Federal Student Aid
Domestic students wishing to be considered for Federal Financial Aid (federal student loans and Federal Work-Study) must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the appropriate academic year. To complete the FAFSA, students will need their most recent tax return, Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID, and Washington University’s school code: 002520.
Graduate students file as independents, so no parent information is required. Please note that FAFSA results do not affect previously awarded Brown School Scholarship awards.
Once a student has confirmed their intent to enroll, the Brown School Office of Student Financial Services will issue a financial aid package. This package will include any previously awarded scholarship funding, along with eligibility for federal student loans and work-study.
Students can accept, reduce, or decline their loan package based on their individual funding plan and available resources. Before borrowing, students are encouraged to utilize a loan repayment calculator to estimate future monthly repayments.
Questions about federal student aid? Contact the Brown School Office of Student Financial Services.
Federal Student Loans
To qualify for federal loans, you must be enrolled at least half-time: 4.5 credit hours or more during the fall and spring semesters, and 3 credit hours or more or 2 credits of practicum during the summer. Please note that federal loan interest rates are updated annually on July 1.
2025-2026 Student Loan Information
| Loan Type | Federal Direct Unsubsidized | Federal Direct Graduate PLUS |
|---|---|---|
| Interest Rate | 7.94% Fixed for life of the loan starting 7/1/25 | 8.94% Fixed for life of the loan starting 7/1/25 |
| Origination Fee | 1.057% | 4.228% |
| Annual Maximum Amount | $20,500 | No annual limit – Awards can reach the maximum cost of attendance (COA) |
| Repayment Information | Six-month payment-free grace period if less than half-time status or graduation occurs | Immediate repayment (within 30 days) when a student is less than half-time status or graduation occurs. (Call your servicer for deferment options.) |
Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan
This loan is available to all graduate students eligible for U.S. federal student aid who submit a completed FAFSA for the applicable academic year. The maximum award for each academic year is $20,500.
The Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan has a current interest rate of 7.94% that begins accruing when the loan is disbursed to the school. However, borrowers are not required to begin repayment on the principal or interest until after they complete their program or drop below half-time status, with a six-month grace period. This loan carries an origination fee of 1.057%
Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan
Students needing financial assistance beyond the Unsubsidized Loan may apply for the Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan, a credit-based loan which has a current interest rate of 8.94%.
If a student is approved for the PLUS loan, they may borrow up to their annual Cost of Attendance (as calculated by the university), minus any other financial aid (including scholarships, loans, and work-study). Interest begins accruing once the loan is disbursed to the school. However, like the Unsubsidized loan, borrowers are not required to begin repayment until after they complete their program or drop below half-time status, with a six-month grace period. This loan carries an origination fee of 4.228%.
Note: The Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan and the Federal Direct Graduate PLUS loan have variable fixed interest rates. The interest rates for these loans may vary between academic years. However, once a student borrows a loan, the interest rate is fixed for the life of that loan.
Federal Work-Study
Federal Work-Study is a need-based federal aid program that allows eligible students to earn income through qualified on-campus employment to help offset educational expenses. Students may receive up to $3,000 in work-study aid per academic year.
To be eligible for Federal Work-Study, a student must:
- Be eligible for U.S. federal student aid and submit a completed FAFSA for the applicable academic year
- Have a Student Aid Index (SAI) of 2000 or less, as indicated on the Student Aid Report (SAR)
- Be enrolled full-time for the upcoming academic year
Eligible students will see their work-study award included in their financial aid package. Once approved, students are responsible for securing an eligible position and are encouraged to explore the many work opportunities offered at the Brown School, including roles in communications, information technology, business services, administrative support, facilities, library services, research centers, and more.