Graduate Students
Financial aid awards come from federal, state, institutional and/or private sources. Many Iona University graduate students finance their degrees through a combination of sources.
Because graduate students are considered independent of their parents, they must complete the FAFSA using student and spouse tax information (if applicable) from the previous tax year. For example, the 2025-2026 FAFSA would use federal tax information from 2023, including estimates for the initial filing that are updated once returns are completed.
Federal loans: Iona University students may receive a direct federal loan through the U.S. Department of Education. For a Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan, the student must apply online, which includes a credit application and the signing of a master promissory note. See more about loans on our FAQ page.
Additional Information
Verification for first-time students: If you have been selected for verification of the information you provided on your FAFSA, your offer of financial aid is tentative until the verification process is complete. Read more about the verification process.
For more on applying for aid as a first-time student, see our Aid Basics and FAQs page.
Returning students must file the renewal FAFSA by April 15 every year to retain need-based grant awards. Students who do not file by the deadline will lose any need-based grant from Iona University.
Verification for returning students: If you have been selected for verification of the information you provided on your FAFSA, you will not receive an email about your financial aid award until the verification process is complete. Read more about the verification process.
Loans: If you are a returning student and previously borrowed loans, you must accept your award online through your Iona University PeopleSoft account. See more information on accepting your award.