Graduate Financial Aid Checklist
This checklist outlines the financial aid application and renewal process for graduate and professional students.
Initial Application Steps
- Review financial aid application information
- Complete the FAFSA for federal student aid consideration
Tulane Federal School Code: 002029 - Graduate and professional students are considered independent for federal student aid purposes; parental information is not required on the FAFSA.
- Contact your department to explore funding opportunities available beyond federal student aid. (Additional funding received may affect federal loan eligibility based on your cost of attendance.)
After You Have Been Admitted / Returning Students
- Complete the Graduate/Professional Addendum applicable to your enrolled program so we can fully review your financial aid eligibility. Be sure to report any additional resources or funding you expect to receive outside of your federal aid request.
- Check your Gibson Portal To Do List and submit all requested documents through Tulane’s secure forms portal.
- Newly admitted students: Use the Gibson Online login information sent to the email address provided with your admission application. Enter your Social Security number if prompted so Tulane can match your federal aid records.
After You Apply / Review Your Award
- Monitor your status: Check Gibson regularly. Once your file is reviewed, you will receive an email at your Tulane email address directing you to view your financial aid offer online.
- Review your award: Read all financial aid messages, updated requirements, and anticipated enrollment information carefully.
- Accept Terms & Conditions and review offered aid: In Gibson, accept the Terms & Conditions, then accept, reduce, or decline offered aid.
Instructions - Report any additional aid or scholarship support you receive from sources inside or outside Tulane University.
Steps If You Plan to Borrow Student Loans
Know your 2026–2027 borrower category before accepting loans
- Legacy student: You received a Federal Direct Loan disbursement before July 1, 2026 while enrolled in the same eligible graduate or professional program at Tulane and continue to meet federal legacy requirements. Eligible legacy students may temporarily continue Grad PLUS borrowing for up to three academic years or the remaining expected time to complete the program, whichever is shorter. A break in enrollment or program change may affect eligibility.
- Non-legacy student: You began a new graduate or professional program on or after July 1, 2026, or do not meet the federal legacy requirements. Grad PLUS is not available. New federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan limits apply and differ for graduate and professional programs.
Review Tulane’s current Grad PLUS and federal loan-change guidance:
For all graduate and professional borrowers
- Plan your enrollment carefully. Beginning July 1, 2026, federal Direct Unsubsidized and eligible Grad PLUS amounts may be reduced when enrollment is less than full time under the Federal Schedule of Reductions. This applies to both legacy and non-legacy students across summer, fall, and spring.
- Accept loans in Gibson: Accept the Terms & Conditions, then accept, reduce, or decline your offered loans. Borrow only what you need and reduce higher-cost loans first.
- Complete first-time borrower requirements, if applicable:
Master Promissory Note (MPN):
Entrance Counseling:
Federal loans will not disburse until all applicable requirements are complete. - Eligible legacy Grad PLUS borrowers: Confirm legacy eligibility, complete any required Grad PLUS application and credit review, and complete a Grad PLUS MPN if required.
- Private (non-federal) loans: If additional financing is needed, compare loan terms carefully. You may choose any lender that best fits your needs.
Final Steps
- Continue checking Gibson for additional To Do items and changes to your eligibility or award.
- Find your Tulane financial aid counselor for help throughout the process: financialaid.tulane.edu/meet-us
- If your aid will create a credit balance, set up direct deposit in the Billing tab of Gibson Online and review Accounts Receivable refund information: studentaccounts.tulane.edu
If you have financial aid questions, we're here to help!
Email (inquiries only): finaid@tulane.edu
PDF document submission email: FADOCS@tulane.edu
Phone: 504-865-5723 | 800-335-3210
Website: financialaid.tulane.edu