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Federal Student Aid

The US Department of Education offers several aid programs for graduate students who are US citizens or permanent residents.

Details about these programs are listed in this section and on the US Department of Education Federal Student Aid website.

Students interested in federal student aid should do the following:

  • Contact the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid to request a Harvard Griffin GSAS Federal Aid Application Packet. This packet contains information that will help guide the student through the application process and assist Harvard Griffin GSAS in promptly determining federal aid eligibility.
  • Complete the  Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The Harvard Griffin GSAS FAFSA School Code is E00470.
  • First-time borrowers to any federal loan program will be required to complete a Master Promissory Note and participate in Loan Entrance Counseling prior to the first disbursement of their loans.

Your eligibility for federal student aid will be determined by several factors, including federal yearly loan limits, federal aggregate loan limits, your cost of attendance, the financial aid you are receiving from the University, your expected family contribution, and any other outside resources you are receiving.

Given the multiple parties involved in awarding federal aid, it is best to begin the process well in advance of when the funds will be needed. This is especially important for students in traveling scholar status since it is more challenging to complete the application process from overseas.

Please note: Students should be aware that providing false or misleading information when applying for federal student aid can result in either a fine of up to $10,000 or imprisonment for up to five years, or both. Please be aware that if a student is suspected to have misreported information or altered documentation to fraudulently obtain federal funds, the University is legally obligated to report the student to the Office of Inspector General at the US Department of Education.

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