Frequently Asked Questions
What types of financial aid are available?
Who may apply for financial aid?
I filed my FAFSA more than a month ago and I haven't heard anything from them yet, what should I do?
How can I file the FAFSA on line if I've lost my PIN number?
When do I start the financial aid application process?
What is the deadline to apply for institutional financial aid?
What is the penalty for applying for financial aid after the deadline?
I'm financially independent from my parents. Why does UMass Chan ask for my parents' information?
Will outside scholarships, and loans impact my financial aid package?
How do I appeal the financial aid award decision?
How do I get my undergraduate student loans deferred?
I am using a portion of my student loan funds for living expenses. When will I receive these funds?What types of financial aid are available?
Financial aid can come in two forms: Loans (Federal, institutional and private) and Gift Aid (grants, scholarships and tuition waivers).
Who may apply for financial aid?
To be eligible, the applicant:
- Must meet satisfactory academic progress standards
- Must be a citizen of the United States or an eligible non-citizen
- Cannot be in default on prior student loans
- Must be enrolled at least half time in a degree program
I filed my FAFSA more than a month ago and I haven't heard anything from them yet, what should I do?
How do I check the status of my FAFSA® form? | Federal Student Aid
When do I start the financial aid application process?
The FAFSA typically becomes available on October 1 of the year preceeding the academic year (example: the FAFSA for the 2025/2026 academic year should become available on October 1, 2024). Application materials unique to UMass Chan are posted to NetPartner in mid-February preceeding the academic year. Prospective students gain access to NetPartner after they have been admitted into UMass Chan.
What is the deadline to apply for institutional financial aid?
T.H. Chan School of Medicine : June 1, 2024 or four weeks after acceptance if accepted after June 1, 2024
Tan Chingfen Graduate School of Nursing/Morningside Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences: June 7, 2024 or four weeks after acceptance if accepted after June 7, 2024.
Are there any consequences for applying for financial aid after the deadline?
Late applicants may to be excluded from consideration for institutional (gift) funding since these funds are limited. Federal student aid eligibility will not be negatively impacted by a late application.
I'm financially independent from my parents. Why does UMass Chan ask for my parents' information?
When determining Federal student loan eligibility, all graduate students are considered independent. Only the student's (and spouse's if applicable) financial information will be used to determine eligibility for Federal student loans.
Since institutional aid is extremely limited, students who would like to be considered for institutional aid must supply parent financial information regardless of age, dependency, marital status, tax status, income level or prior history of financial independence. This policy ensures that the criteria in the awarding of need-based institutional funds are the same for all students.
Will outside scholarships, and loans impact my financial aid package?
Federal law states that a student cannot receive a combination of funds from any source beyond the cost of attendance. If funding not originally reflected in your financial aid package requires a reduction, we may need to reduce federal or private loans so as not to exceed the cost of attendance.
How do I appeal the financial aid award decision?
If your family's circumstances have changed since filing your financial aid application, or if you think an unusual aspect of your case did not receive full consideration, you should complete the Financial Aid Appeal Request Form
How do I get my undergraduate student loans deferred?
You must file an “in-school deferment form” with each "holder" of your student loans. A holder is the lender (e.g. your school or bank) or its designated servicer (e.g. SallieMae, ASA, etc.). Completed forms should be submitted to the Registrar’s Office at UMass Chan. You should follow up with each “holder” of your student loans to be sure your completed “in-school deferment form” was received and properly processed.
I am using a portion of my student loan funds for living expenses. When will I receive these funds?
Federal student loan funds usually arrive the week before the start of each semester for returning students during first and second year of medical school. Third and fourth year student disbursement happen during early July once billing has become available. Incoming students' loan funds cannot arrive until the first day of the first semester. Students are notified by the FAO when Federal student loan funds are credited to their student account. If the credit creates an excess on the account, the school Bursar will deliver the excess funds to the student’s bank account electronically if the student has enrolled in direct deposit. If the student has not enrolled in direct deposit, an excess check will be generated and the school Bursar will notify the student when the check is available for pick up in the Bursar’s Office. This process typically takes 3-5 business days after the funds are credited to the student account. Students should contact the school Bursar to enroll in direct deposit. If you have enrolled in direct deposit, please make certain your financial aid funds have been deposited to your bank account before spending them.