Chapman University graduate students sitting at table outdoors
Graduate Financial Aid

»Loans For Graduate Students

On July 4, 2025, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) was signed into law. Significant provisions that will affect graduate students are slated to take effect on July 1, 2026. 

We have provided guidance and updates on our OBBBA web page, and will continue to provide more information as it becomes available from the U.S. Department of Education.

 

 
For many students, educational loans are necessary in order to help pay for tuition and other educational related expenses. They differ from grants and scholarships, in that they must be repaid to a lender.
 
Graduate students can borrow up to the Cost of Attendance minus any financial aid or other resources. Eligibility for different loan types varies, so it is important to explore all options to determine what options work best for you.
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Federal Student Loans

Chapman University participates in the Federal Direct Loan Program where funding comes directly from the Federal Government. Federal loans provide the option to cover tuition and fees as well as living expenses associated with completing a graduate degree. 

 
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Private Student Loans

Private student loans are credit-based loans made available by private lenders to eligible students. It is recommended that students investigate their federal loan options fully before considering private loans.