Applying for Aid: Continuing Medical Students

Complete these steps to apply for the Federal Stafford Loan, Graduate PLUS Loan and Perkins Loan programs, as well as Keck School of Medicine need-based loans. Other funding options, such as merit-based scholarships, private financing programs, and a short-term payment plan, are also available.

Deadlines:

March 3, 2008 – Perkins Loan Deadline
To be considered for a Federal Perkins Loan you must complete the steps below by March 3, 2008, be a continuing Perkins Loan borrower at the Keck School of Medicine and meet a financial need requirement.

June 3, 2008 – Keck Need-Based Loan Deadline
To be considered for Keck need-based loans you must complete the steps below by June 3, 2008.

Federal Stafford and Graduate PLUS Loans
If you wish to be considered for only the Federal Stafford and Graduate PLUS Loan programs, complete these steps at least 60 days prior to the start of the academic year, to ensure you’re your loan funds are available by the tuition and fee settlement deadline.

1. Complete the 2008-2009 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online using your best estimates of your 2007 income (and your spouse’s income, if applicable.) USC’s Federal School Code is 001328.

2. Complete the Supplemental Form for Graduate Students, 2008-2009 and fax it to the Financial Aid Office. For faxing instructions, visit www.usc.edu/contactfao.

On your form, indicate option #1 if you wish to be considered for the Federal Perkins Loan and/or Keck need-based loans in addition to the Federal Stafford and Graduate PLUS Loan programs. Indicate option #2 if you wish to be considered for ONLY the Federal Stafford and Graduate PLUS Loan programs.

3. Have your parents complete the Parent Information Form and fax it to the Financial Aid Office, if you wish to be considered for Keck need-based loans and you will be under 30 years of age on December 31, 2008. For faxing instructions, visit www.usc.edu/contactfao.

4. Respond to additional requests within 30 days.

When we review your completed financial aid application, we may request additional documents, such as copies of your and your parents’ 2007 federal tax returns. If so, we will notify you.

What happens Next?

If you meet all eligibility requirements we will send you notification of your financial aid eligibility. The information will also be available to you online at My Financial Aid & Documents. You must complete the next steps to apply for loans to ensure that your funds are processed and available by the tuition and fee settlement deadline.