FAQ

Visit our Tuition and Fees page to see current costs.

FAFSA applications can be filed as early as October 1 and must be completed for full institutional aid consideration for the Fall semester.

Most of the financial support awarded through the Mailman School is available only to United States citizens, permanent residents, and other eligible non-citizens. These include:

• Institutional Aid: Need and merit-based awards
• Graduate Federal Loans: Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans and Federal Direct Graduate Plus Loans
• Federal Work-Study

• Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) (School Code: 002707)

Half-time students are only eligible for Federal Direct Unsubsidized loans and require students to register for at least six credits per semester.

**Health Policy and Management Part-time Executive Program students are reviewed for the Shelia Gorman Scholarship.

Yes, our office can increase your budget for expenses such as dependent care, family emergencies, disability services, computer purchase, rent increases, and medical expenses not covered by your medical insurance.

You must email our financial aid office to request a budget increase supplemental form. Once completed, you must scan and email associated documentation to sphfinaid@cumc.columbia.edufor review. The documentation accepted can include payment receipts for expenses not covered by our cost of attendance such as child care, computer purchase, family emergencies, copies of your lease for rent increases, receipts for medical or disability expenses.

Our financial aid uses professional judgement based on the documentation provided. Approval is not guaranteed. Pending extensive review, your budget can be increased anywhere from $100-$5,000.

Yes, these include:

• Teaching Assistantships: Provided by academic departments (limited availability and offered to Doctoral students or second year Master's students).
• Graduate Research Assistantships: Provided by academic departments; usually not available to students during their first academic year.
• Department-Based Training Grants: Contact your academic department program administrator for details.

While many types of financial aid are only available to United States residents and qualified non-residents, there are several aid options for international students, including:

• Teaching Assistantships (available only to Doctoral students or second year Master's students)
• Graduate Research Assistantships (not available for first year Master's students)
• Alternative Loans (Must have U.S. citizen as a co-signer)

Countries of origin and international agencies such as the World Health Organization, Pan American Health Organization, and Rotary International often offer scholarships for international study. See a list of programs and countries offering support to international students.

Yes, our financial aid advisors can work with you to create a budget that considers your loan amounts and expenses, and provide advice on expenditures, financial need, and loan repayment plans and programs after graduation.