Graduate Financial Aid

Federal Unsubsidized Direct Loan

Students receiving an unsubsidized loan are charged interest on the loan while in school, in a grace period, and in deferment. Interest on these loans begins accruing 60 days after loan disbursal. Although interest on the loan disbursement, a student does not need to begin repayment until six months after graduation, or when dropping below half-time enrollment. As of July 2025, the interest rate for this loan is 7.94% for graduate students. An origination fee of 1.057% will be taken from the disbursement prior to receipt by Alliant.

Federal GradPLUS for Graduate Students

Beginning July 1, 2026, GradPLUS loans will only be available to continuing students with student loans disbursed prior to that date. Learn more about these Federal regulation changes.

Graduate students may apply for a Federal GradPLUS Loan to assist with costs not covered by the unsubsidized loan. Interest is charged on the loan within 60 days that the disbursement is made to Alliant, as it is with the unsubsidized loan. Similarly, interest is charged on the loan disbursement, but a student does not need to start repayment until six months after graduation or when dropping below half-time enrollment.

Students must be pre-approved for the loan, as it is dependent on the borrower’s credit. A separate Master Promissory Note must be filled out for this loan through the lender. A small credit review will be required. Students may also nominate an eligible endorser. This loan has a fixed interest rate of 8.94% as of July 2025. An origination fee of 4.228% will be taken from the disbursement prior to receipt by Alliant.

We strongly advise Alliant students to maximize their Federal loan opportunities before considering private student loans. Explore the pros and cons of private loans, as well potential loan partners.

Alliant is pleased to offer a large selection of institutional scholarships to help cover tuition and fees. Additional scholarship opportunities are available from the Alliant Educational Foundation and other external sources. Visit our scholarships page for more details.

TEACH Grant

Post-baccalaureate and graduate students in teaching credential programs only can apply for the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant.

To qualify for the grant, students must:

1. Complete TEACH Grant counseling
2. Submit a TEACH Grant application
3. Agree to teach for at least four academic years (within eight years of completing their degree or last day of attendance at Alliant) in either a high-need field or an elementary school, secondary school, or educational service agency that serves low-income families. High-need fields include:
   • Bilingual education and English language acquisition
   • Foreign language
   • Math
   • Reading
   • Science
   • Special education.

NOTE: This grant may become an unsubsidized loan if the student does not complete the necessary requirements after leaving school as indicated in the agreement to serve.

Golden State Teacher Grant

The Golden State Teacher Grant program (GSTG) is for students who are currently enrolled in an education program working toward their preliminary teaching credential (internship programs not eligible) or pupil personnel services (PPS) credential and committed to working at a priority school in California for four years, within eight years after completing their Alliant program.

GSTG awards of up to $10,000 are available to eligible, currently enrolled students in California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC)-approved teacher preparation programs, like those at Alliant. Alliant program administrators will verify applicants’ enrollment status.

Seeking to achieve your education and career goals as a veteran, active-duty military member, reservist, National Guard member, or affiliated family member? Alliant is proud to serve you. Get details about specific aid types and support tailored for these groups.

Federal Work-Study is an employment program largely funded by the federal government and supplemented by employer contributions to complement and reinforce the student employees’ educational programs and career goals. The goals of the program are to:

1. Help students meet their educational expenses.
2. Encourage participation in community service activities.
3. Instill a sense of social responsibility and commitment to the community.

Under FWS, students are employed in part-time jobs on campus or in other nonprofit agencies to help meet a portion of their cost of attendance. On average, FWS students work 10–20 hours per week during the academic year. Doctoral extension students are eligible to work under FWS if they are enrolled at least half-time (three credits).

Students may earn up to the maximum amount specified in their financial aid package. The actual amount earned depends on the student’s employability, class schedule, and the number of hours worked. FWS earnings are considered taxable income and must be reported as such.    

Each year, at least 7% of an eligible institution’s FWS allocation must be used for community service. Alliant encourages students to investigate opportunities for off and on-campus community service employment, which may include:

1. Health care, child care, literacy training, education (including tutorial services), welfare, social services, transportation, housing and neighborhood improvement, public safety, crime prevention and control, recreation, rural development and community improvement.
2. Support for students (other than for Alliant’s own students) with disabilities.
3. Activities in which an FWS student serves as a mentor for such purposes:
   • Tutoring
   • Supporting educational and recreational activities
   • Counseling, including career counseling

Eligibility is based on students’ financial need and determined by your Student Aid Index (SAI), as determined by your FAFSA. If you are eligible, you will be awarded based on the availability of FWS funds. You may receive an FWS award in your financial aid package if you meet the following criteria:

• You filed your FAFSA
• Your SAI is $10,000 or less
• Completed the Federal Work Study Application
• Meet all federal financial aid eligibility requirements

The FAFSA determines your eligibility for a wide variety of funding sources, including those listed on this page. Alliant recommends completing the FAFSA as early as possible each year to secure available funding and start financial planning for your master’s or doctoral degree. Be sure to use Alliant’s school code when you apply: 011117

After completing your FAFSA and applying for financial aid, you will receive an Offer Letter detailing the amount of funding for which you qualify. Before these funds can be applied to your student account, you must accept or reject them in your Alliant Student Portal.

If you qualify for Federal loans and are a first-time borrower, you must complete and submit a Master Promissory Note (MPN) and complete Entrance Counseling to have loan funds applied to your student account. After you graduate from Alliant, you will also need to complete Exit Counseling to review the terms and conditions of repaying your loans.