Graduate Financial Assistance

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COVID-19 Relief for Graduate Students

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Regular Annual Financial Aid for Graduate Students

The University of St. Francis is committed to making quality, private higher education affordable.

  • During the 2018-2019 academic USF graduate students received $1,070,000 in gift assistance from USF, federal, state and other outside sources.
  • During the 2018-2019 academic year 643 graduate students borrowed $8,400,000 in loans from the Federal Direct Loan Program for an average of $13,000 per student.
  • During the 2018-2019 academic year 211 graduate students received $580,000 in some form of tuition reimbursement from their employers (check your own employer for possible benefits).
  • USF offers a tuition reimbursement deferment plan for students who will use this benefit.
  • Graduate students can enroll in our convenient four payment plan each semester at a cost of $40 per semester.
  • USF participates in all of the Veterans Administration Education Programs
    • Chapter 30 (Montgomery GI Bill)
    • Chapter 31 (Vocational Rehabilitation)
    • Chapter 33 (Post 9/11 GI Bill—including Yellow Ribbon)
    • Chapter 35 (Dependent Educational Assistance)
    • Chapter 1606 (Reserve Education Assistance Program)
    • Chapter 32 (Post Vietnam ERA GI Bill)
  • All students should apply using the Free Application for Federal Aid (FAFSA) at fafsa.ed.gov/.

Corporate Educational Partners

USF offers tuition discounts to graduate students employed at companies or agencies participating in our Corporate Educational Partners program. During the 2016-2017 academic year 249 graduate students received $476,000 in tuition discounts from USF. Ask your HR Office if your organization participates or they can contact the University to see how to become a member.

  • Advocate Christ Medical Center
  • Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital
  • Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital
  • Advocate South Suburban Hospital
  • Archdiocese of Chicago
  • Archdiocese of Chicago – Catholic Schools
  • Baptist Health of South Florida Systems
  • Carle Hospital
  • Caterpillar (USA Operations)
  • Catholic Health Care West-Arizona
  • Diocese of Joliet
  • Diocese of Joliet – Catholic Schools
  • Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospitals, Inc
  • Froedtert Community Memorial Hospital
  • IL State Soc. Radiation Therapists (ISSRT)
  • Jesse Brown VA Medical Center
  • NorthShore University Health Systems
  • NuMark Credit Union
  • Provena Health Systems
  • Shriners Hospital
  • St. Joseph’s Hospital and Med Center
  • Tennessee Hospital Association (THA)
  • U.S. Veterans Administration Employees
  • Wheaton Franciscan Health Care

Graduate Scholarship Resources

Graduate Federal & Outside Programs

The University of St. Francis participates in the following federal programs. All students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in order to determine eligibility. For additional information about federal and state aid, please visit our Financial Aid website. To apply for financial assistance, please visit fafsa.ed.gov— the FAFSA school code for USF is 001664.

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan

Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan

Private Alternative Loan Programs

  • Award Range: Up to cost of attendance less other assistance and loans
  • Interest varies by lending institution and credit score. Contact Financial Aid Services and review alternative financing options before applying

It is wise for students to limit the amount of loan debt borrowed. Before you decide to seek loan assistance, review your financial options and assets. Ask yourself these questions: Do I qualify for employer reimbursement? What amount can I afford to pay on the tuition payment plan? Do I have an eligible retirement account that may be available for educational expenses? Are there any tax advantages to using these funds or the loan programs for my educational expenses?

Remember that you will increase your earning potential upon completion of the USF degree completion or graduate program. Plan wisely for the months ahead and consider consulting with a tax adviser.

We can help with financial aid!
Financial aid questions? Please use this form to get help with general questions, to get information, or to request additional loan amounts if you have been instructed to do so. We will make every attempt to respond to this request within one business day.
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