Student Financial Aid and Planning

OT Master of Science 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 will be available on NetPartner.

2. Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

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

3. CSS PROFILE Application

  • If you want to be considered for OT-MS need-based grants, scholarships, and/or loan assistance, you must complete the student/spouse and parent sections of the CSS PROFILE form. (CSS PROFILE Code: 2184)
  • IF YOUR PARENTS ARE DIVORCED OR SEPARATED, information is required from both of your parents and their current spouse(s) 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.
  • International students should also complete the CSS PROFILE. If you and/or your family file foreign tax returns, please submit them along with the Certification of Finances Form via IDOC.

For OT-MS need-based aid, parent information is required unless you will be 30 years old by September 30th of the academic year.

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

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, W-2 forms, and all supporting schedules and statements for all persons supplying information on the FAFSA and the CSS PROFILE application (student, spouse, parents).
  • 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. International Students

Additional Information

  • 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.
  • 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 Awards - 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 of the financial aid in the standard package in an amount equal to the "external" award in the following order: Alternative loans, if taken, Federal Direct Graduate PLUS, and Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford will be reduced first, and then the OT 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.
  • Students interested in a Federal Work-Study award should contact us for further information.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • A reminder – your financial aid is divided into Fall, Spring and Summer disbursements. Please check NetPartner for 2024-25 to see your aid for Summer 2025.
  • If you opt for a 3rd Fieldwork after the end of your second year, please contact us about Financial Aid.