For many schools, you will need to submit completed financial aid application forms before you know whether you have even been admitted to the school. Back to Top Financial need is the difference between the amount you can contribute to your education and the total cost of that education as well as the criteria upon which many types of financial aid are awarded. Your financial resources play a significant role in determining the amount of financial aid available to you. These resources could include your income, as well as the income of your spouse if you are married. Your assets may also be considered.
Most schools consider graduate students independent adults for purposes of calculating resources.
Some schools may require financial information from parents or guardians in order to determine a student's eligibility for some types of financial aid, and may expect parents or guardians to contribute to a student's expenses. Not all financial aid is based on need. While some schools may award scholarships based only on financial need there are others that will base financial aid on merit alone or on a combination of the two. You will need to find out what information each school uses to make financial aid awards. Speak to an admissions officer about your financial aid concerns at each of the schools you are interested in attending.