Financial Assistance

student

Application Process

Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

This form is required of all graduate students applying for Stafford Loans. The FAFSA form is available January 1. Clark University’s federal school code is 002139; be sure to include this number on the FAFSA to ensure that we receive the form.

While you may file the FAFSA by completing the paper version and mailing it to the federal processing agency, filing online at www.fafsa.ed.gov provides faster processing. When completing the FAFSA online you will need a pin number to sign the FAFSA electronically; if you do not have your pin from previous years you may visit www.pin.ed.gov and request it be emailed to you.  If possible, the FAFSA form should be submitted with actual federal income tax information.  For information about the FAFSA and the application process, you may view the Guide to Completing the FAFSA.

Complete Clark Application for Financial Aid

This form is required for all graduate students applying for Stafford Loans. The Clark Application for Financial Aid is available online. The Clark Application may be mailed to the Office of Financial Assistance, 950 Main St, Worcester, MA 01610 or faxed to: 508-793-8802.

Student federal tax return and W2 forms

In order to verify eligibility for aid, Clark University requires W2 forms and signed copies of student federal tax returns (including all schedules filed with the returns) for all graduate students applying for Stafford Loans. The tax returns should be for the previous year, for example, a student applying for aid for the 2008-2009 academic year must submit the forms from 2007.

The tax return requirement may be waived for students who indicate they were not required to file a tax return on both the FAFSA and the Clark Application for Financial Aid.  Students who worked but were not required to file a tax return must still submit their W2 forms.

Students who are married and who file tax returns separate from their spouse must also submit a signed copy of their spouse's federal tax returns and W2 forms. 

Additional Forms

Depending upon a student’s financial situation and the information provided on the FAFSA and Clark Application Forms, Clark University may request additional forms or documentation. These requests will be made in writing to the student. Financial aid applications will not be considered complete and will not be reviewed for aid eligibility until all items requested have been received by the Office of Financial Assistance.

Receipt of financial aid awards

Students may apply for student loans at any point before or during the academic year. Since the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) takes four to six weeks to process, do not wait until classes begin to apply. We encourage you to apply by May 15th so that all of your financial resources are in place for the beginning of the academic year.  Once all required forms are received, you will be mailed an award letter notifying you of your eligibility for financial aid. Please note that if you wait until after the priority deadlines, it is unlikely that you will have a loan approved in time for the beginning of classes.

Eligibility

You must be accepted into a degree program and enrolled at least half-time to be eligible for aid. At Clark, half-time student status is at least 2 units per semester. Your eligibility for aid can change if your enrollment status changes.

Clark University does not offer financial assistance directly to international students.  International students may apply for a credit-based education loan.  However, a U.S. citizen is required to co-sign the loan.  

Scholarships, Grants and Tuition Waivers

Students applying for any type of Clark scholarship/tuition waiver should complete their application for admission by  the academic department's deadline.  Students will receive notice of eligibility directly from that department.