Graduate Students

Federal Direct Loans are either Subsidized or Unsubsidized. Graduate students are eligible to apply for Unsubsidized Loans. A graduate student must enroll at least half-time (six or more credits) to be eligible for the loan. Graduate students can also apply for Graduate Plus Loans.

Graduate Students are eligible for Unsubsidized Direct Loans. Once the FAFSA is received and the required documentation is completed, an Unsubsidized Loan will be automatically packaged. Students would need to accept, decline, or reduce the loan amount on CUNYFirst. For more information, visit the CUNY Graduate Student information page.

To be eligible, students must:

  • Complete the FAFSA
  • Be enrolled at least half-time (6 credits)
  • Meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements
  • Complete Entrance Counseling (first-time borrowers only)
  • Sign the Master Promissory Note (MPN)
  • Complete the Annual Student Loan Acknowledgment
  • Accept, decline, or reduce the loan in CUNYfirst

How to Submit Loan Request via CUNYfirst:

  • Log in to CUNYfirst > Go to Student Center > Select Financial Aid > Click Direct Loan Processing Form > Institution: YRK01 > Add the appropriate Aid Year > Enter a whole dollar amount (example: $1,500) > Indicate credits for Summer, Fall, and/or Spring
  • For the Graduate Loans Limit, visit the CUNY Graduate webpage.

Graduate PLUS Loan:

The maximum loan amount is calculated by the Cost of Attendance minus (–) all other Financial Aid.

Applications are available on the Financial Aid website under “Forms.” 

All loans are equally divided among the semesters requested.

Revised: March 18, 2026