Financial Assistance

student

Application Process: Step-by-Step Guide

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Clark CSS Code: 3279 (PROFILE)
Clark Federal School Code: 002139 (FAFSA)
PROFILE Form due: February 1
FAFSA Form due: February 1

          All awards will be finalized upon receipt of tax returns and W2 forms.

  1. Complete the College Scholarship Service (CSS) PROFILE Form

    The PROFILE is required for all prospective students applying for need-based financial aid.  Please note that the CSS PROFILE Form is a two-step application process involving registration for and completion of the PROFILE Form. The PROFILE Form can be completed immediately upon registration, or you can register and return to the site later to complete the form.

    Register by going online to the CSS Web site at www.collegeboard.com. Registration for the PROFILE begins in mid-October. Be sure to include Clark University’s CSS code number (3279) to ensure that we receive your application.

    If your biological parents are divorced, separated, or were never married you will receive an email requesting that your non-custodial parent complete a Non-Custodial Parent PROFILE. Forward this email to your non-custodial parent or provide him/her with the appropriate information so s/he can complete this form.

    The deadline for submission of the PROFILE Form (and the Non-Custodial PROFILE, if applicable) is December 1 for early decision candidates and February 1 for regular admission candidates.

    Please note there are fees for both the CSS PROFILE and the Non-Custodial Parent PROFILE.

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  2. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

    You can find this form at www.fafsa.ed.gov. The FAFSA is required of all students applying for need-based financial aid. 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 processed 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. If filing electronically, both the student and parent will need to sign the FAFSA with a personal identification number (PIN). PINS may be requested at: www.pin.ed.gov.  For information about the FAFSA and the application process, you may view the Guide to Completing the FAFSA.

    The deadline for submission of the FAFSA for both early decision and regular admission candidates is February 1.

  3. Complete additional Forms

    Depending upon your family’s financial situation and the information provided on the FAFSA and PROFILE 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.

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  4. Submit Federal Tax Return and W2 Forms

    In order to verify eligibility for aid, Clark University requires W2 forms and signed copies of student and parent federal tax returns (including all schedules filed with the returns) for all families applying for need-based assistance. The tax returns should be for the previous year, for example, a family applying for aid for the 2010-2011 academic year must submit the forms from 2009.

    The tax return requirement will be waived for students who indicate they were not required to file a tax return on both the FAFSA and the PROFILE Forms.  Students who worked but were not required to file a tax return should still submit their W2 forms. Parents who did not file tax returns should contact the Office of Financial Assistance to determine if additional documentation is required.

    Remember that the estimated financial aid award you receive is as accurate as the information you provide on the FAFSA and PROFILE Forms. If you estimated the information on these forms, your tax returns will be used to confirm or correct the data you provided. Families who submit tax return and W2 forms before the estimated award letters are mailed will be reviewed a second time and may receive a more accurate award letter than those who have not yet submitted tax documents.

    All students receiving need-based aid are reviewed a second time when tax returns and W2 forms are received.

    Please note that no offer of financial aid is finalized, official, or applied against a student’s billed charges until these documents have been received and reviewed by the Office of Financial Assistance.

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  5. Receipt of financial aid awards

    Early decision candidates who complete the PROFILE form by December 1 and return any other paperwork requested in a timely manner should receive an estimated award letter by early January. After receipt of the FAFSA form, early decision candidates will receive a second, more detailed award letter in April.

    Regular admission candidates who have completed the FAFSA and PROFILE Forms by February 1 and who return other requested paperwork in a timely manner should receive an estimated award letter with their offer of admission in late March. 

    Students who complete forms after the deadlines will be reviewed in the order of completion and will receive an award letter as soon as possible.

    All awards will be finalized upon receipt of tax returns and W2 forms.

    All students will receive an Award Acceptance Agreement Form with their award letters. This form must be completed, signed, and returned to the Office of Financial Assistance before the award can be finalized.

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  1. Hints for completing the forms

    To complete the forms correctly, efficiently and easily, we recommend having the following documents close at hand during the process:

    • Copies of student and parent current federal tax returns (If the return is not yet completed, you should estimate, using a copy of the tax return from the previous year.)
    • W2 forms
    • Information about savings and investments
    • Information about other sources of income such as: social security benefits, child support, rental properties and real estate
    • Information about your family home and mortgage, if your family owns a home.

    Most high schools run workshops in December or January to assist families.  Guidance counselors are also very knowledgeable about the process.

    Many cities have "Educational Opportunity Centers" which offer free assistance in completing the forms. Here in Central Massachusetts, EDCENTRAL will assist students and parents with completing financial aid forms.  EDCENTRAL is located at 484 Main Street in Worcester.  You can reach them by phone at (508) 754-6829.

    After reviewing the financial aid information provided here, please feel free to call the Office of Financial Assistance at (508) 793-7478 or email us at finaid@clarku.edu. For information regarding admission and merit-based awards, please contact the Admissions Office by phone at (508) 793-7431 or (800) 462-5275 or via e-mail at admissions@clarku.edu.

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