Continuing International or Undocumented Students

Intro

Let's Get Started

Starting your financial aid application early is a small step that can make a big difference.

How to Apply

To renew your Cornell Aid Offer each academic year, all returning international students and U.S. students who are undocumented (with or without DACA status)* must complete the CSS Profile.

  • The information you provide on your CSS Profile is used to evaluate changes to your annual family income.
  • We strive to keep your expected family contribution and Cornell Aid Offer consistent from year-to-year.

* U.S. citizens with dual citizenship, eligible non-citizens such as refugees or asylees should follow the instructions for continuing U.S. students.

Financial Aid Application Priority Dates

Complete the 2025-26 CSS Profile as soon as possible after October 1, 2024, but no later than January 15, 2025.
 
Please respond promptly to all requests for documentation to ensure your preliminary Cornell Aid Estimate and official Cornell Aid Offers are available prior to Fall semester Bursar bills (early July).

Submit the CSS Profile

Search for "Cornell University" or use code 2098, when prompted.

Additional resources:

CSS Profile Frequently Asked Questions

  • You may request a fee waiver if the CSS Profile application fee is a significant financial burden — to request a waiver, email intl-finaid@cornell.edu and include “CSS Profile Fee Waiver Request” in the subject line.
  • If you are unable to submit a CSS Profile, please contact us at intl-finaid@cornell.edu at least two weeks prior to your application deadline.

After receiving your CSS Profile, if your family financial circumstances have changed significantly, you may be prompted to submit additional documentation. Requests are initiated by Cornell, via the College Board's Institutional Documentation Service (IDOC):

If you receive an IDOC request:

  • Upload signed copies of requested documents via your IDOC Student Dashboard.
  • Avoid uploading documents that have not been requested — unnecessary submissions slow application review.

Have questions? We're here to help!

Contact us via email at finaid@cornell.edu to expedite your inquiry (include your name and Cornell admissions ID number).

Official Cornell Aid Offers will be released as soon as possible in the Spring (tentatively, late-May), after 2024-25 tuition, fees, housing and dining rates are confirmed.

  • Your official Cornell Aid Offer includes your confirmed expected family contribution, updated cost of attendance, and the financial aid you are eligible for in the upcoming academic year.
  • If your financial circumstances have changed significantly, please use the appropriate appeal process, after receiving your official Cornell Aid Offer

Have questions? We're here to help! 

Please contact us via email at finaid@cornell.edu to expedite your inquiry (include your name and Cornell admissions ID number) or request an appointment with a Cornell Financial Aid Counselor.

U.S. Tax Information for International and Undocumented Students

Grant and scholarship aid that exceeds “qualified education expenses” (tuition and mandatory fees) is considered taxable income by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Cornell is required to withhold 14 percent of any grant or scholarship aid greater than tuition and mandatory fees to pay U.S. tax, if you do not qualify for exemption under a tax treaty or are considered a nonresident alien by the IRS. Students from a country with a current tax treaty with the U.S. and students considered resident aliens are exempt from the 14 percent tax withholding. Cornell cannot provide individual tax advice; please contact your personal tax advisor with any questions or concerns.