Financial Aid for Scranton Graduate Students: Your Questions Answered

For many graduate students, figuring out how to pay for school can feel just as overwhelming as choosing the right program. Whether you’re returning to school after years in the workforce, balancing family responsibilities, or planning your next career move, cost is often one of the biggest questions.

At The University of Scranton, graduate students are encouraged to take a thoughtful, informed approach to financing their education. Rooted in the Jesuit value of cura personalis (care for the whole person), Scranton’s student-centered approach focuses on transparency, support and helping students plan confidently for their future.

Below, we answer some of the most common questions prospective graduate students ask about tuition and financial aid.

What Types of Financial Aid Are Available for Scranton Graduate Students?

Graduate financial aid typically looks different than undergraduate aid. While undergraduate students often receive grants or large scholarship packages, graduate students more commonly rely on federal student loans, employer tuition reimbursement and payment plans.

At Scranton, graduate students may explore several options, including:

• Federal student loans through the FAFSA
• Employer tuition reimbursement programs
• Monthly payment plans
• Military and veteran education benefits
• Limited graduate assistantship opportunities

Many online graduate programs are also designed with working professionals in mind, offering flexible formats that allow students to continue earning income while completing their degree.

Do I Need to Fill Out the FAFSA for Graduate School?

Not necessarily, but it is strongly encouraged if you’re interested in federal financial aid options.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) helps determine eligibility for federal student loans available to graduate students. Most graduate students are considered independent students on the FAFSA, which can simplify the process compared to undergraduate filing.

If you haven’t completed a FAFSA in a while, the process has become more streamlined in recent years, including options to securely transfer tax information directly from the IRS.

Scranton’s FAFSA school code is 003384.

When Should I Submit the FAFSA?

If you plan to use federal loans, it’s a good idea to complete the FAFSA as early as possible for your intended start term.

One detail that sometimes surprises graduate students is that financial aid review generally happens after students submit their enrollment deposit and register for classes.

Because graduate students may start at different points throughout the year, timing can vary depending on your program and start date. Students beginning coursework across summer and fall terms may also need to complete more than one FAFSA cycle.

If you’re unsure which FAFSA year applies to your enrollment timeline, Scranton’s Financial Aid team can help guide you through the process.

Are Scholarships Available for Graduate Students?

Unlike many undergraduate programs, Scranton’s graduate programs generally do not offer institutional scholarships. Instead, the University focuses on maintaining competitive tuition, flexible program formats, and transparent pricing that help working professionals plan confidently for their education.

That said, some students may choose to explore external scholarship opportunities through professional organizations, nonprofits or workplace partnerships related to their field.

For many adult learners, affordability comes down to creating a realistic financial plan while considering the long-term value of the degree. Scranton’s graduate programs are designed to support career advancement, leadership development and professional growth across industries including business, healthcare, cybersecurity, nursing and accounting.

What Are Graduate Assistantships and How Do They Work?

Graduate assistantships are limited work-based opportunities that may help offset tuition costs while providing valuable professional experience.

Assistantships can include tuition remission and, in some cases, stipend support. Opportunities vary by department and are often connected to on-campus responsibilities, making them more common for local or in-person students.

Depending on the position and weekly hours worked, assistantships may provide partial tuition remission ranging from 20% to 80%.

Because assistantships are competitive and availability changes each year, students should contact the University directly for the most current information and deadlines.

Can I Pay Tuition in Installments?

Yes. Scranton offers monthly payment plan options that allow students to spread tuition costs over the semester rather than paying one large lump sum upfront. For working professionals balancing school with other financial responsibilities, payment plans can provide additional flexibility and help make graduate education more manageable.

Some students also combine payment plans with employer tuition reimbursement or federal loans as part of their overall financing strategy. Students need to stay current on their payment plans. Outstanding balances may place a hold on registration for future terms until the account is brought up to date.

Does Employer Tuition Reimbursement Help Cover Graduate School Costs?

It can. Many employers offer tuition reimbursement benefits for graduate education, especially for programs connected to leadership development or workforce advancement.

For some students, employer reimbursement can also work alongside federal student loans. Because many employers reimburse tuition after course completion or after grades are submitted, some students choose to use federal loans upfront and then apply employer reimbursement funds toward repayment later.

If you’re considering graduate school, it’s worth speaking with your HR department early to learn:

• Whether tuition reimbursement is available
• How much your employer covers
• Whether approval is required before enrollment
• What documentation your employer may require, such as grades, invoices, or proof of enrollment

Programs in areas like healthcare administration, business, nursing, cybersecurity and accounting may align particularly well with employer-sponsored education benefits because they support in-demand professional skills and leadership development.

When Is Tuition Due for Graduate Students?

Tuition due dates vary by term and program format. After registering for classes, students receive billing information and payment deadlines directly from the University.

Students paying out of pocket or using payment plans often receive additional reminders and guidance regarding payment timelines and account management.

Planning and communicating early with financial aid or student accounts staff if questions arise can help students avoid unnecessary stress later in the semester.

Who Can Help Me Navigate Financial Aid at Scranton?

You do not have to navigate the process alone. Scranton’s admissions and financial aid teams are available to help students better understand:

• Federal loan options
• FAFSA questions
• Payment plans
• Billing timelines
• Employer reimbursement processes

Students also receive more personalized financial guidance after they deposit and register for classes. For many adult learners, simply having someone walk through the process step by step can make graduate school feel much more attainable.

Take the Next Step Toward Your Graduate Degree

Paying for graduate school is an important decision. For many students, it’s an investment in long-term career growth, leadership opportunities, and personal development. At The University of Scranton, graduate students are supported by a community committed to helping them move forward with confidence, clarity and purpose.

To learn more about tuition, payment options, and financial aid resources available to graduate students, visit the Tuition and Financial Aid page.

Still have questions? Reach out to the Scranton Financial Aid team at finaid@scranton.edu.