Graduate Financial Aid Programs

Program	Required Application	Description	Priority filing date**
Grants & Scholarships
Radford University Graduate Grant	FAFSA	The RU Graduate Grant Program awards average $750 per year.  This is a need-based grant and is awarded based on need eligibility and the date you file the FAFSA.	March 1, 2008 (Deadline date) for the 2008-2009 academic year.
Radford University Foundation Scholarships	Radford University Foundation Scholarship Application	Substantial merit and need-based academic and athletic scholarship aid is awarded annually to currently enrolled students.	March 1, 2008 (Deadline date) for the 2008-2009 academic year.
Title IV-E (Child Welfare) Student Stipend	Application is available in the School of Social Work MSW admissions packet.  This may be obtained from the School of Social Work in Waldron Hall 2nd floor, the Thomas Center on the VWCC campus, or the Southwest Center for Higher Education in Abingdon.	This stipend provides a $8,000 cash incentive per academic year, to BSW and MSW degree seeking students interested in working for the Virginia Department of Social Services (DSS) agencies upon graduation.  After graduating each stipend recipient is obligated to work for DSS in a foster care, adoption, child protective service, or prevention position for at leat 9 months for each stipend received.  This stipend is considered a resource by financial aid and will affect our financial aid package.	May 1 of each year
USA Funds Access to Education Scholarships	Yes. Contact USA Funds to request an application	Open to high school seniors or individuals who plan to enroll or are enrolled in full or half time undergraduate or in full time graduate course work at an accredit two or four-year college. Students must be enrolled through Feb 1 of the upcoming academic year.  Applicants must have an annual adjusted gross family income of $35,000 or less and be a US citizen or eligible non-citizen.  Applicants must not  currently be in default on any student loans.	Review application for deadline.  Go to www.usafunds.org or call 888-546-4107 for more information
Mary Marshall Nursing Scholarship	Application Form	May not exceed $4,000 annually.  Scholarship recipients must agree to engage in full-time nursing practice in Virginia for one month for every $100 received.  Must be a Virginia resident.	Check with the Virginia Dept. of Health.
Outside Scholarships	Contact local civic groups and organizations.	Some organizations offer scholarships and grants to outstanding students.	Review individual scholarship information.
Loans
FFEL* - Federal Stafford Loan -Subsidized (need-based) -Unsubsidized (non-need based)	FAFSA	*Interest rate for new borrowers is fixed at 6.8%.  Fees of up to 2.5% are deducted by lenders and guarantee agencies.	Four weeks prior to the end of the semester for which the student is applying for aid or four weeks prior to the last day of attendance.
Federal Perkins Loan	FAFSA	*Five percent interest. Repayment begins nine months after student discontinues half-time study. Must demonstrate financial need.	March 1, 2008 (Deadline date) for the 2008-2009 academic year.
Alternative Loan Programs	RU Information Request Form and Alternative Loan Application (from the lender)	There are various types of these loans which vary between lenders. Review the RU Alternative Loan brochure, visit lender sites, or contact your personal lender.	NONE
Nursing Faculty Loan Program (NFLP)	Nursing Faculty Loan Application	The Nurse Faculty Loan Program is a federal loan program for graduate students enrolled full-time in an eligible advanced degree program in nursing (master's).  Loan recipients must complete the education program, and following graduation, may cancel up to 85% of the NFLP loan while serving as full-time nurse faculty at a school of nursing.	Awarded by date of application completion.
Work
Work Scholarship Program-	Check the web for available openings beginning the 2nd week of class.	Students may work up to 9 hours per week on campus and earn minimum wage.	During 2nd week of class
Graduate Assistantships and Fellowships at Radford University	Applications are available from the Graduate College, Radford University, Lucas Hall, Box 6928, Radford, VA 24142, (540) 831-5431.	Fellowships and Assistantships, valued at $4,000 - $8,000 for the academic year, are available to graduate students who demonstrate potential in their selected field of study. Assistantships and Fellowships are given primarily in recognition of the academic qualifications of the student. The student is expected to perform an average of 10 to 20 hours a week, teaching, research, administrative, or other responsibilities during each 15.5 week semester.  Financial need is not a criterion for selection. Several tuition and room scholarships are also available to Graduate Assistant recipients.	NONE
Resident Director	Applications are available from the Office of Residential Life, P.O. Box 6897, Tyler Hall, Radford University, Radford, VA 24142, (540) 831-5375	Graduate positions in the university's residence halls are valued at up to $10,000 per academic year.	Contact the Office of Residential Life.
Other Financing
Highlander Choice	Visit the Student Accounts Site for application information.	Allows student and their families to make payments on tuition and fees and campus room and/or board charges.	May (See the Student Accounts web site.)
Other Graduate Financial Aid Resources	Visit Mark Kantrowitz's web page for Graduate School Financial Aid resources	This web page provides links to many valuable resources to help graduate students find financial assistance.	N/A
Graduate Scholarship and Fellowship Data Bases	Visit Mark Kantrowitz's web page for Graduate Scholarship and Fellowship Data Bases	This page provides links to a variety of general scholarship and fellowship databases. The term scholarship refers to awards intended primarily for undergraduate students. The term fellowship refers to awards intended primarily for graduate and postgraduate students.	N/A

*Some programs may require recipients to be U.S. citizens, permanent residents or in another approved status for receipt of Title IV funds. In addition, some programs require students to be at least 1/2 time students, in a degree-granting program, and maintaining satisfactory academic progress.

**Because funds in these programs are limited, students applying by March 1 before the academic year in which they will be entering will receive priority consideration for these funds.