How to Apply for Aid
Please Note: If a student earns multiple Rensselaer merit scholarships prior to admission, Rensselaer will award the highest merit award for which the student is qualified, but does not combine multiple awards. Total Rensselaer provided scholarships and/or tuition benefits may not exceed tuition.
Entering freshmen must complete two applications to apply for Institutional and Federal need-based aid:
1. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and
2. The College Scholarship Service (CSS) Profile
Information on these forms determines your eligibility for need based aid programs. Be sure to submit these forms by the suggested times listed below.
JANUARY 1: As soon as possible after January 1, 2008, complete and submit a 2008-2009 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to the federal processor at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Be sure to use Rensselaer’s Federal School Code (002803).
OCTOBER 1: As soon as possible after October 1, 2007, complete and submit a 2008-2009 College Scholarship Service (CSS) Profile at https://profileonline.collegeboard.com to be considered for all need-based Rensselaer grants. Be sure to list Rensselaer’s CSS Code (2757).
Once you have been invited to attend Rensselaer and we have received your financial aid information we will send you your award letter according to the following schedule:
Early Decision I (ED I) – December 7, 2007
Early Decision II (ED II) – February 1, 2008
Regular – March 14, 2008
Merit Awards
Applying for merit-based aid is as easy as applying to Rensselaer!
All applicants for admission are given full consideration for all of the merit awards available at Rensselaer. Selection of awards is made after a thorough review of the information that has been included as part of your admissions application. No separate application is required for merit scholarship consideration.
Some of the merit awards available at Rensselaer include:
- Rensselaer Housing Scholarship
- Rensselaer Medal Scholarship
- Rensselaer Leadership Award
- Rensselaer Merit Award
- International Leadership Award
PLEASE NOTE: If a student earns multiple Rensselaer merit scholarships prior to admission, Rensselaer will award the highest merit award for which the student is qualified, but does not combine multiple awards. Total Rensselaer provided scholarships and/or tuition benefits may not exceed tuition.
Financial Aid FAQs
Do I have to apply for aid each year?
If you receive only merit awards, you do not need to reapply. These awards will be renewed automatically.
If you filed a FAFSA for your freshman year and received any need-based financial aid, you will need to submit a renewal FAFSA each year. The CSS Profile is only required the first year and is not necessary for renewal.
Are there any minimum grade requirements for the renewal of Rensselaer merit- or need-based scholarships?
No.
My parents are separated/divorced. What do I report on my application?
You are required to report the income of the parent you lived with most in the last 12 months on your FAFSA, as well as any stepparent's income and assets. Child support from the other parent, together with the income and assets of the parent with whom you live, will determine your need. We do not require the CSS Profile non-custodial parent form.
What happens if my family's financial situation changes after I file my form?
If there is a change in your family’s financial situation after you complete and submit your FAFSA/CSS Profile, call or write directly to Rensselaer's Financial Aid Office.
My parents don’t claim me as an income tax exemption, and I work to support myself. Can I be independent?
In order to be considered independent of your parents, you must meet one of the following criteria:
- Be born before January 1, 1985
- Be a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces
- Be enrolled in a graduate or professional program beyond a bachelor's degree
- Be married
- Be an orphan or ward of the court, or have been a ward of the court until age 18
- Have legal dependents other than a spouse
If I am a Rensselaer scholarship award recipient and I subsequently receive outside awards, will you reduce my Rensselaer scholarship assistance?
No. Students are allowed to keep any outside awards in addition to their Rensselaer scholarship awards, as long as the total does not exceed our cost of attendance.
Where Can I Get Additional Help?
Some of the following non-Rensselaer links are provided as a service to students and prospective students.
Office of Financial Aid
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
110 8th Street
Troy, NY 12180-3590
USA
Phone (518) 276-6813
Fax (518) 276-4797
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Federal Processing Center: 1-800-433-3243
Free Web Scholarship Searches:
General Federal Aid Information
