Student Financial Aid and Planning

DDS Program

Application Requirements and Process

Please follow the steps below to determine what materials need to be completed.

1. Aid Type Request Form

  • All incoming students applying for financial aid must complete an Aid Type Request Form, which is available on NetPartner.

2. Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

  • To apply for federal student aid, you must complete a FAFSA. (Columbia FAFSA Code: 002707)
  • Federal student aid includes Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford, Federal Direct Graduate PLUS, and Federal Work-Study.
  • You must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident in order to complete a FAFSA. The FAFSA became available on December 31, 2023.


 

3. CSS PROFILE Application

  • If you want to be considered for CDM need-based grants, scholarships, and loan assistance, you must complete the student/spouse and parent sections of the CSS PROFILE form. (CSS PROFILE Code: 2173)
  • IF YOUR PARENTS ARE DIVORCED OR SEPARATED, information is required from both of your parents and their current spouses if applicable.
  • IF YOU ARE MARRIED or INTEND TO MARRY DURING THE ACADEMIC YEAR, your spouse's (or prospective spouse’s) financial information is required.

For CDM need-based aid, parent information is required unless you will be 35 years old by the start of the academic year.

If you do not complete a CSS PROFILE application, you will be considered only for Federal Work-Study funds or external loans such as Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford, Federal Direct Graduate PLUS, and private loans.

International students and advanced standing students are not eligible for school funds and do not need to complete the CSS PROFILE.

 

4. 2022 Federal Income Tax Returns – Required If completing the CSS PROFILE Application

  • We require signed and dated copies of 2022 IRS tax forms: the 1040 forms, W-2 forms, and all supporting schedules and statements for all persons (student, spouse, parents) supplying information on the FAFSA and CSS PROFILE applications.
  • Student: If you did not have to file a tax return for 2022 you will be able to complete a "Student's Non-Tax Filer's Statement" online when you are logged into IDOC.

5. Request to Be Classified “Disadvantaged”

  • If you fit the criteria listed on the form, please follow all instructions and submit your completed form.


 

6. Interschool Scholarships

  • A number of scholarships are awarded directly by the University and are available to students who meet specific criteria. If you meet the specific criteria listed on the memo, please write to our office no later than June 1, 2024, explaining how you qualify.  Once the link to the Interschool Fellowship Application is live, you should also complete it.  You will need your Columbia UNI to apply.

7. Students with Dependent Children

8. International Students Who Do Not Hold a Permanent Resident Visa

  • If you will be using any "alternative loans", we require proof of loan approval by July 1st prior to 2nd year, and by June 1st prior to 3rd and 4th year.

Budget Adjustments

  • Don’t incur expenses that exceed the standard budget unless: a) you can cover them with assistance from family or friends, or b) if you will need financial aid to cover them, you have first cleared the expenditure(s) with your Financial Aid Officer. Be prepared to itemize and document any additional expenses.
  • Rents that exceed our average budgets may be approved for extra student loan borrowing BUT only to a maximum of $1,600 a month. The Budget Adjustment & Loan Change Request form and a copy of your lease will be required before any adjustment to your budget is made. Check with your Financial Aid Officer before committing to additional housing expenses that you cannot cover with personal funds.
  • For non-Columbia housing, we may be able to approve brokers’ fees and rent which is higher than in our standard budget. Potentially refundable deposits cannot be covered.
  • A student's budget is computed only for enrolled periods. The summer between the first and second year is the only non-enrolled period. Once second year begins, your academic years run back-to-back.
  • If you take the CUIMC Medical Insurance, your budget will be increased by the amount of the premium for a single student as well as for the Supplemental Insurance, and your financial aid package will be adjusted accordingly.
  • Other expenses will be considered if they are necessary and related to attendance at dental school.
  • Expenses incurred for applying to postdoctoral programs cannot be included in your financial aid budget.  There are some "outside" sources that you may find helpful to fund these costs.  Please contact us.

Additional Information

  • Notify our office throughout the academic year should any change occur in your family's financial circumstances from those you originally reported. This includes a change in your marital status prior to or during the award period.
  • Notify us about any new aid (scholarships, loans, etc.) that becomes available after filing your applications.
  • Reduction of Loans by External Scholarships - Recipients of either externally-awarded scholarships or loans are obligated to notify their Financial Aid Officer. You will be granted a dollar for dollar substitution in an amount equal to the "external" aid in the following order: Alternative loans, if taken, Federal Direct Graduate PLUS, Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford, and then the CU Loan and CDM grant, if applicable. 
  • Notify us if siblings or spouse reported as expected to enroll as full-time students for either fall or spring do not do so.
  • Tuition Exemption - Partial tuition exemption benefits are evaluated on an individual basis and may be used to reduce outside loans for those who also qualify for need-based school funding.