Federal financial aid for graduate students consists primarily of self-help programs.

The application process is the same as undergraduate students.   Graduate students must meet the general requirements and are considered for these types of aid:

• University Fee Grant
• Federal Work-Study
• Federal Stafford Loans
• Federal Perkins Loan

Note:  The University Fee Grant is initially awarded to graduate students based on half-time enrollment and may be adjusted to reflect your enrollment at the end of the add/drop period.  This grant is based on your financial need.

University Assistantships

There are no state aid programs for graduate students at UMass Boston.  However, there are a limited number of University-based programs that can help to make your education more affordable.  The University supports graduate education primarily through assistantships, which are formal contracts between you and the department to which you provide a service.

Assistantships carry an equivalent tuition waiver and a stipend, and generally do not include a waiver of fees.  To apply for an assistantship, contact your Graduate Program Director.  International students may apply for assistantships, but must be enrolled full-time (9 credits) to comply with immigration regulations.  Please be sure that you understand your assistantship contract fully, and be prepared to apply for renewal at the appropriate time with your Graduate Director.

You should be aware of the following:

• Tuition and fee waivers reduce your education cost for the academic year and thereby reduce your need for financial aid purposes.  Therefore, if you receive a tuition and/or fee waiver your loan and/or FWS award may be reduced.
• Your assistantship stipend must be reported as income in the following year.  More information is available from your Graduate Program Director.

Other Sources of Aid

In addition to the above, you may also want to inquire about project grants and other special funds that are available through various graduate departments.  See your Graduate Program Director for more information.

Graduate Student Debt Management

Most graduate students are heavily dependent on loans.  If you are, we advise you to speak with a financial aid counselor regarding debt management.  If you have incurred significant loan obligations during your undergraduate years, you should be aware of and cautious of your total loan liability.  If you have already incurred significant debt, please speak with us before you consider additional borrowing.  Loans may be your only choice, but you should clearly understand the total aggregate loan limitations and repayment schedules that apply to your loans.