What grad school students need to know about filing the FAFSA

You completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for your bachelor’s, but did you know you can submit it again to help pay for your graduate degree, too? As with undergraduate school, the form is required for federal loans and grants as well as some scholarships. In this article, we covered everything you need to know about completing the FAFSA for grad school, the types of aid you’re eligible for, and more.

Can I fill out the FAFSA for grad school?

Yes! Graduate and professional students can complete the FAFSA to apply for financial aid, including loans, grants, and scholarships. It’s required for federal loans and grant programs. You might also need it to apply for state-sponsored grants or institutional scholarships.

FAFSA eligibility criteria for grad school is the same as the requirements for undergrad school:

• You must be a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen.
• You must have a valid Social Security number.
• You must be applying to or enrolled in an eligible degree program at an accredited university.
• You must be able to demonstrate financial need for most programs.

Undergraduate vs. graduate

While eligibility requirements remain the same, how you complete the FAFSA as a grad student is slightly different.

Most undergraduate students need to fill out the FAFSA with their parents, as they’re dependents. However, in almost all cases, a graduate is considered “independent.” As a result, their parents’ income and assets don’t have an effect on graduate financial aid offers. All offers are based on the grad student’s financial information alone.

Types of financial aid for grad students

Through the FAFSA, graduates may be eligible for various types of financial aid.

1. Federal student loans

Graduate students can take out federal direct unsubsidized loans, which start accruing interest immediately. However, you don’t have to start paying the money back until after you graduate or leave school. Direct subsidized loans are not available to graduate students.

Graduate students and professional students can borrow up to $20,500 a year in federal loans. However, starting in July 2026, graduate students will be capped at $100,000 in lifetime loans, and professional students will be capped at $200,000 in lifetime loans. Check Studentaid.gov to see if you're eligible to borrow a Grad PLUS loan.

2. Federal grants

Future teachers may be eligible for the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant. Students can receive up to $4,000 a year, but they have to agree to teach in a high-need area for at least four years within eight years of graduation. The borrower has to pay the money back if this criteria isn’t met.

The Federal Pell Grant is only offered to students who are in postbaccalaureate teacher certification programs and have demonstrated financial need. However, you can only use the Pell Grant for 12 terms (about six years). If you used it already for your bachelor’s degree, you might have limited funds for your certification.

3. Federal work-study

The federal work-study program provides students with aid in the form of income earned through approved part-time employment. Graduate and professional students can find jobs on campus or through approved college partners.

4. State grants

Some states provide grants and scholarships to its residents who are pursuing a master’s or doctorate. Eligibility requirements and program availability vary by location. For example, New York State offers the Math and Science Teaching Incentive Program. Graduate students can receive an award if they’re studying to become a math or science teacher in secondary education.

States typically need your FAFSA to apply, but they may also have separate financial aid applications.

5. Institutional aid

Universities can offer graduate and professional students grants and scholarships to help them afford the program costs. Most require that you complete the FAFSA to apply. Exact eligibility requirements and programs depend on the school.

6. Scholarships

Outside scholarships aren’t just for undergraduate students. There are many that are for graduate and professional students, too. Use scholarship databases to identify the awards you qualify for.

7. Private student loans

Graduate students can apply for private student loans through financial institutions, such as banks and credit unions, to help cover what they need to attend school. You’ll likely have to pass a credit check or may need a co-signer.

Private student loans may have higher interest rates and fewer repayment options compared to federal student loans. As a result, you should exhaust all other forms of financial aid before taking out private loans.

How to complete the FAFSA for grad school

The process of filing the FAFSA for grad school is similar to that of undergrad school.

• Log into or create an account. If you don’t have an account already, sign up at Studentaid.gov and receive your automatically generated FSA ID, which acts as your digital signature for the FAFSA. If you completed the FAFSA before, you’ll use the same log-in credentials.
• Fill out the FAFSA. Enter your personal information, including your Social Security Number, and financial details. If you completed your taxes, you can have the FAFSA pull your financial records from the IRS.
• List your schools. You can list up to 20 schools on the FAFSA at a time (10 on the paper). If you decide to add more than 20, you’ll need to remove a school first.
• Submit your form. Review your application, sign it, and hit submit. You should receive your Student Aid Index (SAI) in a few days.
• Wait for offer letters. Graduate programs will send financial aid offer letters either with your acceptance letter or shortly after. Compare them to determine the best deal.

Grad school FAFSA deadlines

The FAFSA opens on October 1 for the next academic year and closes on June 30 of the last academic year. For example, the 2026-27 FAFSA will be available on October 1, 2025, and it will close on June 30, 2027.

However, while you technically have a year and a half to complete it, you shouldn’t wait that long. Delaying means you’ll only be eligible for federal loans. You’ll be out of the running for any grants and scholarships that require the FAFSA. Schools and states have much earlier deadlines – usually in late winter or early spring before the next academic year starts.

Financial aid is offered on a first-come first-serve basis. Complete it as soon as possible after October 1 to improve your chances of receiving money.

File the FAFSA every year

As with undergraduate school, you need to complete the FAFSA every year to qualify for federal aid and some institutional and state aid. Even if you didn’t receive anything last year, requirements change, and new programs are regularly introduced. You might be pleasantly surprised at your offer.

Scholarships can help you bridge the gap between what you have and what you need to earn your master’s or doctorate. Our Scholarship Search Tool lets you easily find awards you qualify for – and apply! Try it now.