Resources to Continue your Journey as a Graduate Student
Graduate students must be enrolled in degree programs for a minimum of 3 credit hours per semester and complete or renew the Free Application for Federal Student Aid – (FAFSA) (opens in a new tab) each year to qualify for federal loan programs. The FAFSA application opens on October 1st each year for the next academic year. Find instructions at the bottom of the page for graduate first-time borrowers.
- For the 2026-2027 academic year (Fall 2026, Spring 2027 and Summer 2027), you need to file the 2026-27 FAFSA online using the Citadel School Code #003423 at studentaid.gov (opens in a new tab).
FEDERAL SCHOOL CODE
003423
Use this code in your FAFSA to have results sent to The Citadel.
Important Information
- Graduate and professional students must be enrolled in a minimum of 3 credit hours in a semester to be categorized as a half-time student during that semester. For federal financial aid (federal student loans), this definition of half-time status is important in two ways:
- 1. Students must be registered at least half-time to be eligible for federal student loans;
- 2. Students must be registered at least half-time to qualify for an in-school deferment on their prior federal student loans.
- Graduate students must also be enrolled in a degree-seeking program to be eligible for federal financial aid. Graduate Certificate students are not eligible for federal financial aid.
- The 2026-27 FAFSA (opens in a new tab) is now available to be filed at studentaid.gov (opens in a new tab) (Fall 2026, Spring 2027 and Summer 2027 semesters).
- You must create a FSA ID, which is your official passport to federal student aid online.
Graduate First-Time Direct Loan Student Borrowers:
Using your FSA ID, sign in at studentloans.gov:
- Complete your Direct Loan Entrance Counseling (opens in a new tab)
- Sign your Master Promissory Note (opens in a new tab)
Graduate Assistantships are available in many college departments. The Citadel Human Resources Department recruits graduate assistants and matches candidates with positions. Please file your application with the Human Resources Department.
The South Carolina Teacher Loan (opens in a new tab) may be a good option for you if you are a student completing your initial teaching certification or a professional changing careers in order to teach.
Find helpful resources under Links and by contacting community groups in your area.
If you cannot find what you need online, please contact the financial aid office with your questions.