Frequently Asked Questions

Please browse the list of questions below, 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).
   
   Sarah Lawrence College bases graduate financial aid awards on student’s (and student’s spouse’s) data. We do not use any parent information.
   
   In addition to these two forms, we require signed, completed copies of your (and your spouse’s) federal income tax returns and copies of all W-2 earnings statements for the year previous to that which you are applying for admission.
   
   SLC Graduate Applicants should complete the CSS Profile at the same time as their admission application or by March 1, whichever is later. Students applying to programs with rolling admissions who apply after March 1 may still apply for aid. The FAFSA and tax return may be submitted at the same time as the CSS Profile or by April 15, whichever is later.
   
   Continuing SLC Graduate Students should follow these recommended filing dates:
   CSS Profile: March 1st
   FAFSA: April 15th
   Tax return: April 15th
   
   We encourage all students to apply for financial aid as soon as they are able to do so. In some cases, late applications will be subject to funds available when the financial aid application is complete.

2. How is financial need determined?
   In determining a student’s demonstrated need, Sarah Lawrence subscribes to the practice and procedures of federal and institutional methodology as published by the U. S. Department of Education and the College Scholarship Service. The formulas consider necessary family expenditures including taxes, living costs, outstanding medical expenses and costs for family members’ college tuition.
   
   A portion of your earnings, savings and assets are expected to go toward your educational expenses. A minimum contribution of $2,950 is expected of every student. Eligibility for financial assistance (your “need”) is determined by subtracting the student contribution from the cost of education. In addition to tuition, room and board, we consider books, supplies, travel and personal expenses as costs related to attending college.

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. 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 the District of Columbia, Rhode Island, and Vermont. 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 Alba Coronel in the Graduate Studies Office at the beginning of the Fall semester. Call (914)395-2371. General student employment positions are also offered through the Office of Student Employment. The beginning of Fall semester is the best time to secure employment on campus. In addition to on-campus jobs, employment opportunities in the vicinity of the College are posted on a bulletin board in Bates Hall. These jobs are part time.

9. What types of student loans are available?
   A student loan is an obligation that must be repaid after you complete your degree or cease to be enrolled.
   
   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.

   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.

   Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan: Eligible students may receive up to $20,500. The interest on an unsubsidized loan begins to accrue the moment you take the loan.

   Federal Direct Graduate Plus Loan: This is a credit-based loan through the federal government. The interest accrues during enrollment, but payments may be deferred until graduation. The interest rate is a fixed rate and set by the government. Students may borrow up to the cost of education minus other aid.

   Private Education Loans: These loans are available from many lenders. They are credit based, and tend to have variable interest rates. See Online Loan Filing for more information.