Graduate Financial Aid Options
Fellowships
Many graduate departments at Georgia Tech offer fellowships to graduate students. To be considered for these awards, you must be nominated by your academic department. The Graduate Studies office provides helpful information about fellowships, assistantships, and other financial aid options.
Federal Direct Loans
Georgia Tech participates in the Direct Lending program, offering a streamlined, high-quality, cost-effective, and dependable loan option for students and families. The Federal Direct Loan Program provides the following loan options for graduate students:
Graduate Unsubsidized Direct Student Loans
Unsubsidized loans are federally guaranteed loans that are not based on financial need. Interest begins accruing as soon as the loan is disbursed to Georgia Tech. Students are not required to make payments until six months after graduation or if they drop below half-time enrollment. This is known as the "grace period."
Graduate Direct PLUS Loans
This loan option helps graduate students cover educational costs that are not covered by unsubsidized loans. Students can borrow up to the cost of attendance, minus any other financial aid they have received. For example, if the cost of attendance is $30,000, the student receives an unsubsidized loan for $20,500 and a $5,000 fellowship, the student can borrow up to $4,500.
Please note: Credit approval is required for Graduate Direct PLUS loans. The credit check for applicants is valid for 180 days.
Current Federal Interest Rates
Interest Rates for Direct Loans First Disbursed on or After July 1, 2024, and Before July 1, 2025.
| Loan Type |
Fixed Interest Rate |
| Direct Graduate Unsubsidized Loans |
8.08% |
| Direct Graduate PLUS Loans |
9.08% |
Federal Student Debt Relief Plan
For more information on the federal student debt relief plan, please visit: https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/debt-relief-info
Private Loans
Many private lending institutions offer loans to students seeking assistance to meet expenses related to attendance at Georgia Tech. There are an increasing number of private loans, and the terms of these loans change frequently.
Apply for Private Loans
Federal Work Study
Federal Work-Study (FWS) provides part-time jobs for graduate students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to help pay education expenses. The program encourages community service work and work related to the student’s course of study.
At Georgia Tech, FWS is awarded to graduate students who enroll at least half-time and demonstrate financial need. FWS awards generally vary from $600 to $1,500 per semester and are earned during the period of enrollment. Students may work in an on-campus, off-campus, or in a community service position.
Advantages of participating in the FWS program include:
- The money you earn helps to meet college expenses and will not be counted as income for your financial aid eligibility determination next year.
- You get on-the-job experience to give you an edge in the job market after graduation.
- You're able to work with accomplished professionals in their field, which provides you with valuable references in the future.
Apply for FWS
Explore FWS Options
