Admissions
Graduate Financial Aid
Graduate Students: Financial Aid & Scholarships
Earning your graduate degree is an investment in your future, and financial aid is available to help make it more affordable. At Rochester Christian University, we offer federal aid, student loans, scholarships, and payment plans to help graduate students balance their education with their financial goals. Our team is here to guide you through the process and ensure you get the support you need.
Let’s find your best financial aid options!
How Much Aid Can I Get?
Your financial aid eligibility depends on factors like income, enrollment status, and program of study. The Federal Student Aid Estimator is a quick and easy tool to help you see how much federal aid you may qualify for before applying.
How to Apply for Aid
Graduate students have different financial aid options than undergraduates, but the first step is still the FAFSA. By completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), you can determine your eligibility for:
✔ Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans
✔ Graduate PLUS Loans
✔ Institutional Scholarships
Once your FAFSA is processed, you’ll receive a financial aid offer detailing your options.
Steps to Apply for Aid
Step 1: Create Your FSA ID – Go to studentaid.gov and click on “Create Account.”
- Both the student and one or both parents need their own FSA ID (username and password).
- You’ll need your name, date of birth, Social Security number, email, and contact info.
- Confirm your email to activate the FSA ID.
- Note: One phone number or email can only be linked to one FSA ID.
Step 2: Gather Tax Information – Collect federal tax information from two years prior to the academic year you’re applying for (called the Prior-Prior Year).
- For the 2024–2025 FAFSA, use your 2022 tax return.
Step 3: File the FAFSA – Visit studentaid.gov and file the FAFSA as soon as possible after it becomes available.
- The 2024–2025 FAFSA is for Fall 2024, Spring 2025, and/or Summer 2025.
- It became available in December 2023.
- TIP: Choose the “Renewal” FAFSA if available—it saves time by using last year’s data.
Step 4: Complete Your Section First – Students should complete their portion of the FAFSA before inviting parents to contribute.
- Do not start the FAFSA using a parent’s FSA ID.
- After your section, invite your parent(s) via email to complete theirs.
Step 5: Invite the Right Parent(s) – Depending on your family situation, invite:
- One parent if single or parents filed jointly in 2022.
- Both parents if they are married but filed separately in 2022.
- For other cases, follow FAFSA instructions.
Step 6: Include RCU’s School Code – In the FAFSA section titled “Enter the schools…,” add Rochester Christian University’s federal school code: 002288.
- Place it in the #1 spot to ensure maximum aid eligibility.
Step 7: Provide Consent and Sign – Everyone contributing to the FAFSA (student and parent(s)) must:
- Use their FSA ID to access and sign the form.
- Provide consent to allow the IRS to share tax info with the Department of Education.
- Consent is required—even for non-tax filers—to calculate your eligibility for aid. The form won’t be processed until all contributors sign and consent.
Step 8: Review Your FAFSA Submission Summary (FSS) – After submitting your FAFSA, you’ll receive a FAFSA Submission Summary (FSS).
- Review it for accuracy and make corrections online if needed.
Step 9: Watch for Communication from RCU – RCU will receive your FAFSA info 3–5 business days after submission.
- Starting March 2024, RCU will begin processing 2024–2025 FAFSA data.
- You’ll get an email from sfs@rcu.edu if more info is needed.
- Once approved, you’ll receive a Financial Aid Offer outlining your aid package and costs.
Are you in the
right place?
My RCU education is the best investment I have ever made and I am proud to call myself a Warrior! This program has changed the trajectory of my life and I am so grateful to be a part of it.”
Important Financial Aid Dates
FAFSA Opens | October 1st (for the following fall) |
Priority Deadline – State of Michigan Aid | July 1st |
Early Admission Deadline | May 1st |
Crimson Days | June 17th & 26th July 22nd August 7th |
Registration Deadline | August 1st |
Explore Federal & Institutional Aid
Federal Direct Stafford Loan (Unsubsidized)
Eligibility: Loan available to undergraduate and graduate students enrolled at least halftime regardless of financial need.
Amount: Eligible graduate students may borrow up to $20,500 per award year as determined by the student’s cost of attendance and other financial aid received. There are aggregate (lifetime) limits.
Details: Student is responsible for paying the interest during all periods. Interest payments are the responsibility of the student for the duration of the loan. Repayment begins six months after graduation or the student ceases to be enrolled at least halftime.
Apply: Complete FAFSA with school code 002288 Rochester Christian University listed first.
Apply for the Master in Religious Education Scholarship
Eligibility: Limited number of scholarships for graduate students demonstrating financial need. Scholarships apply to the Masters in Religious Education only.
Amount: Varies.
Details: The Scholarship Committee considers both academic ability and financial need in evaluating each application. Scholarships are awarded for one academic year (Fall – Summer).
Apply: Complete the MRE Graduate Scholarship Application in full for consideration.
