|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
Our office hours are Monday through Friday 9am to 5pm. Please note that Wednesdays we are closed to student traffic from 9am till 12pm. You can still call us during this time period.
|
Student Financial Planning
Room139 Black Building
630 West 168 Street
New York, NY 10032
212.305.4100 tel
212.305.0221 fax
|
Please e-mail the SFP Office with comments or questions regarding financial aid.
|
|
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q. How can I file the FAFSA on line if I've lost my PIN number?
A. You can apply for another PIN number by going to www.pin.ed.gov.
|
Q. What is the current interest rate on Federal Stafford and Unsubisidized Stafford?
A. The current rate is fixed at 6.8%.
|
Q. I probably don't qualify for financial aid, should I apply anyway?
A. You should deifinitely apply for ALL financial aid during your first year. If you find that you do not qualify for school based aid, you do not have to continue to supply parents' information in subsequent years unless something changes with their finances. As a graduate and professional student, you will most likely be eligible for Federal Stafford loans.
|
Q. Do I have to apply for financial aid every year?
A. Yes. We need updated information for every year that you want to be considered for financial aid.
|
Q. I filed my FAFSA more than a month ago and I haven't heard anything from them yet, what should I do?
A. You should call FAFSA at 1-800-433-3243
|
Q. How will I receive the funds that I applied for and am expecting for my living expenses?
A. Once you receive your financial aid award letter, you can figure out your budget. Once your financial aid is disbursed to your student account and your loan proceeds have been received by the school, your "billable" items will be paid first. If your financial aid for the term exceeds your billable items, then you will have a credit on your account and you are entitled for a refund.
|
Q. How is Financial Need determined?
A. 'Standard Student Budget' - 'Calculated parental and student contribution' = 'Financial Need'.
|
Q. How do I read the E-bill on SSOL?
A. You can follow our instructions on: Student Services On Line and Financial Aid Information.
|
Q. What do all the loan terms mean?
A. You can find a summary of definitions in our: Glossary of Financial Terms.
|
Q. I am on an Armed Forces Health Profession Scholarship, how do I get reimbursed for my books?
A. Obtain reimbursement forms from the Army, Navy or Air Force. List all books/instruments purchased, including their cost, on the reimbursement form. Include receipts for all items purchased (bookstore and syllabi receipts and cancelled checks). Submit reimbursement form along with all receipts to the Office of Student Financial Planning, Room 139 Black Bldg., for certification. Forms will be certified by your financial aid officer if: a) all items purchased are considered “required” by the
College
of
Physicians
and Surgeons and the
College
of
Dental Medicine
. b) the costs of the required items do not exceed the limits set by the Army, Navy or Air Force. Students will receive a copy of the certified form for their records, via student mailbox.
|
Q. I am interested in purchasing a computer, what do I have to do to get funding for this?
A. Speak to someone in our office and check with other students regarding what type of computer will meet the necessary specs for your curriculum. Then bring your financial aid officer a copy of the detailed specs with the estimated price. Your FAO will increase your budget for the purchase of the computer and certify additional unsubsidized loans to cover the cost. Please note that you are only allowed one budget increase towards a computer purchase during your four years at P&S or CDM.
|
Q. I don't live in Columbia housing; how can I request an adjustment for my rent in an off-campus apartment?
A. Rents that exceed our average budgets may be approved for extra borrowing BUT only to a predetermined maximum. The Rent Adjustment Form and a copy of your lease will be required before any adjustments to your budget is made. Check with your Financial Aid Officer before committing to additional housing expenses that you cannot cover with personal funds.
|
|
|
|
updated 2/13/2009
sb64@columbia.edu |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
