While your question might not be specifically addressed below, you will probably find one similar to it. Please browse the list of questions, and, if you need further answers, please feel free to call the Office of Financial Aid at (914) 395-2570, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Or email us at finaid@sarahlawrence.edu.

1. How do I apply for financial aid?

   Sarah Lawrence requires every student who is a U.S. citizen, national or permanent resident seeking financial aid to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the College Scholarship Service Profile (CSS Profile). Both forms can be filed online from their respective Web sites.

   In addition to these two forms, we require signed, completed copies of your federal income tax returns and copies of all W-2 earnings statements for the year previous to that which you are applying for admission. The schedule of due dates for these materials is as follows:

   FAFSA: March 1

   CSS Profile: March 1

   Tax Returns & W-2s: April 15

2. How is financial aid determined?

   Your Contribution: The information collected on the FAFSA and CSS Profile is used to calculate your ability to contribute to the cost of a Sarah Lawrence education. Your ability to contribute is based upon your and/or your spouse’s income and assets. A portion of your earnings, savings and assets are expected to go toward your educational expenses. A minimum contribution of $2,150 is expected of every student.

   Your Need: Eligibility for financial assistance (your "need") is determined by subtracting the student contribution from the cost of education. Your demonstrated need or eligibility for assistance determines the financial aid award offered.

   Your Federal Financial Aid Award: Eligibility for federal aid programs, such as the Federal Stafford Loan, is determined by the mandated federal formula. The calculation of your expected contribution is determined by the information you provide on the Free Application For Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

   Your Sarah Lawrence Gift Aid: Eligibility for Sarah Lawrence Gift Aid is determined by a methodology developed by Sarah Lawrence College and the College Scholarship Service. This calculation is based on the information you provide on the CSS Profile form.

3. How is financial aid packaged?

   A financial aid award, known as a package, typically consists of Sarah Lawrence Graduate Gift Aid and/or federal student loans and/or state aid. You are not required to take out a student loan to receive the Sarah Lawrence Graduate Gift Aid.

4. How will I receive my financial aid award?

   Provided that you have completed and filed both the FAFSA and CSS Profile by the dates required, and the information contained on the forms is accurate and correctly represented, you will receive a financial award letter with your announcement of acceptance.

5. How do I accept my award?

   To accept your award and have the aid credited to your student account, you must submit all documents requested by the Office of Financial Aid no later than the stated deadlines.

   Renewal of financial aid is not automatic. Forms must be filed by the stated deadlines each year of attendance. Recipients must continue to demonstrate financial need and maintain satisfactory academic progress to remain eligible for financial aid.

6. What is Sarah Lawrence Graduate Gift Aid?

   Sarah Lawrence Graduate Gift Aid is a need-based grant awarded from the College and from contributions made by alumnae/i and friends of the College. The amount of Gift Aid awarded is determined by the amount of your need after applying all other sources of aid for which you are eligible. You must maintain satisfactory academic progress to retain the gift aid.

7. Are there state-based grants available for graduate students?

   Grants are available to eligible full-time students who are residents of New York State, the District of Columbia, Rhode Island, and Vermont. The New York application will be sent to you directly as long as you listed one New York State institution on your FAFSA. Check with the student aid agency in your state for further information.

8. Are there assistantships available to graduate students?

   Yes. If you are interested in applying for a non-teaching assistantship, please contact Susan Guma in the Graduate Studies Office at the beginning of the semester. Call 914-395-2371.

9. What types of student loans are available?

   There are two general types of student loans: need-based loans and non-need-based loans. Eligibility for need-based loans is based on financial need and determined by the Federal Department of Education from the information provided on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). A variety of non-need-based loans are available to any student who is enrolled at least half-time.

   A student loan of any kind is an obligation that must be repaid after you complete your degree or cease to be enrolled.

   Federal Perkins Loan: This federal loan is awarded to students who demonstrate the greatest need. The amount of the loan is credited to your account, half each semester, after you sign a promissory note in the Bursar’s office. This loan has a 5% interest rate, which accrues nine months after you graduate or when you drop below half-time status. Repayment begins at that time and usually is extended over a 10 year repayment period. There are deferments and forbearances available should you experience difficulty in repaying your debt. First-time borrowers must also complete an Entrance Interview form. You may complete this requirement by visiting mappingyourfuture.org.

   Federal Subsidized Stafford Loan: The federal government, through the lender of your choice, provides subsidized student loan funds of up to $8,500 per year for eligible graduate students. The federal government pays the interest on the Subsidized Stafford Loan for as long as you are in school on a full-time basis.

   Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loans: Any student who is a US citizen and files the FAFSA may qualify to take out an Unsubsidized Stafford Loan. The federal government, through the lender of your choice, provides Stafford Student Loan funds of up to $20,500 per year for all graduate students who do not show need. (Graduate students who show need will be offered a combination of subsidized and unsubsidized Stafford Loans of up to $20,500.)

   The interest rate for new borrowers is 6.8 %. The federal government will cease to pay the interest on subsidized loans at repayment. Repayment begins six months after the student graduates or ceases to be enrolled. The standard payment period is 10 years.

   The Federal Graduate PLUS Loan is a program whereby credit-worthy graduate students may borrow the total cost of their education minus any financial aid already awarded. The interest rate is fixed at 8.5 percent. Lenders may charge fees of 3 percent. You can file online. Although payment is not required during enrollment, interest does accrue. Also, there is no grace period when enrollment ends.

   Alternative Student Loans: A number of private lenders offer student loans to qualified borrowers. Qualification for these loans is subject to a review of the borrower’s and/or co-signer’s credit history. The maximum amount of these loans is determined by the Sarah Lawrence College Office of Financial Aid, based on the estimated cost of education for the borrower. There are a variety of interest rates and repayment plans available from the respective lenders offering these loans. The Office of Financial Aid recommends that a student considering such a loan research the programs available to find the one best suited to his or her needs.

10. How do I apply for Stafford Loans?

    Our Online Filing makes it easy! Please visit the Online Loan Filing section of this Web site.

11. What are my options in terms of financial assistance if I do not show need?

    As mentioned above, there are non-need-based loan programs, both private and federal, available to students who do not show need. Sarah Lawrence College offers a 10-month payment plan administered through the Sarah Lawrence Office of the Bursar. Please call 914-395-2550 for more information on this plan.

12. What about other non-Sarah Lawrence based financial aid?

    In addition to the aid components available from Sarah Lawrence for inclusion in your package, we recommend several other financing alternatives, and have compiled a listing of Non-SLC Scholarships available to graduate students through various foundations, civic groups, governmental agencies and corporate sponsors. Keep in mind that while we tried to make this list as comprehensive as possible, it is only a partial representation of what is available, and should be used as one of many resources for students genuinely interested in pursuing outside funding for their education.

    You should report any financial assistance awarded from a community organization or foundation to the Office of Financial Aid as soon as possible. Adjustments to your financial aid award may be required depending on the sources involved.

13. Once I have financial assistance, does it continue for the whole period while I pursue my graduate degree?

    Application for assistance must be made annually. Awards, which may fluctuate, are continued on the basis of financial need and the student’s satisfactory academic progress as determined each semester by the Committee on Student Work.