Application for financial awards and application for graduate school admission are two separate processes often with different deadlines. Students need to make separate applications for each award sought. The process of identifying financial assistance should begin at least one year prior to beginning a graduate program. Most fellowships and assistantships require the GRE, GMAT, or LSAT scores; the appropriate test should be scheduled so that scores will be available prior to the application deadline.
Most graduate students seek some type of assistance to help finance their graduate studies. Such assistance can take different forms (e.g. fellowships, research and teaching assistantships, and loans), with funds derived from various sources.
The Office of Graduate Studies administers merit and need-based fellowships and awards and strongly encourages all graduate students to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to ensure that they are eligible for the widest range of assistance.
Research and teaching assistantships, and some fellowships are handled at the departmental and/or college level. For more information students should contact the Office of Graduate Studies or the director of graduate studies of the program.
The Office of Financial Aid administers several programs (work study and loans) that may be used by graduate students. Most support is in the form of deferred loans. Applying for loans is a complex process that requires a long lead time. The list of Preferred Lenders includes Florida State University and several external companies. This process should begin at least four months prior to the term in which aid is needed. If you have any questions, contact Ms. Jo Anne Clark at the Office of Financial Aid at (850) 644-1641.
Additionally, residents of 15 southern and mid-Atlantic states and many foreign countries may qualify for in-state tuition; consult information about the Academic Common Market, Linkage Institutes, and Latin American and Caribbean Scholarship Program.
