Funding Options
The Mailman School offers students and families a single, simple approach to meeting the cost of attendance. The plan is a combination of federal, institutional, and private sources of funds that provide options for part-time, full-time, and international students and families. For information on outside sources of funding please, visit the Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health.
For a comprehensive database of extra funding resources along with curated scholarships for graduate students in the public health field that can help minimize the cost of your degree, please click here.
*Please refer to our website or sfs.columbia.edu for information on HEAL Federal loan programs available at The Mailman School of Public Health.
The following types of assistance may be available to students:
Student Loans
Columbia University students have a wide range of financial assistance options from federal, state, institutional, and private sources. The rates for both the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan and the Federal Direct Graduate Plus Loan for 2025-2026 are 7.94% and 8.94% respectively under fiscal year July 1, 2025 through June 30th, 2026. The Department of Education determines new annual rates after July 1st of the new fiscal year.
Due to the new one big beautiful bill (OBBB), the federal direct graduate plus loan will no longer be available unless you qualify under limited exceptions. To qualify, you must have been enrolled in your program of study as of June 30, 2026, borrowed a Direct Loan (both unsubsidized loan and graduate plus loan) for that program prior to July 1, 2026, and remain continuously enrolled in the same program at the same school.
Students who are eligible to apply for a federal direct graduate plus loan will be sent an application link via dynamic forms.
To help offset remaining costs, students will need to apply for a private loan. For more information on our preferred lenders list that will be similar to the graduate plus loan application process and a historical lenders list, please click here.
Scholarships, Fellowships, and Grants
Scholarships, fellowships, and grants are awarded based on need or merit. Amounts and availability vary by school. See full list.
Student Employment Opportunities
Mailman School students can access school-related employment through one or more of the following:
- Work-Study: Students certified by the Financial Aid Office as eligible for federally funded work-study can choose from a variety of part-time employment positions. Jobs are available in many offices throughout the University. Learn more.
- Graduate Research Assistantship (GRA): Departments offer these positions, in which students gain valuable experience working part-time on faculty-run research projects and receive a stipend and/or tuition assistance, on a limited basis. These positions are not available to first year Master's students.
- Teaching Assistantship (TA): Some departments have limited teaching assistantship positions available to students with substantial preparation in their area of study. TAs provide part-time assistance to faculty members in instruction, grading, and course administration, and receive a stipend and/or tuition assistance. These positions are specifically offered to Doctoral students and second year Master's students.
Institutional and Supplemental Aid
Learn about additional funding options outside the University.
Note: Almost every state has at least one grant or scholarship available to residents, and many have a long list of student aid programs. Eligibility is usually restricted to state residents attending a college in-state. Learn more.
International Students
Explore funding options for international students.
Stipends
Learn more about stipends for domestic and international students.
Contact
All financial aid staff are currently working via a hybrid schedule throughout the summer and upcoming academic year. Please email sphfinaid@cumc.columbia for any questions or concerns. To schedule an appointment, please click here.