Click on any question below to view the answer to one of our frequently asked questions about Financial Aid at the Josef Korbel School of International Studies.

General Loan Options

1. Is it common for students at the Josef Korbel School of International Studies to fund most of the cost of attendance with loans?

   
   As with other premier international affairs institutions, approximately 70% of the Josef Korbel School of International Studies students fund 70% of their total education with loans.

2. What are my loan options?

   
   Students can fund their education with either private or governmental/federal loans. For additional information about each of these options, including lenders, rates, application process, etc., please see DU’s Office of Financial Aid webpage.

3. Can I get loans for the Summer quarter?

   
   Yes, students can apply for additional loans for Summer quarter. You must complete the summer financial aid application to be eligible. Students may also allocate their loans over 4 quarters versus three to help fund the Summer quarter. For additional information, please see DU’s Office of Financial Aid webpage.

Federal Loans

1. Am I eligible for financial aid?

   
   To determine if you are eligible for financial aid, certain requirements must be met. For a list of these requirements, please see DU’s Financial Aid webpage.

2. Do I need to fill out a FAFSA (Federal Application for Student Aid), and if so, how?

   
   All students are strongly encouraged to fill out a FAFSA for every academic year. While students may apply for external scholarships without a FAFSA; they are not eligible for any work-study, governmental, private, or departmental/internal scholarships without submitting a FAFSA.
   
   For additional information, please see DU’s Office of Financial Aid webpage.

3. What are the deadlines for filing a FAFSA?

   
   The priority deadline for new incoming students is March 1 of each year. The deadline for continuing students is April 1 of each year. However, if you miss these deadlines, fill out the application as soon as possible.

4. My FAFSA does not adequately reflect my financial situation, what should I do?

   
   If students find that their FAFSA does not adequately reflect their current financial situation; they can appeal to the University of Denver’s Central Office of Financial Aid, which performs professional judgment (appeals). In most cases the cost of attendance exceeds a student’s Estimated Family Contribution, (EFC) by the margin needed to qualify for the maximum federal loan package ($20,500). If there are extenuating financial circumstances that occur after submitting a FAFSA, contact the Office of Financial Aid and speak with a Financial Aid Advisor.

5. I filed my FAFSA and submitted the Title IV form as requested, is there anything else I need to do to apply for financial aid?

   
   Once students have submitted their FAFSA and the Title IV form, there are no additional steps required to qualify for governmental loans and funding. A Student Aid Report, (SAR) will be emailed to you for your review. Once the SAR is approved the University of Denver’s Central Financial Aid Office will sent notification to the email address provided in the FAFSA detailing Federal loan offerings. Most US citizens do not have problems procuring all the loans necessary to fund their complete education at DU. However; we recommend that students research external scholarship opportunities, private loans, and Graduate PLUS loans.
   
   *Please note that income adjustments for incoming students are rarely made.

6. How/when will I find out about my qualification for Federal Stafford Loans?

   
   Students who fill out their FAFSA are automatically considered for Stafford Loans. Most graduate students who fill out their FAFSA by March 1 usually receive the full amount of Stafford Loans ($12,000 unsubsidized, and $8,500 subsidized). Awards are posted on MyWeb and students can log on to review and accept/decline their award packages.
   
   *Please note that processing time varies throughout the year; contact DU’s Office of Financial Aid with any questions on the status of your FAFSA and Stafford Loans.

7. Do I have to complete Entrance/Exit Counseling for my Stafford Loans?

   
   Yes, all incoming students who accept any amount of Stafford loans, subsidized or unsubsidized, for studies at DU must complete entrance counseling before their funds will be dispersed into their account.
   
   Additionally, upon leaving DU, all students who accepted any amount of Stafford loans, subsidized and/or unsubsidized, must complete exit counseling.
   
   For additional information about entrance and exit counseling, please see DU’s Office of Financial Aid webpage.

8. What is the Graduate PLUS Loan and do I qualify for it? 

   
   The Graduate PLUS loan is available to students enrolled at least half-time (4 credits) in a degree-seeking, graduate level program. Students must fill out the FAFSA, accept the maximum Federal Stafford Loans ($20,500) and still have an unmet need to be eligible to apply for a Graduate PLUS loan.
   
   *Please note: These loans are not available to students enrolled in a graduate certificate program unless the certificate is part of their enrollment in a full-degree graduate program.
   
   For additional information about the Graduate PLUS loan, including the application process, please see DU’s Office of Financial Aid webpage.

9. What is the Perkins Loan and do I qualify for it?

   
   The Perkins Loan is a federal, campus-based, fixed-rate, low-interest loan for graduate students enrolled at least part-time (4 credits). Interest for this loan does NOT accrue while the student is enrolled at least part-time, during the nine-month grace period and during periods of eligible deferment. Students with the greatest unmet need will be awarded Perkins funding upon completion of their FAFSA packaging if the funds are available.

Private Loans

1. What is the process for taking out private loans?

   
   There are many types of private loans and lenders so we research the best option for you. Private loans are usually processed quickly for those who have a cosigner and/or those who have moderate to good credit.
   
   Click here to apply for a private loan.
   Click here for information on the Graduate PLUS loan, a federal alternative to private loans.

2. How do I determine which lender to use?

   
   Students have several different lenders to choose from when taking out a private loan. For additional information about each option, including rates, fees, grace periods, cosigners, etc please visit the Financial Aid webpage.

3. Who do I contact with questions about private loans?

   
   For additional questions regarding private loans, please feel free to contact the University of Denver’s Central Office of Financial Aid at 303.871.4020 or finaid@du.edu

Scholarships

1. How do I apply for a Josef Korbel School of International Studies scholarship?

   
   All applicants are automatically considered for departmental scholarships at the Josef Korbel School of International Studies when their applications are reviewed for admission. Merit-based scholarships are awarded based on undergraduate GPA and GRE Verbal scores. Applicants are notified of scholarship decisions in their acceptance letters.  

2. I did not receive a scholarship from the Josef Korbel School of International Studies; can I qualify for one in the future?

   
   The MA and PhD committees conduct an annual merit review process for continuing students.  This process allows high performing students to apply for a limited number of merit scholarships.  Priority is given to those students who have not received GSIS merit funding previously.
   
   The Office of Graduate Admissions will send an application and minimum qualifications out to the current student body each July.  The committees will render their decisions and students will be notified by August 15 of each year.  While the exact amount of the scholarships may vary from year to year, they tend to range from $1,000 to $3,000 for each student that is selected to receive a merit award for their achievements.

3. Does my scholarship cover Summer quarter?

   
   No, scholarships are automatically dispersed equally over three quarters: Fall, Winter, and Spring. If students would like their scholarship to be dispersed over four quarters, to include Summer quarter, they need to contact the Josef Korbel School of International Studies Office of Graduate Admissions.

4. Does the Josef Korbel School of International Studies offer student grants/funding for conferences and research?

   
   Josef Korbel School of International Studies students who present at a conference can apply for conference funding. Applicants may receive up to $750 for domestic conferences and $1,500 for international conferences. The application deadlines are: December 1, March 1, and June 1. The required conference funding application and expense report can be found on the the Josef Korbel School of International Studies website. Please submit these documents along with original receipts by the deadlines mentioned above.

5. My graduate GPA is much better than my undergraduate GPA. Will the committee average in my graduate work when they look at my eligibility?

   
   Guaranteed scholarships will be based on the undergraduate GPA that is listed on your official transcripts from the institution that granted you, or will be granting you, your degree. Graduate transcripts are not considered.

6. I have taken the GRE a few times. Which verbal score will the committee look at?

   
   For applicants that take the GRE on multiple occasions, the admissions committee will consider the highest score reported to us by the Educational Testing Service, (ETS).

7. I am an international student and completed my undergraduate studies at an international institution. How will my GPA be calculated?

   
   The Office of International Student Admission at the University of Denver credentials all international student transcripts. The GPA result that they compute will be provided to the Office of Graduate Admissions and used for assessment by the Admissions Committee.

8. My GPA and GRE scores do not qualify me for a guaranteed scholarship. Will I still be considered for merit-based funding?

   
   Yes. The Admissions Committee reviews all files in their entirety and considers all facets of an applicant’s candidacy prior to rendering an admissions decision. Applicant’s with exceptional qualifications who do not qualify for our guaranteed scholarships will be considered for merit-based funding and notified of the Committee’s decision in the official letter of acceptance.

9. If I complete my degree in less than two years, will I still receive the full scholarship amount or will it be prorated?

   
   Guaranteed scholarship funds are in place for two academic years, and will be automatically distributed evenly over the fall, winter, and spring terms. If you intend to pursue summer coursework, or will be intending to graduate early, you can meet with a member of the GSIS Admissions and Financial Aid staff to discuss re-distribution options.

10. Do part-time students qualify for guaranteed scholarships?

    
    To be eligible for the guaranteed scholarship program students must attend GSIS full-time (8 or more credit hours per quarter). Students who drop below 8 credits will lose scholarship eligibility, exceptions may be granted for those students receiving less than 8 credits for internships.

11. Do Peace Corps affiliated students (Master’s International or Fellows) qualify for guaranteed scholarships?

    
    Peace Corps students do not qualify for guaranteed scholarship funding. However, all Peace Corps students do receive an 18 credit hour waiver for the 90 credit hour master’s degree. Exceptional candidates may receive additional merit funding; if this is deemed appropriate by the Admissions Committee, information will be noted in the official letter of admission.

Outside Sources of Funding

1. Is there a list of external scholarships/grants I can apply for?

   
   Many students apply for private or outside scholarships to assist with college expenses. Students can research external scholarships on either GSIS Financial Aid webpage, FastWeb or DU’s Financial Aid webpage.
   
   *Please note that all outside scholarship assistance must be reported to DU’s Central Office of Financial Aid. Outside scholarships must be included on your total financial award package.

2. Can I get additional funding for Summer quarter?

   
   Students may apply for financial aid for Summer quarter. Students must complete summer financial aid application, which can be found online at the Student Affairs webpage; these forms can be submitted to the University of Denver’s Central Financial Aid Office. For additional information about Summer financial aid, please contact the Office of Financial Aid.
   
   *Please note that Summer financial aid is limited and only available to students taking courses at GSIS, not at other universities.

3. Can I apply for outside sources of funding to help with my cost of living expenses?

   
   Yes, students may apply for private or Graduate PLUS loans to cover the difference between tuition and the remaining budget for cost of living expenses (books, housing, etc). The current estimated budget for the 2007-2008 academic year is $47,877. For additional information about cost of living expenses, please see the University of Denver’s central Financial Aid Office’s website.

Work-Study and Research Assistantship Positions

1. How does the work-study program operate at the Josef Korbel School of International Studies?

   
   Work study awards are based on financial need as calculated by the FAFSA. If a student has an unmet need after accepting and applying any scholarships and the maximum amount of Stafford loans (both Subsidized and Unsubsidized) to their account, they are then eligible for a Work-Study position.
   
   There are ample opportunities for work-study positions at the University of Denver. Available positions are posted online at the DU Graduate Student Employment webpage. Students apply to each position of interest and departments will interview top applications and higher the student best suited for the position.
   
   The average pay for work-study positions is between $10-18 per hour. The student will “work off” the work-study award total throughout the academic year through bi-weekly paychecks, and are required to pay federal, state, and local wage taxes. Student work-study employees can work a maximum of 7.5 hours/day and 37.5 hours/week (maximum work-study allocation per academic year is $14,400). However, it is encouraged that students only work no more than 20 hours during the academic year.

2. How do I apply for a Work-Study/Research Assistant position?

   
   The majority of work-study positions are available in the fall and are posted in July on the DU Graduate Student Employment webpage. Students are encouraged to check back often for newly posted positions. DU work-study positions are not centralized; therefore interested students must apply and interview for each position separately.
   
   Most GSIS Research Assistant positions are available at the beginning of the Fall quarter. Interested students should fill out an application and drop it off at the Student Affairs Office. All applications are placed in a binder for interested professors to refer to and select top applicants to interview.

3. What is the process of becoming a Research Assistant for a department outside of the Josef Korbel School of International Studies (such as history or political science)?

   
   Teaching and research assistantships are available, but usually filled by second-year graduate students who have established a rapport with faculty and have prior experience in academic research and teaching.
   
   Work-study positions on campus are far more common. Most positions are available in the fall and are posted in July on the DU Graduate Student Employment webpage, however positions open up throughout the year, so check back often for newly posted positions. DU work-study positions are not centralized; therefore interested students must apply and interview for each position separately.

4. What is the average pay rate for a work-study or Research Assistant positions?

   
   The average pay rate for work-study positions ranges from $10-18 per hour which is paid through bi-weekly checks. The average pay rate for Research Assistant positions ranges between $1,000-1,200 per quarter for 3 quarters.

International Students

1. Are there loan and funding options available for international students?

   
   In addition to GSIS scholarships, international students are eligible for private and governmental loans from their home nations. Additional funding is also available through external sources, click here for more information.

2. Do I need an Institutional Verification Form, (IVF)?

   
   Yes, all international students need to complete an Institutional Verification Form. This form can be located online at the the Josef Korbel School of International Studies website. 

3. Are there any supplemental financial aid documents for international students?

   
   In addition to the regular application materials, and the Institutional Verification Form, (IVF) admitted international students must submit their SEVIS paperwork. For additional information about this, please see the GSIS website for International Students.

4. Are there Work-Study/Research Assistant employment options for international students?

   
   Yes, International Students may apply for work-study and Research Assistant positions.
   
   Teaching and research assistantships are available, but usually filled by second-year graduate students who have established a rapport with faculty and have prior experience in academic research and teaching.
   
   Work study jobs on campus are far more common. Most positions are available in the fall and are posted in July on the DU Graduate Student Employment webpage, however positions open up throughout the year, so check back often for newly posted positions. DU work-study positions are not centralized; therefore interested students must apply and interview for each position separately.

5. How do I fund my cost of living expenses while at the Josef Korbel School of International Studies ?

   
   International students may fund cost of living expenses through private loans, on-campus positions, and external scholarships.

Tuition/Cost of Attendance

1. What is the tuition rate at the Josef Korbel School of International Studies ?

   
   DU is a private university and therefore, the cost of attendance for in-state and out-of-state students is the same. Additionally, DU offers a flat tuition rate for students taking between 12 and 18 credits. Typically, GSIS students take 15 credits (3 courses); however students taking 8 credits are considered full-time.
   
   Tuition for the 2008-2009 academic year is $916.00 per credit, $10,992.00 per quarter (for full time students) and $33,630 for the year (Fall, Winter, and Spring quarters). For a complete list of tuition and fees, please see the Financial Aid webpage and for a complete list of the total cost of attendance, please see the DU’s Office of Financial Aid webpage.

2. Does tuition cover summer and interterm credits?

   
   Tuition does NOT cover summer and interterm credits. The financial aid budgets and tuition amounts are for the Fall, Winter, and Spring quarters only. If a student plans to take an interterm or summer course(s) they can either divide their loans and scholarships over four quarters, and/or take out additional loans. A Summer financial aid application must be completed to apply for additional Stafford, Perkins, or PLUS loans. For additional information about how to finance summer courses, please see DU’s Office of Financial Aid webpage. 
   
   Interterm courses are offered in December (between Fall and Winter quarters) and in March (between Winter and Spring quarters). Click here for additional information about these courses.
   
   For additional information about how to finance interterm courses, please see the Interterm webpage.

3. Is it possible to receive a tuition refund if I withdraw?

   
   It is possible to receive a tuition refund, for a complete explanation of tuition refunds and withdrawal requirements please see DU’s Office of Financial Aid.

4. What if my financial aid doesn’t cover my cost of living?

   
   Students may apply for private or Graduate PLUS loans to cover the difference between tuition and the remaining budget for cost of living expenses (books, housing, etc). For additional information about cost of living expenses, please see the University of Denver’s Central Financial Aid Office’s website.

Deadlines

1. What is the deadline for applying for scholarships?

   
   All applicants are considered for merit-based scholarships when the Josef Korbel School of International Studies Admissions Review Committee reviews their complete application. Merit-based scholarships are awarded based on undergraduate GPA and verbal GRE scores. It is highly encouraged that completed applications are submitted by the priority deadlines, thereafter applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

2. What is the deadline for filing a FAFSA?

   
   New, incoming students should have their FAFSA submitted by the March 1 priority deadline; and continuing students should have their FAFSA submitted by the April 1 priority deadline. If you miss these deadlines, please send it in as soon as possible.

3. What is the deadline for applying for work-study and Research Assistant positions?

   
   Work-study positions are not centralized and each position has its own deadline. For additional information about available work study positions, please see the DU Graduate Student Employment webpage.

4. What is the deadline for applying for conference funding?

   
   There are three deadlines throughout the year for submitting conference funding applications: December 1, April 1, and June 1.

Forms

For forms regarding federal loans, private loans, withdrawal, loan consolidation, waivers, consortium agreements, etc., please see DU’s Office of Financial Aid.

For forms regarding paying tuition, billing, refunds, etc., please see the Bursar’s Office. 

For forms regarding conference funding, research assistant applications, continuous enrollment, summer financial aid applications, etc., please see the Josef Korbel School of International Studies’ website.

Disbursements

1. How and when are my loans disbursed?

   
   Financial aid is automatically set up to disperse equally over the Fall, Winter, and Spring quarters.
   
   If a student applies for a private loan, their lender will contact the University of Denver’s Central Office of Financial Aid to verify student status. If approved for the loan, the lender will send each quarter’s allotment to the Central Office of Financial Aid and it is applied to the student’s balance with the Bursar’s Office. If there is any money remaining after the bill is paid, the Bursar’s Office will issue the student a refund of the balance due. Money will be sent via check through the US Postal Service unless the student has direct deposit set up.
   
   To setup Direct Deposit; log in to MyWeb, click on Personal Information, then Add/Change Bank Account Information.
   
   Students can expect their financial aid to pay in and refunds to be issued during the first full week of September for the Fall quarter, the first week of January for Winter quarter, and the third full week of March for Spring quarter.

2. What is considered full-time and part-time student status?

   
   Students taking 8 credits or more are considered full-time status; students taking 4-7 credits are considered part-time status. Most courses at GSIS are 5 credits; however 3 credit courses are also available.

3. Will my loans/scholarships change if I am a part-time student?

   
   If full-time students drop to part-time status, their federal loans will be adjusted to a prorated amount. For additional questions about this, please contact the Central Office of Financial Aid.

4. If I plan to attend less than three quarters of study, can I apply my financial aid awards and loans to just one or two quarters?

   
   Yes, contact DU’s Central Office of Financial Aid  to formally request the redistribution of funds.

5. Can I apply my financial aid awards and loans to four quarters instead of three?

   
   Yes, contact DU’s Central Office of Financial Aid to formally request this redistribution of Stafford, Graduate PLUS, and private loans and contact the Office of Graduate Admissions for scholarship adjustments at the Josef Korbel School of International Studies.

6. Can I use my financial aid for the Summer quarter?

   
   Yes, students must contact DU’s Central Office of Financial Aid to formally request your funds be redistributed over four quarters instead of three. However, to apply for additional financial aid for Summer quarter, students must fill the Summer Financial Aid application form and send the completed form to DU’s Central Office of Financial Aid for processing.

7. If I graduate early, what happens to my scholarship and loan money?

   
   Students should contact the GSIS Office of Graduate Admissions to have their merit-based scholarships adjusted and DU’s Central Office of Financial Aid to have all federal and private loans adjusted for equal distribution over 1 or 2 quarters at the beginning of the academic year.

8. If I graduate a quarter late do I still maintain my departmental scholarship at the Josef Korbel School of International Studies?

   
   GSIS merit-based scholarships are good for the amount of time specified in your acceptance letter. However, scholarships and loans may be distributed equally over four quarters instead of three if students notify the Office of Graduate Admissions at the Josef Korbel School of International Studies and DU’s Central Financial Aid office at the beginning of the academic year.

Payments/Repayments

1. When do I receive my bill from DU and when do I have to pay it?

   
   Bills are mailed out from the Bursar’s Office approximately four weeks prior to the start of the quarter (electronic bills are also available). Tuition is generally due several weeks before the start of the quarter. For specific dates, please see the Bursar’s Office webpage.
   
   *Please note that students will not be able to register for classes if there is an outstanding balance of $300 or more on their bill. 

2. How do I pay my tuition?

   
   Students have several options for paying their tuition. Tuition can be paid through governmental/federal loans, private loans, scholarships, or out of pocket. Students who decide to pay their tuition via loans and scholarships, please note that these funds are automatically dispersed to the Bursar’s Office to pay your DU bill and any remaining funds will be distributed in the form of a check or through direct deposit. For students paying all or part of their bill out of pocket can make payments at the Bursar’s Office. 

3. When do I have to start paying back my student loans?

   
   For government and Perkins loans, student must start paying these back approximately six months after graduation. For private loans, contact your lender to see their requirements.
   
   To see what your loan repayments will be like after graduation, please see the tuition calculator.

4. How do I make loan payments while I’m in the Peace Corps?

   
   If you are a Mater’s International Student and begin service in the Peace Corps your loans will be deferred because you are still considered a DU student. However, you will still be accruing interest on unsubsidized student loans and private loans.

5. What are my payment plan options?

   
   For a complete list of payment options, please see the Bursar’s Office webpage.

6. If I take time off do I have to start repaying my loans?

   
   Students are granted a six month grace period for most federal loans and most private loans (check with your vendor for the specifics of your loan). If a student is out of school for longer than six months, their grace period will expire and will enter repayment status.

Contact Information

1. Who do I talk to if I have additional questions?

   
   For information regarding departmental scholarships from the Josef Korbel School of International Studies, continuing student funding, research assistantships, and conference funding please contact:
   
   Office of Graduate Admissions
   The Josef Korbel School of International Studies
   Ben Cherrington Hall, Suite 118
   University of Denver
   2201 S. Gaylord Street
   Denver, CO 80208
   Phone: 303.871.2544
   Fax: 303.871.3585
   www.du.edu/gsis
   gsisadm@du.edu
   
   For information regarding all federal and private loans, outside scholarships, FAFSA, as well as financial authorization and documentation for all student loans, and work study funding, please contact:
   
   The Central Office of Financial Aid
   2197 S. University Blvd.
   University Hall, Suite 210
   Denver, CO 80208
   Phone: 303.871.4020
   Fax: 303.871.2341
   www.du.edu/finaid
   finaid@du.edu
   
   For information regarding billing and collection of tuition-related charges, please contact:
   
   The Bursar’s Office
   2197 S. University Blvd.
   University Hall, Suite 223
   Denver, CO 80208
   Phone: 303.871.4944
   Fax: 303.871.2141
   www.du.edu/bursar
   
   For additional information about the FAFSA, please see the FAFSA webpage.