Applying for Financial Aid
Our average financial aid package is more than $40,000, and over 75 percent of students receive a Sarah Lawrence grant or scholarship. Awards are based on a student's demonstrated need, motivation for learning, and potential for active participation in the Sarah Lawrence community. We offer a combination of institutional aid and federal aid. An applicant must fulfill the following requirements for financial aid.
- All US citizens, nationals, and permanent residents must complete the FAFSA. *Applicants who wish to apply for financial aid must report their social security number on their application for admission in order for the Financial Aid Office to download their FAFSA.
- All applicants and parents who filed with the IRS in 2021 must submit a copy of their 2021 federal tax returns.
*Families experiencing income related hardships should also submit 2022 federal tax returns and W2’s as soon as they are filed with the IRS. This information will be used to determine additional aid eligibility.
Merit scholarships are awarded at the discretion of the Office of Admission upon admittance to the College. Scholarships are competitive and awarded to applicants demonstrating academic promise and an exceptional fit to the Sarah Lawrence community. Every student who applies to the College is automatically considered for a merit scholarship.
Determining Financial Need
After the FAFSA and appropriate tax returns have been received, we use the information provided to calculate the applicant’s Expected Family Contribution (EFC). We then determine financial need by subtracting the EFC from the total cost of attendance (COA). In addition to tuition, room, and board, we consider books, supplies, travel, and personal expenses as part of the cost of attendance budget.
When calculating the family contribution, Sarah Lawrence adheres to the practices and procedures of federal and institutional methodology. Necessary family expenditures – including taxes, living costs, medical expenses not covered by health insurance, and cost for siblings’ undergraduate tuitions – are considered in the EFC calculations.
For more information, refer to our Guide to Financial Aid.
Net Price Calculator
Sarah Lawrence College has partnered with the College Board to offer a tool that may help determine an estimated financial aid package. Results are not guaranteed, but rather a general idea of what you may be eligible to receive. This tool is not recommended for international applicants. It just takes a few minutes!