Financial Aid
Student Loans
The main source of financial aid for graduate students at Cal Poly State University comes from Stafford loans. A subsidized Stafford loan is based on need, while an unsubsidized loan is not. The government pays the interest of a subsidized loan until 6 months after the student stops attending school for at least half-time. With an unsubsidized Stafford loan, interest starts to accumulate with the first disbursement.
A graduate student is considered independent regardless of their age and is therefore eligible for more aid than a dependent undergraduate student would be. For example, the maximum amount a student can receive from a Stafford loan per year increases from 5,500 dollars to 8,500 dollars when they become a graduate student. Also, there are numerous scholarships available, both through Cal Poly and outside organizations. These scholarships have varying requirements that can be based on merit and/or need.
Click here for more information on graduate financial aid..
Non-resisdent Tuition Waivers
Information coming soon.