Undocumented Students
This section is for current students applying for aid. If you are a prospective student, please go to the Tuition & Financial Aid section for application deadlines and policies. You must apply for financial aid prior to admission.
Applying for Aid
Automatic Renewal
Undocumented students do not re-apply for financial aid each year. Expected Family Contributions (EFC) are locked at the current amount.
Changing Aid Consideration
If you are a current student who did not apply for aid in the prior year, and would like to apply for aid for the upcoming year, you must notify the Student Financial Services in writing so that your requirements can be updated.
Housing & Aid
Types of Aid
The student employment component of a financial aid award represents the opportunity to have a job on campus. You are responsible for finding a position that aligns with your preferences and schedule, and are encouraged to apply early for the best selection of jobs.
You may work to earn money for books and supplies, to put towards your tuition accounts, or for personal spending money. There is no obligation to work all or any of the hours awarded, though income not earned is not replaced with other aid.
For information about work-study at Smith College, see Student Employment.
If you receive any assistance from an organization outside of the college, this aid must be taken into consideration in calculating your financial aid award. You are required to report all outside aid to the Student Financial Services office.
Once you notify us of any aid which is expected to be sent directly to the college, we will add the anticipated amount to the student account as a pending credit, reducing the amount due. If the aid is expected to be late, please notify us so we can extend the pending credit. Any amounts expected but not received are the responsibility of the student.
Outside aid, based on either student merit or parent employment (e.g.: employee tuition benefits), will first reduce or replace the self-help portion of your award (federal work-study). If outside aid is in excess of self-help, we will allow it to go toward the cost of the Smith health insurance plan or a one-time computer purchase. Any amount of outside aid in excess of self-help and these costs will reduce Smith Grant dollar for dollar.
Review Requests
Each student has the right to request a review of her financial aid award any time there has been a significant change in family circumstances, or if the information on the original application was inaccurate. Please use the Request for Review form below.
Reviews are conducted by the Student Financial Services Review Committee. In most cases, the decision of the committee is final.
When an issue under review requires an exception to a policy, such as the 64 credit rule, a student may request that it be reviewed by the Financial Aid Appeals Committee.
The Financial Aid Appeals Committee is chaired by the vice president of enrollment and includes one member of the faculty, the dean of students and the controller. The director of student financial services is a nonvoting member of the committee.
Students must present appeals in writing. The committee will consider the appeal as soon as possible. It generally takes one to two weeks for the committee to convene and review the appeal. A decision will be given to the student in writing within 48 hours after the appeal is heard. The decision of the appeals committee is final in all cases.