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The vast majority of financial assistance at Clark is offered on the basis of financial need. We're committed to making a Clark education affordable to students admitted to the University, and we work with you and your family to thoroughly explore your options. |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What type of financial assistance is available for graduate students at
Clark University?
Students are able to apply for two categories of assistance as graduate
students: non need-based merit scholarships, grants and tuition waivers awarded
by the department the student is applying to, and student loans. The individual
department, based on information you provide on your admission application and
supplemental information you provide, decides all scholarships, grants, and
tuition waivers based on merit. Scholarships may come in the form of full
tuition scholarships or waivers, half tuition scholarships or waivers, or other
varying amounts. Students who receive merit awards may also be eligible
for additional need-based assistance in the form of student loans. Most graduate
students are eligible for some type of student loan.
In general, any graduate student who has matriculated into a degree program
may be eligible for a student loan. Loans offered to the student have to be
repaid, usually after graduation, so students should not borrow more than they
need or are able to repay. After you complete the application process for
financial assistance, you will be notified regarding your eligibility and the
amount you may borrow through the Federal Stafford Loan Program. In order to be
eligible for a Federal Stafford Loan, you must be accepted into a degree program
and be enrolled at least half- time. Half-time enrollment for most Clark
graduate programs is defined as two units per semester. Because your charges
will be different depending on whether you are full or half-time, your
eligibility for aid may change depending on your registration status.
What forms are needed to apply for financial assistance?
All applicants must complete the
FASFA (Free Application for Student Financial Aid). For faster processing, we
recommend that you do the FAFSA form online at
www.fafsa.ed.gov. However, you may
request a paper application from the US Department of Education. Please note that
our Title IV code number is 002139. In addition to the FAFSA form, we require
the Clark Application for Financial
Aid and a signed copy of your 2007 Federal Tax Returns with W2’s attached.
You may download the Clark Application for Financial Aid from our website or contact our office to request a paper application.
Where do I submit these forms?
If filing the paper FAFSA, mail it to the federal processor. If filing the FAFSA online, the information will be
submitted electronically. The Clark Application and the signed tax returns
should be returned directly to the Office of Financial Assistance. These
forms may be mailed in care of our office to 950 Main St. Worcester, MA 01610 or
faxed to 508-793-8802.
What is the deadline to apply for financial aid?
If you plan on starting your program during the summer, our priority deadline
is April 15th. If you plan on starting in the fall semester, our priority
deadline is May 15th. If you plan on starting in the spring, our priority
deadline is November 1st. It is very important for you to meet these deadlines
if you plan to use any financial aid funds to pay your student account.
When can I expect to be notified of my financial aid eligibility?
Once all required forms are received, you will be mailed an award letter
notifying you of your eligibility for financial aid. You can apply for student
loans at any point before or during the academic year. However, the FAFSA may
take up to 4-6 weeks to process. If you wait until after the priority deadlines,
it is unlikely that you will have a loan approved in time for the beginning of
classes.
When will my student loan funds be disbursed to my Student Account?
In general, student loan funds are disbursed the first official day of
classes each semester. (Note: the entire financial aid process must have been
completed and all necessary paperwork must be received, including any student
loan promissory notes, entrance interviews, and Stafford loan processing form in order for the funds to be disbursed). Your annual loan
amount is divided in half for disbursement purposes. For example, if you have
borrowed $8500 for the academic year, half of that amount will be disbursed for
the fall semester and the remaining half for the spring semester. You should be
aware that some lenders may deduct an origination fee and/or a default fee from your Stafford Loan. This deduction is reflected in the final amount
disbursed to your student account. Once your loan has disbursed and you wish to
access any credit balance on your account, you should contact Student Accounts
for assistance.
When do I have to pay my tuition bill?
Tuition bills are usually due by the end of July for the fall semester and
the end of December for the spring semester, but this may change from year to
year. For confirmation of the tuition due date each semester, please contact
your department or Student Accounts.
What if I am relying on student loans to pay for living expenses?
All students should have personal funds available when they arrive at Clark
University regardless of anticipated student loan funds for expenses. Students
should not rely on loan funds as their only source of income, as the process for
awarding and disbursing these funds takes time and may be delayed for a number
of reasons. Clark University will not advance students any type of refund based
on the anticipation of student loan funds being disbursed.
What is the estimated cost of attendance for a graduate student?
Cost of attendance is based on the number of units a student takes each
semester. For a complete breakdown of the costs for your particular graduate
program, please contact your department.
What is available if my financial aid does not cover enough of my
educational expenses?
Students may borrow a private, credit based alternative loan to help with the
cost of educational expenses. These loans may not exceed the cost of attendance
minus any financial assistance, including Stafford Loans and tuition remission.
Information regarding alternative loans may be viewed online at
http://www.clarku.edu/admissions/financialaid/grad/solutions.cfm.
Can International Students apply for financial assistance?
Clark University does not offer financial assistance directly to
international students. International students are not eligible for federal
financial aid, unless the student is an eligible non-citizen as defined by
federal regulations. International students may apply for an alternative loan;
however, a U.S. Citizen is required to co-sign the loan.
Whom should I contact if I have questions about the financial aid process?
You should contact Amy Johnson, who is the financial aid counselor for
graduate students. Her office is located on the 3rd floor of 18 Downing Street.
She can be reached by phone at (508) 793-7478 or email at
finaid@clarku.edu.
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