*Please note, only domestic students are eligible.
Are scholarships offered for the computer science M.S. program?
All domestic students admitted to the online M.S. in computer science program in Spring 2025 or Summer 2025 will be automatically considered for a $25,000 scholarship. This scholarship is not renewable since it is applied to credits taken each term. Students are limited to using the $25,000 scholarship for only 5-6 terms. (If you take longer in the program, additional money will not be awarded.). Students are also encouraged to seek outside assistance.Visit the resource page on the Office of Student Financial Aid website.
Is financial aid available for Vanderbilt Engineering Online programs?
Yes, Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans and the Direct Graduate PLUS Loans are available to eligible students.
How do I apply for Federal Direct loans?
Step 1: Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Step 2: Complete Entrance Counseling.
Step 3: Submit the Loan Agreement Master Promissory Note (MPN) in order for your loans to disburse.
Step 4: Evaluate your need for additional funding such as the Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan, which is a credit-based loan. You can apply for the Graduate PLUS loan on the Federal Student Loans page and complete the separate MPN and credit request for that loan.
How will I receive my financial aid award letter?
Students who are admitted to the program and have completed the FAFSA will receive an award notification letter by mail. This may take up to 5 – 7 business days from the time you submitted your FAFSA.
Students who pay their enrollment deposit and set up their Vanderbilt VUNetID will view their financial aid offers and/or award revisions through YES. The Financial Aid link in YES contains your aid offer, cost of attendance (COA), financial aid checklist(s), and anticipated aid disbursement information.
Below are step-by-step instructions to view your Financial Aid Awards in the YES portal:
1. Once logged into the YES portal, click on “Financial Aid”.
2. Next, select the correct academic year to view.
3. Then click “Awards”, which will provide a breakdown of the student’s financial aid package by the year and then by term.
When my financial aid award letter is added to YES, will I receive an email to my Vanderbilt email address notifying me?
Yes students will receive an award notification via email when their award is available to view in the YES student portal. This email is sent to their Vanderbilt email address.
When should I complete the FAFSA?
The FAFSA is available every October 1st for the upcoming academic year which begins with the August (fall) semester. 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. For additional information on which FAFSA to complete visit the VU Financial Aid Website for How to Apply.
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.
Will I be able to view my financial aid award package before submitting the deposit?
It depends on timing. Financial aid processing can take around five to seven business days after you have been admitted and completed the FAFSA. If you are admitted days prior to your start date, you may not have access to your award letter.
Are there academic requirements I must meet to receive financial aid?
Students must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) to continue receiving financial aid.
How do I determine if the Master of Science in Computer Science at the Graduate School is full-time?
Fall and Spring Semesters: Students must be enrolled for at least 9 hours. This constitutes full-time enrollment.
Summer Session: Students must be enrolled for at least 6 hours. This constitutes half-time enrollment. Full-time enrollment is 9 hours.
What is the minimum number of credits required to receive federal student aid?
Students must be registered for a minimum of 6 credits for Fall and Spring terms and 3 credits for Summer in order to be eligible for federal student aid.
How do I accept my financial aid award?
Once the appropriate loan applications are completed the Office of Student Financial Aid will process the loan at the amount indicated on the award package. Students need to actively decline or request a reduction in loans by emailing loans@vanderbilt.edu.
Am I required to accept the full amount that I am offered on my award letter?
No, students are encouraged to borrow as little as possible. Students may email student.loans@vanderbilt.edu to reduce or decline their loans.
Does my Direct Loan eligibility cover the entire cost of the program?
Assuming the student is eligible for both the Direct Unsubsidized loan and the Direct Graduate PLUS loan, the student may borrow for tuition and fees in full for the current academic year.
How soon will loans disburse to my student account?
Loans are disbursed a week after classes start, after it has been verified the student has attended class.
Will students receive a loan disbursement each term?
Students may receive loans for each term they are enrolled at least half time
Can I use loans to cover additional expenses (housing, books, supplies, etc.,)?
The total cost of attendance (COA) for the academic year includes tuition, fees, living expenses. If the student has eligibility for additional loan funds based on the COA, the student is able to use those resources to cover expenses such as books, supplies, and other miscellaneous expenses.
Who can I contact at Vanderbilt for financial aid questions?
For questions regarding financial aid at Vanderbilt, please contact finaid@vanderbilt.edu.
If I have sent an email, when should I expect to receive a response from the Financial Aid Office?
During peak times, students should allow at least 3-4 business days for a response. During normal time periods, allow at least 2 business days.