OPTIONS

As a GW student there are several types of financial assistance programs available to you. Some of the most common forms of financial assistance include:

Employer-Provided Assistance

Tuition benefits paid by employers are often overlooked. Many organizations will pay for all or part of your education if the classes you take will enhance your job performance or prepare you for a promotion.

The eligibility requirements vary depending on your employer. You should speak with your employer early to determine if your organization provides these benefits and how much of your tuition it will cover. Tuition benefits will reduce the amount of other aid you need.

Veterans Programs

Active-duty personnel, veterans, and dependents of veterans may be eligible for veterans benefits. If you are entitled to these benefits, GW has a special office to address your needs and ensure that processing goes smoothly. A counselor can assist you with your application and help you maintain your benefits. For information, contact Tracey Davis, (202) 994-1586 or veterans@gwu.edu, at the Office of Student Financial Assistance on GW's main campus. Hampton Roads and Richmond students should contact (757) 269-2230, sgaines@gwu.edu.

Federal Stafford Loans

The GW Office of Student Financial Assistance can help you identify loan options and provide you with applications and other information.

Graduate students who are enrolled at least half-time (5 credits) in degree-granting or eligible certificate programs at The George Washington University may borrow up to $18,500 in subsidized and unsubsidized Federal Stafford Load funds per academic year based on the number of credit hours they plan to take. Students who feel they need more than the $18,500 maximum may wish to seek alternative loans to further subsidize their educational costs.

The difference between a subsidized Stafford Loan and an unsubsidized Stafford Loan is that the Federal Government pays the interest that accrues on a subsidized Stafford Loan while a student is in school. Conversely, the student is responsible for the interest which accrues on an unsubsidized Stafford Loan while they are in school. Subsidized and unsubsidized Stafford Loan eligibility is determined by information submitted on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form.

The George Washington University has become a lender for the Federal Stafford Loan. GW offers very competitive discount rates to those students who choose GW as their lender. GW disburses the loans by EFT( Electronic Funds Transfer) saving the student valuable processing time. If you wish to use GW as your lender, be sure that our lender code #825163 appears in the appropriate box on the master promissory note.

All first-time borrowers at GW must complete an entrance interview regarding their rights and responsibilities as Federal Stafford Loan borrowers. Entrance counseling must be completed Online at gwired.gwu.edu/finaid-g where, as first-time borrowers, they will be prompted to create a new account before proceeding with the interview. For more information on graduate loan programs, please refer to our web site at gwired.gwu.edu/finaid-g.

How to Apply

Step 1: Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (www.fafs.ed.gov). GW's code is 001444.

Step 2: Complete the GW Loan Questionnaire (Note: a GW Loan Questionnaire must be submitted each time a Stafford Loan or ALternative Loan is requested).

Step 3: Complete the Federal Stafford Loan Master Promissory Note (MPN). The MPN needs to be submitted only once while enrolled in a GW graduate program.

(Note: During processing, additional documentation may be required. The Office of Student Financial Assistance will contact you in writing should this need arise.)

Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant

GW students who are residents of Virginia may qualify for a Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant (TAG). Grant money is available in the fall and spring semesters. The exact amount is based on the number of eligible students and the amount of funds appropriated by the Virginia General Assembly. Requirements are: 1) Virginia resident for at least one year prior to receiving TAG; 2) be an accepted degree candidate; 3) registered for 9 credits each semester at one of GW's Virginia campuses.

Application for VTAG is available Online at the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia, www.schev.edu. Visit the site and type 'VTAG fact' in the search box. The application deadline for the Fall Semester is July 31, and December 1 for the Spring Semester. Applications must be submitted to the GW's Office of Student Financial Assistance, Attn: Virginia TAG Coordinator, Rice Hall, 2121 Eye Street, NW, Room 304, Washington, DC 20052. VTAG is not available in the Summer semester.

Alternative Loans

Alternative loans are available to those graduate students who are enrolled at least half-time (5 credits) in degree-granting or eligible certificate programs and feel they need more than the $18,500 maximum available from the Federal Stafford Loan. Most alternative loans will allow a student to borrow up to the cost of attendance minus any other aid. GW provides the following alternative loans to graduate students (except Law School students and Medical School students, as they have their own loan programs.)

Alternative Loan
Citibank
GW CitiAssist*
Nellie Mae Nellie Mae Loan for GW*
Access Group
Graduate Access Loan – (800) 282-1550
(MBA students only)

* Both applications available upon request from the aid office:
(202) 994-6620
(800) 222-6242
or e-mail request to finaid@gwu.edu

How to Apply for an Alternative Loan

Step 1: Complete the alternative loan application.

Step 2: Complete the 2006-2007 GW Loan Questionnaire
(Note: a GW Loan Questionnaire must be submitted each time an alternative loan is requested).

(Note: During processing, additional documentation may be required. The Office of Student Financial Assistance will contact you in writing should this need arise.)