Costs & Financial Aid
Costs
For the purpose of determining loan eligibility, the University develops an estimated average budget for the nine-month academic year that includes living expenses and tuition and fees.
Tuition for full-time graduate or professional study varies by academic unit. There are also several required fees. In addition, unless you have medical insurance comparable to the University’s policy, you must carry the health insurance plan available through the University. The amounts in 2008-09 for all tuition, fees, and insurance, as well as estimated living expenses can be found here.
Payment
Approximately five weeks before the start of each quarter, the Bursar’s Office will mail a bill for tuition and all fees for that quarter. The due date is approximately two weeks before the start of that quarter. The bill will reflect any tuition scholarships or grants and credit for class deposits, if applicable. You may defer payment for any portion of the tuition and fees that will be covered by student loans or stipends. The Bursar will send a second, adjusted bill at the end of the second week of each quarter that will list any credits for payments received, any additional loan credits, and any outstanding charges.
Funding
Graduate students at the University receive various levels of financial support and a wide range of student privileges. For more information, visit Funding Your Education.
Information about applying for fellowships, both inside and outside the University, is available through the academic units and the Office of Graduate Affairs. OGA (located in the Administration Building, 5801 S. Ellis Ave., Room 226) advises students on funding opportunities, holds fellowship workshops, and maintains fellowship listings and an online Graduate Resource Center.
Loans
The University of Chicago participates in several loan programs underwritten by the federal government from which U.S. citizens and permanent residents may borrow. These include the Federal Perkins Loan Program, the Federal Subsidized Stafford Loan Program, the Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loan Program, and the Graduate PLUS Loan Program.
Although international students are ineligible for loans that are subsidized by the federal government, they may be eligible for alternative/private loans.
For more information, visit the Student Loan Administration and refer to the alternative/private loan terms found in the Graduate Guide to Student Loans and Work-Study.
Students considering federal loans and/or work-study should file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid with the Office of Federal Student Aid.
Some academic programs provide an “Admission Reply Form” that graduate students should submit for additional information or to request an application for loan programs. Students who are considering loan programs should contact their Dean of Students.
Although loan applications are accepted throughout the year, students who apply by May 16, 2009, are more likely to have their funds available at the beginning of Autumn Quarter provided Student Loan Administration has received and approved all required documents.
A number of funds for either emergency or short-term loans are available to full-time graduate students who experience unbudgeted situations in subsequent years of study.
Funding for International Applicants
International applicants who are seeking funding may find helpful information through the Office of Graduate Affairs.
