My Uni for my MA also did not have a code to get a fed. student loan, although another American in my program said that she got a stafford loan. don't know how because they told me i couldn't.
i took out a student loan through a private bank - Key Bank - for $25,000. I don't think its the greatest, but it isinterest free until the payments start, six months after you finish the program. unfortunatly, i don't think you can defer if you need some extra time after the six months, though i havn't looked into it.
i may look into refinancing, but ive got too much on my plate with moving back to the UK.
good luck!!