The GPPI affiliated research centers (Center for Public and Nonprofit Leadership, the Health Policy Institute, and the Center for Research on Children in the U.S.) each year award a limited number of assistantships to incoming and continuing students. Assistantship decisions are determined immediately after the admissions review process depending on the Center awarding the assistanthip. Research Assistants work closely with Center faculty and usually are pursuing an academic concentration related to the Center's research focus. The assistantship thus provides the student direct access to the latest information in their concentration track and opportunity to apply in a practical context what they learn in the classroom.
Need-based assistance is administered through the University's Office of Student Financial Services. The chief form of federal aid for public policy students is loans. Financial need is the main determinant in deciding the loan amount granted. U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status is also required for federal loan consideration.
To apply for federal aid, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Please make sure you indicate the Georgetown school code (001445) on the FAFSA form. You can borrow a maximum of $18,500 yearly; up to $8,500 of the loan can be federally subsidized if you demonstrate financial need. The forms can be downloaded via the FAFSA web site at
http://www.fafsa.ed.gov and also obtainable at most public libraries, and college and university financial aid offices. It takes approximately two to four weeks for the processing of the FAFSA form and transmission of data to the receiver schools designated on the form.
In addition, applicants should submit a Georgetown University Graduate Student Financial Services Supplemental Form. The supplemental form can be completed online by accessing the graduate student section of the Office of Student Financial Services web site at
www.georgetown.edu/students/student-aid.
All U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and resident aliens applying for admission and wishing to be considered for Federal Stafford Loans, Federal Perkins Loans, or Federal Work-Study must be enrolled at least half-time and be making satisfactory academic progress. Aid applications should be received by the Office of Student Financial Services no later than April 1, preceding the academic year in which admission or assistance is desired. Students selected for the Department of Education Quality Assurance Program will be required to submit copies of their most recent federal tax returns as well as verification forms. The Office of Student Financial Services will consider any financial aid from the Graduate School or outside institutions as an available resource when making need-based federal awards. The Office of Student Financial Services reserves the right to revise an aid award to a student receiving a assistantship or scholarship. The Office of Student Financial Services makes awards on a rolling basis in conjunction with admission decisions. Priority will be given to applications completed by April 1. Financial aid awards are not made until a file is complete. Students will receive a Missing Information Letter if their file is incomplete.
Alternative Loans
Occasionally, an MPP student cannot meet the full cost of attendance through available resources and must borrow the difference by securing an alternative or private loan. A good credit history is an important criterion for qualifying for alternative loans. Foreign students are not eligible for private loans unless the student has a co-signer who is an U.S. citizen or permanent resident currently residing in the United States. Loan terms vary and you should carefully determine which loan program best meets your financial needs. For more information concerning alternative loans, please contact the Office of Student Financial Services.
International Students
Georgetown University does not reserve special scholarships for foreign students. All applicants are considered for scholarships during the admissions process. Since U. S. citizenship, permanent resident, or resident-alien status is a requirement for the federally funded programs, foreign students cannot be considered for Federal long-term loans or Federal Work-Study. Foreign students who require assistance should investigate the possibility of aid through their family, home government, international non- governmental agencies such as the World Bank, or seek private loans if they have a co-signer who is an U.S. citizen currently residing in the United States.
Part-time Students
Part-time MPP students are not eligible for GPPI merit-based scholarships. Part-time students are eligible to apply for the Bryce Harlow Scholarship Program administered by the Georgetown Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. The Bryce Harlow Foundation has established a Graduate Scholarship Program to advance professionalism in the field of business-government relations and service. Several scholarships are awarded yearly to part-time graduate students and cover tuition for up to two graduate courses per year.
