GC Master of Science Program

Application Requirements and Process

Please follow the steps below to determine what materials need to be completed.

1. Aid Type Request Form

All incoming students applying for financial aid must complete an Aid Type Request Form, which is available on NetPartner.

2. Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

To apply for federal student aid, you must complete a FAFSA. (FAFSA Code: 002707)
Federal student aid includes Direct Unsubsidized Stafford, Federal Direct Graduate PLUS, and/or Federal Work-Study.
You must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident in order to complete a FAFSA. The FAFSA became available after December 31, 2023.

A number of scholarships are awarded directly by the University and are available to students who meet specific criteria. If you meet the specific criteria listed on the memo, please write to our office no later than July 31, 2024, explaining how you qualify. Once the link to the Interschool Fellowship Application is live, you should also complete it. You will need your Columbia UNI to apply.

Budget Adjustments

Don’t incur expenses that exceed the standard budget unless: a) you can cover them with assistance from family or friends, or b) if you will need financial aid to cover them, you have first cleared the expenditure(s) with your Financial Aid Officer. Be prepared to itemize and document any additional expenses.
Rents that exceed our average budgets may be approved for extra student loan borrowing BUT only to a maximum of $1,600 a month. The Budget Adjustment & Loan Change Request form and a copy of your lease will be required before any adjustment to your budget is made. Check with your Financial Aid Officer before committing to additional housing expenses that you cannot cover with personal funds.
For non-Columbia housing, we may be able to approve brokers’ fees and rent which is higher than in our standard budget. Potentially refundable deposits cannot be covered.
If you take the CUIMC Medical Insurance, your budget will be increased by the amount of the premium for a single student as well as for the Supplemental Insurance, and your financial aid package will be adjusted accordingly.
Other expenses will be considered if they are necessary and related to your attendance at school.

Additional Information

Notify our office throughout the academic year should any change occur in your family's financial circumstances from those you originally reported. This includes a change in your marital status prior to or during the award period.
Notify us about any new aid (scholarships, loans, etc.) that becomes available after filing your applications.
Reduction of Loans by External Awards - Recipients of either externally-awarded scholarships or loans are obligated to notify their Financial Aid Officer. You will be granted a dollar-for-dollar substitution in an amount equal to the "external" award in the following order: Alternative loans, if taken, Federal Direct Graduate PLUS, and Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford.
Students interested in a Federal Work-Study award should contact us for further information.

Student Financial Aid and Planning