLUS Loan, fill out the following forms on Federal Student Aid: Application and Master Promissory Note.

Similar to a Parent PLUS loan, the Graduate PLUS loan is a credit-based federal loan with a fixed interest rate. Interest accrues upon first disbursement and repayment begins immediately unless a deferment is requested. There is no penalty for early payments. Loans are only available to graduate students. 

Alternative loans

Alternative loans are available from private lenders. For your convenience, find a list of the lenders most often used by Carlow students at elmselect.com. Some lenders require you to have a credit-worthy cosigner. Different lenders have different policies; be sure you understand the details before you borrow.

Student loan resources

• Federal Student Aid: Information about type of loan, repayment plans, repayment estimators and eligibility requirements
• National Student Loan Data System: Review borrowing history and determine loan servicers
• Annual Credit Report: Request to review your credit reports

Learn more about budgeting and financial literacy at: