Qualified graduate students may be able to obtain financial assistance through a variety of programs. For further information on any of the programs listed below, contact the Office of Student Financial Assistance at 203-371-7980 or email Linda Kirby at kirbyl@sacredheart.edu.
|
University Sources |
Eligibility Requirements |
Award Ranges |
|
Graduate Research Assistantships
|
A limited number of graduate research assistantships are available. Assistantships usually carry some tuition remission as they assist faculty with research projects. Students should contact the department directly concerning availability and eligibility requirements. |
Variable |
|
Graduate Staff Assistantships
|
A limited number of graduate staff assistantships are made available to graduate students who are fully matriculated and attend school on a full-time basis. Staff assistantships are chosen by the sponsoring administrative department and often pay a stipend as well as some tuition remission. More information may be obtained from Linda Kirby in the Office of Financial Assistance at (203) 371-7983. |
Variable |
|
Residence Hall Directors
|
Several residence hall director positions are available through the Office of Residential Life and Housing Services. These are live-in positions and are usually filled by those who are interested in pursing a career in student services. Residence hall directors are fully matriculated students who attend school on a full-time basis. Criteria are very selective and hiring decisions are made in the spring for the subsequent fall term. For further information on this program, contact the Office of Residential Life and Housing Services at 203-416-3417. |
Variable |
|
Federal Sources |
Eligibility Requirements |
Award Ranges |
|
Graduate PLUS Loans |
Available to graduate and professional students who need assistance financing an education that is not covered by other forms of financial aid. Graduate PLUS Loans are available to credit worthy, U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens. To process a loan you must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and initially apply for a Stafford loan. |
The amount you will be eligible to borrow will be determined by the total cost of your educational program less the amount you receive from the Stafford loan and other financial aid. |
|
Federal Stafford Loan Subsidized Program |
Students who have demonstrated financial need beyond what financial aid covers are eligible to borrow under this program. The government will pay all interest during the in-school period, and principal repayment is not required while the student is in school.
|
Up to: $8,500 |
|
Federal Stafford Loan Unsubsidized Program
|
Students who do not have demonstrated need may borrow under this program. Interest will be paid by the borrower while borrower is in school. However, student may opt to defer payment until they leave school. |
up to: $12,000
|
For additional information regarding federal funding please visit:
www.studentaid.ed.gov
Alternative Loans
If a student needs to borrow more than the maximum allowed under the Stafford Loan Program, there are numerous alternative loan programs from which to choose. Alternative loans provide an additional funding option often at an interest rate lower than other lines of credit. Please visit our Student Loan page regarding information on lenders and loan options.
Tax Incentives and Deductions
Federal tax credits and deductions are the newest forms of federal aid. A tax credit is money which can be subtracted from the amount of taxes you owe. In order to receive a tax credit, you must complete a federal tax return, meet certain federal guidelines, and pay taxes. Tax credits are subtracted directly from the tax a family owes. Tax deductions differ from tax credits in that deductions are subtracted from your taxable income.
Lifetime Learning Tax Credit: A family may claim this tax credit of up to $2,000 per tax year for the taxpayer, taxpayer's spouse, or any eligible dependants for an unlimited number of tax years. The amount of the Lifetime Learning tax credit is 20% of the first $10,000 of qualified educational expenses paid for all eligible students. Therefore, the maximum amount of a Lifetime Learning tax credit is $2,000. The Lifetime Learning credit is available for all years of postsecondary education and for a wide variety of educational programs, including non-degree programs. You may claim the credit yourself if you are not claimed as a dependant by another taxpayer.
Student Loan Interest Deduction: Taxpayers who have taken out loans to pay for the cost of attending an accredited college, for themselves, a spouse, or a dependant may be eligible for this deduction. The maximum reduction to taxable income is capped at $2,500 and is based on the amount of interest paid each year on student loans for qualified expenses. To claim the deduction, the taxpayer enters the allowable amount on their federal income tax form. You may claim the deduction if you are not claimed as a dependent by another taxpayer.
For more information regarding Federal Stafford Loans, Graduate PLUS Loans, and Alternative Loans, please visit the Student Loan webpage.