To assist with educational expenses, graduate students may pursue financial aid in the forms of federal loans and external scholarships. Some companies also offer tuition reimbursement programs.
MFA students may also apply for one of a limited number of Etowah Writers Need-Based Scholarships.
Federal Student Loans
Eligible students may apply for low interest student loans through the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program.
Loan information
The William D. Ford Federal Direct Stafford Loan is a low interest student loan offered through the U.S. Department of Education. Direct loans are unsubsidized loans. Stafford Direct Loans require students to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Loans do not require a financial need. The student may choose to pay on the interest while in school or to let the interest accrue. Repayment begins six months after the student ceases to be enrolled, drops below half-time enrollment, or graduates.
The maximum amount a graduate student can receive through the Direct Loan Program each academic year is $20,500. There is also a total aggregate limit of $138,500 including federal student loans taken out as an undergraduate.
Financial Aid must be renewed annually, starting in the spring semester.
Applying for a Direct Stafford Loan:
Before applying for a Direct Stafford Loan, the student should apply for graduate study at Reinhardt University. The federal student loan application process begins with completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The student will also need to submit three loan forms. The steps are as follows:
- Submit a completed application for admission. Contact Graduate Admissions at 770-720-5526 or gradadmissions@reinhardt.edu if you have questions about the application process.
- Apply for a Federal FSA ID number that will serve as your electronic signature on federal forms. You can create an FSA ID account on the federal website: www.studentaid.gov. Please keep up with this number as you will use it every year.
- Apply for federal student loans by completing the required forms. Links to all forms are available at https://www.reinhardt.edu/admissions-aid/financial-aid/. The link to the forms is at the bottom of the page.
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid(www.studentaid.gov). If you will be starting classes in May 2025 or later, you will need to complete the 2025-2026 FAFSA. Reinhardt’s federal code is 001589.
- Complete the Master Promissory Note (MPN) for the Direct Stafford Loan (Subsidized/Unsubsidized) on the website www.studentaid.gov. Please DO NOT complete the PLUS MPN.
- Complete the Entrance Counseling for Graduate Students at the website www.studentaid.gov .
- Complete the Student Loan Request Form on the www.reinhardt.edu website. Contact the Reinhardt University Financial Aid Office at 770-720-5667 if you have any questions. A counselor will be happy to assist you.
External Sources of Financial Aid
Financial aid can also be provided by private foundations, corporations, service organizations and business associations. The process of applying for these funds is as varied as the types of organizations offering them.
One place to begin the search is the Internet. Several scholarship search programs can be found on the internet, and they are all free.
The student should be wary of any organization that asks for a fee to apply for information about financial aid or to apply for financial aid. If there are questions about an organization, contact the Office of Financial Aid for guidance.
More information on Outside Scholarship opportunities can be found here under the “Outside Aid” section:
Employee Reimbursement
Some companies offer employee reimbursement programs for tuition and books. Check with your employer. The Reinhardt Office of Financial Aid and the Business Office will work with you and your employer.