Student Financial Planning > Graduate Students > How To Apply

How To Apply For Graduate Financial Assistance

1. Complete and return the Graduate Application for Financial Assistance
1. Students must be officially accepted in their Program of Study before any aid can be processed.
   
   
2. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

To apply for TEACH grants, Federal Stafford and/or Grad PLUS loans:

1. Go to www.pin.ed.gov to obtain your PIN with the US Dept. of Education. The PIN serves as your signature for the FAFSA.
2. Go to www.fafsa.gov to complete the FAFSA or Renewal FAFSA using your PIN.
3. Enter Union's Title IV School Code, 003528, in order for Union to receive your electronic student aid report.
   
   
3. Receive your Award Letter
1. Keep this letter for your records.
2. If you choose to reduce or decline an award, please indicate and return a copy to the Office of Student Financial Planning.
3. If you will be receiving aid from outside sources, you must complete the Documentation of Outside Assistance
   
   
4. Consider applying for a Direct Federal Stafford Loan (Student Loan).

PRIORITY DEADLINE is July 15 for Fall, November 15 for Spring and April 15 for Summer.

1. First-time Stafford Loan Borrower at Union
   Sign on to www.studentloans.gov using your PIN number obtained from the US Dept. of Education
   • Complete "Entrance Counseling"
     Select Counseling Type: Graduate/Professional Student
   • Complete "Master Promissory Note"
     Select Loan Type: Subsidized/Unsubsidized
2. Returning Stafford Loan Borrower at Union
   • Complete the FAFSA
     
     
5. Consider applying for a Federal Direct Grad PLUS Loan.
1. First-time Grad PLUS Borrower
   Sign on to www.studentloans.gov using your PIN number obtained from the US Dept. of Education
   • Complete "Entrance Counseling"
     Select Counseling Type: Graduate/Professional Student
   • Request a PLUS Loan
     Select Loan Type: Graduate PLUS
   • Complete "Master Promissory Note"
     Select Loan Type: Graduate PLUS
     (This MPN will be valid for obtaining loans at Union for up to 10 years from the date that you sign it).
2. Returning Grad PLUS Borrower
   Sign on to www.studentloans.gov using your PIN number obtained from the US Dept. of Education
   • Request a PLUS Loan
     Select Loan Type: Graduate PLUS
     
     
6. Consider applying for an Alternative Loan.
1. Review the Alternative Loan list to apply for a school certified loan directly with the lender. Loan amounts are determined based on Cost of Attendance (COA) minus any financial aid the student may receive during the loan period. Loan disbursements are made to Union University and will be divided equally among all terms certified.
2. Non-school certified loans (Paid directly to the student) are available with most lenders. For loan options, you may contact your lender of choice to apply or go to www.finaid.org/loans/privatestudentloans.phtml for more information.
   
   
7. How to Sign up for Direct Deposit on Web Advisor
1. Sign up for Direct Deposit at least 10 Business Days prior to your first disbursement.
2. Log on to https://webadvisor.uu.edu
   1. Select "Financial Information" and then "Direct Deposit Banking Information"
3. Contact Tina Giddens in the Business Office at tgiddens@uu.edu if you have any questions concerning Direct Deposit.
   
   
8. Receiving your Loan Disbursement
1. You will be sent an email via your Union email when the loan funds are credited to your student account from the Student Financial Planning Office.
2. The email will give you an anticipated credit refund date. You will receive a credit refund only IF you have a credit balance.
3. The Business Office will also send you an email when they have deposited funds into your banking account.