Master's degree programs vary considerably in the extent to which they are eligible for financial support from the degree program or from the Office of Graduate Studies, Arts & Sciences. Typical awards include scholarships for part or all of the tuition charges. Part-time employment and student loans are possible sources of support.

Financial Support

Tuition Scholarships

Scholarships to cover part or all of the costs of tuition are available to both new and continuing students. Since the perception of academic merit is the sole criterion for the award of tuition scholarships, such scholarships are not subject to taxation under federal tax law at this time.

Loans

Federally underwritten loans are another resource for students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Unsubsidized Stafford loans can be arranged for graduate students. Applicants for these loans are required to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The Office of Graduate Studies, Arts & Sciences, determines eligibility and processes loan applications for all full-time Arts & Sciences master's students. All other master's students are processed by their individual school's financial aid office. For more information about applying for loans, please visit the Funding and Support webpage of the Office of Graduate Studies, Arts & Sciences.

Financial Costs

Tuition Charges and Refunds

The maximum tuition fee is the equivalent of 9 semester units. Students who enroll in 9 or more units per semester are automatically regarded as full-time students and are charged a flat full-time rate. Students enrolled in fewer than 9 units are charged on a per-unit basis. The tuition rate is subject to annual change.

Requests for refund of tuition paid by a student who is withdrawing from a degree program should be made by submitting a Withdrawal Form (PDF) to the Office of Graduate Studies, Arts & Sciences. Requests for refund of tuition paid by a student who is withdrawing from a specific course should be submitted in writing to the Office of Graduate Studies, Arts & Sciences. The last date of class attendance is ordinarily used in determining the amount that can be refunded. Students withdrawing within the first two weeks of classes will receive a full refund; those students withdrawing before the end of the fourth week pay 20%; and students withdrawing before the end of the eighth week pay 40%. There is no refund after the eighth week of the semester except for reasons of health. Such reasons must be certified or verified by the Habif Health and Wellness Center, in which case the university will make a prorated refund of tuition if notice of withdrawal is received before the end of the 12th week of the semester. Students who have had their full tuition remitted for them by their school or by a third party will not receive any refund.

Health Fees

All full-time Arts & Sciences students on the Danforth campus are charged a mandatory health fee that gives them access to the Habif Health and Wellness Center. In addition, they must either enroll in the student health insurance plan or present proof of comparable coverage. Dental insurance is also available. The health fee, the health insurance premium, and the dental insurance premium are subject to annual change.

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