Finances for Graduate Programs

We understand that finances can be one of the main challenges when making decisions about graduate school, and we want to encourage you that this can be done!

The information and resources below will help you get started, and we invite you to contact Student Finance with your questions and concerns.

This is an estimated budget for a typical semester (or summer) with a full-time load of 9 hours.
- Master's-level tuition for 2025-2026 is $795 per credit hour.
- Doctorate-level tuition is $995 per credit hour.


Budget Estimates for one semester (full-time load of 9 hours)

	MASTER'S		DOCTORAL
Tuition	($795 per credit hour ✕ 9 hours)    $7,155.00		($995 per credit hour ✕ 9 hours)    $8,955.00
General Fee	$65.00		$65.00
Books and supplies	$500.00		$500.00
TOTALS	$7,720.00		$9,520.00

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NOTE: Tuition for the "BS-DNP" program will be charged at the master's or doctoral rate based on course level:
- 500-level and 600-level courses = master's tuition
- 700-level and 800-level courses = doctoral tuition

The first step in exploring financial assistance options is to fill out the FAFSA application form:
-   FAFSA (FREE APPLICATION FOR FEDERAL STUDENT AID) (Southern's school code is 003518)

Direct Unsubsidized Loans (formerly Stafford Loans)

Graduate students registered for a minimum of five credit hours per semester may qualify for a direct loan. Unsubsidized loans are not based on financial need, and interest is charged from the time the loan is disbursed, although repayment does not begin until after graduation.

GradPLUS Loan

These are low-interest, federally backed student loans that are guaranteed by the U.S. government. These loans are similar to private student loans (below), but with the benefit of having fixed interest rates.

Private Loans

Personal loans are available from lending institutions nationwide. For advice on which loans may be right for you, you may talk with Southern's graduate finance counselor at 1.800.SOUTHERN or 423.236.2877.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

Graduates who plan to enter a public service or a nonprofit field (excluding religion or evangelism) may qualify to have a portion of their loans forgiven. (This resources is available ONLY after graduation.) For details, see: Federal Student Aid: Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.

The first step in exploring financial assistance options is to fill out the FAFSA application:
-  FAFSA (FREE APPLICATION FOR FEDERAL STUDENT AID) (Southern's school code is 003518)

Other options:

Featured Scholarships for Graduate Students

Tennessee Behavioral Health Pathways Scholarship Initiative: This offers up to $15,000 per academic year to help a Tennessee resident pay for tuition in a behavioral health master’s degree program at an accredited Tennessee college or university.

Tax Credits (Financial Aid for Graduate Students)

You may qualify for the Lifetime Learning Credit when filing your taxes, and claim up to $2,000 per student. For more information, contact your tax adviser or consult the IRS booklet "Tax Benefits for Education".

Employee Programs

Many employers have programs set up to help their employees obtain a graduate education. You may check with the human resources department at your organization.

With graduate assistantships, you’ll have the opportunity to get valuable, hands-on experience through your program. You’ll be assigned to work a set number of hours each week, and your tasks and responsibilities will vary depending on the department or faculty member who oversees the position. In exchange, you may earn a tuition waiver or even a salary or monthly stipend.

On top of that, graduate assistantships are a fantastic way to work closely with faculty members and university leaders who will help you network, provide job references, and be your advocate as you open new doors to your future.

The following departments offer graduate assistantships. If you have questions, please contact the graduate counselor for your school.

• School of Business — Graduate Assistant Verification
• School of Nursing — Clinical Lab Assistant
• School of Nursing — Graduate Teaching Assistant
• School of Social Work — Graduate Assistant