The U.S. Department of Education offers multiple avenues of federal student aid.
We provide the following resources to help you explore the options that may work best for your situation.
Federal Aid Programs
As a Title IV institution, Saybrook participates in the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program, in which borrowers obtain loan funds directly from the U.S. Department of Education. Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans and the Direct PLUS Loan for graduate or professional students both fall under this program. You can learn more about these loans with the links below:
You may also be eligible for additional federal benefits, such as education tax credits. Visit studentaid.gov to explore the full range of federal aid available to you.
Applying for Federal Financial Aid
Federal aid can only be accessed via the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA helps colleges and universities determine how much aid you are eligible for and must be submitted every year you wish to receive aid.
How to Apply for Federal Aid:
- Start a new FAFSA form at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa
- Enter the requested information, including:
- Your name
- Your date of birth
- Your social security number
- Income information from your most recent tax return
- Add Saybrook’s identifying number to your FAFSA application: G21206
You can monitor the status of your application, review all of the information entered, and correct any mistakes you may have made via your studentaid.gov account.
Our comprehensive breakdown of our tuition and fees will help you determine the cost of your education.
View our tuition rates.
Our cost calculators provide valuable insights for planning your total expenses while studying at Saybrook. Our resources include a net price calculator, budget calculator, and various loan simulator tools.
View our cost calculators.
The cost of attendance is the estimated amount you will need to cover costs related to attendance at Saybrook University for one academic year of study. The academic year is defined as two consecutive semesters of enrollment. The standard budget is constructed by using basic costs of living plus tuition and fees for your particular program of study. Check your award letter for the cost of attendance breakdown.
For more information regarding general costs of attendance, please visit the U.S. Department of Education - College Affordability and Transparency Center.
Your financial aid package is based on the expected family contribution (EFC) of both your and your spouse’s resources. This amount is determined by a financial needs assessment, which looks at assets, income, family size, and number of family members in college. Your financial need is the difference between the costs of education minus the expected family contribution.
Once the financial need is determined, your financial aid package is produced. Your package might include Federal Direct Loans, Federal Work-Study, and/or Saybrook scholarships or tuition assistance.
Financial Aid Support
Our Financial Aid Office is here to help you determine the best plan of action. Advisers are available and eager to answer any questions you may have regarding financial aid.
Call: 1-888-253-5100
Email: [email protected]
Student Consumer Information
Under the 2008 Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA), Saybrook University is required to make available certain information to current and prospective students. In order to help consumers make a more informed decision about their education options, the U.S. Department of Education has set forth disclosure guidelines. The following information is provided to students to give them a general overview of the Student Financial Aid Assistance available at Saybrook University. Each link leads to a website that provides more detailed information. If you wish to obtain a hard copy of any of the documents, please contact the Financial Aid Office at 415-394-5350. You may also visit the U.S. Department of Education HEOA website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Federal Direct Subsidized Stafford Loans available for graduate students?
Federal Direct Subsidized Stafford Loans are no longer available for graduate and professional students effective July 1, 2012. The Budget Control Act of 2011 eliminated the subsidy for graduate and professional students and moves this funding to Pell Grants for undergraduate students. As a result, graduate and professional students have the opportunity to seek Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans.
What is the annual federal loan limit?
For a details on federal borrowing limits, please visit studentaid.gov.
How will my credit score affect borrowing?
Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans do not require a credit check or a co-signer to apply. The Direct PLUS Loan, however, does require that borrowers not have an adverse credit history. Alternative private loan options may also require a credit check. To understand your credit history, we recommend that you obtain a copy of your credit report as soon as possible. You may receive a free credit report from each of the three major reporting agencies once every 12 months: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
Can I use a lender of my choice?
Saybrook University does not have a Preferred Alternative Loan Lender Relationship with any private/alternative loan program. You have the right to choose any lender you want who provides private/alternative student loans. Saybrook University legally cannot recommend any one lender to students.
Are there any unique requirements for first-time borrowers?
Entrance counseling is required for all graduate or professional students who have not previously received a Direct Unsubsidized Loan or Direct PLUS Loan. Entrance counseling ensures that you understand your loan’s terms and conditions, your rights and responsibilities as a borrower, repayment options, and more. You can learn more about student loan entrance counseling at studentaid.gov/entrance-counseling/.
What about private and alternative loans?
We encourage you to fully utilize all federal student loan programs first, as they offer better consumer protection benefits. Still, there are other programs that offer alternative forms of aid. Note that, while Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans do not require a credit score check, many private and alternative forms of aid will require one. Under the Truth in Lending Act (TILA), lenders are required to provide you with disclosures at several points during loan application process. You must also submit a Private Education Loan Applicant Self-Certification form to lenders before they can legally disburse a private education loan.