Loans and Payment Plans

Student loans, grants and work/study awards are available for full-time and part-time students with demonstrated financial need. Many are subsidized by the U.S. federal government and therefore available to U.S. citizens or permanent residents only. Learn more.

How to Apply

1. Complete the FAFSA form. FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is usually available in December of every year from the financial aid offices of most colleges or universities, or here.
2. If possible, submit the form by May 1. Submit the form as soon as the required income tax information is available. Students who complete the financial aid application process by May 1 may receive priority for some grants, but it will not affect eligibility.
3. Wait for processing. The FAFSA is processed by the U.S. federal government and will take 2-4 weeks before your results will be available to TCU or any other university.

Some private loans may be available to international students if the loan will be co-signed by a financially qualified U.S. citizen.

See a list of private lenders.

The Graduate PLUS loan is a low, fixed-interest-rate student loan guaranteed by the U.S. government. The loan is not need-based like other federal aid, but is a credit-based loan similar to a private student loan, with the benefit of a fixed interest rate and federal guarantee. The Grad PLUS Loan allows you to borrow the total cost for your graduate school needs, including tuition, room and board, supplies, lab expenses and travel, less any other aid.

Key benefits include:

• Fixed interest rate.
• Payments can be deferred while you are in school.
• Co-signer not required.
• Interest is tax deductible for most grad students.

Learn more.

An Unsubsidized Stafford Loan is a federally guaranteed loan that is not based on financial need. Interest will accrue from the time the loan is disbursed to the school. Interest or principal payments are not required until six months after graduation or six months after you drop below a half-time status. A maximum of $20,500 can be borrowed per year depending on degree status and years in school.

Learn more

There are many options for private education loans. TCU will process applications from any legitimate lender. Eligibility varies per lender and many lenders may require a co-signer. A credit check will be performed. The co-signer is equally liable for the loan when repayment begins. Be sure to read all of the eligibility requirements for the loans, and make sure you meet the criteria. For example, some loans are available for students who are enrolled less than part time, and some are not.

Texas residents are eligible to apply for an additional $10,000 from the College Access Loan program. Limited funds are made available by that state for these loans, so apply early.

Learn more.