Frequently Asked Questions
What types of financial aid are available?
Who may apply for financial aid?
I filed my FAFSA more than a month ago and I haven't heard anything from them yet, what should I do?
How can I file the FAFSA on line if I've lost my PIN number?
When do I start the financial aid application process?
What is the deadline to apply for institutional financial aid?
What is the penalty for applying for financial aid after the deadline?
I'm financially independent from my parents. Why does UMass Chan ask for my parents' information?
Will outside scholarships, and loans impact my financial aid package?
How do I appeal the financial aid award decision?
How do I get my undergraduate student loans deferred?
I am using a portion of my student loan funds for living expenses. When will I receive these funds?What types of financial aid are available?
Financial aid can come in two forms: Loans (Federal, institutional and private) and Gift Aid (grants, scholarships and tuition waivers).
Who may apply for financial aid?
To be eligible, the applicant:
- Must meet satisfactory academic progress standards
- Must be a citizen of the United States or an eligible non-citizen
- Cannot be in default on prior student loans
- Must be enrolled at least half time in a degree program
I filed my FAFSA more than a month ago and I haven't heard anything from them yet, what should I do?
How do I check the status of my FAFSA® form? | Federal Student Aid
When do I start the financial aid application process?
The FAFSA typically becomes available on October 1 of the year preceeding the academic year (example: the FAFSA for the 2026/2027 academic year should become available on October 1, 2025).
Special Note: Per the Department of Education the FAFSA for the 2025/2026 academic year will be available on December 1, 2024.
Application materials unique to UMass Chan are posted to NetPartner in mid-February preceeding the academic year. Prospective students gain access to NetPartner after they have been admitted into UMass Chan.
What is the priority deadline to apply for institutional financial aid?
T.H. Chan School of Medicine : June 1, 2025 or four weeks after acceptance if accepted after June 1, 2025
Tan Chingfen Graduate School of Nursing and Morningside Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences: June 6, 2025 or four weeks after acceptance if accepted after June 6, 2025.
Can I still apply for financial aid after the priority deadline?
Applicants applying for financial aid after the priority deadline may be excluded from consideration for institutional (gift) funding since these funds are limited.
Federal student aid eligibility (Federal Direct Unsubsidized and GradPLUS Loans) will not be negatively impacted by a application completed after the priority deadline.
I'm financially independent from my parents. Why does UMass Chan ask for my parents' information?
When determining eligibility for Federal student loans, all graduate students are considered independent. Only the student's (and spouse's if applicable) financial information will be used to determine eligibility for Federal student loans.
Institutional aid, however, is extremely limited. Students who would like to be considered for institutional aid must supply parent financial information regardless of age, dependency, marital status, tax status, income level or prior history of financial independence. This policy ensures that the criteria in the awarding of need-based institutional funds are the same for all students.
Will outside scholarships, and loans impact my financial aid package?
Federal law states that a student cannot receive a combination of funds from any source beyond the cost of attendance. If funding not originally reflected in your financial aid package requires a reduction, we may need to reduce federal or private loans so as not to exceed the cost of attendance.
How do I appeal the financial aid award decision?
If your family's circumstances have changed since filing your financial aid application, or if you think an unusual aspect of your case did not receive full consideration, you should complete the Financial Aid Appeal Request Form
How do I get my undergraduate student loans deferred?
You must file an “in-school deferment form” with each "holder" of your student loans. A holder is the lender (e.g. your school or bank) or its designated servicer (e.g. SallieMae, ASA, etc.). Completed forms should be submitted to the Registrar’s Office at UMass Chan. You should follow up with each “holder” of your student loans to be sure your completed “in-school deferment form” was received and properly processed.
I am using a portion of my student loan funds for living expenses. When will I receive these funds?
Please see our Timelines page for estimated dates of refunds. If you anticipate a refund the school Bursar will deliver the excess funds to the your bank account electronically if you have enrolled in direct deposit. If you have not enrolled in direct deposit, an excess check will be generated and the school Bursar will notify you when the check is available for pick up in the Bursar’s Office. The refund process typically takes 3-5 business days after the funds are credited to the student account. Students should contact the school Bursar to enroll in direct deposit. If you have enrolled in direct deposit, please make certain your financial aid funds have been deposited to your bank account before spending them.