Cornell University Financial Aid: A Guide to $92M in Scholarships

Introduction

Cornell University is a private Ivy League research university located in Ithaca, New York. It is one of the most prestigious universities in the world, and it offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. Cornell is also known for its generous financial aid program, which provides more than $92 million in scholarships to students each year.

Types of Financial Aid Available

Cornell offers a variety of financial aid options to help students pay for the cost of attendance. These options include:

• Scholarships: Scholarships are awarded to students based on academic merit, financial need, or other criteria. Cornell offers a wide range of scholarships, including:
  • The Cornell National Scholars Program: This program awards full-tuition scholarships to the top 1% of incoming freshmen.
  • The Cornell University Scholars Program: This program awards full-tuition scholarships to students from underrepresented groups.
  • The Cornell Presidential Scholars Program: This program awards full-tuition scholarships to students who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and academic achievement.
• Grants: Grants are awarded to students based on financial need. Grants do not have to be repaid.
• Loans: Loans are awarded to students to help them pay for the cost of attendance. Loans must be repaid after graduation.
• Work-study: Work-study allows students to earn money to help pay for the cost of attendance.

How to Apply for Financial Aid

To apply for financial aid at Cornell, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is a form that collects information about your family's income and assets. This information is used to determine your eligibility for federal and state financial aid programs.

You can complete the FAFSA online at www.fafsa.gov.

Deadlines

The priority deadline for financial aid applications at Cornell is January 15th. However, you may still be able to apply for financial aid after this deadline.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When applying for financial aid, it is important to avoid making common mistakes. These mistakes include:

• Not completing the FAFSA: The FAFSA is the most important step in the financial aid process. If you do not complete the FAFSA, you will not be eligible for any federal or state financial aid programs.
• Missing deadlines: The financial aid deadlines at Cornell are firm. If you miss a deadline, you may not be eligible for financial aid.
• Not providing complete and accurate information: It is important to provide complete and accurate information on your financial aid application. If you do not provide complete and accurate information, your application may be delayed or denied.

Why Financial Aid Matters

Financial aid can make a significant difference in your ability to attend Cornell. If you are eligible for financial aid, it can help you pay for the cost of tuition, fees, room and board, and other expenses. Financial aid can also help you reduce your student loan debt.

Benefits of Financial Aid

There are many benefits to receiving financial aid. These benefits include:

• Reduced cost of attendance: Financial aid can help you reduce the cost of attending Cornell. This can make it possible for you to attend a more expensive school without taking on a large amount of debt.
• Increased access to higher education: Financial aid can help you increase your access to higher education. If you are not eligible for financial aid, you may not be able to afford to attend college.
• Improved academic performance: Financial aid can help you improve your academic performance. When you are not stressed about how to pay for school, you can focus on your studies.

Conclusion

Financial aid is an important resource for students who want to attend Cornell. If you are eligible for financial aid, it is important to apply for it. Financial aid can help you reduce the cost of attendance, increase your access to higher education, and improve your academic performance.

Additional Resources

• Cornell University Financial Aid Office
• Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

Tables

Table 1: Cornell Financial Aid Deadlines

Table 2: Cornell Financial Aid Application Requirements

Table 3: Cornell Financial Aid Award Amounts

Table 4: Cornell Financial Aid Benefits