Graduate students at The George Washington University may borrow up to $20,500 in Subsidized and Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loan funds per academic year based on the number of credit hours they plan to take. Students who feel they need more than the $20,500 maximum may wish to seek a graduate PLUS loan or alternative loans to further finance their educational costs.
The difference between a Subsidized Stafford Loan and an Unsubsidized Stafford Loan is that the federal government pays the interest that accrues on a Subsidized Stafford loan while a student is enrolled in a degree-seeking program at least half-time. Conversely, the student is responsible for the interest, which accrues on an Unsubsidized Stafford Loan while they are in school. Subsidized and Unsubsidized Stafford Loan eligibility is, in part, determined by information submitted on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Refer to the Choosing your Lender link on the left for helpful information regarding lender selection for the Federal Stafford Loan.
If you are completing your second MPN at GW because of a required
lender change, it is important to follow the "New Borrower" links as
you navigate through the online process. Although you have borrowed
before, this enables the completion of a secondary and overriding
document, which is required for the processing of your loan. You will
not be required to complete the Entrance Interview again. We
appreciate your patience through this confusing process.
All first-time borrowers at GW must complete an entrance interview regarding their rights and responsibilities as Federal Stafford Loan borrowers. Entrance counseling can be completed on-line, or in person at Colonial Central.
Federal regulations further require that all borrowers complete Exit loan counseling before they graduate, withdraw, or drop below half-time enrollment. Exit loan counseling can also be completed on-line, or in person at Colonial Central.
