MSW Program Financial Aid
The University of Pennsylvania makes financial aid available to students who enroll in the School of Social Policy & Practice. Approximately 80% of the students enrolled in the School benefit from this University commitment. Penn Social Policy & Practice awards a substantial number of annual grants that make its programs financially competitive with other schools.
Contact Information
Nancy Rodgers, Registrar & Financial Aid Officer
nancyr@sp2.upenn.edu
Educational Benefits for Veterans
The University is approved for training veterans, wives of deceased veterans, and children of veterans under the appropriate Public Laws. All students who wish to obtain the educational benefits under these laws must register with the Office of the Registrar, 211 Franklin Building, at the time of registration in the University. Veteran registration must be renewed at the beginning of each subsequent semester and each summer session. Veterans who will be transferring from another institution must complete a Request for Change of Place of Training form at the Office of the Registrar, Franklin Building. Additional information may be obtained by contacting the University Veterans Coordinator in the Registrar's Office, Franklin Building, 215-898-6412.
Faculty and Staff Tuition Benefit
Full-time, permanent employees at the University of Pennsylvania are, in general, provided with tuition benefits to cover the cost of tuition for credit-bearing courses at the University. Penn employees may apply their tuition benefits toward two courses per term.
For more information and appropriate forms you should see your department's Business Administrator, visit the Benefits Office of the Office of Human Resources, or call them at 215-898-7281.
Financial Aid Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the cost of tuition?
Tuition and General Fees for AY 2008 - 2009 are estimated as follows:
Full-Time
Part-Time
Tuition
$32,216/year
$4,027/per course
Fees
$2,000/year
$250/per course
Technology Fee
$520/year
$65/per course
Total
$34,736
$4,342/per course
2. What do you estimate I will need to have available to manage financially for one academic year?
Tuition and Fee: $34,736
Room $10,400
Board: $4,200
Books: $1,500
Miscellaneous: $5,700 (estimate of financial needs for single student-also
includes health insurance of approximately $2,600)
TOTAL: $56,536These are estimated figures and will change depending upon individual circumstances (i.e., if you are living at home with family, this may reduce your room and board).
3. Does the School offer financial aid?
Yes, we do offer financial aid to students who enroll in the School. We recognize the high cost of quality education, and willingly help applicants with financial planning. Many people find it necessary to seek assistance with finances; the School provided financial aid to approximately 80 percent of our incoming class. Even though our tuition is high, the availability of financial aid helps to make our programs competitive with others whose tuition may be lower. Financial aid is based on need. It is imperative that students complete Penn’s Financial Aid Application. There are also Annual Dean Awards based on merit alone. Dean Awards are considered a component of the total financial aid award.
4. Does the School offer work-study?
There are a limited number of work-study grants. These work-study grants are for one year only.
5. What is the procedure for obtaining financial aid?
All students applying for financial aid must first indicate their request on the Financial Plan Form, which is a part of your application material. You are later required to complete a PFAA (Penn’s Financial Aid Application) form, which will be mailed to you after your application is received. When we receive your completed PFAA, our Financial Aid Committee will analyze it to determine your need, and our resources. All financial aid is granted on the basis of need. You must also complete a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) form. As you seek financial aid from the School, it is expected that you will also make an application for the Guaranteed Student Loan program. You should apply for a Guaranteed Student Loan through the University of Pennsylvania because the University does not charge an origination fee.
6. I already have undergraduate loans. Will I be accepted for graduate student loans?
Yes. The required payment on your undergraduate loans will be deferred while you are a graduate student. Of course, you will have to resume payment of the undergraduate loans and begin payment of your graduate loans once you complete the MSW program. A person who has defaulted on an undergraduate loan may not be eligible for certain loans.
7. What do you consider in determining financial aid?
We can consider your income, family income (if you are a dependent child), number of dependents, savings, assets, outstanding undergraduate loan indebtedness, etc. If your parents are claiming you as a dependent, or if you are age 24 or under, your parents must complete the parent’s section of Penn’s FAF Form.
8. When will I be notified of your decision on my financial aid request?
After we have reached a decision on your acceptance, and received a copy of your Penn FAF, you will receive a written notification of your financial aid award. In general we begin making financial aid decisions in early March.
9. Does the fact that I will need financial assistance negatively affect my chances for acceptance into the program?
No. It has no bearing at all. Acceptance is based on suitability for our program. Whether or not you need financial assistance does not affect your acceptance or rejection.
Federal Loan Programs
Stafford Loan
Stafford loans are offered by banks, credit unions, the University of Pennsylvania, and other participating lenders to students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Both subsidized and unsubsidized loans are available. The loans are guaranteed by the federal government.
The Subsidized Stafford Loan is a need-based, low-interest federal student loan with full interest subsidy during the in-school, grace, and deferment periods. A maximum of $8,500 may be borrowed each year under the subsidized loan program.
The Unsubsidized Stafford Loan is a low-interest federal student loan for which interest accrues during the in-school period. The unsubsidized loan is non-need based and available to students who do not qualify for the subsidized loan. It can be used to replace students' and parents' contribution. A maximum of $12,000 may be borrowed each year under the unsubsidized loan program.
To qualify for a Stafford loan, students must be enrolled at least half-time and show satisfactory progress in a program leading to a degree or certificate. Need is determined by the information supplied on the FAFSA.
Part-time students who plan to apply for Stafford Loans should be aware that they must complete at least 6 courses before they are eligible to borrow again.
Perkins Loans
Perkins loans are offered through the University to financially eligible students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents. The loan is guaranteed by the federal government, which pays interest while the student is enrolled, during the grace period following enrollment, and during any authorized deferment. Students must be enrolled at least half-time. Need is determined by information supplied on the FAFSA application. A maximum amount of $6,000 may be borrowed each year.
Penn Plan Programs
Educational financing programs, such as the Penn Plan, are unique to the University of Pennsylvania. Through these programs, students may borrow up to the cost of attendance per year, minus other financial assistance. The Penn Federal Stafford Loan, Penn/CitiAssist Graduate-Professional Student Loan, and home equity loans and payment programs are the programs available to Penn students. For further information please visit the Student Financial Services Web site.
How To Apply for Financial Assistance
Currently on our website: All students applying for financial aid must first indicate their request on the Financial Plan Form, which is a part of your application material. You are later required to complete a PFAA (Penn’s Financial Aid Application) form, which will be mailed to you after your application is received. After acceptance to the program and receipt of your PFAA, our Financial Aid Committee will review it to determine your eligibility for a School award. All financial aid is granted on the basis of need. You must also complete a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) form. As you seek financial aid from the School, it is expected that you will also make an application for the Guaranteed Student Loan program. You should apply for a Guaranteed Student Loan through the University of Pennsylvania because the University does not charge an origination fee.
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), available on-line at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov. The University of Pennsylvania institutional code is 003378. You must complete the FAFSA to be considered for Stafford and Perkins loans.
Your FAFSA information will be sent directly to the University's Student Financial Services Office. They will then prepare an official financial aid package based on your FAFSA, which will be sent directly to you. If you have questions about your FAFSA application, you may contact Student Financial Services directly at 215-898-1988 or sfsmail@sfs.upenn.edu.
The final amount of your need-based loans will be adjusted if your financial situation changes or if you are awarded a departmental grant later in the academic year.
Financial Assistance for International Students
Due to limited financial resources, the School cannot offer financial aid to international students. Please be aware that foreign students do not qualify for U.S. government or other loans. They should contact their own governments and the American Embassy (or Consulate) for information regarding other possible financial assistance.
In order to receive a visa to study in the U.S., international students must prove that they have approximately $47,000 to cover tuition and housing costs for one year.
Permanent residents of the United States are treated as citizens for financial aid purposes.
Scholarship Resources
The links below will redirect you to our scholarship resources section.
Scholarships
The University of Pennsylvania makes financial aid available to students who enroll in the School of Social Policy & Practice. Approximately 3/4 of the students enrolled in the School benefit from this University commitment.
The School of Social Policy & Practice awards a substantial number of annual grants that make its program financially competitive with other schools. Review of financial aid applications begins on March 1. Applicants who plan to request financial aid are urged to apply as early as possible. Following is a list of financial aid awards available for full-time study leading to an MSW or PhD degree.
Dean's Awards
Annual Dean awards are available on the basis of merit alone. All applicants designated as "priority" are considered for these awards. Priority is based on outstanding academic and /or pre-professional experience. Dean Awards are considered a component of the total financial aid award.
School of Policy & Practice Awards for MSW Students
Awarded to full-time students in the MSW program, on the basis of need. The Financial Aid Committee awards these scholarships; there is no separate application process.
Named Awards
Ephraim Goldstein Scholarship
Neysa Adams Award
Otto & Gertrude Pollak Scholarship Fund 1
Otto & Gertrude Pollak Scholarship Fund 2
Ralph and Ida Gumberg Endowed Scholarship
Alan S. Fellheimer & Judith Eichen Fellheimer Fellowship
Elizabeth Carlton Fiebach & H. Robert Fiebach Fellowship
Marie and Joseph Field Porreca Memorial Scholarship
The Heyer Foundation Graduate Prize Fellowship
The Hornick AwardThe Yale Mann Endowed Scholarship
The Langsfeld Scholarship
Betsy Schur Levy and David K. Levy Endowed Scholarship
Claire Lomax & The Lomax Family Foundation
Louis and Bessie Stein Foundation Fellowship
Bruce L. Newberg Endowed Scholarship
William H Hobbs Memorial Scholarship
The Evelyn Ortner Fellowship
The Ruth E. Fizdale Social Work Fund
Dorothy Kramer Bergstein Oncology Fellowship
Jean and Charles Segal Endowed Scholarship
Thomas M. Shapiro & Aline Shapiro Scholarship
Patricia & David Silvers Family Fellowship
Alan Simon Scholarship Award #1
Susan TenHouten Graysen Scholarship
Bell Eisenberg-Leber Student Aid Fund
The School of Social Policy & Practice Award
The Lilly Mach Lang Book Fund
The Lazarus Goldman Award
The Levin Endowed Scholarship
Parents, Alumni and Friends Scholarship
The Alan Simon Scholarship Award #2
The Ann Nolan Reese NPL/NGO Leadership Scholarship Fund
Part-Time Student Awards
Limited financial aid is available to three-year MSW students who are enrolled as degree candidates. Part-time students who plan to apply for guaranteed student loans should be aware that they must complete at least 6 courses before they are eligible to borrow again.
Student Employment
Academic Support Programs
Academic support programs such as English Language Programs, Writing Across the University, the Penn Learning Resource Center, and the Graduate Student Center provide opportunities for qualified graduate students to earn money while developing teaching and professional skills.
Work-Study
MSW students who have demonstrated financial need may be given a work-study award through the Federal College Work-Study Program. The School of Social Policy financial aid committee selects a limited number of students each year to participate in work-study. Students who are selected for work-study awards are paid for a limited number of their field placement hours per semester. Students may receive work-study for one academic year only and are notified in writing that they have been selected for work study before the beginning of the academic term.
Job Referral Service
The Student Employment Office: http:// www.sfs.upenn.edu/seo also provides a Job Referral Service which assists non-work study students in obtaining part-time, full-time, and summer employment. Listings of job openings on campus and throughout the greater Philadelphia area are maintained.
Graduate Residential Advisors
Each year, the University hires graduate students to serve as Residential Advisors. Duties include counseling undergraduates or graduate students on personal, social, and academic matters and helping to plan dorm activities. Remuneration includes a furnished room and, in some cases, a cash stipend. Completed applications may be filed at any time, but those arriving before January 31 will be given preference. Please visit the College Houses and Academic Services website for further information.
University Employment Office
The University Employment Office is the central source of information about permanent jobs available at the University. Open positions can be found on the University Web site at http://www.hr.upenn.edu/jobs/.