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Office of Financial Aid
University of Mississippi

Graduate Certificate Program Aid Options

The University of Mississippi offers graduate-level certificate programs that are intended for students who seek additional specialization or emphasis in a certain area of study. We are here to assist these students with preparing a financial plan for paying their costs, given that financial aid options for these types of programs are more limited.

If you are enrolled in a graduate certificate stand-alone program, you will not be eligible for Federal Direct Student Aid (such as the Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans and the Graduate PLUS Loan). This is because, in general, students must be enrolled as regular students in an eligible degree-seeking program to receive federal aid. A certificate is not considered a degree.

As a result, the Office of Financial Aid has made provisions for those enrolled in the programs below who might instead consider borrowing an institutional McKinstry Loan to help with program costs.

More information about the McKinstry Loan can be found here: https://finaid.olemiss.edu/graduate-mckinstry-loan/. A FAFSA must be filed to qualify. Financial need must be demonstrated. Because funding is limited, the amount of the loan offer would typically be enough to cover program tuition and fees expenses only.

Students may also want to consider applying for non-Federal Private Education Loans.

  • These loans do require a credit check.
  • You may be able to borrow enough funds to include living expenses with this type of loan – and not just tuition/fees.
  • A co-signer can be used and may increase the chance of approval.
  • While our office does have a private lender partner list for each academic year, you are welcome to select any lender of your choice whose lending requirements match your student status.
  • More information on Non-Federal Private Loans can be found here: https://finaid.olemiss.edu/non-federal-private-student-loans/

If you wish to discuss a McKinstry or private loan with an advisor, please feel free to drop by our lobby, which is open Monday through Friday until 4:30. We also offer Zoom, phone, and in-person appointments for your convenience! To schedule one click here.