Tufts UniversityFinancial Aid
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How to Apply

Our goal is to help ease your way through the process of applying for financial aid from Tufts. On the upper left, new and returning students will find a quick list of, and links to, the forms we require, plus deadline information. For those completing this process for the first time, or anyone needing a bit more guidance, please review the details below.

Be aware that financial aid applications will not be reviewed until all required forms are submitted. Use the best figures available to you and estimate, if necessary, to meet deadlines. Please note that emailed attachments will not be accepted. In addition, we strongly suggest that you keep a copy of all submitted documents for your own records.

If you are unable to submit any of the required documents, please send a letter of explanation to Student Financial Services before your required deadline.

If you need assistance with the forms and requirements, or have questions or concerns regarding the application process or procedures, help is just a phone call away at 671.627.2000.

Details

FAFSA – this is the government’s Free Application for Federal Student Aid which must be filed by everyone seeking federal financial aid. The form can be filed on line after January 1, 2008, but before April 15, 2008. The FAFSA web site is www.fafsa.ed.gov. Although electronic filing is strongly recommended, those who wish to consider a PDF option for completing the FAFSA may go here.  Students may obtain a paper FAFSA (which can take many weeks to receive) by calling the Federal Student Aid Information Center toll-free at 1-800-433-3243.

CSS PROFILE – this is a tool provided by the College Board’s College Scholarship Service (CSS) that allows a school to collect financial data in order to determine eligibility for school grant funds and other aid. A fee is charged for filing, and it is filed on line using the link provided. The web address is https://profileonline.collegeboard.com/index.jsp and phone number is (305) 829-9793.

FEDERAL TAXES – An aid application cannot be reviewed without a complete, signed copy of you and your parent’s federal taxes including all schedules, W-2’s and attachments. You must follow procedures given above for submission either directly to Tufts for Early Decision and R.E.A.L. program applicants, or to IDOC for Regular Decision, Transfer and Returning student applicants.

*If 2007 taxes are not yet completed, please do so as soon as possible, submitting them in one single packet to IDOC, along with all schedules and W-2 forms.  Aid awards will be tentative until 2007 taxes are received and reviewed.

*If parents do not file U.S. federal taxes, then a complete, translated into English and U.S. dollars, copy of the Non U. S. tax return is required.

*State taxes are NOT used, and should not be submitted. If you have lost the copy of your federal taxes you may contact the IRS here.

BUSINESS SUPPLEMENT – If you own a business we collect this form to aid us in our analysis for institutional grant aid eligibility. If your business is a small Schedule C entity in your home, with no assets or inventory, the form is not needed. If you own a corporation or partnership this form is required, along with the most recent corporation or partnership taxes.  Please NOTE that a K-1 is insufficient data, as complete corporation taxes are needed.

NONCUSTODIAL PARENT PROFILE – If your parents are divorced, separated, or were never married your noncustodial parent (the parent with whom you do not live) is required to complete the CSS Noncustodial PROFILE (NCP) Application.  Following your completion of the PROFILE you will be provided with instructions and information to pass on to the noncustodial parent. Should the noncustodial parent have any problems with the NCP Application, online help is available directly on the web site, via email at help@cssprofile.org, or by calling them at (305) 829-9793.


  Financial Services - Financial Aid, Dowling Hall 7th Floor, Tufts University, Medford, MA,  02155  |  Tel: (617) 627-2000  |  Email