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. Learn more about private loans, including how to apply and 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.

Mental Health Workforce Grant

The Mental Health Workforce Grant is a one-time $1,250 tuition award for newly enrolled students in the Master of Arts in Clinical Counseling (MACC) program, designed to help reduce the cost of graduate education as students prepare to meet the growing demand for mental health services.

To qualify, students must:

1. Be a new student applying to the MACC program (current or previously enrolled MACC students are not eligible)
2. Meet all admission requirements and be fully admitted and confirmed by August 21, 2026
3. Begin the program in the Fall 2026 term and enroll full-time
4. Maintain good academic standing, defined as a minimum 3.0 GPA at Alliant University

Grant funds are applied to tuition only and cannot be combined with other Alliant tuition waivers, scholarships, or grants. Funding is limited and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so students are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

Social Work Opportunity Grant

The Social Work Opportunity Grant is a one-time $1,250 tuition award for newly enrolled students in the Master of Social Work (MSW) program, designed to help reduce the cost of graduate education as students prepare to make an impact in their communities.

To qualify, students must:

1. Be a new student applying to the MSW program (current or previously enrolled MSW students are not eligible)
2. Meet all admission requirements and be fully admitted and confirmed by August 21, 2026
3. Begin the program in the Fall 2026 term and enroll full-time
4. Maintain good academic standing, defined as a minimum 3.0 GPA at Alliant University

Grant funds are applied to tuition only and cannot be combined with other Alliant tuition waivers, scholarships, or grants. Funding is limited and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so students are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

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 (FWS) is an employment program largely funded by the federal government and supplemented by employer contributions to complement and reinforce student employees’ educational programs and career goals. The goals of FWS are to help students cover their educational expenses, encourage participation in community service activities, and instill a sense of social responsibility and commitment to the community. Under FWS, students are employed in part-time jobs (averaging 10–20 hours per week) either on-campus or at off-campus community service locations to help cover a portion of their cost of attendance. For more details on FWS eligibility, requirements, and how to apply, visit our Alternative Financing Options page.

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.