Student Financial Aid and Planning

Occupational Therapy

OT MS Program: Renewing your Financial Aid

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

1. Aid Type Request Form

  • Complete ONLY if you are a FIRST TIME applicant for school need-based funds. The Aid Type Request Form 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 loan, 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 in December 2024.

3. Interschool Scholarships

  • A number of scholarships are awarded directly by the University and are available to students who meet specific criteria. If you meet any of the specific criteria listed on the memo, please write to our office no later than June 1, 2025, 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.

4. Students with Dependent Children

5. Request to be Classified "Disadvantaged"

  • If you fit the criteria listed on the form please follow all instructions and submit your completed form.

OTD Program: Application Requirements and Process

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

1. Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

  • To apply for federal student aid, you must complete a FAFSA form with your and your spouse's information. (FAFSA Code: 002707)
  • Federal student aid includes Direct Unsubsidized loan, 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 in December 2024.

2. Planned Enrollment Form for Students in the "Part-Time" OTD Program

  • Our Student Budget assumes you will register for 6 points per term.  Your academic year encompasses Fall, Spring and Summer.  If you register for a different number of points we have to adjust the tuition charge in your budget.  It may affect your maximum loan eligibility.  Please complete this Planned Enrollment Form for Students in the "Part-Time" OTD Program.

3. Interschool Scholarships

  • A number of scholarships are awarded directly by the University and are available to students who meet specific criteria. If you meet any of the specific criteria listed on the memo, please write to our office no later than June 1, 2025, 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.

Additional Information

  • 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 rent which is higher than in our standard budget. Potentially refundable deposits cannot be covered.
  • 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 Scholarships - 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 of the financial aid in the standard package in an amount equal to the "external" award in the following order: Alternative loans, if taken, Federal Direct Graduate PLUS, and Federal Direct Unsubsidized will be reduced first. 
  • Students interested in a Federal Work-Study award should contact us for information.
  • Tuition Exemption - Partial tuition exemption benefits are evaluated on an individual basis and may be used to reduce outside loans for those who also qualify for need-based school funding.
  • 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 may be adjusted accordingly.