How Do I Pay for Graduate School?

Financial Aid Process • Payment Plans

Do you have questions about our programs? Let us help you – Inquire today!

Payment Options

We know that paying for your graduate degree is an important factor when choosing a school. Contact the Graduate Information Office to talk more about the key factors to consider – or, read on to learn about the different ways you can finance your graduate degree.

Financial Aid Process

Applying for Financial Aid

Complete all steps below to apply for financial aid.

Note: There are financial aid options that are not based on need.

Most students in our online programs use financial aid to pay for their program. We recommend that you complete these steps as soon as possible to make sure that your payment arrangements are in order by the start of the semester. For help, please contact the Financial Aid Office at (731) 661-5015, finaid@uu.edu, or visit our website. You may also view “Seven Easy Steps to the FAFSA” for additional tips.

1

The FAFSA is available online. If you do not have access to a computer you may request a paper version from the Financial Aid Office. Students should submit the 2025-2026 form. You will need your 2023 Federal Tax Return, your FSA ID, and Union University’s code (003528). Graduate students are considered independent for financial aid purposes.

2

Review your Student Aid Report (SAR) for accuracy

Online processing time for the FAFSA takes 2-3 business days. The Department of Education will notify you when your application is processed and will provide you with a Student Aid Report (SAR). If you notice any errors after reviewing your SAR, log back into your FAFSA to make corrections.

3

You will receive your financial aid award letter from Union once you have been academically accepted.

This lists the financial aid you will qualify for. If you wish to decline all or a portion of the award, notify the Financial Aid Office in writing. Be sure to contact the Financial Aid Office if you have any questions on your award.

4

Complete Loan Entrance Counseling and the Master Promissory Note

Entrance Counseling is only required for first time Federal Direct Loan borrowers; all borrowers must complete a Master Promissory Note. Both can be completed at https://studentloans.gov/myDirectLoan/index.action (you will need your FSA ID from Step 1).

Students Receiving Financial Aid

Federal Loan Requirements

To be eligible to borrow funds under the Federal Direct Loan Program, you must:

  1. File the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
  2. Be a U.S. Citizen or permanent resident
  3. Not be in default on prior educational loans
  4. Maintain satisfactory academic progress

Questions? Call the Financial Aid Office at 731-661-5015 or finaid@uu.edu.

The Nelnet Business Solutions (formerly FACTS) payment plan gives families and option of budgeting monthly payment. Please apply for a payment plan online at uu.edu/paymybill or with the Student Accounts office at 731-661-5071.

If you and your school qualify, this program may provide loan forgiveness for eligible Federal Direct Loans. This is a separate program requiring separate forms and processes. The U.S. Department of Education will determine your eligibility for this program. Union University is not responsible to verify your eligibility for this program. Please do not base your enrollment on this program, as it can be difficult to ensure qualification for government programs which are subject to reform and funding changes.

You must call 1-800-4-FED-AID to verify your eligibility or visit https://studentaid.gov/sa/repay-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/teacher for more information.

The Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant Program, created by Congress through the College Cost Reduction and Access Act of 2007, provides grants to students (Undergraduates or Graduate) who intend to teach in a public or private elementary or secondary school that serves students from low-income families and teaching in a high need field. If a student fails to complete the teaching requirement, the grant will convert into an Unsubsidized Direct Stafford Loan. Recipients of the TEACH Grant MUST complete the TEACH Grant Application. Additionally, if offered a TEACH Grant, TEACH Grant Counseling and an Agreement to Serve (ATS) must be completed each year the award is received — both can be completed below.

For more information, visit https://studentaid.gov/teach-grant-program.