The University of Fairfax offers a variety of financial aid in the form of grants, and fellowships to qualifying students. Our financial aid office can work with you to maximize your eligibility for institutional aid.
Financial Aid Solutions Tailored to the Individual Student
To ensure that qualified and deserving applicants are given adequate financial assistance, our Financial Services Team will sit down individually with prospective students to identify available sources of financial assistance; some through the federal or state government and others through the University. We are committed to supplying possible funding solutions for those who qualify.
If you are wishing to receive federal or state aid, be sure to fill out a Free Federal Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) online at: https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa
For more information, see our Application Steps
or call the financial services hotline at 1-833-388-1100
today.
Use the U.S. Department of Education's Net Price Calculator to estimate academic costs at our institution.
- Use this Net Price Calculator.
FEDERAL DIRECT LOANS
Federal student loans are made available to students attending college on at least a half-time basis through the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan (Direct Loan) Program. Under this program, the U.S. Department of Education is the lender. All programs at University of Fairfax are approved to participate in the Federal Direct Loan Program. Within this program, there are two types of federal student loans: direct subsidized loans and direct unsubsidized loans. A student may qualify for one or both depending on the student's need and other factors. In general, the federal government pays interest on Direct Subsidized Loans while attending school at least half-time, for the first six months after leaving school (referred to as a grace period) and during a period of deferment. However, this benefit does not apply to all borrowers. See the Financial Aid Office or go to www.studentaid.gov to determine whether, and under what circumstances, the interest subsidy benefit applies to you. Students with Direct Unsubsidized Loans are charged interest from the time the loan is disbursed until it is paid in full. The maximum amount of federal student loans that can be borrowed depends if the student is an undergraduate, a graduate or professional student or parent. An undergraduate student can borrow each academic year in Direct Subsidized Loans and Direct Unsubsidized Loan in the range from $5,500 to $12,500, depending on the year in school and dependency status. A graduate or professional student can borrow up to $20,500 each academic year in Direct Unsubsidized Loans. Graduate students are ineligible for Direct Subsidized Loans but may borrow through the Direct Unsubsidized Loan program.
If the student is a first-time borrower on or after July 1, 2013, some students' Direct Subsidized Loan eligibility is limited to a time period equal to 150% of the length of their program. This is called the "maximum eligibility period". The maximum eligibility period is based on the published length of the program of study. This means that the maximum eligibility period can change if the program of study changes. The published length of each program can be found within the academic section of the catalog.
Please go to https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/loans/subsidized-unsubsidized for more information regarding annual and aggregate loan limits and other financial aid information. Interest rates, fees, and loan limits are subject to legislative changes that may affect continuing eligibility. After a student graduates, leaves school or enrollment status goes below half-time the grace period will begin. During this period, repayment information will be sent to the student by the loan servicer. Payments are usually due monthly and will be discussed with the student and the loan servicer when determining the repayment arrangements. The loan servicer will provide the options available to repay the federal student loan.
Students may complete and submit the application for federal student aid, complete entrance counseling and sign the master promissory note at https://studentaid.gov. Note that Federal Stafford Loan information is submitted to the National Student Loan Data System, and information about the loans is accessible there to certain guaranty agencies, eligible servicers and eligible institutions of higher education.
FEDERAL DIRECT PLUS LOANS
All academic programs offered at the institution meet the Federal institutional eligibility requirements. Graduate students and parents of undergraduate dependent students are eligible to apply through the Federal Direct PLUS Loan Program. Such loans are available for students attending the University on at least a half-time basis through the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan program. The Department of Education is the lender of this loan program. These Direct PLUS loans enable borrowers to borrow up to the cost of attendance minus other financial assistance received. The cost of attendance is determined by the University. Eligibility is determined, in part, upon the credit history of the borrower. A credit check is performed during the application process. Students and parents may complete and submit the application for federal student aid, complete entrance counseling and sign the master promissory note at https://studentaid.gov
Students and parents can request a deferment of loan repayment while the student is enrolled at least half-time and for an additional six months after the student graduates, leaves school or drops below half-time enrollment. If a deferment is not requested, payments will begin after the loan is fully disbursed (paid out). Repayment is made in monthly installments until the loan is paid in full.
Interest rates, fees, and loan limits are subject to legislative changes that may affect continuing eligibility. Additional information is available at www.studentaid.gov. Graduate students must complete entrance counseling prior to the receipt of a loan disbursement. Parent borrowers in certain, limited situations may have to complete entrance counseling as well. You may contact your Financial Aid Office for more information.
The Department of Education website provides more information regarding annual and aggregate loan limits.
Note that Direct PLUS Loan information is submitted to the National Student Loan Data System, and information about the loans is accessible there to certain guaranty agencies, eligible servicers and eligible institutions of higher education.
CONSOLIDATION LOANS (FOR GRADUATE/PROFESSIONAL STUDENTS ONLY)
A Direct Consolidation Loan allows graduate and professional borrowers to combine one or more eligible federal education loans into a single federal loan with one loan servicer. Consolidation can simplify repayment but may reset benefits tied to your underlying loans.
Review consolidation carefully using Student Financial Services and official Federal Student Aid materials before you apply so you understand interest rates, repayment timelines, and eligibility.
PRIVATE/EDUCATION LOANS
Students who need funding beyond federal aid may pursue private education loan programs offered by participating lenders. The University of Fairfax provides access to lender information so you can compare rates and terms; approval is determined solely by each lender based on credit and underwriting criteria.
Direct institutional aid from the University is awarded separately as scholarships, grants, fellowships, or similar awards described on this page. Recipients typically must remain enrolled at least half time, maintain satisfactory academic standing, and meet any criteria published for the specific program.
Who is Eligible?
You may be eligible for institutional aid if you:
- Complete a University of Fairfax Application
- Obtain admission to the University of Fairfax
How to Qualify?
- Institutional aid is based upon merit and/or need
- Students qualify for only one institutional scholarship or fellowship at a time
Grants & Scholarships
Presidential Grant
The Presidential Grant recognizes exceptionally qualified applicants who demonstrate strong academic preparation and alignment with University programs. Awards vary by term availability and program level and are reflected on your student account after enrollment.
Contact Student Financial Services for current award ranges and stacking policies with other institutional aid.
Blue Ribbon Grant
The Blue Ribbon Grant assists veterans, active-duty service members, spouses, and dependents after eligible military education benefits are exhausted or expire. Amounts depend on documented military funding toward direct educational costs under qualifying chapters.
Recipients must maintain satisfactory academic progress and meet institutional eligibility policies posted by Student Financial Services.
Institutional Aid Grant (IAG)
The Institutional Aid Grant provides university-funded assistance based on FAFSA results and fund availability for qualifying domestic students. Continued eligibility requires enrollment at least half time, good standing, and adherence to renewal criteria.
Students selected for IAG receive awards directly toward tuition and mandatory fees unless otherwise communicated.
Path to Peace Grant
The Path to Peace Grant supports applicants from designated conflict-affected regions who enroll in eligible programs at the University of Fairfax. Eligibility includes documented citizenship or residency ties to qualifying countries established each catalog year.
Representative designated regions include Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, South Sudan, Ukraine, and Palestine; additional regions may apply – confirm the latest published country list with Admissions or Student Financial Services before applying.
Discovery Transfer Grant
The Discovery Transfer Grant welcomes transfer students who submit official transcripts showing qualifying coursework toward an eligible degree path at the University of Fairfax. Awards are typically credited toward the first applicable term after admission.
Transcripts must be evaluated by the Registrar before award confirmation; grants cannot replace employer tuition contracts unless expressly permitted.
University of Fairfax Scholarship (for current students in the Master of Science in Cybersecurity Management)
Current students in the Master of Science in Cybersecurity Management may qualify for semester scholarships tied to GPA thresholds and progression milestones announced by Academic Affairs.
Applications or automatic considerations are communicated via university email and myUF notices; balances adjust once eligibility is verified.
University of Fairfax Scholarship (for current students in the Master of Science in Cloud Computing Solutions)
Current students in the Master of Science in Cloud Computing Solutions may qualify for similar merit-based scholarships applied toward tuition once satisfactory academic standing is confirmed.
Scholarship criteria, deadlines, and stacking limits are updated periodically – consult Student Financial Services for the active scholarship bulletin.
Fellowships
University fellowships recognize doctoral-level scholarship and practitioner leadership in cybersecurity-related disciplines. Fellowships reduce tuition charges while funding permits and recipients maintain eligibility standards outlined by Program Chairs.
Cybersecurity Research Fellowship (CRF)
The Cybersecurity Research Fellowship supports doctoral candidates pursuing dissertation-quality research aligned with university centers of excellence. Selection weighs academic performance, faculty endorsement, and alignment with funded research priorities.
Fellowship for Women, Minorities & Veterans
This fellowship strengthens participation among women, historically underrepresented minorities, and veterans advancing cybersecurity careers. Applicants submit statements detailing leadership impact and compliance with fellowship residency rules.
Faculty Fellowship
Faculty Fellowships pair doctoral scholars with mentors actively publishing or consulting in cybersecurity governance. Fellows contribute curriculum insights while progressing toward milestone completions.
Cyber Policy Fellowship
The Cyber Policy Fellowship funds study emphasizing federal policy frameworks, legislative developments, and standards influencing enterprise cyber resilience.
Cyber Law & Ethics Fellowship
The Cyber Law & Ethics Fellowship prepares scholars to analyze cyber crime statutes, privacy regimes, and ethical obligations facing executives and practitioners.