There are 3 types of loan programs for Graduate students:
FEDERAL DIRECT STUDENT LOAN:
A federal loan where the student is the borrower. Students must be enrolled at least half-time (5 credits each term) to be considered for the Federal Student Loan.
FEDERAL DIRECT GRADUATE PLUS LOAN:
A credit based federal loan where the student is the borrower. Students may borrow up to the Cost of Attendance minus any financial aid the student is receiving. A credit-worthy endorser (co-signer) may be required by the lender. Students must first have their eligibility determined for the Federal Direct Student Loan before borrowing the Graduate PLUS loan.
PRIVATE ALTERNATIVE LOANS:
These are private credit based loans where the student is the borrower and may require a credit worthy co-signer. Students should maximize their federal loan eligibility before applying for a private loan.