SEAS 2007-2008 Bulletin
Bulletin

Financial Aid for Graduate Study

Financing Graduate Education

The academic departments of The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science and the Office of Financial Aid and Educational Financing seek to ensure that all academically qualified students have enough financial support to enable them to work toward their degree. Possible forms of support for tuition, fees, books, and living expenses are: institutional grants, fellowships, teaching and research assistantships, readerships, preceptorships, on- or off-campus employment, and student loans. The Office of Financial Aid and Educational Financing works closely with students to develop reasonable financial plans for completing a degree.

Columbia University graduate funds are administered by two separate branches of the University, and the application materials required by the two branches differ slightly. Institutional grants, fellowships, teaching and research assistantships, readerships, and preceptorships are all departmentally administered funds. Questions and problems regarding these awards should be directed to your academic department. Federal Stafford loans, federal unsubsidized Stafford loans, federal Perkins loans, and New York State TAP grants are administered by the Office of Financial Aid and Educational Financing. Questions and problems with regard to awards should be directed to your financial aid advisor.

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Instructions for Financial Aid Applicants

Forms

Prospective and continuing graduate students of The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science must do the following to be considered for all forms of graduate financing (both departmentally administered and financial aid–administered funds):

1a. Prospective Students—complete an application for admission and submit it to The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science’s Office of Graduate Student Services;

1b. Continuing Students—preregister for classes during the preregistration period;

2. Complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form and submit it to the U.S. Department of Education (only U.S. citizens or permanent residents must complete the FAFSA; if you are a noncitizen, you do not need to submit this form);

3. Complete an Express TAP application and submit it to the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (only U.S. citizens or permanent residents who reside in New York State must complete the Express TAP application; if you are not a New York State resident, you do not need to submit this form);

4. Complete a Graduate Engineering Financial Aid Application and submit it to the Office of Financial Aid and Educational Financing.


Application Process

Before you can complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form, you must obtain a personal identification number (PIN) from the U.S. Department of Education. The PIN serves as your identifier and your personal electronic signature on the FAFSA. It will also allow you to access your personal information in various U.S. Department of Education systems. Apply for your PIN. Approximately three business days after you request your PIN, you will receive an e-mail with instructions on how to retrieve it electronically. If you ask to be notified of your PIN by mail, it will arrive in seven to ten business days via the U.S. Postal Service.

Once you receive your PIN, you must complete a FAFSA application. Columbia University prefers that you apply for financial aid online. Information collected on the FAFSA will help Columbia to determine your need for financial aid. You must give permission for the application data to be sent to Columbia University by entering The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science Title IV school code (E00120) in the School Section of the FAFSA form.

Once your FAFSA application is complete, your online confirmation page will give you a link to the TAP-on-the-Web application. New York State uses the information provided on your TAP application to determine your eligibility for a Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) grant. The TAP-on-the-Web online form will be partially completed with some information from your FAFSA. Review this data, supply any missing information, and submit the completed form. If you do not finish the online TAP-on-the-Web application, you will be mailed a paper Express TAP Application. As with the TAP-on-the-Web application, your Express TAP Application will also be partially completed with some of your FAFSA data. Verify that the partially completed data is correct, complete the remainder of the form, and return it to HESC in the envelope provided.

Preregister for classes during the preregistration period if you are a continuing student. All students must complete the Graduate Engineering Financial Aid Application available from the Office of Financial Aid and Educational Financing. The Graduate Engineering Financial Aid Application provides the University with information about your planned program, including the number of courses in which you plan to enroll.


Deadlines

Apply for financial aid at the same time that you apply for admissions. Your admissions application must be received by the December 15 deadline to be eligible for The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science departmental funding (institutional grants, fellowships, teaching and research assistantships, readerships, and preceptorships). Spring admissions applicants will not be considered for departmental funding.

Incoming applicants to Columbia University must complete their FAFSA after January 1 and by May 1. Continuing students must complete their FAFSA form after January 1 and by May 1.

Guidelines for continuing students are available from departmental advisers in advance of the established deadline. All continuing supported students must preregister for classes during the preregistration period.

Complete the Graduate Engineering Financial Aid Application available from the Office of Financial Aid and Educational Financing by May 1. The Graduate Engineering Financial Aid Application provides the University with information about your planned program, including the number of courses in which you plan to enroll.

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Graduate School Departmental Funding

The graduate departments of The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science offer an extensive array of funding. Funding decisions, based solely on merit, and contingent upon making satisfactory academic progress, are made by the departments. As a prospective student you must apply for admission and complete the financial aid forms as stated here. Continuing students must preregister for classes during the preregistration period and complete the applicable forms as stated above. Outside scholarships for which you qualify must be reported to your department and the Office of Financial Aid and Educational Financing. The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science reserves the right to adjust your institutional award if you hold an outside scholarship, fellowship, or other outside funding.


Institutional Grants

Institutional grants are awarded to graduate students on the basis of academic merit. Recipients must maintain satisfactory academic standing. All applicants for admission and continuing students maintaining satisfactory academic standing will be considered for these funds.


Fellowships

Fellowships are financial and intellectual awards for academic merit that provide stipends to be used by fellows to further their research. If you are awarded a fellowship, you are expected to devote time to your own work, and you are not required to render any service to the University or donor. You may publish research produced by your fellowship work. As a fellow, you may not engage in remunerative employment without consent of the Dean. All applicants for admission and continuing students maintaining satisfactory academic standing will be considered for these funds. Applicants should contact the department directly for information. See here for a complete listing of fellowships.


Assistantships

Teaching and research assistantships, available in many departments, provide tuition exemption and a living stipend. Duties may include teaching, laboratory supervision, participation in faculty research, and other related activities. Teaching and research assistantships require up to twenty hours of work per week. The appointments generally last from nine to twelve months. If you are participating in faculty research that fulfills degree requirements, you may apply for a research assistantship. Readers and preceptors receive partial tuition exemption and a stipend. Assistantships are awarded on the basis of academic merit. All applicants for admission and continuing students maintaining satisfactory academic standing will be considered for these funds. Applicants should contact the department directly for information.
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Alternative Funding Sources

External Awards

Because it is not possible to offer full grant and fellowship support to all graduate students and because of the prestige inherent in holding an award through open competition, applicants are encouraged to consider major national and international fellowship opportunities. It is important that prospective graduate students explore every available source of funding for graduate study.

In researching outside funding you may look to faculty advisers, career services offices, deans of students, and offices of financial aid where frequently you may find resource materials, books, and grant applications for a wide variety of funding sources. You must notify both your academic department at The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science and the Office of Financial Aid and Educational Financing of any outside awards that you will be receiving.


Funding for International Students

To secure a visa, international students must demonstrate that they have sufficient funding to complete the degree. Many international students obtain support for their educational expenses from their government, a foundation, or a private agency.

International students who apply by the December 15 deadline and are admitted to a graduate program in The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science are automatically considered for departmental funding (institutional grants, fellowships, teaching and research assistantships, readerships, and preceptorships) upon completion of the required financial aid forms referred to above. Spring admissions applicants will not be considered for departmental funding. Continuing international students must preregister for classes during the preregistration period and complete an enrollment status form to be considered for departmental funding.

Most loan programs are restricted to U.S. citizens and permanent residents. However, international students may apply for these domestic loan programs with a cosigner who is a citizen or permanent resident in the United States. Depending on the loan program, you may need a valid U.S. Social Security number. Also depending on your country of origin, you may qualify for a private loan without need for a creditworthy U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
Contact the Office of Financial Aid and Educational Financing for more details on this loan program.

Students who study at The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science on temporary visas should fully understand the regulations concerning possible employment under those visas. Before making plans for employment in the United States, international students should consult with the International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO).


International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO
524 Riverside Drive - Suite 200
212-854-3587
www.columbia.edu/cu/isso/isso.html.

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Other Financial Aid—Federal, State, and Private Programs

Eligibility

To be considered for non-departmental financial aid (Federal Stafford loans, Federal Perkins loans, and New York State TAP grants), you must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and enrolled at least half-time to a degree program in The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science. If you are taking courses but are not yet admitted into a degree program, then you do not qualify for federal or state aid. In addition, to preserve your aid eligibility, you must maintain satisfactory academic progress, as defined in "The Graduate Programs" section.

To apply for funds, you must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form, the Graduate Engineering Financial Aid Application, and an Express TAP application (if you are a New York State resident). Loan borrowers must complete a Columbia University Loan Entrance Interview. The information supplied on the FAFSA form is used to determine your eligibility for federal aid. The Graduate Engineering Financial Aid Application provides the University with information about your planned program, including the number of courses in which you plan to enroll. The Express TAP application acts as your request for New York State Tuition Assistance Program funds.

Columbia University prefers that the FAFSA be filed after January 1, but preferably before May 1, for fall enrollment. Students must give permission for the application data to be sent to Columbia University by entering The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science Title IV school code (E00120) in the School Section of the FAFSA form.

It is your responsibility to supply accurate and complete information on the FAFSA and to notify the Office of Financial Aid and Educational Financing immediately of any changes in your enrollment plans, housing status, or financial situation, including information about any institutional or outside scholarships you will be receiving.

The Graduate Engineering Financial Aid Application is available online and can be picked up from the Office of Financial Aid and Educational Financing.

Determination of your financial need is based upon the number of courses for which you register. If you enroll in fewer courses than you initially reported on your Graduate Engineering Financial Aid Application, your financial aid may be reduced.

University-administered federal and state awards are not automatically renewed each year. Continuing graduate students must submit a FAFSA each year by the Columbia University deadline. Renewal depends on the annual reevaluation of your need, the availability of funds, and satisfactory progress toward the completion of your degree requirements.


New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)

Legal residents of New York State who are enrolled in a full-time degree program of at least 12 points a term, or the equivalent, may be eligible for awards under this program. To apply for TAP, list the Columbia University school code (E00120) in the School Section of the FAFSA. When the FAFSA has been processed, an Express TAP application will be mailed to you. Review the information, change any incorrect items, sign the form, and return it to the address indicated.


Veterans' Benefits

Various Department of Veterans Affairs programs provide educational benefits for sons, daughters, and spouses of deceased or permanently disabled veterans as well as for veterans and in-service personnel who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces after January 1, 1955. In these programs the amount of benefits varies. Under most programs the student pays tuition and fees at the time of registration but receives a monthly allowance from Veterans Affairs.
Since interpretation of regulations governing veterans’ benefits is subject to change, veterans and their dependents should keep in touch with the Department of Veterans Affairs. For additional information and assistance in completing the necessary forms, contact 1-800-827-1000, or consult their web site (www.va.gov).


Federal Family Education Loans

Federal Subsidized Stafford Student Loan Program
Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loan Program
Federal Perkins Loan
Federal Graduate PLUS Loan

Detailed information regarding the above loan programs may be found on the Student Financial Services website.


Private Loans

Detailed information regarding private loans may be found on the Student Financial Services website. back to top

Employment

Students on fellowship support must obtain the permission of the Dean before accepting remunerative employment.

Students who study at The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science on temporary visas should fully understand the regulations concerning possible employment under those visas. Before making plans for employment in the United States, international students should consult with the International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO).



International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO)
524 Riverside Drive - Suite 200
212-854-3587
www.columbia.edu/cu/isso/isso.html.


Federal Work-Study Program

Federal work-study jobs are on-campus jobs funded by the U.S. government and the University. If you are eligible for this form of financial aid, we recommend that you inquire about work-study positions in the academic department from which you will receive your degree; but work-study jobs are available in many academic and administrative departments, laboratories, libraries, and campus dining halls. If you are employed under the work-study program, you will be paid biweekly based on the number of hours you worked, and you may earn up to the total amount specified in your financial aid award offer.


On-Campus Employment

The Center for Career Education maintains an extensive listing of non-work study employment opportunities. The Center for Career Education (CCE) is located at East Campus, Lower Level, 212-854-5609.


Off-Campus Employment in New York City

One of the nation’s largest urban areas, the city offers a wide variety of opportunities for part-time work. Many students gain significant experience in fields related to their research and study while they meet a portion of their educational expenses.
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Contact Information

For questions about institutional grants, fellowships, teaching and research assistantships, readerships, and preceptorships, contact your academic department.

For questions about on- or off-campus employment, contact the Center for Career Education (CCE), located at East Campus, Lower Level, (212) 854-5609.

For questions about student loans and New York State TAP grants contact:

Office of Financial Aid and Educational Financing
Columbia University
407 Lerner Hall, Mail Code 2802
New York, New York 10027
Phone: (212) 854-3711
Fax: (212) 854-8223
E-mail:
Web site: http://www.engineering.columbia.edu/portals/grad_admissions/financing/

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