If you do not have adverse credit, you may secure the additional amount of aid you are eligible for by applying for a Graduate PLUS loan. See this website for an application. A Graduate PLUS loan is federally guaranteed, and interest accrues while you are in school (except for March 2020-August 30, 2023, as all federal loans went to 0% interest through August 30, 2023). The interest rate for these loans, for loans disbursed between July 1, 2023, and June 30, 2024, is 8.05 percent annually, and a 4.228 percent origination fee will deducted from the disbursement for loans disbursed before October 1, 2023.
After you drop below half-time status, you must immediately begin paying back these loans. A Graduate PLUS loan has forbearance and deferment options, may be consolidated, may be paid back under several different repayment plans, and may be eligible for forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.
If your application for a Graduate PLUS loan is denied, you have several options for reapplication, including obtaining the signature of a cosigner.