Enrollment Requirements for Graduate Students

Introduction

How many credits are required for graduate students to qualify for financial aid?

Question

How many credits are required for graduate students to qualify for financial aid?

Answer

When determining enrollment levels for financial aid, federal financial aid regulations stipulate that only graduate credits are included for graduate students. See "Financial Aid Enrollment Requirements". Graduate students taking undergraduate courses must have their advisor verify with the Financial Aid Office how the undergraduate credits meet the graduate program degree requirements. 

Enrollment requirements also depend on the financial aid program. 

• Federal loans require at least half-time (6 credits) enrollment. For financial aid purposes, 6 credits is always half-time. NOTE: This may be different than how an academic program (e.g., doctoral) defines half-time enrollment.   
• Private loan options may be available for less than half-time enrollment. 
• Graduate Assistantships may have different enrollment levels. Contact the School of Graduate Studies at (320) 308-2113 for information about graduate assistantships. 
• Federal Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant provides funding to qualified students at all enrollment levels. 

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