When you consider the availability of financial aid and our competitive tuition rates, you will understand why St. Bonaventure University Online is a decision you can afford to make.
Federal Direct Stafford Loans for Graduate Students
The Federal Direct Loan program allows graduate students to borrow up to $20,500 a year without demonstrating financial need. Applicants must file the FAFSA (note: grad students file as independent) and the Graduate Student Loan Request Form, which is available on My.SBU. Graduate Stafford loans are not eligible for subsidized interest. This means that interest on the loan principal will accrue while the grad student is enrolled. The interest rate on the Graduate Stafford loan is 5.84 percent at this time. Loan repayment begins six months after the borrower ceases study or drops below half-time status. Stafford Loan proceeds are paid through a student’s school in two or more installments and are first applied against tuition and fees, room, board and related school charges. If loan money is left over, this is refunded to the student.
Federal Direct PLUS Loans for Graduate Students
Students may borrow up to the total amount needed to pay for graduate school tuition, room and board (on campus or off campus) books, fees and other educational expenses - less any pending financial aid. Applicants must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and apply for their maximum Federal Direct Loans before the Federal Direct PLUS Loan can be borrowed. Most applicants are eligible for the PLUS – note that a basic credit check is required for this loan.
Alternative Loans
For students who do not qualify to borrow federal student loans, an Alternative educational loan may be a good option. Unlike federal loans, Alternative loans do not require half-time attendance to qualify. A student taking just one course per term may qualify for an Alternative Loan.
Alternative loans are available to students through various major lenders. Most Alternative loans have variable interest rates. Depending on the lender, the interest rate is usually based on Libor or Prime rates and may change monthly or quarterly. Interest on the loan begins accruing after the first disbursement. Many lenders defer interest payments while the student is in school, although some lenders require interest payments. When possible, we recommend the student pay accrued interest while in school and during the six-month grace period.
Students may need a credit worthy co-signer to improve their chances of being approved. With a co-signer, students may receive a lower interest rate which means less interest will be paid over the life of the loan. A co-signer can be a parent, guardian, or relative who has established a good credit history, has a steady income, and the ability to repay the loan if the student is unable. Before borrowing an Alternative loan, the student and co-signer should understand that the loan is in both the student’s and the co-signer’s name. If the student cannot make payments on the loan, the co-signer is fully responsible for repaying the loan.
You may apply for an alternative loan through any lender you choose. If you do not have a lender in mind, we offer a list of lender options. When choosing a lender, remember to review back end borrower and repayment benefits, whether the loan will be sold after disbursement, and who will service the loan after disbursement and while in repayment.
Click here to view the list of lenders provided by www.elmselect.com.
Graduate Assistantship
The School of Graduate Studies at St. Bonaventure University offers a limited number of assistantship grants for an academic year. Assistantships are available for online graduate programs and can provide a partial waiver of tuition in exchange for a specified amount of work. Graduate assistants are utilized by a variety of university departments for project management, research projects, administrative support and more.
These part-time assistantships provide a tuition scholarship of up to nine credit hours per year (12 continuous months) for students who take a total of eighteen credit hours and work 300 hours per year. The type of work, schedule and other details are specific to the particular assistantship.
If you're interested, you may apply for an assistantship when you submit your application for admission or at any time during your graduate level study.
For more information and to apply, see Graduate Assistantships under Scholarships & Aid at sbu.edu.
Employer Tuition Benefits
Some employers have tuition reimbursement plans for staff who pursue additional schooling. Department managers and human resource officers are the best sources of information.
Prospanica: The Association of Hispanic MBAs & Business Professionals
This organization provides scholarship support to individuals of Hispanic heritage pursuing MBA degrees at AACSB-accredited colleges and universities (SBU has this accreditation).
Educational benefits received through the Montgomery GI Bill may be applied toward an advanced degree. SBU is also a Yellow Ribbon school.
Private Scholarships
Some students find private scholarships to supplement their financial aid and cover remaining costs. To find scholarship sources, we recommend checking these websites:
“My experience as an online student in the MSW program at St. Bonaventure University has been amazing. The flexibility of the program has allowed me to pursue my degree while still managing work and family life. I love that I can complete coursework on my own schedule, which makes it easier to stay on track without feeling overwhelmed. The online format keeps me connected with professors and classmates, and I never feel like I’m missing out on support or interaction. This program has given me the confidence to grow professionally while still being present for the people who matter most.”
Jana Rodgers
“I have learned so many great counseling skills at St. Bonaventure and so far, I have been able to apply most of what I am learning in my job as a psychosocial rehabilitation skills trainer. I can apply my skills in listening, counseling with an understanding of theories, and I have a better understanding of many mental disorders. I have been excelling at my job because of these skills and I am thankful to have this knowledge.”
Frank Yarbrough, MSED Clinical Mental Health Counseling, 2024
“The formation of my business took place while I was enrolled in the MBA program, so every class was applicable to something I needed to know. My MBA concentration was in marketing, and the marketing courses really helped me to establish my company’s brand and build a reputation in the community. Even after two years in business, I use marketing metrics and client feedback every day to better understand my target market and how to reach them.”
Theodora Turner, MBA 2018
“I chose St. Bonaventure's online graduate program because it is a very convenient way to get your master’s degree while working full-time. The most challenging part is balancing school and work, but to navigate that I make weekly assignment schedules.”
Sierra Michaels, Alumni
“My decision to pursue an MBA at St. Bonaventure University is one I will be forever grateful for and is one I recommend to anyone considering a graduate program. Some key benefits offered are the flexible class schedule, range of electives to peak your specific field of interest, and tight-knit class sizes that allowed an in-depth discussion to be had with peers and each professor. The communication and interpersonal skills gained in this environment are invaluable.”
Mike Iulianello, Alumni
“I have had many wonderful outcomes from my online MBA at SBU: I was inducted into Beta Gamma Sigma, which introduced me to an international network of business professionals for future career opportunities; I gained the necessary confidence I previously lacked to advance my career in the financial services industry; and, I have been granted job offers from several corporations who are aware of the excellent career preparation SBU’s business school has to offer.”
Marcus Jones, MBA 2021
“St. Bonaventure’s MBA program is incredible. Not only is the structure of the program accommodating for the working professional, but the class sizes allow for both one-on-one interaction as well as group participation. Because of my experience at St. Bonaventure, I have a much better understanding of the ins and outs of a business, what truly makes a business successful and where I see myself in the future. SBU was the perfect fit for me.”
Christy A. Williams, Alumni
“Not only will the program set you up for success, but you'll have access to an alumni base that will actually talk to you. Being a small school has its perks.”
Stephon Johnson
“The most important characteristic in this industry is experience. There is no place better suited to give you the experience needed than right here at Bonaventure. Real world applications in an environment of encouragement is critical to hone your skills for the future.”
Justin Craig
TOP 8
St. Bonaventure University is ranked by the U.S. News & World Report 2025 as the #8 Best Value School in the North.
15:1
The online programs average a 15:1 faculty to student ratio.
30%
As a military-friendly college, St. Bonaventure University offers a 30% tuition discount to all active military.