Mar 19, 2024  
Rensselaer Catalog 2009-2010 
    
Rensselaer Catalog 2009-2010 [Archived Catalog]

Financial Aid


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Undergraduate Financial Aid

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Acting Director: Lynnette Koch

Education for leadership in the technological professions requires substantial resources. As a private university, Rensselaer meets the costs of education, laboratories and facilities, student services, and administrative support by a combination of tuition, fund raising, and endowment earnings.

While a quality education adds value well in excess of its cost, many students and families are not able to meet the cost with their own resources. Financial aid is important for most undergraduate and graduate students.

Rensselaer is committed to making a quality education financially possible for undergraduates and their families. The Institute is equally committed to making a complex process as simple and straightforward as possible.

Current and prospective students are invited to contact the Financial Aid Office, at (518) 276-6813, or via email at financial_aid@rpi.edu.

Applying for Financial Aid

Prospective first-year freshman students apply for financial aid by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as well as the College Scholarship Service (CSS) Profile.* These forms entitle the applicant to consideration for all financial aid administered by Rensselaer, including industrial, foundation, and endowed scholarship. Transfer students must complete the FAFSA and the RPI transfer financial aid application, available online at www.rpi.edu/aid/current_students.html. The CSS Profile is not required for transfer students.

Upper-class students requesting aid, whether or not they have received aid before, must submit the FAFSA and, if their application has been selected for verification, copies of their federal tax returns, their parents’ federal tax returns, and the federal verification worksheet. The CSS profile is not required for returning students.

 

*FAFSAs and CSS Profiles may be completed online at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov and https://profileonline.collegeboard.com.

College Cost The total estimated expenditure for a Rensselaer undergraduate for the nine-month 2009-2010 academic year is as follows:

   

Resident Students

 

Commuter Students**

Tuition  

$38,100

 

$38,100

Fees  

1,065

 

1,065

Room and board  

11,145

 

-

Commuting expense  

-

 

4,467

Books and personal expenses  

1,850

 

1,850

Total  

$52,160

 

$45,482

Family Contribution To determine the expected family contribution, the Financial Aid Office looks at both parent and student resources. Parent contribution is determined by income and asset information provided on the FAFSA, along with the previous year’s federal tax return. Allowances are made for such factors as siblings in college, age of parents (for estimating retirement needs), and family size.

*FAFSAs and CSSProfiles can also be filed over the Internet at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov and https://profileonline.collegeboard.com

**For upperclass students only

Aid Award In making aid awards, Rensselaer’s usual approach is to award scholarship funds first and because these funds are necessarily limited, add self-help awards (loans and work-study jobs) to help meet need. Most awards are a combination of scholarship, loan, and/or job. Students receiving combination scholarship and loan and/or job awards are not required to accept the loan or job in order to retain the scholarship.

Adjustments Rensselaer evaluates parent and student tax returns and verifies the enrollment status of other family members in college. Awards may be adjusted when there are differences between FAFSA estimates and actual figures. If you receive scholarship aid from outside industrial, community, or other sources, you must notify the Financial Aid Office of these awards. If your federal need has not been fully met or you are receiving only merit awards, you may be able to keep the outside award in addition to our financial aid offer. However, if your need is fully met and your aid award includes federal aid, we will reduce the loan or work portion of your package first. If you should have any questions regarding how an outside award may affect your financial aid offer from Rensselaer, please contact our office.

Annual Renewals

Because family circumstances may change from year to year, need is re-evaluated annually. Students reapply for financial aid each April, and awards are returned during the summer.

Continued Commitment If your need persists, you will continue to receive financial assistance.

Academic Progress Rensselaer does not tie renewal of financial aid, including the size of Rensselaer scholarships, to grades. Students with federal or New York state awards, however, must meet their satisfactory progress guidelines.

Eligibility Undergraduate aid is continued through eight semesters (10 for students in the School of Architecture).

Financial Aid Refund and Repayment

If, for some reason, a student cannot complete a semester, the following financial aid refund and repayment policies apply.

Refund Rensselaer’s refund policy for a student withdrawing on or after the first day of class of a payment period is outlined in the Tuition and Fees section of this catalog. If the student received any federal Title IV funds, a portion of the refund will be returned to the programs from which the student was funded. Refunds are distributed to Title IV programs in the order prescribed by law. The non-Title IV share of the refund is distributed in the following order: state grant, institutional grant, institutional loan, private grants or scholarships, private loans, student/parent.

Repayment When a student withdraws, drops out, or is expelled on or after the first day of class of a payment period, the Institute will determine whether the student received an overpayment of financial aid funds for noninstitutional expenses. If the student received a cash disbursement of Title IV funds and owes a repayment, a portion will be returned to the Title IV programs from which the student was funded. The Title IV portion of the repayment will be distributed among the Title IV programs in the order prescribed by law. A student who owes a repayment on a Pell Grant or SEOG is ineligible for further Title IV assistance until the repayment is made. Full details on policy and procedures are available in the Financial Aid Office.

Financial Aid Awards
Rensselaer Scholarship Programs

To provide access to a quality education for high-quality students, Rensselaer offers substantial financial aid from its own funds. Scholarship grants are awarded after full consideration of the following factors: relative financial need, academic achievement and promise, qualities of character as suggested by recommendations submitted on behalf of the student, evidence of willingness to help oneself by working, and participation in community and school activities. Students do not apply separately for these awards. If a student earns multiple Rensselaer merit scholarships prior to admission, Rensselaer will award the highest merit award for which the student is qualified, but does not combine multiple awards. Total Rensselaer provided scholarships and/or tuition benefits may not exceed tuition.

Industrial, Foundation, and Endowed Scholarships A great many scholarships are given to Rensselaer by corporations and foundations and through the generosity of alumni and friends. Some of these scholarships are available to first-year students and continue for four years; others are available only in the upper-class years. A list of these scholarships is provided at the end of the undergraduate financial aid section of this catalog.

Rensselaer Medal This medal has been awarded by 3,000 high schools worldwide to their most promising juniors in math and science since 1916. Medalists who enroll at Rensselaer receive a substantial scholarship throughout their four years.

Federal Grants, Loans, and Work/Study Assistance

The federal government offers a number of grant, loan, and work-study programs:

Federal Pell Grant These grants, varying from $976 to $5,350, are awarded to the neediest students (based on a federal calculation).

Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG) This grant is available to Pell eligible students who are enrolled full-time in their 1st or 2nd academic year and have graduated from a rigorous high school program of study.

National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent (SMART) This grant is available to Pell eligible students who are enrolled full-time in their 3rd or 4th year, majoring in mathematics, science, technology, engineering, or critical foreign languages and maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.0.

Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (SEOG) These additional grants are made to Pell Grant recipients.

Federal Perkins Loan A need-based loan program, with a fixed interest rate of 5%. Payment of both principal and interest are deferred while the student is in attendance at least half time.

Federal Stafford Loan (Subsidized) A need-based student loan with a fixed interest rate and maximum amounts of $3,500 (freshmen), $4,500 (sophomores), and $5,500 (juniors and seniors) with a maximum cumulative total of $23,000. Both principal and interest are deferred while the student is enrolled at least half time. The Federal government will deduct an origination fee of 0.5% and the lender may deduct a default fee up to 1% of the amount borrowed.

Federal Stafford Loan (Unsubsidized) Students who do not qualify for all or part of the subsidized Stafford Loan program may qualify for an unsubsidized Stafford Loan, that is, a loan for which the student must either start paying interest while still in school or allow the interest to accrue. Students may borrow up to the limits of the subsidized program less any subsidized loan they may already have. The Federal government will deduct an origination fee of 0.5% and the lender may deduct a default fee up to 1% of the amount borrowed.

Federal Work-Study Program This is a need-based program for students with very high needs. Jobs earn $8.50-$10.00 per hour up to $2,000 per year.

Other Programs In addition to these general forms of student assistance, the federal government has aid programs directed to specific groups of students. Examples include the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs, Aid to Native Americans Higher Education Assistance Program, and Veterans Administration (VA) educational benefits. Students who may be candidates for these programs are urged to contact the Financial Aid Office.

Application Based on the FAFSA, the Financial Aid Office reviews eligibility for these programs and makes awards within program guidelines and formulas (as always, subject to available funds). Detailed information on eligibility, award schedules, distribution of funds, cancellation, and specific rights and responsibilities of recipients is available from the Financial Aid Office.

Academic Progress To remain eligible for these Title IV federal student assistance programs, students must earn a specified number of credit hours and maintain a required grade point average each year. These requirements are published annually and are distributed to recipients with their awards. Students who fail to maintain the minimum credit hours or achieve the required grade point average are placed on federal financial aid probation and have one academic year in which to earn sufficient credits or achieve the required grade point average before losing federal aid eligibility. Students denied federal financial aid for failure to make satisfactory academic progress may appeal through the Office of Financial Aid.

ROTC Financial Aid Programs

Financial assistance is available for both scholarship and nonscholarship Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) students.

The former receive scholarships for periods varying from two to four years. These provide tuition ranging from approximately $4,000 to full tuition, a variable allowance for books, some fees, plus a monthly stipend. Students entering Rensselaer with certain ROTC scholarships receive an additional scholarship covering the average cost of on-campus room and board. This scholarship will be paid each year the student remains eligible for ROTC scholarship benefits and resides in on-campus housing and participates in a meal plan.

Nonscholarship students receive a monthly stipend during their junior and senior years.

Deadlines for scholarship applications vary among the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Details are available from service representatives:

Aerospace Studies (Air Force), (518) 276-6236
Military Science (Army), (518) 276-6254
Naval Science (Navy/Marines), (518) 276-6251

New York State Grant Programs

New York offers a number of financial aid programs to residents. The Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) is described below. In addition, the state offers other special programs including the following for which details and application information are available at New York State Higher Education Services Corporation, 99 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12255:

  • New York State Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarship

  • Regents Awards for Children of Deceased or Disabled Veterans
  • Regents Awards for Children of Deceased Police Officers or Firefighters
  • Regents Professional Opportunity Scholarships
  • Robert C. Byrd Honor Scholarships
  • Vietnam Veterans Tuition Awards
  • State Aid to Native Americans
  • Scholarship for Academic Excellence

Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) TAP awards are available to New York residents attending Rensselaer full time during the academic year (half time during the summer). They are based on New York state taxable income and vary from $500 to $5,000.

Financial aid awards to New York residents include a TAP award at a level estimated based on information provided on the FAFSA. Students, however, must complete an Express TAP application and send it to the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation, 99 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12255 or the form may be completed online at www.hesc.com. Notification of the actual grant amount is received from this agency approximately four weeks after receiving the application.

Undergraduate students may generally receive TAP awards for four years of study. Students enrolled in approved five-year programs or in state-sponsored opportunity programs may receive undergraduate awards for five years.

To remain eligible to receive New York state financial assistance, students must earn a certain number of credit hours each semester, maintain a minimum grade point average, and achieve what is referred to as “satisfactory program pursuit.” These requirements are published in the Financial Aid Brochure, which is available online on the Financial Aid Office’s web site.

Other State Grant Programs

Both Vermont and Rhode Island offer grant programs that provide partial support for study at Rensselaer.

Vermont Incentive Grant applications are made to the Vermont Student Assistance Corporation, Champlain Mill, P.O. Box 2000, Winooski, VT 05404-2000.

Rhode Island State Scholarship applications are made to the Office of Scholarships, Rhode Island Department of Education, 199 Promenade Street, Providence, RI 02908.

Other Opportunities for Undergraduates

In addition to the above, there are other possibilities for undergraduate students or, in some cases, their families.

Part-time Employment There are many opportunities for part-time work during the college year, both on the campus and in surrounding communities. It should be noted, however, that Rensselaer’s academic programs are demanding of both energy and time, and students should not expect to earn a large part of their college expenses through part-time employment. Information on part-time employment is available from the Career Development Center, (518) 276-6234.

Alternative Loans There are several alternative loan programs available for students attending Rensselaer. Additional information is available in the Financial Aid Office.

Federal Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS) If creditworthy, parents of undergraduates may be eligible to borrow up to the cost of attending Rensselaer (minus other financial aid accepted). The PLUS loan has a fixed interest rate and repayment is deferrable for 6 months after the funds are fully disbursed. A one-page instruction form is available from the Financial Aid Office. The various lenders approve these loans based on a credit check, and loan proceeds are credited directly to the student’s account. The Federal government will deduct up to 4% of the amount borrowed for processing and default fees.

Student Rights and Responsibilities

As a student, you have the right to know and understand all aspects of the financial aid process at Rensselaer. Specifically, you have the right to ask the Financial Aid Office staff:

  • What financial assistance is available, including information on all federal, state, and Rensselaer aid programs.
  • What the deadlines are for submitting applications for each of the financial aid programs available.
  • What our cost of attendance is and what our policy is for making refunds to students who leave.
  • How we determine financial need, including how costs for tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, and miscellaneous expenses are considered in the budget.
  • What resources (such as parental contribution, other financial aid, assets, etc.) are considered in the calculation of need.
  • How much of your financial need, as determined by the Institute, has been met.
  • What the various programs included in your financial aid package mean.
  • What portion of the financial aid you receive must be repaid and what portion is grant aid. If the aid is a loan, you have the right to know the interest rate, the total amount that must be repaid, the payback procedures, the total time you have to repay the loan, and when repayment is to begin.

If you feel you have been treated unfairly, you may request reconsideration of your award.

Along with these rights, students have responsibilities. Yours include:

  • Review and consider all information about a school’s financial aid program before you enroll.
  • Complete your application for aid accurately. Errors may delay your aid award. Intentional misreporting of information on application forms for federal financial aid is a violation of law and is subject to penalties under the U.S. Criminal Code.
  • Return all additional documentation, verification, corrections, and/or new information requested by the Financial Aid Office or by other agencies to which you have submitted applications.
  • Read and understand all forms you are asked to sign and keep copies of them.
  • Accept responsibility for all agreements you sign.
  • Notify a lender (someone who has made you a loan) of any change in name, address, or school status.
  • Perform in a satisfactory manner the work that is agreed upon in accepting a Federal Work-Study award.
  • Know and comply with all deadlines for application or reapplication for aid.
  • Notify the Financial Aid Office right away if you feel an error has been made on your award.

List of Undergraduate Scholarships

Industrial and foundation scholarships are financed by annual grants from their sponsors. Restricted endowed scholarships are awarded from annual endowment earnings; the date in parentheses indicates the year in which the scholarship was established.

Industrial and Foundation Scholarships and Annual Grants

Sal Alfiero ’64 Scholarship

Gary T. DiCamillo ’73 Scholarship

George T. Frederick, Jr. Scholarship

General Motors Minority Engineering Scholarship

Jeanette and Carl Goldbaum ’50 Scholarship in Nuclear Engineering (2006)

Andrew L. Hopper ’28 Scholarship

IBM Minority Scholarship

A. Lindsay and Olive B. O’Connor Foundation Scholarship

David T. Ryan Scholarship

Herman J. Schafer Scholarship

UTC Women in Engineering Scholarship


Restricted Endowed Scholarships

Marion and Glen Abplanalp ’36 X-Dimension Scholarship (1994)

Armine and Joseph G. Abuelo Memorial Scholarship (1997)

Roger Osborn Ackerman Scholarship (1989)

George I. Alden Scholarship (1984)

Charles S. Aldrich Scholarship (1952)

Warren J. Allen, Jr. Scholarship (1974)

Lois J. and Harlan E. Anderson Scholarship (2009)

Harry B. Anderson Scholarship (2006)

Kenneth G. Anderson ’50 Scholarship (2000)

Rose O. and Arthur J. Anderson Memorial Scholarship (1984)

Dr. Victor A. Babits Memorial Scholarship (1983)

Frank Bachmann Scholarship (1993)

Mary F. and William T. Bahr ’49 Memorial Scholarship (2001)

Delwyn K. Barnes ’36 Scholarship (1991)

Burt A. Baron ’59 Memorial Scholarship (2002)

Carolyn and Neal Barton ’58 Booster Scholarship (1989)

Charles W. and Dorothy F. Bauer Memorial Scholarship (2004)

Myrtle Isabel Bedell Scholarship (1985)

Dr. Arthur E. Bergles Scholarship (1996)

Lorenzo A. Bettino ’82 Scholarship (2007)

Alfonzo Bills Scholarship (1914)

Graham and Emmeline H. Blandy Scholarship (1916)

Bleich Scholarship (2004)

Charles H. Blitman Scholarship (1969)

Bornefeld Memorial Scholarship (1989)

Emmett W. and Helen S. Bowker Scholarship (2006)

BRAE Scholarship (2000)

Christopher and Maria Brennan Scholarship (1941)

Carrie Harvey Briggs Memorial Scholarship (1994)

William and Gertrude Brotman Scholarship (1987)

William A. Browne Memorial Scholarship (2000)

Pauline Urban and Warren H. Bruggeman ’46 Scholarship (1989)

Mary and Milton Brumer ’23 Scholarship (1999)

Harvey M. Bryans Scholarship (1974)

Julia Buchman Scholarship (1922)

Jane I. Burgess Memorial Scholarship (1983)

John F. Cahill Scholarship (1936)

Keith M. Callanan ’25 Memorial Scholarship (1982)

Dale V. Carlson Scholarship (1980)

Ida Maye and Enoch K. Carlson, Jr. ’54 Scholarship(2007)

Simon Peter Carman ’22 Memorial Scholarship (1999)

The Carr Scholarship for African American Students (2002)

Thomas L. Carter ’54 Scholarship (1974)

Philip A. Casabella Memorial Scholarship (2008)

Howard and Carol Cavanaugh Scholarship (1980)

Leon C. Chamberlin ’28 Scholarship (1983)

Janice and Richard Chen ’71 Scholarship (1987)

Anthony A., Mary G., and Agnes B. Ciresi Scholarship (1981)

LeRoy W. Clark Scholarship (1963)

Class of ’31 Scholarship (1986)

Class of ’32 Scholarship (1983)

Class of ’37 Scholarship (1966)

Class of 1951 Transfer Student Scholarship (2000)

Class of ’71 Chinese Student Scholarship (1987)

Class of ’81 Scholarship (2004)

George F. Clegg ’52 Scholarship for International Study (2007)

Arnold and Jessie Cogswell Another Chance Scholarship (1989)

John D. and Mary J. Colby Scholarship (1977)

Ann M. and Frank J. Conte ’34 Scholarship (2000)

Joseph Brandly Converse Scholarship (1964)

H. H. Cook Scholarship (1964)

Isabel L. and Dane H. Corey ’36 Scholarship (1990)

Doris and Edward F. Crispell ’50 Scholarship (2000)

Pamela L. and James Q. Crowe ’72 Scholarship (2004)

Manuel J. Cutillas ’55 Scholarship (2008)

Roman Cygan ’45 Scholarship (1994)

Philomena C. and Walter C. Daniels ’50 Scholarship (2000)

David M. Darrin ’40 Scholarship (1981)

Harry J. and Pauline F. Decker Scholarship (1985)

Delta Chapter Theta Chi Fraternity Scholarship (1996)

Spencer W. Deming Chemistry Scholarship (1995)

Rodney Derbyshire Scholarship (1981)

Derrick Family Scholarship (1999)

E. Jane Devereaux Memorial Scholarship (1998)

Ronald P. Diaz Scholarship (2001)

David M. Diltz Scholarship (1981)

Joel Dolven Scholarship (1987)

Nicholas M. Donofrio ’67 Scholarship (2007)

John and Clara Doty Scholarship (1962)

Clarence W. Dunham ’20 Scholarship (1981)

Mildred P. and Donald V. Edwards ’26 Scholarship (1992)

Ruth E. and Kenneth S. Eff ’33 Scholarship (1990)

Judith and Laurence Eiseman ’51 Scholarship (1992)

Beatrice W. Ellis Scholarship (1991)

Catherine H. Ellis Memorial Scholarship (1990)

Lila A. and Gerald S. Ellsworth ’50 Scholarship (2000)

Epsilon Zeta Chapter Alpha Phi Omega 150th Anniversary Scholarship (1974)

Rene F. Erkins Scholarship (1970)

Edward Etess ’59 Scholarship (1983)

Helaine Miriam Falkson Scholarship (1982)

Alton Farrel Jr. Scholarship (1967)

John L. ’52 and Marilyn Feininger Scholarship (2007)

The First Albany Scholarship (1993)

Beatrice E. Fischbach Scholarship (1956)

Jeanne and Frank E. Fischer ’64 Scholarship (2005)

Henrietta M. Fisher Memorial Scholarship (2000)

Ruth and Herbert Fishman ’53 Scholarship (1995)

Mary and George Flitcher Scholarship (1999)

Charles E. Frey ’59 Memorial Scholarship (1991)

Anna S. and Albert L. Gaetano Scholarship (1989)

Melanie M. and Arthur J. Gajarsa ’62 Scholarship (2007)

Virginia and Ralph H. Gallinger ’30 Scholarship (1993)

James W. Gaynor ’30/’31 Memorial Scholarship (1991)

H. Joseph Gerber ’47 Scholarship (1992)

Mary and Angelo Giardini ’32 Scholarship (1987)

Raymond A. Gibson ’23 Scholarship (1995)

Joan and Francis Gicca ’54 Scholarship (2004)

Paul Goetcheus Memorial Scholarship (1986)

Elisabeth Smith Golden and Arthur Golden ’66 Scholarship (2002)

Vida F. and Arthur L. Goldstein ’57 Scholarship (2007)

Philip Gowdey Scholarship (1998)

Richard Pope Graham ’42 Memorial Scholarship (1994)

Wayne Green Scholarship (1985)

Alan S. Greenstein ’76 Scholarship (2006)

Carl G. Grimm ’29 Scholarship (1986)

Kermit Gulden Memorial Scholarship (1997)

Joanne and Frank J. Gumper ’64 Scholarship (2004)

Thomas J. Guy Scholarship (1959)

Martin Hapeman ’58 Steinmetz Scholarship (1994)

Oscar Hasbrouck Scholarship (1986)

Kathleen and David S. Haviland ’64 Scholarship (2005)

William Randolph Hearst Foundation Scholarship (2002)

Earl Hendry ’15 Memorial Scholarship (1996)

Jacob E. Heyl Scholarship (1960)

David M. ’65 and Hope Hirsch Scholarship (1984)

Richard ’46 and Carol Hirsch Scholarship (2007)

Leon D. Holden Scholarship (1980)

Normond S. Holroyd ’29 Memorial Scholarship (1986)

Kay and Edward E. Hood Jr. Scholarship (2007)

Harry Arthur Hopf Scholarship (1967)

Jessie M. and Arthur J. Horan Scholarship (1977)

Charles E. Horne Memorial Scholarship (1991)

George T. Horton Scholarship (1963)

L. W. Houston ’13 Memorial Scholarship (1977)

Shih-Tze Hsiao ’76 Memorial Scholarship (1994)

Helen and Robert Hughes Scholarship (2000)

Alan T. Hundert Memorial Scholarship (1978)

Leonard W. Hyman Scholarship (1963)

Irving Subway Grating Co. Inc. Scholarship (1942)

Harry C. and Dalys Oxnam Jaecker Jr. ’34 Scholarship in Management and Technology (1994)

John H. Jaecker Memorial Scholarship (1974)

Neil Howard Jagoda Scholarship (1981)

Frank E. James Jr. 66 Scholarship (2006)

Elisabeth and Samuel A. Johnson 37 Scholarship (2006)

Augustus Jones Scholarship (1977)

Dian C. and Robert L. Jones 57 Scholarship (2008)

John C. Jubin 38 Arco Chemical Company Scholarship (1990)

Joe Judd Memorial Scholarship (1996)

Virginia Moshang and Herbert Lau Kee 50 Scholarship (2002)

Mary Low Kee Memorial Scholarship (1997)

John E. Kelly III 78, 80 Scholarship (2002)

Edward J. Kilcawley Memorial Scholarship (1994)

Elwin F. Lackman 41 Memorial Scholarship (2001)

Joseph V. Landau Scholarship (1992)

Barbara and Stanley Landgraf 46 Scholarship (1988)

John and Marguerite La Pan Memorial Scholarship (1997)

Lars A. Larson Scholarship (2005)

Phyllis S. and C. Erik Larson 55 Scholarship (1996)

Russell J. Lasher 40 Scholarship (2007)

Glenna F. and Robert B. Leonard 61 Scholarship (1991)

Robert L. Levy 62 Memorial Scholarship (1990)

Alfred Li 73 Scholarship (1993)

Linear Technology Corporation-Glenn Mueller 64 Memorial Scholarship (1994)

Eric Lopez Scholarship (1992)

Archibald Longworth Love III ‘42 Scholarship (1993)

Wilfred T. Lowery Scholarship (1960)

Henry A. Mandle Scholarship (1990)

Stephen M. Martone 80 Memorial Scholarship (1989)

Alice A. and Richard W. May 40 Scholarship (2000)

Richard C. McCurdy Scholarship (1984)

William H. McDonald 43 Memorial Scholarship (1998)

James W. McEwan Memorial Scholarship (1973)

Hugh T. McKee 30 Memorial Scholarship (1998)

Frank McKone 63 Family Scholarship (2003)

Brian E. 61 and Dorothy W. McManus Scholarship (1997)

Philip Henry Mead Memorial Scholarship (1993)

Anja N. and Nelson L. Meaney Scholarship for International Students (2008)

Fearson S. Meeks Scholarship (1989)

Arthur Hanfeld Miller Jr. Scholarship (1968)

Jeanne K. and Augustus Miller Scholarship (1999)

Samuel J. Miller II Memorial Scholarship (1941)

W. Webb Moffett 30 Scholarship (2000)

Preston L. Moody Scholarship (1980)

Thomas H. Moorehead 56 Scholarship (1992)

Stephen Morra Memorial Scholarship (2008)

James F. Morrill 52 Scholarship (1987)

John F. and Lewis R. C. Morse Scholarship (1977)

Mow Family Scholarship (1986)

Glenn M. Mueller 64 Memorial Scholarship (1994)

James C. Mullen 80 Scholarship (2000)

Edward Theobald Murphy Memorial Scholarship (1980)

Reta G. Murphy Scholarship (1981)

Edward F. Murray Scholarship (1929)

Maxwell and Cornelia Naas 27 Scholarship (1991)

Theodore Newcomb Scholarship (1987)

Elizabeth and David Norton ‘56 Scholarship (2006)

Cynthia G. O’Hara 85 Memorial Scholarship (1998)

William J. Olsson 51 Memorial Scholarship (2007)

Ronald D. Pacchiana ‘54 Memorial Scholarship (1990)

Barbara N. and Robert J. Pavan 51 Scholarship (2002)

Norman E. Pedersen and Jeanne C. Pedersen ‘53 Scholarship (2007)

Neill S. Perri 93 Memorial Scholarship (1997)

Henry F. Peters 49 Scholarship (1982)

Marvin L. Peterson 21 Scholarship (1983)

Simone C. Peterson ‘84 Scholarship (1999)

Andrew A. Pinto 31 Memorial Scholarship (2006)

Joel H. Port 70 Scholarship (1974)

John Woodward Prosser Scholarship (1955)

Rader Family Scholarship (2007)

Essie and Harriet Rader Scholarship (1979)

Barbara W. and William J. Raymond 60 Scholarship (2002)

Rensselaer Alumni Association Club of Southern Connecticut Scholarship (1992)

Rensselaer/Brooklyn Technical High School Scholarship (2006)

Rensselaer Endowed Scholarship (1960)

Rensselaer Faculty-Staff New Century Scholarship (1994)

Vanessa and Greg Reyes 62 Scholarship (1995)

Dusty Rhodes Scholarship (1999)

Lynn S. Richards Scholarship (1957)

William G. Riviello 33 Scholarship (1997)

C. Sheldon Roberts Scholarship (1981)

Patricia W. Roberts Scholarship (1981)

RSE Foundation Scholarship (2004)

Edward I. Rudd, Jr. Scholarship (1997)

Gerald E. Sabian 57 Memorial Scholarship (1991)

Linda Szabat Sanford 75 Scholarship (2006)

Harriett Burr Sargent and Edwin Norris Sargent Memorial Scholarship (1983)

Louis Scarsellatta 78 Memorial Scholarship (1987)

Alan Keith Schaluck 70 Memorial Scholarship (1995)

Harvey O. Schermerhorn Scholarship (1960)

Edward P. Schinman Scholarship (1945)

Claire and Roland Schmitt Scholarship (1988)

Doris A. and Arthur H. Schneyman 50 Scholarship (2002)

William J. Schwartz Memorial Scholarship (1991)

Scofield Memorial Scholarship (2003)

A. Clayton and Lynette L. Scribner Memorial Scholarship (2002)

Peter Bailey Seaman 73 Memorial Scholarship (1999)

William F. Seber Scholarship (1972)

Harry E. Seifert Scholarship (2004)

Irving Shapiro 34 Scholarship (1974)

Professor Stephen R. Shatynski Memorial Scholarship (1983)

Aaron Wiley Sherwood Memorial Scholarship (1971)

Edward B. Showell Scholarship (1973)

Patrick Thomas Shubsda Memorial Scholarship (2001)

Edward M. Siegel 36 Scholarship (1982)

Isabel and Frederick B. Silliman 37 Scholarship (1988)

Paula Loring Simon 68 Scholarship (1994)

Walter E. Smalley Scholarship (1979)

Joel C. Spaeth 59 Memorial Scholarship (1999)

Robert A. Spinnicchia 77 Memorial Scholarship (1995)

Malcolm Davry Springer Scholarship (1964)

William P. (Willie) Stanton Scholarship (1954)

Henry Fuller Stearns Scholarship (1966)

Carol and Joseph Stern 61 Scholarship (1999)

Anna C. and Frank J. Stevens Scholarship (1971)

George A. Strichman Scholarship (1985)

Robert O. Swanson 58 Scholarship (2003)

John and Eva Sweeney Memorial Scholarship (1976)

Joseph R. Takats Scholarship (1973)

Texas Alumni Scholarship (1979)

Martha and Clinton Thornton 33 Scholarship (1989)

The TISCO Scholarship (1988)

Doris and Frank Tocher 41 Scholarship (1993)

Edward N. Toste 79 Scholarship (1989)

J. Philip Ulrich 79 Scholarship (1989)

Angelo and Rosina DeStefano Valente Scholarship (1985)

Anthony Valente Scholarship (1985)

Laura Neske Valente Scholarship (1985)

Charles E. and Florence P. Vogel Scholarship (1991)

Madeline and Chester T. Vogel 58 Scholarship (1990)

Paul A. Volcker, Sr. 11 Memorial Scholarship (2006)

William J. Vonk 49/ Karen Sievert Memorial Scholarship (1994)

James A. Voorhies 20 Scholarship (1997)

Norman Wainer Memorial Scholarship (1964)

Gladys Watson Scholarship (1981)

Henry George Webb Sr. Scholarship (1967)

Jay J. Webb 61 Family Scholarship (1990)

Todd M. Weber Memorial Scholarship (1979)

Donald E. Weimer 74 “2%” Scholarship (1996)

Sandra and Martin Weinstein 57 Scholarship (2007)

Weissman Family Scholarship (2005)

William J. Wetzel, M.D. Scholarship (2008)

Carvel Wheeler Scholarship (1990)

Francis A. Wilcox 45 Scholarship (2007)

Arthur Williams Charitable Trust Scholarship (1996)

Caroline and Charles Williams Scholarship (1983)

H. Arthur Williams Scholarship (1982)

Richard J. Williams 23 Scholarship (2000)

Helen G. Williamson Scholarship (1925)

Mary K. and Elliot H. Woodhull 43 Scholarship (1992)

Harold F. Wrede Family Scholarship (1995)

Conrad Victor Yunker Scholarship (1937)

Nancy and William L. Zabriski Jr. 52 Scholarship (2008)

Mona and Edward J. Zander 68 Scholarship (2007)

Florence and Harvey Zeve 52 Scholarship (2006)

Barry and Ronald Zlatoper 63 Scholarship (2007)

Graduate Financial Aid

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Only full-time, degree-seeking graduate students are eligible for financial support from Rensselaer in the form of research assistantship, teaching assistantship, or fellowship. The Office of Graduate Education awards Rensselaer Graduate Fellowships and the schools and departments award fellowships and research and teaching assistantships. In the awarding of aid, the Office of Graduate Education and the departments consider such factors as the candidate’s academic record and background, and Rensselaer Graduate Fellowships are awarded for the full academic year, and are typically allocated in March or April for the following academic year. These fellowships consist of a calendar year stipend of at least $20,000. Assistantships consist of full academic year tuition and a stipend of at least $14,500 for the current academic year and, if the student is requested to register and work full time during the summer, at least $19,330 for the current calendar year. The Financial Aid Office makes student loan determinations during July.

Academic departments review the progress of continuing graduate students each term. Continuation of or changes in aid are determined by this review and depend on satisfactory academic and research or teaching performance, as well as the continued availability of funds.

Financial Assistance from Rensselaer

Several types of assistance to help defray the cost of graduate study are available from Rensselaer funds.

Graduate Assistantships Each department selects a number of graduate students each academic year to work as graduate teaching and/or research assistants. The graduate teaching assistant assumes classroom, laboratory, and/or grading responsibilities for his or her department. The graduate research assistant conducts directed research with individual faculty members.

A full-time assistant receives an academic year stipend and tuition scholarship, and is responsible for no more than 20 hours of work each week. The remuneration and workload are determined by the department and approved by the Graduate  School.

Opportunities exist for additional work and study during the summer in many programs. Students receiving assistantships are expected to devote their full-time efforts to the assistantships and their scholarly activities.

Rensselaer Graduate Fellowships The Institute awards full-stipend, tuition, and fees fellowships for select incoming students. Nominees are put forward by the departments based on the strength of the application information. No separate forms are necessary.

Corporate, Foundation, and Private Fellowships Many corporations, foundations, and individuals offer fellowships for graduate study at Rensselaer. The benefits for grants vary; most include tuition allowances. Any student awarded a fellowship through the Institute will receive a stipend equal to or greater than the Institute approved rate. A list of these fellowships is provided at the end of the graduate financial aid section of this catalog.

Federal Financial Assistance

The federal government offers the Stafford loan program to graduate students.

Federal Stafford Loan Program (Subsidized)
Graduate students may borrow up to $8,500 per academic year for a cumulative total of $65,500, including any loans for undergraduate study. Repayment begins six months after the student ceases to be enrolled at least half time. New borrowers currently have a fixed interest rate.

The Federal Government will deduct an origination fee of 0.5% and the lender may deduct a default fee up to 1% of the amount borrowed.

Federal Stafford Loan Program (Unsubsidized)
Interest rate, loan limits, and processing fees are the same as for the subsidized Federal Stafford Loan, with interest payments beginning 60 days after the loan is disbursed. Interest payments can be paid monthly, quarterly, or can be capitalized and added to the loan principal. The Federal Government will deduct an origination fee of 0.5% and the lender may deduct a default fee up to 1% of the amount borrowed.

Borrowers can receive both subsidized and unsubsidized loans for the same loan period. The combined total borrowed for both programs cannot exceed the maximum annual limit of $20,500 for graduate students. Stafford Loan eligibility is affected by changes in credit hours taken and in the amount of outside and department aid received.

Graduate PLUS Loan Program
Available to graduate and professional students. Borrowers can supplement the Federal Stafford loans currently available to them by borrowing a Graduate PLUS loan up to the full cost of their education, including books, living expenses, and more.

A one-page instruction form is available from the Financial Aid office.


New York State Aid
Residents of New York state may be eligible for Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) grants of $100 to $1,100. Awards are based on N.Y.S. taxable income. Applications must be filed annually with the New York State Higher Education Services Corp., 99 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12255.

Students who receive tuition awards from Rensselaer are required to apply for a Tuition Assistance Program award if eligible; the Rensselaer award will be reduced by the amount of the TAP award.

Other Opportunities for Graduate Students
Veterans’ Benefits Veterans and children of veterans may qualify for educational benefits. The veterans’ coordinator in the Registrar’s Office handles these benefits and should be contacted as soon as the student arrives on campus. The veterans’ coordinator will provide forms and information for initiating benefit procedures.

The Registrar’s Office is responsible for certifying all veterans who receive benefits. A veteran who changes his or her credit-hour load or who withdraws from the Institute must notify the veterans’ coordinator immediately.

International Students Rensselaer encourages applications from highly qualified international students. Over 1,000 international graduate students representing more than 80 countries are currently enrolled at Rensselaer.

Financial aid is available to well-qualified first year students in the form of fellowships and assistantships. Competition for awards is very high; approximately 30% of accepted students are offered aid. Generally, awards are committed well before the start of the academic year; awards are usually mailed during March and April for the following fall term.

The minimum provision for living and personal expenses for the 2009-10 academic year is approximately $12,250 beyond tuition and fees. If the student intends to stay in the United States for the summer vacation period and enroll in classes at Rensselaer during that time, he or she must have adequate additional funds. Students also must pay for round-trip transportation to Rensselaer. A nonrefundable fee of $35 is required for an orientation program held prior to registration. Immigration restrictions generally preclude spouse employment.

List of Graduate Fellowships

The following fellowships are administered by departments, and in some cases the Graduate School, and are awarded after a review of the admissions application. No separate application is necessary.

AT&T Graduate Scholarship Programs for doctoral study in science and engineering.

Air Products and Chemicals Grant-in-Aid
for graduate study in chemical engineering.

Philip L. Alger Fellowship
for graduate study in engineering ethics.

American Cyanamid Fellowship
for disadvantaged students.

American Nuclear Insurers Fellowship
for graduate study in nuclear engineering.

American Nuclear Society Scholarships for graduate and undergraduate studies in nuclear engineering.

BASF Corporation Grant-in-Aid for graduate study in chemical engineering.

Michael W. Bellanti Fellowship for graduate study in nuclear engineering.

Irene and Robert P. Bozzone ’55 Fellows in Management and Technology
for graduate students enrolled in the management and technology MBA program.

Robert S. Brown
52 Fellows Program for travel fellowships for architecture students.

Karin and Ellis Chingos
37 Fellowship

Bill Clemow
71 Memorial Fellowship for graduate study in electrical, computer, and systems engineering.

Cluett Peabody Fellowship
for disadvantaged students.

Dr. Andrew N. Dascheff
89 Memorial Fellowship for graduate study in chemistry.

Civil Engineering Fellowship Sponsored by Alumni in Construction


Department of Energy (DOE) Fellowships
for graduate studies in nuclear engineering.

DeWitt-Wallace Foundation Fellowship
for graduate study primarily in humanities and social sciences.

Joaquin B. Diaz Memorial Fellowship
for graduate study in mathematical sciences.

Dow Chemical Grant-in-aid
for graduate study in chemical engineering.

DuPont Grant-in-aid
for graduate study in chemical engineering.

DuPont Grant-in-aid
for graduate study in mechanical engineering.

Eastman Kodak Fellowship
for graduate study in electrical, computer, and systems engineering.

Eastman Kodak Grant-in-aid
for graduate study in chemical engineering.

Electric Power Engineering Fellowship
for graduate study in electric power engineering.

Equitable Fellowship
for graduate study.

Exxon Education Foundation Stewardship
for graduate study in civil engineering.

Exxon Grant-in-aid
for graduate study in chemical engineering.

Exxon Grant-in-aid
for graduate study in electrical, computer, and systems engineering.

Nancy Fitzroy Scholarship
for graduate study for women in engineering.

FMC Corporation Grant-in-aid
for graduate study in chemical engineering.

W. Cary Franklin
77 Fellowship for graduate study in mechanical engineering or an allied field.

General Electric Foundation Fellowship
for graduate study in electrical, computer, and systems engineering and in materials engineering.

General Electric Traineeships
for disadvantaged students.

Goldbaum Family Fellowship
for graduate studies in nuclear engineering.

W. R. Grace Fellowship
for graduate study in chemical engineering.

E.T.B. Gross Endowment Fund
for graduate study in electric power engineering.

Grumman Scholarship
master’s award for graduate study.

GTE Foundation Fellowship
for graduate study in electrical, computer, and systems engineering, and computer science.

Gulf Oil Fellowship
for disadvantaged students.

David Hansen Fellowship
for graduate study in chemical and environmental engineering.

Robert G. Hawkins Fellowship
for underrepresented students in graduate management studies.

Herman Family Fellowship
for women in entrepreneurship.

Fannie and John Hertz Scholarship
for graduate study in engineering or science.

Charles S. Humphrey Fellowship
for graduate study for a Canadian citizen in science or engineering.

IBM Fellowships
for graduate study in computer science.

IBM Fellowships
for graduate study in integrated circuits.

IBM Fellowships
for graduate study in materials engineering.

IBM Fellowships
for graduate study in mathematics.

IBM Mass Spectrometer’s Ion Physics Lab Fellowship
for graduate study in nuclear engineering.

Intermagnetics General Corporation Fellowship
for graduate study in condensed matter physics.

Interscience Incorporated Fellowship
for graduate study in condensed matter physics.

Howard P. Isermann
42 Fellowships for graduate study in chemical engineering.

Professor Howard Kaufman
62 Memorial Fellowship for graduate students in electrical, computer, and systems engineering, with preference given to
students working in the area of control systems.

Carolyn and William A. Klein ‘62 Fellowship
for graduate study in entrepreneurship.

Stanley I. Landgraf
46 Memorial Fellowship for graduate students with preference given to former recipients of the Barbara and Stanley Landgraf ‘46 Scholarship.

Carlton E. Lemke Fellowship
in Decision Sciences and Engineering Systems.

Carlton E. Lemke Fellowship in Mathematics for graduate students in the Department of Mathematical Sciences.

George Mahe 42 Fellowship in memory of John L. Sharp ‘42.

Harry F. Meiners
52 Fellowship for graduate study in physics.

Merck Fellowships
for graduate study in chemical engineering.

Mobil Chemical Grant-in-aid
for graduate study in chemical engineering.

National Academy for Nuclear Training (NANT) Fellowships
for graduate study in nuclear engineering.

Dr. Ernest F. Nippes
38 Graduate Research Enhancement Award for graduate students in materials engineering.

North American Philips Fellowship
for graduate study in condensed matter physics.

North American Philips Graduate Fellowship
for graduate study in electrical, computer, and systems engineering.

Parthesius Fellowship
for graduate study.

Albert S. Paulson Fellowship in Quantitative Financial Management for outstanding graduate students enrolled in the Lally School of Management and  Technology.

Perkin Elmer Fellowship for graduate work in electrical, computer, and systems engineering.

Michael Aloysius Philbin Memorial Fellowship
for graduate study in civil engineering.

Procter & Gamble Grant-in-aid
for graduate study in chemical engineering.

Raytheon Co. Fellowship
for disadvantaged students.

Reinert-Rader Fellowship in Financial Technology
for graduate students in the Lally School of Management and Technology.

Richards Scholarship
for graduate study in civil engineering.

Robert S. Roller Fellowship in Lighting
for graduate students exploring fundamental issues in lighting technologies at the Lighting Research Center.

Veera and Arjun Saxena Fellowship in Microelectronics
for outstanding Ph.D. students working in the area of microelectronics.

Schenectady Chemicals Industrial Fellowship
for graduate study in chemical engineering.

Shavell-Weinman Graduate Research Enhancement Award
for graduate study in economics or humanities related to understanding economic behavior.

Slezak Memorial Fellowship
for graduate study in chemistry.

Chauncey and Doris Starr Graduate Fellowship
for worthy and needy students with first preference to those pursuing doctoral study in the interdisciplinary area of energy and the environment.

Donald Sturges Memorial Fellowship
for disadvantaged students in engineering and management.

Joseph R. Takats
41 Fellowship for graduate study for Western New York residents in mechanical, civil, nuclear, or biomedical engineering.

Union Carbide Grant-in-aid
for graduate study in chemical engineering.

Voorhees Fellowships
for graduate study in management.

Joanne Wagner Memorial Fellowship
for graduate study for women in communications and rhetoric.

Yamada Corporation Fellowship
for graduate study for Japanese citizens.

Weissman Family Fellowship for outstanding graduate students enrolled in the School of Science or the School of Engineering.

Stephen B. Zimmerman 66 Memorial Fellowship for study in industrial and management engineering.

 

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