Master's Degree Programs

Financial Aid & Eligibility Requirements:

Federal financial aid is available for eligible enrolled master’s degree students.
Financial aid is awarded on an annual basis and students are required to complete their FAFSA® every year.
Available merit scholarship is determined upon admissions for students in the Executive MBA/MS Healthcare Leadership, Master’s in Computational Biology, and Master's in Population Health Sciences programs.
Students must meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP).

The One Big Beautiful Act was signed into law on July 4, 2025, and makes significant changes to federal financial aid programs, including new loan limits, new loan repayment options, and updated eligibility requirements, for both current and future graduate students. Starting July 1, 2026, new master’s degree students are eligible for Federal Unsubsidized Loans for $20,500 per year. For more information, visit Cornell’s Federal Financial Aid Changes page.

Aid Applications & Deadlines

Step 1: Submit your SSN

Be sure you have submitted your SSN in LEARN. Login to LEARN and navigate to “Financial Aid Billing→New Student Onboarding Forms” and complete the “U.S. Social Security Number or Tax ID Number Information” form.

Step 2: File your FAFSA

Students applying for Federal Student Loans will need to complete the FAFSA® every year. Our school code is G04762.
Recommended application deadline: April 1

Step 3: Complete your Loan Applications

First-time borrowers: Complete your Federal Unsubsidized Loan application Loan Entrance Counseling and Master Promissory Note (MPN) at studentaid.gov; select “Joan and Sandford Weill Med College” to ensure application is received by WCM.

If applicable, complete your Federal Graduate PLUS Loan Application at studentaid.gov by consenting to credit-check and complete the PLUS Loan Master Promissory Note and/or apply for private loans.

Financial Aid Timeline

Once aid applications and required documents are received by the Financial Aid Office, financial aid offers will be emailed to student's WCM email address. Students can also review, accept, adjust, or decline their financial aid award offers via LEARN→ NetPartner.

Budget Appeals Process

Students who face higher costs due to extenuating circumstances may request a budget or Cost of Attendance increase by submitting a formal appeal along with appropriate documentation. If approved, the budget increase would allow students to borrow additional loan funds, subject to lender or Department of Education approval. Appeals are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and are not guaranteed.

Students who wish to appeal for an increase to their Cost of Attendance should submit the “Petition for Special Circumstances/Budget Increase” form and supporting documentation in LEARN→ NetPartner.