5 Ways to Get Financial Aid for Summer Classes

Summer courses provide an affordable way to accelerate your degree progress and decrease your workload for the coming academic year. Students taking summer courses at UMass Lowell have many financial aid options to choose from, including scholarships, grants and loans. With so many reasons to take summer courses and plentiful financial assistance available, it is easy to get ahead over break. Keep reading to learn how to apply and save yourself money this summer.

Different Types of Summer Financial Aid

  1. UMass Lowell Summer Scholarships

Did you know that UMass Lowell has scholarships specifically set aside for students who choose to continue their course work in the Summer semester? See our Summer Scholarship page to learn more about the financial support available to you.

  1. Federal Pell Grants

Like scholarships, grants are one of the most sought-after forms of financial aid because they do not need to be repaid. If you were eligible for the Federal Pell Grant in the Fall or Spring semester, you might qualify for summer grant funds if you are enrolled at least half-time. Pell Grant-eligible students can receive up to 150% of their scheduled Pell award each year.

  1. Federal Loans

Loans for Undergraduate and Graduate Students

Both graduate and undergraduate students are eligible for federal direct student loans if they enroll in at least six credits and have not exceeded their loan limit for the academic year. However, you must complete the UMass Lowell Summer Aid Application to receive leftover funds for the summer.

Loans for Parents and Graduate Students

If you are a dependent undergraduate student enrolled in at least six credits, your parents may apply for the Federal Direct PLUS Loan. The Federal Direct Plus Loan application must be completed directly with the government. Graduate students may also apply for the Direct PLUS loan.

  1. Private Loans

Although we strongly encourage you to apply for federal loans first, many private loans are available if you require additional funding. See our list of Alternative Loan Options if you would like to apply for summer funds with private lenders.

  1. Summer Payment Plan

Not interested in student loans? Take advantage of UMass Lowell’s zero-interest payment plan and break your tuition into several payments. Simply log in to SiS by June 9 to apply.

Complete Your Federal and Summer Financial Aid Applications Early

Whether you’re interested in grants, scholarships or loans, you’ll want to complete the required applications to qualify for summer financial aid as soon as possible.

As a first step, make sure to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) if you have not already done so. Government-based grants and loans provide significant funding. The 2023-24 FAFSA must be completed before June 30 to qualify for all types of financial assistance.

Next, be sure to complete the Summer 2024 Financial Aid Application. You will receive priority consideration if you submit the summer aid application and register for courses early, so don’t wait.

Still Have Questions?

Learn more about Summer Financial Aid and check out our list of Summer Aid Frequently Asked Questions.  Please contact the Solution Center if you still have questions about eligibility or how to apply.  Finally, do not forget to apply early and register for summer classes soon!

View UMass Lowell Summer Courses