Financial Aid FAQ
Frequently asked questions about financial aid and funding your degree at the Yale School of the Environment.
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Applying for Financial Aid FAQ
Prospective/Incoming Students
Do I have to apply for financial aid?
Applying for financial aid is not mandatory. However, please note that if you do not apply, you will not be eligible for all the funding opportunities the Yale School of the Environment provides. Your financial aid award is primarily determined by your financial need, which requires us to request information about your finances.
If I apply for financial aid, will I be less likely to be admitted?
No. The Yale School of the Environment practices a need-blind admissions process. This means that applying for financial aid and demonstrating financial need does not affect our decision to offer you admission.
How do I apply for financial aid?
If you are a US citizen or permanent resident, you must submit three forms. If you are an international student, you must submit two forms. You must submit the correct forms for your citizenship status. Please see Applying for Financial Aid for more information and links to completing the appropriate forms.
When should I apply for financial aid if I am applying for a joint degree program?
You should apply for financial aid the same year you apply for admission.
When should I apply for financial aid if I am applying for the Yale College Five-Year Program?
You should apply for financial aid by the deadline in the same year you apply for admission, though you may also apply by the deadline in the year you plan to enroll. Please note that if a student defers and reapplies, the original offer will be replaced with a new offer based on updated financial need and the funding available at the time of reapplication.
If I pay for the CSS profile, can I be reimbursed?
Unfortunately, no. The College Board does not have a method of reimbursement. If you have not received your waiver code after October 1st, and it has been 72 business hours since you submitted your Yale School of the Environment admissions application, please contact financialaid.yse@yale.edu.
Do I need to complete the Yale School of the Environment Financial Aid process if I am pursuing the Three Cairns Climate Program for the Global South Scholarship?
Yes, the Three Cairns Climate Program for the Global South Scholarship is need-based. Therefore, you must complete all applicable financial aid forms and the separate section within your admissions application. Please review the requirements, Applying for Financial Aid, to ensure you have submitted all necessary documentation.
How is the amount of my Yale School of the Environment scholarship determined?
The primary factor in determining your Yale School of the Environment scholarship is financial need. This is based on a review of your financial situation, including income, assets, and any external support (such as from an employer, sponsor, or other external funding). Merit is a secondary factor.
Do you have a special or unusual circumstance not addressed in your financial aid applications?
Contact financialaid.yse@yale.edu with supporting documentation.
Is there a deadline to apply for financial aid?
Yes. Prospective students – February 1
What if I miss the deadline to apply for financial aid?
Unfortunately, if you miss the deadline to apply for financial aid, you will not be considered for financial assistance. Without the necessary forms and data, we cannot calculate your financial need. This can be a significant oversight, as your financial aid award for the second year is generally the same as what you receive in your first year. The only exception is for Yale College applicants in the Five-Year Program – see above.
Returning/Deferred Students
Do I have to reapply for financial aid for my second year?
Yes, as a returning student, you will need to complete the Yale School of the Environment Renewal Financial Aid Application and, if applicable, the FAFSA (U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen). The CSS Profile is not required again unless you are part of the Five-Year Program for Yale College. For more details, see "When should I apply for financial aid if I am applying for the Five-Year Program for Yale College?" The renewal application collects updated information on enrollment status, external scholarships, and other relevant data.
Will my loans automatically renew, or do I need to reapply each year?
Your loan request is valid for one academic year only. If you wish to borrow loans in a subsequent year, you must submit a new Yale School of the Environment Loan Request form. This includes Federal, Yale, or Private loans.
Will my scholarship amount remain the same in my second year?
Yes, in most cases, your Yale School of the Environment scholarship amount will remain consistent with your first-year award.
Is there a deadline to apply for financial aid?
Yes. Returning students – March 31
Do you have a special or unusual circumstance not addressed in your financial aid applications?
Contact financialaid.yse@yale.edu with supporting documentation.
General Questions
What financial aid is available for U.S. citizens and permanent residents?
Yale School of the Environment scholarships, work study, and Federal Direct Loans are available to U.S. citizens and permanent residents.
What financial aid is available for international students?
Yale School of the Environment scholarships, work study, and Yale International Loans are available to international students.
What does my financial aid award cover?
Need and merit-based scholarships only cover the cost of tuition. The YSE Office of Admissions and Financial Aid are unable to award additional funding past the cost of tuition, therefore it is important to note that living expenses and fees are not included in coverage.
Your Yale Student Account FAQ
What is my Yale student account?
Your student account is established for you automatically once you matriculate (i.e., accept our offer of admission). Yale charges your tuition and other fees to this account. For additional information see Student Accounts .
What happens if I do not pay my student account balance by the statement due date?
Though account statements are generated monthly, the most important statements are those available during the first week of July (tuition bill for the fall semester) and November (tuition bill for the spring semester). If you do not pay your tuition bill by the due date, you will be charged a late payment fee of $125 per month (up to $375 per semester) and will not be able to register for classes until the bill is paid. For additional information, see Student Accounts.
If I have a credit balance on my student account (e.g., my financial aid is greater than my tuition and fees), how do I access those funds to pay for living or other expenses?
You must submit a request on Yale Hub. See Credit Balance Refunds for instructions.
Where should tuition payments be sent?
Tuition payments should be submitted directly to the Yale University Office of Student Accounts.
Student Finance & Administration
P.O. Box 208232
New Haven, CT 06520-8232
Sending payments to the YSE Office of Admissions and Financial Aid may result in delays.
Contact YSE Financial Aid