Policies
Domestic Students
Smith College School for Social Work offers institutional financial aid to M.S.W., M.S.W. Advanced Standing and Ph.D. students.
All awards provided by the Smith School for Social Work are contingent upon the availability of funding. The School aims to fund as many students as possible within our limited resources. Unfortunately, we are not able to meet the full need of any applicant and some students are deemed ineligible for need based aid based upon our guidelines. Preference for financial aid is given to those who apply for Early Admission.
All students and applicants are invited to submit an application for financial aid to the School. Need-based financial aid for Ph.D. students is extremely limited and awarded to our most needy 1st- and 2nd- year doctoral students. Unfortunately, institutional financial aid is not available to any Ph.D. students for the final 5-week summer session.
Outside aid could reduce or negate some forms of assistance offered.
Need-Based Aid (M.S.W. Only)
Students must apply for need-based aid for each new academic year of graduate study. In general, awards are made for a 12-month period. The School makes every effort to maintain the level of financial aid originally offered into a student's second year dependent upon the School's funding levels and the student's financial circumstances. (The aid determination for an Advanced Standing student's final academic year is adjusted based upon the change in tuition charged.) Students in the Master's program with a final summer session may apply for up to $1,000 in need-based grant aid; otherwise, students should plan to finance this session through federal loans or other personal resources. (Preference in need-based aid is given to Early Admission Applicants.)
Additional Considerations for Financial Aid
(M.S.W. Only)
The School believes it is important to attract into the profession students particularly committed to working with communities of color. We also believe that students from diverse backgrounds who bring special talents invigorate our School and professional community and enable us to meet our obligations to educate leaders from all sectors of society. As a matter of social justice, the School wants to help overcome the present consequences of historical circumstances that have denied opportunities to individuals based on racial categories. Consequently, additional consideration in financial aid awards, beyond those in which need has already been established, will be given to individuals who have demonstrated an extraordinary capacity and commitment to serve diverse and vulnerable populations.
Merit Aid (M.S.W. Only)
Merit aid is awarded on a two year commitment unless otherwise stated. However, students are expected to maintain good academic standing in both coursework and field placement as a condition on which to continue to receive the award. (Preference in Merit Aid is given to Early Admission applicants.)
Appeals
Students can appeal their award if they feel there is additional information which was not taken into consideration in the original award. To appeal a financial aid award decision, students may write a detailed letter to the Financial Aid Committee stating the basis of the appeal. This letter should provide any supporting documentation and must be received at the school by April 15. To send an appeal, please contact us.
International Students
Students who are neither U.S. citizens nor permanent residents are not eligible for financial assistance. International students may be eligible for a private alternative educational loan if they have a credit-worthy co-signor who is a U.S. resident.
Canadian students should contact the Canadian student loan office in their province to see if they may be eligible for a Canadian loan.
