Office of Student Financial Assistance

Offering undergraduate and graduate students a variety of ways to finance their education

Office of Student Financial Assistance / How to Apply for Assistance / For MAT Students

For MAT Students

All Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) students are charged a single tuition rate. Institutional grants or scholarships are not available for graduate students. Federal loan programs are available and a student may borrow for tuition, fees, books, and living expenses.

Graduate students are considered independent students and they do NOT include parental information on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Financing the MAT Program through Loans

Students in the MAT program are eligible for three different types of loans, two of which are borrowed through the federal government while the other is lent through a private company of your choice. These loan programs are the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan, Federal Graduate Plus Loan, and/or Private Alternative Loans. Below is a side by side comparison of the three types of loans. **Interest rates and fees are for the 2023-24 academic year.

Direct Unsubsidized Loan Direct Graduate Plus Loan Private Alternative Loans
Interest Rate Fixed 7.05% Fixed 8.05% Fixed or variable depending on the lender
Origination Fee 1.057% 4.228% Depending on lender
Repayment Options Eligible for federal repayment plans Eligible for federal repayment plans Dictated by your lender
Maximum Amount $20,500 Up to cost of attendance Up to cost of attendance
Application Process File a FAFSA Complete application at https://studentaid.gov/ Apply through the website of the lender of your choice
These may require a co-signer

In general due to ease of application, the softness of credit check, and the quality of terms and conditions on the loan, we recommend pursuing these options in the following order: Direct Unsubsidized Loan, Direct Graduate Plus Loan, and Private Alternative Loans. If you would like to discuss your individual needs and options, please contact our office to set up an appointment.

Additional Forms for Graduate Students

Resources for MAT Applicants