SIPA: School of International and Public Affairs at Columbia University

• Tuition, Fees and Expenses
• Types of Aid
• How to Apply for Financial Aid
• Notification and Acceptance of Awards
• Financial Aid for International Students
• Database of External Grants
  and Fellowships
• Endowed Fellowships and Scholarships
• FAQ

• Back to Financial Aid

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Am I eligible to apply for Federal student financial aid (Title IV aid)?
   You may apply for Federal financial aid (student loans and Work Study) if you are a United States citizen, a permanent resident (green card holder) or a most categories of political refugee. International students are not eligible for federal financial aid. Note that some types of aid you may have received as an undergraduate, such as Pell Grants or NY TAP, are not available for graduate studies.
2. When should I complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)?
   If you are a continuing student, you should submit before April 15. This is not an absolute deadline, but by following that timeline, the Financial Aid Office should be able to provide you with the information you need in a timely manner. We recommend that prospective students complete the FAFSA earlier (by early March, if not earlier) so that we can provide you with eligibility information well in advance of the time you begin your studies. Note: if you are an international student, or if you are ONLY applying for fellowships or scholarships, you need not submit a FAFSA.
3. How do I complete the FAFSA?
   Go to www.fafsa.gov, please be sure to use Columbia University's Title IV code, 002707, so that we receive your data. Prior to completing the FAFSA, you should obtain a PIN at www.pin.ed.gov if you have not already done so (FAFSA PIN's are valid indefinitely, there is no need to repeat this process annually).
4. What is a Student Aid Report?
   The Student Aid Report, or SAR, is an output document you will receive (via email) in response to completing your FAFSA. Please review it carefully. If you notice any discrepancies or information that needs to be updated, please follow the instructions to make the appropriate corrections. Keep a copy of your SAR for your records (we recommend that you maintain a file of all financial aid related documentation).
5. What is the maximum I can receive in financial aid?
   The maximum amount of aid for which you are eligible is driven by the Cost of Attendance for your program and the availability of funds. A combination of student loans can be borrowed up to the Cost of Attendance, less any other aid, and each loan is usually divided evenly by semester. For example, you may be eligible for $20,500 worth of Federal Direct Stafford Loan aid in a given academic year, comprised of two disbursements of $10,250. Most types of aid have a maximum amount available per year. NOTE: beginning with all periods of attendance starting after June 30, 2012, Federal Subsidized Direct Loans are no longer available for graduate students; all Federal Direct Loans will be unsubsidized, meaning that interest will be accumulating while you are in attendance.
6. I submitted my FAFSA, what do I do now?
   The Financial Aid Office will notify you of your eligibility for all available aid programs, and also if there is additional documentation you need to submit. This may include documentation to verify your income, citizenship or similar statuses related to aid eligibility. We will provide you with a link that will allow you to monitor your aid eligibility, student loan application processes and related information and procedures.
7. What is unmet financial need? How do I make up the difference between my aid and the Cost of Attendance?
   There are a number of loans and other financing options to help you bridge the gap between the cost of attendance and your financial aid. These programs can include the Federal Graduate PLUS Loan (US citizens and permanent residents) or loans from private lenders (available for both domestic and international students). Please note that these are credit-based loans, and in some cases, especially with private lenders (and almost always for international students), a US co-signer may be required.
8. If my aid exceeds my tuition charges, how and when do I receive the balance?
   Financial aid can be used for living expenses, transportation, and other indirect costs. If the amount of aid you receive (scholarships, loans, grants, etc.) exceeds your direct costs (tuition plus fees), that credit balance will be refunded to you. This refund may be in the form of a hard copy check, or if you choose to do so, you may designate a bank account for direct deposit from Student Financial Services. Please note that such refunds are issued approximately three weeks after the beginning of the semester; do not plan to have these funds available to you prior to that time. Be sure that the University has your local address if you are expecting a hard copy check to be mailed to you.