Financial Aid for US Citizens and Permanent Residents

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How to Apply for Financial Aid
SIT Scholarships and Grants
Federal Student Loans
Private Education Loans
Employment
External Sources of Funding

In addition to the grants and scholarships offered by SIT, US citizens and permanent residents are eligible for a range of federal financial aid. The Federal Stafford Loan, the Federal Perkins Loan and the Federal Work-Study Program are open to graduate students who meet established requirements.

How to apply for Financial Aid

For more information on how to complete your
FAFSA application, watch this instructional video.

If you are applying for summer or fall 2013, please complete the 2013-2014 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). SIT’s federal school code is 008860.

Note: On your FAFSA, please indicate that you will be a graduate student working on a master’s degree. Therefore, you will be considered “independent” for financial aid purposes, regardless of your age. SIT Graduate Institute does not require parental information.

SIT Scholarships and Grants

SIT offers gift aid to full-time US students and permanent residents of between $800 and $6,300 based on need and merit. Several competitive SIT scholarships have also been established to recognize students who reflect the SIT mission through their professional and personal lives.

No additional application is required to be considered for SIT gift aid and competitive scholarships.

Learn more about Scholarships and Grants

Federal Loans for US Citizens and Permanent Residents

Watch this instructional video about what to expect
when repaying your federal student loans.

In addition to the grants and scholarships offered by SIT, US citizens and permanent residents are eligible for a range of federal financial aid. The Federal Direct Loan Program and the Federal Perkins Loan Program are open to graduate students who meet established requirements.

Federal Direct Stafford Loans
These loans are administered by SIT in cooperation with the Federal Direct Stafford Loan Program. The amount of eligibility for the unsubsidized Federal Direct Stafford Loan is based on the cost of attendance, minus the student’s other financial aid.

The combined total of unsubsidized Federal Direct Stafford Loans is limited to $20,500 per academic year for graduate students, and these loans accrue interest while students are enrolled and for the six-month grace period.

Federal Perkins Loan
Loans made through the Federal Perkins Loan Program, often called Perkins Loans, are low-interest federal student loans, which are awarded based on financial need and available funds. The typical range for this loan is $1,000–$2,000.

Federal Direct Grad PLUS Loan
The Federal Direct Grad PLUS Loan is a non-need, credit-based student loan with a fixed interest rate, allowing graduate students to borrow the total cost for their graduate school needs, including tuition, room and board, supplies, and travel, less any other financial aid.

SIT students’ financial aid award letters will confirm eligibility to apply for a Federal Direct Grad PLUS Loan. If eligible, loan borrowers must complete an additional application, credit check, and electronic Master Promissory Note (eMPN) at http://StudentLoans.gov. Credit checks must occur 90 days before the loan is issued.

PLUS Loan Denial
If a student’s PLUS loan application is denied, the student may still be eligible to re-apply using an endorser (co-signer). If applicable, information about this option will be sent from the Federal Direct Loan program.

Private Education Loans
Some students choose to borrow private funds in addition to federal student loans to help with expenses while in graduate school. Private education loans, which are independent from SIT Graduate Institute, have variable interest rates as determined by students’ credit scores. Loan fees vary by lender.

Student Loan Forgiveness and Deferment Options
SIT graduates who work in non-profit, government, or education professions may be eligible for one of two loan forgiveness programs:

The Public Service Loan Forgiveness program (PSLF)is a program for students who work in non-profit, government, or public service jobs for a period of 10 years after graduation.
Students who teach in a low-income school or a subject designated as “subject-matter shortage area” may be eligible for loan cancellation or deferment options.

Employment

Federal Work Study.
SIT offers a Federal Work Study program that allows eligible students to earn part of their college costs through part-time employment in positions on the SIT campus or in a limited number of local community organizations. Students with a work-study position generally work between 8 and 10 hours each week. The rate of pay complies with the minimum wage in the State of Vermont. Approximately 60 percent of students have a work position.
Click here to learn more about the various work study positions available.

Campus Resident Advisors.
Students can earn the equivalent of room and board fees by working to create a cohesive learning community in SIT’s multicultural residence halls. Students do not need to qualify for financial aid to be eligible for these positions. Applications are only made available to students upon admission to an SIT graduate program through acceptance notification materials. The Director of Residential Life and Activities begins making position appointments in April, and selection is based on demonstrated skills and experience.

To apply to be a Campus Resident Advisor for the 2013-2014 academic year, please read the job description and submit your application by March 1, 2013: