New Students
Welcome to Vassar!
There are a number of things you must do before arriving on campus for First Year Orientation in August. The following is a "To Do" list of these items.
Pre-Arrival Checklist
- Submit all requested Financial Aid application materials and required documents. Check for outstanding documents on the Financial Aid Portal. Sign in with your Vassar email. Select Menu > Documents & Messages.
- Complete the Outside Scholarship Form if you received any scholarships, tuition benefits, or awards from somewhere other than Vassar (sign in with your Vassar email)
- Complete the Vassar Scholarship Survey if you received Vassar Scholarship in your financial aid offer (sign in with your Vassar email)
- Complete Federal Direct Loan Requirements if accepting a loan: Entrance Counseling and Master Promissory Note. If you choose not to accept the loan in your aid offer, please notify us by email finaid@vassar.edu
Mid July
- Review Health Insurance and Tuition Insurance policies. Complete a waiver form for each policy you wish to opt out of. Waiver forms open on July 15th
- Pay your bill: familiarize yourself with the billing process
- Give your parent/guardian access to your student account. Set them up as an Authorized User.
- If you choose to participate in the monthly payment plan, you must enroll online.
August
- Apply for a work study job: JobX (job application board) will open in mid-August for eligible students. Visit the Student Employment Office website for more information
To help prepare for your transition to Vassar, you can find additional information on the New Students website.
Frequently Asked Questions
I received an outside scholarship. How does this impact my financial aid?
If you receive a scholarship or tuition benefit from somewhere other than Vassar, your financial aid package will be adjusted based on the amount of outside aid received. You must report any outside scholarships, tuition benefits, and/or veterans benefits to Vassar. We allow students to replace the “self-help” portions of their financial aid award with outside scholarships/tuition benefits. Self-help aid includes the federal student loan, the work study allowance, and the standard student contribution from summer earnings. If the total amount of your outside awards exceed the self-help options, then the overage will reduce Vassar Scholarship.
Are there options for additional financing?
There are numerous financing methods parents and students can utilize to cover their family contribution. These include monthly payment plans, federal student and parent loans, alternative loans, etc. It is up to each family to decide the best way to fund their contribution. Find more information on loan options.
Does Vassar offer a payment plan?
Yes, Vassar offers two plans: a 5-month and a 4-month plan for each semester. The payments are deducted electronically from your checking or savings account on the 5th of each month. There is no interest associated with the plan but there is a small fee to enroll.
Can I appeal my financial aid award?
If your family’s circumstances have changed since you completed your financial aid application, you may request an appeal. Factors that Vassar may consider upon appeal are: job loss, income fluctuations, high medical expenses not covered by insurance, expenses related to natural disasters, etc. Appeals must be initiated via submission of the Request for Financial Aid Reconsideration form and include supporting documentation (i.e. recent tax returns, paid medical invoices, etc.).