Tufts UniversityFinancial Aid
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How to Apply

Complete detailed information about required aid application forms can be found below. 

If you just need a quick list of deadlines, and links to the required forms, they can be found here:
  New applicants;  Returning applicants Graduate student applicants.

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.  We strongly suggest that you keep a copy of all submitted documents for your own records.  ** Please note that emailed attachments will not be accepted.

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 617.627.2000.  Or via email:  studentservices@tufts.edu 


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, but before April 15. 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 after January 1.  Students may obtain a paper FAFSA (which can take several weeks to receive) by calling the Federal Student Aid Information Center toll-free at 1-800-433-3243.

For details concerning federal eligibility requirements with regard to citizenship, selective service registration, drug conviction, dependency status etc., please visit our Aid Policies section.

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.

IDOC -  For Regular Admit (NOT Early Decision), new Transfer applicants, or Returning students (except those in R.E.A.L. program):  AFTER you submit your CSS PROFILE form, you will receive from CSS (either via regular mail or email) a Cover Sheet letter with details about other forms required by Tufts. These forms must be submitted with the Cover Sheet, directly back to the College Board's IDOC (Institutional Documentation Imaging service.)  Do not send documents directly to Tufts; they should all be sent to the IDOC service. You will be able to check the IDOC Web site (beginning in February) to verify that your documentation packet has been processed and forwarded to Tufts University.  IDOC customer service can be contacted at (954) 622-1484, or via email at  help@ccsprofile.org

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 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.  Emailed attachments of forms and taxes will not be accepted.  Go here for Early Decision tax requirements.

*If 2009 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 2009 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.

*No State taxes are used, so they should not be submitted.    If you have lost your copy of the federal taxes you may contact the IRS here.  Use the drop down box found there on the top right to request your copy.

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.  In this case simply send a note to Tufts so that we can waive the need for that form.  However, 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 or partnership 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 (on line for new applicants.)  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 to them at help@cssprofile.org, or by calling them at (305) 829-9793.  We will inform the student and noncustodial parent if additional noncustodial information or forms will be needed.


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