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Applying for Aid

The Financial Aid Deadline for 2009-2010 is March 15th.

Applying for financial aid can be a relatively painless two-part process. It is important to start early and compile all the information required before attempting to file forms.

To begin you will need:

  • Parent 2008 complete tax return (both sets if parents separated)
  • Student 2008 complete tax return
  • Listing of student and parent assets

Federal Loans

U.S. citizens and permanent residents are eligible for $20,500 in federal loans each year. Of this $20,500, a student may qualify for up to $8,500 in subsidized funds. To receive a loan, please:

After you have completed the FAFSA, you should receive a Student Aid Report (SAR). If there is an error message, you must address it by making the necessary changes to your report. Once you have made a change, send an email to the Financial Aid Office so that we can access the corrected report and offer the appropriate loans.

Once you have been awarded the loans you need to:

  • Sign the online promissory note
  • Complete the online Entrance Counseling
  • Complete and return the Federal Verification Worksheet
  • Complete and return the Statement of Educational Purpose

Grant Funds

To be considered for institutional grants you must do the following:

  • Complete the Cornell Law School Financial Aid Application
  • File a FAFSA using school code 002711
  • File a Need Access Report
  • Submit a complete parent tax return
  • Submit a complete student tax return

Make sure that you:

  • Provide parent information. Applications missing parent information will not be reviewed for grant.
  • Provide information for both parents in cases of divorce or separation.
  • Submit business returns if relevant.
  • Submit complete and signed tax returns with all schedules and W-2 forms.
  • Apply no later than March 15. Applications received after this date will be placed on hold. Start your application several days before as it takes 2-3 days to process.
  • Contact the Financial Aid Office if there is a problem. Keeping us informed can make a difference.

If you think you are an independent student, please contact the Financial Aid Office well before completing the Need Access Report.