Undergraduate Financial Aid

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.

1. 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.  For the 2025-2026 application year, The Department of Education will be making the FAFSA available on or before December 1, 2024.  It should be completed by January 15th.
2. All applicants and parents who filed with the IRS in 2023 must submit a copy of their 2023 federal tax returns and W2’s upon completion of their admission application.  For students who did not file a 2023 federal tax return, please complete the Student Non-Tax Filer Statement on the Financial Aid Checklist.   All requirements will be made available via an application portal upon completion of the Common Application.

*Families experiencing income related hardships should also submit 2024 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 Student Aid Index (SAI). We then determine financial need by subtracting the SAI 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 Student Aid Index, 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 SAI calculations.

For more information, refer to our Guide to Financial Aid.