Brandeis combines the resources of a world-class research university with the personal attention of a liberal arts setting. The Graduate School of Arts and Sciences offers 17 doctoral programs and more than 40 master's and postbaccalaureate programs.
One of the key differences at the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences is our emphasis on interdisciplinary learning. You will learn the importance of connecting with people who have a broad range of expertise and experience.
We support all doctoral students and the majority of master’s and post-baccalaureate students who maintain satisfactory academic progress with loans and scholarships.
Keep up to date with the latest news and events from the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.
Find important resources and information to help you succeed as a GSAS student.
The Center for Career and Professional Development provides resources and opportunities for you to take charge of your own professional development, from orientation to graduation.
Find a member of staff who can address your questions. Meet your Graduate Department Representative and your Director of Graduate Study.
The MAXIMUM annual loan amount for a Federal Direct Loan is $20,500 ($12,500 for independent post-baccalaureate students; $5,500 for dependent post-baccalaureate students). Learn more about your dependency status. The MAXIMUM aggregate limit for Federal Direct Loans (including undergraduate borrowing) is $138,500 ($65,500 of which can be subsidized).
Estimated cost of attendance
-(subtract) other financial assistance*
_____________________________
= your federal direct loan eligibility
*Other financial assistance may include scholarship and/or fellowships if applicable.
Loans first disbursed on or after July 1, 2021 and before July 1, 2022 have a fixed interest rate of 5.28%. Loans first disbursed on or after July 1, 2020 and before July 1, 2021 will have a fixed interest rate of 4.30%. The interest is charged on the loan from the date the first disbursement is made until the loan is paid in full.
Loans first disbursed on or after October 1, 2020 and before October 1, 2022, have an origination fee of 1.057%. Loans first disbursed on or after October 1, 2019 and before October 1, 2020 have a 1.059% federal origination fee. The origination fee is deducted proportionately each time a loan disbursement is made.
Yes, you have to apply every year. Federal Direct loans do not "renew" automatically.
Complete your Entrance Counseling and sign your Master Promissory Note online through the Department of Education's Direct Loan Servicing website.
Repayment begins six months after completion of the degree program or after dropping to less than half-time enrollment status (less than 6 credits per semester).
Federal Direct Loan funds are disbursed equally among semesters enrolled in the student's academic year. Loan funds are disbursed to the student's SAGE account. The earliest a student can receive a refund for loan funds in excess of tuition is 10 days before the start of the semester, per federal regulations.
Once you have confirmed your intention to enroll, the pending Federal Direct Loan will be posted as a credit to your SAGE account as soon as your eligibility has been determined, generally two to three weeks after completing the application and providing all required documentation.
Students who have been awarded financial aid in excess of tuition, fees and other charges may apply for a refund to assist with the cost of off-campus living expenses and books, which are not charged to the student account. Refunds will be available no sooner than 10 days prior to the first day of classes. However, new students must meet several documentation requirements before they can receive a refund. If awarded Federal Direct Loans, students will be required to complete an entrance interview and loan counseling in addition to signing the Master Promissory Note before receiving a refund. In addition, students must have registered for classes. For new students, registration will generally not take place until the week of orientation.
Students should plan to bring enough personal funds to cover all living expenses for at least one month until all necessary registration and loan paperwork has been completed.