Graduate School Student Loans
Graduate School Is an Investment—We Help Make It Possible
At the Evalee C. Schwarz Charitable Trust for Education, we offer private, interest-free student loans for graduates who show both academic excellence and financial need… so you can pursue your advanced degree with the support you need.
Our loans aren’t like what you’ll find from big-name lenders. There are no hidden fees, no rising interest rates, and no profit motive. Just support, opportunity, and a community of students helping students through a legacy that’s been changing lives since 2000.
Who we Help
Our graduate school student loans are designed for driven students pursuing advanced degrees in all disciplines, including: medical, dental, pharmacy, veterinary, optometry, and general graduate programs.
Loans range from $5,000 to $20,000 per year, with a lifetime cap of $80,000. Every loan is interest-free for its entire duration—and repayment doesn’t begin until one year after graduation.
You may qualify if you:
- Are a U.S. citizen at the time of application and attend school in the U.S.
- Meet the Trust’s financial need requirement. Applicants must have a Student Aid Index (SAI) at or below the amount currently required on their FAFSA Submission Summary to be Pell Grant eligible. It is not necessary for students to actually be Pell Grant eligible (as most graduate students are not), but they must not exceed that SAI amount.
- Are enrolled in a school in the state in which the student resides.
Some exceptions apply. Exception #2 applies to nearly all graduate students. See the Process page for more details. - Applicants must show strong academic performance through grades and test scores. If test scores are required for admission, they must fall within the top 15% nationwide. If scores aren’t required, documentation must be provided. Applicants may include scores voluntarily if they believe it strengthens their application.
- Are not seeking a law degree.
Flexible Repayment Schedule for Medical Students in Residency
We know that for many medical students, graduation is just the beginning. Residency and professional training often mean long hours, limited income, and delayed full-time earnings.
That’s why the Evalee C. Schwarz Charitable Trust for Education offers a gradual repayment schedule designed to fit your financial reality during residency. Payments begin small in the first three years—just 1% annually—and increase as your income grows over a ten-year period.This structure provides space to focus on your training while steadily managing your loan balance with no surprises.
Why Graduate Students Choose the Schwarz Charitable Trust for Education
Most graduate students already carry debt from undergrad, and taking on more can feel daunting. Even the best private graduate student loans often come with interest rates between 7% and 15%, meaning you could pay tens of thousands of dollars in interest alone over a 10-year repayment period. The Schwarz Trust changes that story.
Founded by Evalee C. Schwarz, this charitable trust helps students pursue education without lifelong debt. Every repayment funds future students, keeping Evalee’s pay-it-forward legacy alive.
A Better Way to Fund Grad School
Graduate school loans aren’t all created equal. Most private lenders treat education as a business—charging interest and profiting from your ambition. The Evalee C. Schwarz Charitable Trust for Education was built on a different idea: that education should open doors.
Here’s how we differ from traditional graduate school student loan options:
When you borrow from the Schwarz Trust, you’re joining a cycle of generosity that keeps higher education accessible for future students.
How to Apply
Applications for the 2026–2027 academic year open January 1st and must be postmarked by April 10th.
All applications are reviewed by our Loan Committee in June 2026, and approved loans are disbursed directly to students in early summer.
