Our Commitment to Financial Aid
We believe in a streamlined, transparent financial aid application process, with a knowledgeable staff to support applicants as they navigate applying to Smith SSW.
We only require the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for need-based financial aid. While the FAFSA is a helpful tool for understanding your overall financial picture, there may be other financial circumstances your FAFSA application does not capture. Using your account in NetPartner, you may opt to complete the Additional Information form. Once you receive a financial aid determination from us, if you have additional information for us to consider, you may submit an appeal.
We also offer individual appointments with the Director of Admission and Directors of Financial Aid to explore your financial aid questions.
The Financial Aid Process
We believe that demonstrated financial need should not influence admission decisions.
Admission decisions are solely based on admission criteria. We encourage all applicants to apply for need-based financial aid. The required FAFSA application is typically available here annually on October 1.
We understand that in addition to a personal and professional commitment, graduate school is a major financial investment.
The commitment to Smith SSW may require you to consider various ways of financing your education, including applying for financial aid, federal loans, private loans, part-time work, and outside scholarships.
We seek to provide an aid package that will minimize the cost of your education. Our need analysis considers standard factors such as income, assets, family size and taxes paid, as well as weighted factors which include age and student loan debt still owed (capped). Additionally, we provide a living stipend of up to $2,600/year for all students who qualify for need-based aid. However, the cost of attendance goes beyond tuition and fees and this may mean that Smith SSW is a good fit for you in some, but not all, ways.
We believe it is important to provide financial support and pathways into the profession for those who have demonstrated a commitment to the primary mission of the social work profession.
According to the National Association of Social Workers, “The primary mission of the social work profession is to enhance human well-being and help meet the basic human needs of all people, with particular attention to the needs and empowerment of people who are vulnerable, oppressed, and living in poverty.”
Merit scholarships are available to those who qualify for a need-based SSW Grant and who have demonstrated extraordinary achievement based on the NASW mission. In most cases, there is no separate application for these awards. This support may come in the form of merit scholarship (renewed in year 2) or endowed practicum awards (one year award only).