Cornell grants and endowed scholarships are need-based “gift aid” that do not need to be repaid. Eligibility is based on information you provide on your CSS Profile application(s) as a first-year student, and information you provide on your FAFSA form as a continuing student.

The U.S. Department of Education (ED) offers a variety of federal grants to students attending four-year colleges or universities, community colleges, and career schools who complete a FAFSA form annually. Federal grants, unlike loans, generally do not have to be repaid.

New York State offers a variety of federal grants through the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) to students attending four-year colleges or universities, community colleges, and career schools who complete a FAFSA form annually. New York State grants, unlike loans, generally do not have to be repaid.

Many Cornell students receive scholarships from private external organizations such as foundations, religious institutions, civic service organizations, or corporations. Outside scholarships are awarded separately from federal, state, and Cornell aid, often based on specific criteria, such as academics, special talents, involvement, or interests.

Work-study is a need-based, “self-help” financial aid program that enables eligible students to work part-time to meet a portion of their educational costs. All eligible undergraduate aid applicants with demonstrated need are offered work-study funds - typically $5,000 per academic year - and Cornell offers a wide variety of part-time jobs, both on and off-campus. Work-study funds are earned through hourly student employment positions and paid via university payroll.

Loans are “self-help” aid – money that is borrowed and must be repaid. Education loans are available to both students and parents from the U.S. Department of Education, private lenders, and from Cornell University in some circumstances. Eligibility criteria and borrowing limits vary. Cornell is committed to minimizing student debt and encourages all students to consider their borrowing options carefully and borrow responsibly.

Veterans Education Benefits are available to eligible veterans, military service members, and in some cases dependents or family members. Eligibility is determined by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in partnership with Cornell’s school certifying officials in the Office of the University Registrar. Cornell meets 100 percent of demonstrated financial need for all eligible undergraduates. Military-affiliated families are encouraged to apply for financial aid, regardless of eligibility for VA education benefits.

An Emergency Fund has been established to assist currently enrolled students with urgent, unanticipated expenses. This fund is designed to assist with recent or upcoming emergency expenses that are above and beyond the standard estimated cost of attendance (COA).