As a student seeking your graduate or doctoral degree, you likely depend on financial aid from a number of sources. You will need to be aware of the following information to keep your aid package for the duration of your education.

Keeping Your Financial Aid

• Meet Deadlines. Be sure to file your required paperwork and forms by the deadlines specified by your school, and complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year. Your FAFSA holds the key to Federal loans and grants, and can affect the aid money your school awards to you.
• Keep in Touch. Rules can change, affecting your aid even if you already signed a contract or award letter. Your financial aid office or lender should send you a letter or email whenever they make any changes, but check in with them periodically.
• Income Change. If your financial aid includes an income-based award, a change in your income--a career change or losing your job--can alter the financial aid for which you're eligible.
• Academic Merit. Some grants and scholarships require that you maintain a certain GPA. As a graduate or doctoral student, you may also be required to adhere to certain research or publication standards.
• Enrollment Status Change. If your student status changes from full time to part time or less than half time, it may affect the amount of aid you receive. You may lose an award that requires a specific enrollment status or you may have to repay some of your aid.
• Talk to the Experts. Your school financial aid office, graduate aid office, or board of studies has specialists who are ready to help. Call or email them whenever you have questions about your loan, grant, or scholarship.

The most important trick to keeping your financial aid is staying informed. Knowing the details of deadlines as well as GPA, income, and student status requirements can help you keep your finances in order as you complete your education.