Federal Student Loans
Graduate students at Princeton may borrow through the Federal Stafford, PLUS and Perkins loan programs to help finance the cost of their graduate education. Federal loans are restricted to U.S. citizens or U.S. permanent residents; international students are ineligible for these loans. To apply for federal loans, please refer to our How to Apply section.
The Graduate School Office determines a student's eligibility for federal loans according to a federal formula, which accounts for marital status, number of dependents, and expenses associated with living on- or off-campus. Generally speaking, the cost of education must be higher than the aid a student receives in order to qualify for federal loans.
Cost of attendance includes tuition, housing, food, books and other expenses for one year.
Expected Student Contribution is based on information provided on the FAFSA.
Aid from Princeton and other sources includes department aid, fellowships, stipends, Assistantships in Instruction, and Assistantships in Research.
Financial aid = Cost of Attendance minus Expected Student Contribution minus Aid from Princeton and other sources.
Note: All federal loans are disbursed in installments (typically half during the fall semester and half in the spring). Most graduate students submit their applications over the summer or early in the fall semester, although students may apply for federal loans through April 30 of each academic year.