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Graduate Financial Aid

Graduate school can be affordable with the right financial planning and support.

St. Thomas is committed to assisting our graduate students in finding the financial aid options that best suit their needs. Financial aid is awarded based on the average costs for a student attending specific graduate programs and the financial aid types for which an individual student is eligible. Some financial aid awards are determined by the academic departments and reported to the Graduate Financial Aid Office.

In no case can the total dollar amount of all combined financial aid awards exceed the total cost of attendance budget for the program as determined by the Graduate Financial Aid Office, but adjustments to financial aid eligibility can be reviewed on a case by case basis to consider special or unusual circumstances.

We encourage you to contact our office and have a conversation with either Becky Stevenson or Chad Nosbusch to review your financial aid options.

Types of Financial Aid

Financial aid encompasses a variety of resources, including resources awarded by St. Thomas, a private scholarship organization, a governmental agency or your employer (through tuition reimbursement). 

  • Loans
  • Grants & Scholarships
  • Military Benefits
  • Work Study
  • Tax Benefits
  • Federal or Private Student Loans

    Federal Direct Loans are the primary source of financing for graduate students seeking a degree. These loans offer fixed interest rates and your credit history doesn’t impact eligibility. Repayment starts six months after you’re no longer enrolled half time.

    Private Educational Loans are provided by banks or other lenders directly to students. Unlike federal loans, they don't require a FAFSA application. Eligibility and loan terms are determined by your overall credit profile.

    Grants and Scholarships

    While graduate students are not eligible for Pell Grants, Minnesota State Grants or most other types of grant funds that awarded to undergraduate students, several graduate-level grants and scholarships are available, depending on your field of study and financial need.

    Most graduate departments also have scholarships and grants to award to students. Contact graduate admissions team from your school or college to inquire about specific departmental scholarships and grants.

    Yellow Ribbon Program

    The University of St. Thomas is proud to continue a long tradition of supporting veterans and military families by participating in the Yellow Ribbon Program. Chapter 33 recipients at the 100% level are eligible for the Yellow Ribbon Program throughout their remaining months/days of benefits.

    The Veteran’s Administration (VA) will provide each Chapter 33 recipient attending a private college or university with a tuition and fee benefit of up to a set annual amount. Once the maximum benefit amount of Chapter 33 benefit is reached, the academic program at St. Thomas will cover 50% of the remaining tuition and fees through the Yellow Ribbon Program. The VA will match this amount through the VA Yellow Ribbon Match Program.

    Federal Work Study

    Federal Work Study is available to degree-seeking graduate students by request.

    If you are interested in Federal Work Study, you are encouraged to contact a graduate financial aid counselor to discuss your options.

    Tax Benefits

    Several federal tax benefits, including tax credits, tax deductions and exclusions from gross income, are also available to help pay for the cost of a postsecondary education.

    Additional information on federal tax benefits can be obtained from the Internal Revenue Service.

    Loans

    Federal or Private Student Loans

    Federal Direct Loans are the primary source of financing for graduate students seeking a degree. These loans offer fixed interest rates and your credit history doesn’t impact eligibility. Repayment starts six months after you’re no longer enrolled half time.

    Private Educational Loans are provided by banks or other lenders directly to students. Unlike federal loans, they don't require a FAFSA application. Eligibility and loan terms are determined by your overall credit profile.

    Grants & Scholarships

    Grants and Scholarships

    While graduate students are not eligible for Pell Grants, Minnesota State Grants or most other types of grant funds that awarded to undergraduate students, several graduate-level grants and scholarships are available, depending on your field of study and financial need.

    Most graduate departments also have scholarships and grants to award to students. Contact graduate admissions team from your school or college to inquire about specific departmental scholarships and grants.

    Military Benefits

    Yellow Ribbon Program

    The University of St. Thomas is proud to continue a long tradition of supporting veterans and military families by participating in the Yellow Ribbon Program. Chapter 33 recipients at the 100% level are eligible for the Yellow Ribbon Program throughout their remaining months/days of benefits.

    The Veteran’s Administration (VA) will provide each Chapter 33 recipient attending a private college or university with a tuition and fee benefit of up to a set annual amount. Once the maximum benefit amount of Chapter 33 benefit is reached, the academic program at St. Thomas will cover 50% of the remaining tuition and fees through the Yellow Ribbon Program. The VA will match this amount through the VA Yellow Ribbon Match Program.

    Work Study

    Federal Work Study

    Federal Work Study is available to degree-seeking graduate students by request.

    If you are interested in Federal Work Study, you are encouraged to contact a graduate financial aid counselor to discuss your options.

    Tax Benefits

    Tax Benefits

    Several federal tax benefits, including tax credits, tax deductions and exclusions from gross income, are also available to help pay for the cost of a postsecondary education.

    Additional information on federal tax benefits can be obtained from the Internal Revenue Service.

    Applying for Federal Aid

    The FAFSA is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Information from the FAFSA is used to determine whether you meet the eligibility criteria for federal (and some state) financial aid. Information from the FAFSA is matched against records with the Social Security Administration, the Department of Homeland Security, and the National Student Loan Database.

    Complete the appropriate FAFSA at studentaid.gov, choosing University of St. Thomas, school code 002345, as an institution to receive your information.

    Cost Information

    Your Financial Aid Cost of Attendance budget includes direct educational expenses such as tuition and required fees, as well as indirect expenses related to your education, such as books, supplies, course materials and equipment, housing and food, transportation and personal miscellaneous expenses.

    Cost of Attendance

    Our Cost of Attendance budget includes estimated expense allowances related to your education, including direct expenses, such as tuition and required fees, as well as indirect expenses, like books, supplies, transportation and more.

    Tuition and Fee Rates

    Review the specific tuition and fee rates for your graduate program by credit or term. Costs are subject to change each academic year.

    Budget Increase Process

    Graduate students may request a cost of attendance budget increase for certain educational expenses, such as a computer purchase, child care expenses, out of pocket medical/dental expenses, and professional exams/licensing fees.