How to Apply for Aid - Graduate Students

There are several steps you must complete in order to apply for financial aid.  Follow these steps and you will be on your way to completing the process.

1. Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA): Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at http://www.fafsa.gov/.  The Lindenwood University school code is 002480.

See the Federal Student Aid website.

2. First-time Lindenwood University Borrower Entrance Counseling: Any new Lindenwood borrower who wants to apply for a student loan must complete entrance counseling. The entrance counseling session is quick and easy and will provide useful tips and tools to help you manage your educational expenses. This online session will take about 20-30 minutes to complete. Lindenwood University will be notified electronically once your session is complete.

3. Master Promissory Note (MPN): Once you have completed the entrance counseling session it will be necessary for you to complete a Federal Direct Stafford Loan Master Promissory Note. Upon completion, Lindenwood University will be notified electronically of your application.

Consider the following steps if you wish to apply for additional funding:

4. Grad PLUS Loan: The William D. Ford Federal Direct Grad PLUS Loans are loans available to graduate and professional students to help pay for educational expenses up to the cost of attendance, minus all other financial assistance. Regardless of financial need, any graduate student can apply. This loan is credit based and a credit check will be performed by the U.S. Department of Education at the time of application. The credit check is valid for 180 days.

• If the student is approved for the Grad PLUS Loan, the student must complete the PLUS MPN for Graduate/Professional Students and the Plus Counseling in order to add the loan to the student account.

5. Alternative Loans: A Federal Direct Loan may not provide enough financing to meet your educational expenses. An alternative/private loan can play a major role to fill the gap. If you are considering an alternative/private loan to supplement your educational expenses, first be sure you have maximized all your aid eligibility under the federal aid programs.

Alternative/private loans are credit based and in most cases, a credit worthy co-signer is required for approval. Recently passed legislation requires lenders to provide several detailed loan disclosures to the borrower and co-borrower. Most lenders will require one or more of these disclosures to be completed and mailed back to them. This requirement may cause a delay in the overall process.

Below is a historical list of lenders who continue to participate in the Alternative/Private Loan Program.  Alternative and private loans should be considered only after all federal aid options have been fully exhausted.  Lindenwood University does not endorse any lender.  Research your lender options before you select the lender of your choice.