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Tuition, Billing and Financial Aid FAQs

Tuition and Billing

How much do Syracuse University’s online graduate programs cost?

Tuition is based on the number of credits for which you register. Current tuition rates can be found on the Tuition & Financial Aid page for the program in which you are interested in:

Are there additional fees assessed on top of tuition?

For additional fees related to this program, please visit the Fees section of the Tuition, Fees, and Related Policies Bulletin page. Applicable fees will be listed under the particular professional school in which the program is housed.

Can any fees be waived for online students?

Each year, all full-time, matriculated undergraduate, graduate and law students are required to demonstrate proof of qualifying health insurance coverage or enroll into the Student Health Insurance Plan. Students within traditionally online degree programs are not eligible to enroll in or waive the Student Health Insurance Plan. The Student Health Insurance Office is available to help answer any insurance related questions. For additional information, please email the Student Health Insurance Office  or call 315-443-9019.

How much is the enrollment deposit, and when is it due?

There is a non-refundable enrollment deposit due once admitted. The deposit varies by program, as follows:

  • Business: $1,000
  • Communications: $500
  • Engineering: $500
  • Information Science: $500
  • Public Administration: $500
  • Social Work: $250

Can I use financial aid to cover the deposit?

No, federal student aid cannot be used to pay the deposit.

Will I be able to view my award package before submitting the deposit?

Students may have the ability to view their award package before submitting their deposit, depending on when their Financial Aid Checklist is complete. It takes approximately 10 business days to package aid once all items are complete.

When will I receive a tuition bill, how will I view my bill and when is payment due?

All charges must be paid in full on the billing due date established by the University for each bill. Failure to make payments by the due date could result in late payment fees or the cancellation of classes. For instructions to view your billing statement and to view the billing schedule, visit the Accounts and Billing page.

What are the accepted forms of payment?

Payment methods include electronic funds transfer, credit and debit cards, cash and checks.

How does my employer go about paying the school?

Students whose employer offers a tuition reimbursement program may qualify to participate in the Employer Tuition Reimbursement Plan. To confirm if your program qualifies for employer tuition reimbursement you can reach the UC Bursar/Registration Office through email: bursareg@uc.syr.edu.

Are payment plan options available for online students?

For information on how the payment plan works visit the Payment Plan page or contact the Bursar Office by phone at 315-443-2444, or via e-mail at bursar@syr.edu.

What happens if I do not pay my bill by the due date?

If bills are not paid by the due date, students will have a bursar hold placed on their account, preventing registration for the following term.

If I am eligible to receive a refund, what is the process?

Details on the refund process are listed on the Refund page.

Who can I contact at Syracuse for billing and payment questions?

For information regarding billing, including payment options or billing schedule, please visit the Syracuse University Bursar’s website.

Syracuse University Student Portal

What is the Syracuse University student portal?

The Syracuse student portal is MySlice. Your MySlice account includes access to academic records, billing, financial aid, direct deposit set up, and more. You will need your Syracuse ID and password to log into MySlice.

How do I set up my Syracuse University ID and Password?

Students can activate their Net ID by visiting the ITS Selfserv page.

How do I set up my Syracuse University email address?

For more information on how to access your SUMail, visit the Login page.

Financial Aid at Syracuse University

Does Syracuse University offer internal scholarships to online students?

Syracuse University online graduate programs offer limited and competitive scholarships. No separate application form is required for consideration of scholarships. Please contact your admission counselor for more information. Their information can be found on the Contact Us page.

Are there Syracuse University specific supplemental financial aid forms I need to complete?

Yes, you must complete the Syracuse University Online Graduate Financial Aid Application in addition to completing your FAFSA. If you are applying for financial aid for a July session, you must also complete the Syracuse University Summer Online Graduate Financial Aid Application. Both of these applications can be found by clicking on “My To Do List” under the Financial Aid section on Syracuse University’s self-service portal, MySlice. Just like the FAFSA, these supplemental aid forms must be completed for each school year you would like to receive federal financial aid.

How do I access “My To Do List”?

To view your Financial Aid To Do List, log into MySlice and select “My To Do List.” You will see listed all of the items needed to apply for financial aid. Three different ‘Status’ descriptions may be listed. They are:

  • Initiated: Item is outstanding and needs your immediate attention.
  • Partial: We have received your document(s); however, items are still required. You have been sent a request for additional information.
  • Received: Required documentation has been received and will soon be reviewed for completeness by our office.

If you have filed your FAFSA, these “To Do List” items will disappear from your list after the Financial Aid Office receives your applications. It may take up to ten days from the time you file these applications until the Financial Aid Office receives and removes the item from your “To Do List.”

What federal student aid is available to graduate students?

The types of federal student aid graduate students are eligible to apply for include the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan and the Federal Direct Graduate PLUS loan. Learn more about the types of federal student aid.

Why are graduate students not eligible for the Federal Pell Grant or the Federal Subsidized Loan?

The Department of Education awards Federal Pell Grants and Direct Subsidized Loans to eligible undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need and have not yet completed their bachelor’s degrees. The Department of Education does not evaluate need or income for loans at the graduate or professional level. Therefore, graduate students are not eligible for the Federal Pell Grant nor the Direct Subsidized Loan.

Are there academic standards I must meet to continue to receive federal student aid?

Students must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) to continue receiving financial aid. Please visit the SAP Financial Aid Policies.

What is the minimum number of credits required to receive federal student aid?

Students must register at least half-time, which is 3 credit hours per term, to receive federal aid.

What are private loans?

Private education loans, also known as alternative loans, are offered by private lenders to help students bridge the gap between the cost of education and the amount the government allows you to borrow in federal loans. Lenders offer private educational loans with different rates, fees, repayment terms, and approval requirements.

Are private loans offered at Syracuse University?

For additional information on alternative (private) loans please visit Educational Loans page.

Once I am an active student, how do I request my enrollment verification for federal loan deferments and/or private lenders?

Syracuse University reports the student enrollment information to the National Student Clearinghouse (NSC) monthly during the traditional academic year, September – May. Loan Servicing organizations retrieve information about their borrowers from the NSC. If needed, you are able to request enrollment verification directly through Syracuse University’s self-service portal, MySlice. Instructions on completing the request are available on the Syracuse University Registrar’s website.

When will I receive my financial aid award?

Awards are typically packaged within 10 business days of students completing all required information on their Financial Aid “To Do List” in MySlice.

How do I accept my financial aid award?

You can access your financial aid award on MySlice, which will also include further instructions for accepting and receiving your award.

Am I required to accept the full amount that I am offered on my award letter?

No, you do not have to accept the full amount offered. Students are encouraged to borrow only what is needed. You can choose to accept all, part or none of your financial aid award.

Does my Direct Loan eligibility cover the entire cost of the program?

Assuming you are eligible for both the Direct Unsubsidized Loan and the Direct Graduate PLUS Loan, the aid will cover the current academic year you are enrolled.

How soon will loans disburse to my student account?

Federal student loans disburse 3-5 business days before the start of classes.

Can I use loans to cover additional expenses such as living expenses, books, supplies, and immersion/field placement expenses?

The total Cost of Attendance (COA) for Graduate Students for the academic year includes tuition, books and supplies, fees and living expenses. If there is eligibility for additional loan funds based on the COA, you are able to use those resources to cover expenses such as books, supplies, and other miscellaneous expenses.

Is there an immersion required for this program? If so, will I be able to use the loan funds to cover these expenses?

There is an immersion required for the MBA, Communications, Communications Management, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, LIS, and Information Management programs. Any surplus funds from your loans may be used to cover expenses associated with your immersion.

Can I use loan funds to cover living expenses during terms when I am participating in field work?

Yes. Any surplus funds from your loans may be used to cover expenses associated with your field placement terms.

Who can I contact at Syracuse University for financial aid questions?

If you have questions about financial aid or regarding any items on your “To Do List,” or are concerned about whether an item was fully completed and received by the Financial Aid Office, you may contact them by submitting the email form or call 315-443-1513.

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

What is the FAFSA?

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the application the Department of Education uses to determine if you are eligible to receive federal student aid. The FAFSA can be found on the Federal Student Aid website.

What is the Syracuse University FAFSA school code?

The Syracuse FAFSA school code is 002882.

Do I need to include my social security number (SSN) in my application for admission to be eligible for aid?

Yes, it is recommended that students include their SSN on their admissions application. This will allow the FAFSA information to link to the student. If they do not provide it on the admissions application, it is recommended they contact student records to confirm their SSN and have the system updated.

Do I need my parents’ tax information to complete the FAFSA?

If you are applying for graduate school, you are considered an independent student, and do not need to include your parents’ information to complete the FAFSA.

What is the Expected Family Contribution (EFC)?

The EFC is a measurement of your ability to contribute toward your educational costs. As a graduate/professional student your EFC is not a factor in your eligibility for federal student loans.

When should I complete the FAFSA?

The FAFSA is available every October 1st for the upcoming academic year. New students planning to use federal student aid should complete a FAFSA while applying for admission. Continuing students will need to submit a FAFSA each year they plan to receive federal student aid.

Please reference the chart below to determine which FAFSA to complete based on your desired start date:

Business, Communications, Engineering, Information Science, Public Administration:

StartTermFAFSA Year
January 2024
Winter
2023-2024
April 2024
Spring
2023-2024
July 2024
Summer
2023-2024 & 2024-2025
October 2024
Fall
2024-2025
January 2025
Winter
2024-2025
April 2025
Spring
2024-2025
July 2025
Summer
2024-2025 & 2025-2026
October 2025
Fall
2025-2026

Social Work:

StartTermFAFSA Year
January 2024
Spring
2023-2024
May 2024
Summer
2023-2024 & 2024-2025
August 2024
Fall
2024-2025
January 2025
Spring
2024-2025
May 2025
Summer
2024-2025 & 2025-2026
August 2025
Fall
2025-2026

Do I need to complete the FAFSA each year?

Yes. Because eligibility for federal student aid does not carry over from one award year to the next, you will need to complete the FAFSA for each award year for which you are or plan to be a student.

What constitutes an academic year for federal student aid?

An academic year is the year for which financial aid is used to fund your education. Generally, this is the 12-month period that begins on July 1 of one year and ends on June 30 of the following year.

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan

What is the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan?

The Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan is a federal loan offered to students to help with the cost of education. The Federal Unsubsidized Loan is not based on income or financial need.

What criteria is used to determine eligibility for federal student aid?

Learn more about federal student aid eligibility criteria on the Federal Student Aid website.

What is the aggregate loan limit?

The aggregate loan limit is the total amount that you may borrow in federal student loans for undergraduate and graduate study. In addition to borrowing limitations based on the cost of attendance for the program, students are also limited in terms of lifetime borrowing. The maximum aggregate loan limit for federal loans is $138,500. This amount does not include PLUS loans, nor private loans.

If the total loan amount you receive over the course of your education reaches the aggregate loan limit, you are not eligible to receive additional loans. However, if you repay some of your loans to bring your outstanding loan debt below the aggregate loan limit, you could then borrow again, up to the amount of your remaining eligibility under the aggregate loan limit. You can learn more about graduate annual loan limits on the Federal Student Aid website.

How do I find out if I am near my aggregate loan limit or have defaulted on a federal student loan?

Log in on the Federal Student Aid homepage to view your federal student loan borrowing history and loan servicer details. Please note that private education loans are not listed on this site. Students in default are not eligible for additional federal loans. Contact your lender for default resolution options.

What is the difference between a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan and a Federal Direct Subsidized Loan?

Federal Direct Subsidized Loans are available to undergraduate students with financial need. The U.S. Department of Education pays the interest on subsidized loans while students are enrolled in their undergraduate program. The Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan is available to undergraduate and graduate students and does not require demonstration of financial need. The Federal Unsubsidized Loan begins accruing interest as soon as funds are disbursed. Learn more about the difference between unsubsidized and subsidized loans.

How much am I eligible for with the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan?

Most graduate level students are potentially eligible to receive up to $20,500 per academic year from the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan. Syracuse students are potentially eligible for $6,833 per session. Learn more about graduate annual loan limits on the Federal Student Aid website.

TermPrior- loan eligibilityGoing Forward- loan eligibility
(effective Jan 2021)
July (Summer) term
$6,833 (unsub)
Student must be enrolled in at least 3 credits.
Up to $6,833 (unsub)
Student must be enrolled in at least 3 credits.
October (Fall) term
$6,833 (unsub)
Student must be enrolled in at least 3 credits.
Up to $6,833 (unsub)
Student must be enrolled in at least 3 credits.
January (Winter) term
$6,833 (unsub)
Student must be enrolled in at least 3 credits for the Jan and April quarters combined.
Up to $6,833 (unsub)
Student must be enrolled in at least 3 credits.
April (Spring) term
No additional aid for this term, student must be enrolled in at least 3 credits for the Jan and April quarters combined
Up to $6,833 (unsub)
Student must be enrolled in at least 3 credits.

Does not apply to the Master of Social Work program, which operates on a three term basis.

How do I apply for the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan?

To apply for the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the Syracuse University Financial Aid Application

What is the current Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan interest rate?

The Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan interest rate is determined on an annual basis. Learn more about interest rates on the Federal Student Aid website.

Are there any additional loan fees for the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan?

There is a loan origination fee that is a percentage of the total loan amount. The loan origination fee is deducted proportionately from each loan disbursement you receive. Information on Federal Unsubsidized loan origination fees can be found on the Interest Rates and Fees page of the Federal Student Aid website.

Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan

What is the Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan?

The Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan is a federal loan that graduate or professional degree students can use to help pay education expenses in addition to the Direct Unsubsidized Loan. Learn about Direct PLUS Loans.

Do Direct PLUS Loans affect my aggregate loan limit?

Only Federal Direct Subsidized/Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans (formerly referred to as Stafford loans) and federal loans made through the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program count toward your aggregate loan limit.

What are the eligibility criteria to apply for the Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan?

In addition to meeting all basic eligibility criteria, applicants cannot have an adverse credit history. A credit check will be conducted when applying for the Direct Graduate PLUS Loan.

How much can I borrow from the Direct Graduate PLUS Loan?

If approved for the Grad PLUS Loan, you can borrow up to the cost of attendance as determined by Syracuse. It is recommended that students borrow their maximum eligibility in Federal Direct Loans before they apply for this loan program. For information please visit the Loans for Graduate Students page.

When can I apply for the Direct Graduate PLUS Loan?

You can apply for the Direct Graduate PLUS Loan within 180 days of the start of your program, or once you are enrolled. It is recommended that you apply for the PLUS loan once you have been admitted to a program and within 60 days of the session beginning and at least one week before session ending.

How do I apply for the Direct Graduate PLUS Loan?

In order to apply for the Direct Graduate PLUS loan, you must first complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Once you have completed the FAFSA, apply for the Direct Graduate PLUS Loan by completing the credit application on the Federal Student Aid website. Also complete the Graduate PLUS Loan Agreement Master Promissory Note (MPN) and the Syracuse University Financial Aid Application.

What are the next steps if I’m approved for the Direct Graduate PLUS Loan?

If approved, complete the Graduate PLUS Loan Agreement Master Promissory Note (MPN) on the Federal Student Aid website.

What are my options if I’m denied the Direct Graduate PLUS Loan?

If you are denied the Graduate PLUS loan, you may reapply with an endorser or follow the instructions on the Department of Education’s website to appeal the denial.

What is the Direct Graduate PLUS Loan current interest rate?

The Direct Graduate PLUS Loan interest rate is determined at the beginning of each academic year, and is available on the Federal Student Aid website’s Interest Rates and Fees page.

Are there any additional loan fees for the Direct Graduate PLUS Loan?

There is a loan origination fee that is a percentage of the total loan amount. The loan origination fee is deducted proportionately from each loan disbursement you receive. Information on Direct Graduate PLUS Loan origination fees can be found on the Interest Rates and Fees page of the Federal Student Aid website.

Loan Repayment

Do I have to repay my student loans while I’m in school?

You can defer payment on your federal student loans if you are enrolled at least half-time (3 credits per session). You should be aware that although you can defer payments while you are in school, interest will still accrue on your loan(s).

Your federal loans will go into repayment six months after you graduate, fall below half-time status, take a leave of absence or withdraw from the program. Most private loans also have deferred payment options while you are in school; however, you will need to check with your loan servicer.

When do I have to repay my loan?

After you graduate, leave school or drop below half-time enrollment, you will have a six-month grace period before you are required to begin repayment. During this period, you’ll receive repayment information from your loan servicer, and you will be notified of your first payment due date. Payments are usually due monthly. You are not required to pay while in school, however if you choose to, there is no penalty to prepay. Learn more about repayment timelines.

What are the repayment plan options and how do I select one?

The Department of Education (ED) offers multiple options for repayment. You may visit the ED website for more information on loan repayment plans.

Is there a repayment calculator or estimator that I can use?

Yes, visit the ED website for repayment estimators.

Can I consolidate my graduate loans and my undergraduate loans?

A Direct Consolidation Loan allows you to consolidate (combine) multiple federal education loans into one loan including both graduate and undergraduate loans. The result is a single monthly payment instead of multiple payments. Learn more about loan consolidation.

Are there any loan forgiveness options available?

In certain circumstances, all or a portion of a borrower’s federal student loans may be forgiven under the federal government’s loan forgiveness program.  Please review the Federal Student Aid website for more information on federal loan forgiveness programs.

Veteran and Military Benefits

What types of Veterans Affairs (VA) education benefits are available?

The Department of Veterans Affairs administers a variety of education benefits, including the Post 9/11 GI Bill®, currently the highest used education benefit program.

Am I eligible for Post-9/11 GI Bill® benefits?

Only the VA can determine if you are eligible for education benefits. To determine your eligibility through the VA, you will need to complete an application through the VA website.

How do I apply for Veterans Affairs (VA) Educational benefits?

You may also be eligible for other education benefits that the VA offers. You can apply for these benefits through the VA to fully determine your eligibility.

What do I need to do to utilize my education benefits at Syracuse University?

Step 1: If you are using VA education benefits for the first time, please complete the education benefits application through the VA.

Step 2: Once your application has been processed, you will receive a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from the VA. Please forward a copy of your VA COE to the Office of Veteran Success at veterans@syr.edu.

Step 3: After you register for classes complete the Syracuse University’s Request for Certification (RFC) for that session. This form is available in Syracuse University’s self-service portal, MySlice.

NOTE: The RFC must be submitted for each term you wish to use your VA education benefits. Once you register for the upcoming term, you can then go onto your MySlice account and fill out the RFC form for that term.

Should I anticipate any out-of-pocket costs?

Please contact the Office of Veteran Success at veterans@syr.edu or (315) 443-0358 to discuss your specific benefits and to determine if there are any out-of-pocket costs associated with your program.

What is the Yellow Ribbon Program?

Syracuse University is a Yellow Ribbon partner with the VA which allows students to maximize their Post 9/11 GI Bill® benefits. This partnership allows eligible recipients to have tuition and mandatory fees that the VA will pay for that are not covered by the Post 9/11 GI Bill® cap to be split 50/50 with Syracuse University paying half of the costs and the VA paying the other half. Syracuse University has no limit on how many students can use the Yellow Ribbon program. However, each school and college at the University has a maximum Yellow Ribbon contribution limit per student.

What is the current payment rate of benefits, including the Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA)?

The most up to date information on the MHA can be found through the GI Bill®
Comparison Tool 
.

How can I use military benefits if I am an Active Duty, National Guard or Reserve component service member?

DoD Tuition Assistance Program (TAP), may be available to Active duty, National Guard and Reserve components through the service member’s branch of service. The application process varies by branch. Before you register for a class at Syracuse University you must see your installation education services officer and gain approval by your commanding officer.

Specific questions on using TA (only) while attending Syracuse University can be directed to agencybilling@syr.edu.

If eligible, you can use your VA education benefits while still serving on Active duty, National Guard and Reserve components. To determine if you are eligible for benefits while still serving the military, you will need to apply for the benefits with the VA. If you have any questions on how to use both your tuition assistance and VA education benefits together, please contact the Office of Veteran Success at veterans@syr.edu or (315) 443-0358.

Who do I contact at Syracuse University to use my VA education benefits?

Please contact the Syracuse University’s Office of Veteran Success. You can reach them at veterans@syr.edu or (315) 443-0358. The Office of Veteran Success is located in the National Veterans Resource Center in Suite 012 at 101 Waverly Ave.

Tax Benefits for Education

How do I qualify for a tuition tax credit?

For details on tax benefits for education, see IRS Publication 970, Tax Benefits for Higher Education, which provides detailed information. Syracuse University is unable to provide tax advice. We urge you to contact your tax advisor or the IRS at 800-829-1040 or www.irs.gov if you have any questions regarding the HOPE or Lifetime Learning Tax Credits.

What is the 1098-T Form?

It is an informational form filed with the Internal Revenue Service to report the amounts billed to you for qualified tuition and expenses, and other related information. The primary purpose of the IRS Form 1098‐T is to inform you that we have provided this required information to the IRS.

What information is included in the 1098-T Form?

Form 1098-T reports amounts paid for qualified tuition, scholarship and grants to students enrolled in courses at Simmons University for which they received academic credit. The information reported on the 1098-T form helps students evaluate whether they are eligible for an educational tax credit.

How do I obtain my 1098-T Form?

The University will mail out 1098-T statements to all students that were eligible to receive one. For more information visit the 1098-T Tax Information page.

Revised: August 24, 2021

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.