Below is a checklist for graduate students to use as a guide through the financial aid process and to help determine financial aid eligibility. To be eligible for federal loans and some private loans you must be enrolled at least half-time each term. Check your Baylor email regularly for important updates from Baylor One Stop.
1.) Complete the FAFSA - starting December 2023
The FAFSA for 2024-2025 will be available and open in December 2023. Check studentaid.gov throughout the month for specific dates and updates. The FAFSA application is needed for each academic year you enroll. The academic year begins in the fall and goes through summer of the following year. Depending upon your graduate program, you may need to complete the FAFSA for multiple years. Learn more at Completing the FAFSA.
2.) Explore Alternate Funding - 3 months prior to the semester due date
Does your employer provide tuition reimbursements? If so, inquire as to the process. Are you eligible for VA benefits? Connect with our VA Benefits group at baylor.edu/vabenefits.
3.) Apply for Outside Scholarships - start early
This is an ongoing process. Students should start early with their search and continue throughout their academic career for best potential matches and results. Visit Baylor's Outside Scholarship webpage for tips on searching, winning, and reporting outside scholarships.
4.) Apply for Loans if Needed - 6 weeks prior to the semester due date
Visit our Private Loan page to access a preferred lender list to compare rates and terms if you plan to apply for private loans, or studentaid.gov if applying for the Direct Grad PLUS Loan.
5.) Review Financial Aid Offer - prior to receiving bill
Accept federal loan offers in BearWeb if needed. Complete Entrance Counseling and Master Promissory Note at studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/loans.
6.) Fulfilling Financial Obligation for Term - on established due date
Balance must be covered with financial aid, personal resources, or you must have established a payment plan. Learn more at onestop.web.baylor.edu/paymentplans.
Note: Students can also check with the graduate program to determine if there are any specific department scholarships that may be available for students to apply for.
7.) Receive Credit Balance Refunds for Term, if applicable
Once financial aid is applied to the student account, any eligible credit balance refund will be initiated a few days before the start of class for the term. Students are encouraged to sign up for direct deposit through the E-Bill system to expedite refunds of any credit balance.