Post-Baccalaureate Students
If you are not enrolled in a graduate degree program but you have a bachelor's degree, you are considered a post-baccalaureate student for enrollment purposes. Students who already have a bachelor's degree are not eligible to receive scholarships or grant funding. You may be eligible to receive Federal Direct Loan assistance, pending federal student loan aggregate limits and program eligibility. Students must be enrolled at least half-time (six credit hours) to receive student loans. The University of Houston only offers one eligible certificate program: Teacher Certification.
There are three pathways to receive Federal Direct Loan assistance as a post-baccalaureate student.
1. Seeking another undergraduate degree
For students who have already earned a bachelor’s degree and would like to pursue a subsequent. Eligible students pursuing a second undergraduate degree may receive Federal Direct Loans based on their dependency status (Dependent vs. Independent) and grade level in their second degree (ex: freshman, sophomore, etc.). You can find more information about eligible loan amounts here.
2. Taking preparatory coursework for UH admission
For students who are taking preparatory coursework for admission into UH. Note: Preparatory coursework funding will not exceed 12 consecutive months.
ANNUAL LOAN LIMITS FOR PREPARATORY COURSEWORK (NOT TO EXCEED 12 CONSECUTIVE MONTHS)
1. Preparatory coursework required for enrollment in an undergraduate program:
| Total (subsidized and unsubsidized) | Maximum subsidized* | |
|---|---|---|
| Dependent undergraduates (excluding dependent students whose parents cannot get Direct PLUS Loans) | $2,625 | $2,625 |
| Independent undergraduates (and dependent undergraduates whose parents can’t get Direct PLUS Loans) | $8,625 | $2,625 |
2. Preparatory coursework required for enrollment in a graduate or professional program:
| Total (subsidized and unsubsidized) | Maximum subsidized* | |
|---|---|---|
| Dependent undergraduates (excluding dependent students whose parents cannot get Direct PLUS Loans) | $5,500 | $5,500 |
| Independent undergraduates (and dependent undergraduates whose parents cannot get Direct PLUS Loans) | $12,500 | $5,500 |
*Of the “Total” academic year federal student loan amount, this is the maximum subsidized loan amount potentially available.
3. Teacher certification
For students who have already earned a bachelor’s degree and are now pursuing a teacher certification program.
ANNUAL LOAN LIMITS FOR TEACHER CERTIFICATION COURSEWORK
| Total (subsidized and unsubsidized) | Maximum subsidized* | |
|---|---|---|
| Dependent undergraduates (excluding dependent students whose parents cannot get Direct PLUS Loans) | $5,500 | $5,500 |
| Independent undergraduates (and dependent undergraduates whose parents cannot get Direct PLUS Loans) | $12,500 | $5,500 |
*Of the “Total” academic year federal student loan amount, this is the maximum subsidized loan amount potentially available.
What do you need to apply for Federal Direct Loan assistance as a post-baccalaureate student?
- A completed FAFSA application
- A completed Post-Baccalaureate Certification Statement
NOTE: If you have already received financial aid for preparatory coursework into any degree in the past or are taking courses to increase your GPA for admission into a degree program, you may not be eligible for financial aid. The Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid will review your application and will notify you of the outcome through email.
Only courses that are part of an existing approved degree program are eligible under the preparatory coursework funding allowance. ACCT 5301 is not eligible for funding because it is not offered as a regular course that is already part of an existing degree program.