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The following information describes application procedures for loans, grants, and employment administered by the Office of Financial Aid on the Medical Center campus (617-636-6575). These programs include Federal Stafford Loans, Federal Perkins Loans, and Federal Work-Study. Federal Stafford Loans (low-interest), Federal Perkins Loans, and Federal Work Study programs are offered to students based upon their financial need and satisfactory academic progress. These programs are administered by Tufts Student Financial Services, which maintains information on all federal programs as well as alternative forms of financing such as non-need based loans.

Federal aid is available for US citizens and permanent residents only.

Federal Stafford Loans

Federal Stafford Loans are low-interest loans made to students who are enrolled at least half time. There are two types of Federal Stafford Loans, subsidized and subsidized. Graduate students can borrow up to $20,500 per year with a maximum of $8,500 through the subsidized version of the loan. The interest rate is fixed at 6.8%. The "grace period" before repayment begins is six months after a student graduates, leaves school, or drops below half-time status.

  1. Subsidized - a subsidized Federal Stafford Loan is based on financial aid eligibility (determined by the FAFSA); the government pays the interest while a student is in school, during the grace period, and during any authorized deferment periods.
  2. Unsubsidized - an unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loan is not need-based, which means students at any income level can receive the loan. Borrowers are responsible for interest on the loan while in school, during the grace periods, and during any authorized deferment periods. Students can choose to postpone payment of interest while in school and during their grace period by "capitalizing" the interest (adding it on to the principal amount).

Federal Perkins Loan

This is a federally subsidized loan awarded by Tufts to student with exceptional financial need. The interest rate on this loan is 5 percent with a maximum ten-year repayment. Federal Perkins Loans cannot exceed $6,000 per year and have an aggregate limit of $40,000 for undergraduate and graduate study.

Federal Work Study

This is a federally subsidized employment program through which a portion of the student's wages is paid by federal funds and the balance is paid by the employer. In addition to on-campus jobs, Federal Work Study Students may work in off-campus community service jobs.

How to Apply for Federal Aid

If you wish to apply for any of the federal programs named above, contact Student Financial Services.

Optional Payment Plan

The University works with a third-party company that can help you pay your tuition on a no-interest basis. There is a one-time application fee less than $55. The company provides a monthly payment schedule. You are all encouraged to take advantage of this option regardless of whether or not you receive other forms of financial assistance. This payment plan can be used to assist you with financing both your tuition and living expenses. The company is AMS and may be contacted at 1-800-635-0120. The deadline for entering this payment program is September 1.