Types of Financial Aid for Graduate Students

The University of Denver’s Graduate Financial Aid strives to provide a top-tier education at an affordable cost. A key part of our purpose is to ensure you have access to and a thorough understanding of all available financial aid options that help offset your graduate school expenses. 

This page serves as a guide to the types of financial aid you may be eligible to receive and connects you with more detailed information on how to apply for funding opportunities, important deadlines, and other financial resources

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Student Loans

Student loans are a  method of financing your graduate education and need to be repaid. With both federal and private loans available, you have numerous options that allow you to borrow responsibly.

Learn More about Loans

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Grants and Scholarships

Graduate grants and scholarships are primarily merit-based. When you apply for admission to DU, we automatically consider you for available scholarship opportunities, which are awarded by individual academic departments, not DU’s financial aid office. In addition to these institutional scholarships, private scholarships and federal and state grants are also resourceful ways of funding your graduate studies.

Explore Grants & Scholarships

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Work-Study

Work-study is a need-based financial aid award that allows you to work on campus to earn money to help pay for educational expenses and minimize borrowing, all while developing valuable skills and experience. These positions are limited but integral to professional development and funding your education. 

If your financial aid letter does not list work-study, you may submit a request to join the waitlist. Additionally, you can find work-study positions on Pioneer Careers Online. If you find a position that interests you and utilizes your skill set, we encourage you to apply.
 

Learn More About Work-Study

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Graduate Assistantships

Depending on the department that houses your degree program, you can apply to work as a graduate teaching assistant (GTA), graduate service assistant (GSA), or graduate research assistant (GRA). 

These graduate assistantship positions support department faculty with teaching, research, administrative responsibilities, website development, editorial work, and much more. Assistantships provide both a tuition waiver and a monthly stipend, making these positions both beneficial and highly competitive. 

Graduate Assistantships

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Summer Aid

Similar to the traditional academic year, students taking classes in the summer term can apply for departmental scholarships, work-study programs, and student loans. However, aid is often limited for these terms. 

More about Summer Aid

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Aid for Undocumented Students

Since financial aid for undocumented students is limited, DU works hard to make graduate education more accessible. With scholarships available from DU, the State of Colorado, and private organizations, undocumented students have aid options that can help cover the cost of their education to reach their goals.

Find Aid for Undocumented Students

Priority Deadlines

Graduate students who apply by the priority admissions deadlines receive their financial aid offer sooner. This may increase their chances of securing competitive funding opportunities.

  • Incoming students applying for fall admission: January 15
  • Incoming students applying for winter, spring, or summer admission: No priority deadline — students should apply as soon as possible.
  • Returning students: March 15

 

How Do I Apply for Financial Aid? 

We aim to make applying for financial aid as easy and beneficial as possible. For simple, step-by-step instructions, review our financial aid application process.

 

Discover the Cost of Attendance for Graduate Students

Now that you’ve reviewed the available financial aid options, take a closer look at DU’s cost of attendance, including both direct and indirect costs. To estimate what you may pay out of pocket, use the estimated billing worksheet from the college or school that houses your degree program. Be sure to have your most recent financial aid offer close by to ensure you get an accurate estimate.

Understanding Your Financial Aid Offer

Once you apply for financial aid, you receive a financial aid offer through MyDU detailing the estimated cost of attendance and the types of aid you are eligible to receive. This typically includes a combination of loans and work-study, as well as scholarships and assistantships/fellowships from your academic department.


Find out more by viewing a sample financial aid offer or reviewing your next steps.

Contact

 

Financial Aid