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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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Financial Aid for Prospective Students
College costs can seem daunting, but there are many avenues of aid and scholarships available for you to explore.
This past year alone, Clark University awarded approximately $26 million in financial assistance. Seventy percent of the first-year class received need or merit-based scholarships and more than
90 percent received some form of financial assistance.
We want to provide the Clark experience for every talented student who believes Clark is the right fit. The quality of education, the close student-faculty relationship, the emphasis on critical thinking and the career preparation that are the trademarks of Clark are
valuable for a lifetime. We will work closely with you and your family to
explore a wide range of financial options, including need-based aid and merit-based scholarships.
If you're
applying for financial aid for the first time, this page will walk you through
the process.
To receive
need-based financial aid, you must complete the application process. Filing your
financial aid forms with the appropriate processing centers by the priority
deadlines listed will ensure that you are considered for all need-based
financial aid programs.
Financial
aid eligibility is based upon the previous year’s income. For example, students
applying for the 2009-2010 academic year will list income information for 2008.
If actual income information for the year is not available by the deadlines,
please estimate to the best of your ability.
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Step-by-step guide to the application process
1.
College Scholarship Service (CSS) PROFILE
Form
The PROFILE
is required for all prospective students applying for need-based financial aid.
Please note that the CSS PROFILE Form is a two-step application process
involving registration for and completion of the PROFILE Form. The PROFILE Form
can be completed immediately upon registration, or you can register and return
to the site later to complete the form.
Register by
going online to the CSS Web site at
www.collegeboard.com. Registration for the PROFILE begins in mid-October. Be
sure to include Clark University’s CSS code number (3279) to ensure that we
receive your application.
If your
biological parents are divorced, separated, or were never married you will
receive an email requesting that your non-custodial parent complete a Non-Custodial
Parent PROFILE. Forward this email to your non-custodial parent or provide
him/her with the appropriate information so s/he can complete this form.
The
deadline for submission of the PROFILE Form (and the Non-Custodial PROFILE, if
applicable) is December 1 for early decision candidates and February 1 for
regular admission candidates.
Please note
there are fees for both the CSS PROFILE and the Non-Custodial Parent PROFILE.
2.
Free Application for Federal Student Aid
(FAFSA)
This form
is required of all students applying for need-based financial aid. The FAFSA
form is available January 1. Clark
University’s federal school code is 002139; be sure to include this number on
the FAFSA to ensure that we receive the processed form.
While you
may file the FAFSA by completing the paper version and mailing it to the federal
processing agency, filing online at
www.fafsa.ed.gov provides faster processing. If filing electronically, both
the student and parent will need to sign the FAFSA with a personal
identification number (PIN). PINS may be requested at:
www.pin.ed.gov.
The
deadline for submission of the FAFSA for both early decision and regular
admission candidates is February 1.
3.
Additional Forms
Depending
upon your family’s financial situation and the information provided on the FAFSA
and PROFILE Forms, Clark University may request additional forms or
documentation. These requests will be made in writing to the student. Financial
aid applications will not be considered complete and will not be reviewed for
aid eligibility until all items requested have been received by the Office of
Financial Assistance.
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4.
Federal Tax Return and W2 Forms
In order to
verify eligibility for aid, Clark University requires W2 forms and signed copies of
student and parent federal
tax returns (including all schedules filed with the returns) for all families applying for need-based assistance. The tax returns should
be for the previous year, for example, a family applying for aid for the
2009-2010 academic year must submit the forms from 2008.
The tax
return requirement will be waived for students who indicate they were not
required to file a tax return on both the FAFSA and the PROFILE Forms.
Students who worked but were not required to file a tax return should still
submit their W2 forms. Parents who did not
file tax returns should contact the Office of Financial Assistance to determine
if additional documentation is required.
Remember
that the estimated financial aid award you receive is as accurate as the
information you provided on the FAFSA and PROFILE Forms. If you estimated the
information on these forms, your tax returns will be used to confirm or correct
the data you provided. Families who submit tax return and W2 forms before the
estimated award letters are mailed will be reviewed a second time and may
receive a more accurate award letter than those who have not yet submitted tax
documents.
All
students receiving need-based aid are reviewed a second time when tax returns
and W2 forms are received.
Please note
that no offer of financial aid is finalized, official, or applied against
a student’s billed charges until these documents have been received and reviewed
by the Office of Financial Assistance.
Receipt of financial aid awards
Early
decision candidates who complete the PROFILE form by December 1 and return any other paperwork
requested in a timely manner should receive an estimated award letter by early January. After
receipt of the FAFSA form, early decision candidates will receive a second, more
detailed award letter in April. Awards will be finalized upon receipt of tax
returns and W2 forms.
Regular
admission candidates
who have completed the FAFSA and PROFILE Forms by February 1 and who return
other requested paperwork in a timely manner should receive an
estimated award letter with their offer of admission in late March.
Students who
complete forms after the deadlines will be reviewed in the order of completion and
will receive an award letter as soon as possible. Awards will be finalized upon
receipt of tax returns and W2 forms.
All
students will receive an
Award Acceptance Agreement Form with their award
letters. This form must be completed, signed, and returned to the Office of
Financial Assistance before the award can be finalized.
Hints for completing the forms
To complete the forms correctly, efficiently and easily, we recommend having
the following documents close at hand during the process:
- Copies of student and parent current federal tax returns ( If the
return is not yet completed, you should estimate, using a copy of the tax
return from the previous year.)
- W2 forms
- Information about savings and investments
- Information about other sources of income such as: social security benefits, child support,
rental properties and real estate
- Information about your family home and mortgage, if your family owns a home.
Most high schools run workshops in December or January to assist families.
Guidance counselors are also very knowledgeable about the process.
Many cities have "Educational Opportunity Centers" which offer free assistance in completing the forms. Here in Central Massachusetts, EDCENTRAL
will assist students and parents with completing financial aid forms. EDCENTRAL is located at 484 Main Street in Worcester.
You can reach them by phone at (508) 754-6829.
After reviewing the financial aid information provided here, please feel free to call the Office of Financial Assistance at (508) 793-7478 or email us at finaid@clarku.edu. For information
regarding admission and merit-based awards, please contact the Admissions Office
by phone at (508) 793-7431 or (800) 462-5275 or via e-mail at
admissions@clarku.edu.
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