Graduate Students

We are here to help with the next step in your education

Start at Athens State at any time during the year! Use our step-by-step guide (linked below) to correctly prepare your FAFSA for graduate work at Athens State University!

After the FAFSA

  • As a graduate student, you will be eligible for Unsubsidized Direct Loans which require additional steps if you plan to accept. To expedite your process, complete the Master Promissory Note and Entrance Counseling online now. You may transfer your Entrance Counseling if you have already completed it.
  • Review your Student Aid Report (SAR) carefully. The SAR is the official record that proves the federal processor received your FAFSA. If you find any errors on your SAR, you should correct your FAFSA online. Unresolved errors could impact your federal aid awards.
  • Contact any other current or previous school to cancel any future financial aid they may have for you.
  • Carefully read all emails, letters, and texts from the Athens State Office of Student Financial Aid.  If we are contacting you, it’s important!  Email is the primary way our office with contact you, but we may also call or text you to help you complete the financial aid process.  

Contact Financial Aid

Call or schedule an appointment.

Graduate Aid Offered by the FAFSA

The maximum amount a degree-seeking graduate student may receive in Direct Unsubsidized Loans per academic year (Fall, Spring, and Summer) is $20,500. The amount awarded is based on the number of hours, the number of weeks enrolled, the cost of attendance, and the federal budget for each student. The maximum lifetime aggregate (total) federal loan amount a graduate can receive is $138,500 – this amount includes undergraduate direct loans as well.

Graduate PLUS loans are also available – more information found here: athens.edu/educational-loan-options/

You may also use Athens State’s Online Payment Plan found at athens.edu/tuition-payment-plan/. Contact the Business Office for more information about payment plan options.