Eligible students enrolled in Erikson’s master's degree and certificate programs may borrow through Stafford subsidized or unsubsidized loans or the Graduate PLUS loan program. 

Stafford federal loans
Stafford loans are low-interest Title IV federal loans made directly to students by the federal government. Graduate students may borrow an aggregate limit of $138,000 in federal Stafford loans, including undergraduate loans. For Stafford loans, the interest rate is fixed at 6.8 percent in 2008–09, with a 0.5 percent origination fee deducted from the loan proceeds before disbursement.

Stafford subsidized loan

• Eligibility is based on financial need.
• The maximum loan amount is $8,500 per year for master's degree students and $5,500 for certificate program students. 
• The U.S. government pays the interest while you are enrolled in school.
• Repayment begins following a six-month grace period after graduating or dropping below half-time enrollment (3 semester credit hours)l.
• The interest rate for 2008–09 is fixed at 6.8 percent.

Stafford unsubsidized loans

• Eligibility is not based on financial need.
• The maximum loan amount is $20,500 for master's degree students and $10,500 for certificate program students, minus any subsidized loan amount, per year.
• Interest begins to accrue when the loan is disbursed; interest must either be paid quarterly or be accrued and capitalized to the principal.
• Repayment begins following a six-month grace period after graduating or dropping below half-time enrollment (3 semester credit hours). 
• The interest rate for 2008–09 is fixed at 6.8 percent.

Graduate PLUS loan

• Eligibility is not based on financial need.
• The maximum award is the total estimated cost of attendance minus other estimated financial aid.
• A simple credit check to verify the lack of adverse credit history is required.
• Repayment begins 60 days following the final disbursement on the loan; an in-school deferment option is available.
• The 2008–09 interest rate is 7.9 percent, with a 2.5 percent loan origination fee deducted from loan proceeds.

Eligibility
To be eligible for federal student loans, you must

• be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen;
• be enrolled for a minimum of 3 credits (Erikson's definition of a half-time student);
• be accepted to or continuing in a degree or certificate program at Erikson. Professional development or nondegree students are not eligible;
• not be in default on a student loan or owe a refund on any federal (Title IV) financial aid; 
• submit all required federal and/or institutional documentation;
• maintain satisfactory academic progress as outlined in the Erikson Bulletin.