Financial Assistance

Tuition Reimbursement

Many companies reimburse employees for Graduate Level course work. Students should check with the Human Resource Department at their place of employment to see if this benefit is available. Saginaw Valley State University also has a third party billing arrangement with UAW-GM. This allows a student to receive approval for payment of tuition and fees prior to the payment date established by SVSU.

Graduate Assistantships

A limited number of Graduate Assistantships are available to qualified students. Each Assistantship provides a $5,000 stipend and the waiver of tuition and fees for a maximum of nine credit each for the Fall and Winter Semesters. A Graduate Assistant must be enrolled on a full-time basis (nine credits) and will perform various administrative duties for 20 hours per week during each Semester. While Graduate Assistantships do not involve teaching, these positions are intended to provide a work experience that complements the graduate education of each student. The selection of Graduate Assistants is competitive and the assessment of the candidates includes the quality of their academic records, their qualifications for the placement and how the placement would complement their graduate education.

Federal Family Education Loan Program

Graduate students enrolled on at least a half-time basis (five credit hours) may borrow up to their cost of attendance at Saginaw Valley State University through the Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFEL). This program consists of two types of loans, the subsidized Stafford Loan and the unsubsidized Stafford Loan. To be eligible for a subsidized Stafford Loan, students must first establish financial need. Students who qualify for a subsidized loan may then borrow up to $8,500. The interest on this type of loan is paid by the federal government while the student is attending school. Students who do not demonstrate financial need may still borrow through the unsubsidized Stafford Loan program. The interest on an unsubsidized loan is the responsibility of the student, and may be paid while in school, or may be added to the loan principle. To apply for either a subsidized or unsubsidized Stafford Loan, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

Michigan Graduate Work-Study

A limited number of students are eligible to work under this program. Students must apply for financial aid on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, must have need, and must be able to prove that they are a Michigan resident.

For more information on financial assistance, contact the Office of Graduate Admissions, 120 Wickes Hall, at (989) 964-6096.