Welcome Incoming Class – Fall 2025
The HMS Financial Aid Team wishes you the warmest welcome to the Harvard Medical School community. We look forward to working with you throughout your journey here.
Meet the Team
Ryan Callahan – Director of Financial Aid
Sarah Carey – Associate Director of Financial Aid
Siobhan Keenan – Assistant Director of Financial Aid (Manages the financial aid caseload for students with surnames A-K.
Yolanda Paul – Assistant Director of Financial Aid (Manages the financial aid caseload for students with surnames L-Z.
Lillian Johnson – Financial Aid Coordinator
Refunds
Need money to cover fall living expenses?
Students who expect to have a credit balance once all anticipated aid is disbursed may apply for a living expense refund against the future credit.
Complete a Refund/Cash Advance Request Form
Student Services
We’re highlighting helpful resources available to support you throughout your journey at HMS.
Student Financial Services
• Payment plans
• Bill payments
• Third party billing
• Bill due dates
• Direct Deposit
• Tax forms – 1098T
https://sfs.harvard.edu/
Registrar’s Office
• Posts tuition and fees
Harvard University Student Health Program
• Coverage information
• Health insurance waivers and deadlines
https://hushp.harvard.edu/your-benefits/
Veteran Benefits Office
• Apply to utilize benefits
• Benefits overview
• VA benefits forms
https://sfs.harvard.edu/veteran-military-benefits
• Completes enrollment verification for loan deferment forms
https://meded.hms.harvard.edu/registr ar
Financial Aid Office
• Posts anticipated aid
• Processes living expense refunds
• Disburses loans
https://hms.harvard.edu/educati on-admissions/masters-degreeprograms/financial-aid.
Financial Aid Scams & Safety
Common Financial Aid Scams
Application Fee Scams
• Never pay a fee to apply for federal aid.
• FAFSA is always free at https://studentaid.gov/.
Scholarship Guarantee Scams
• No legitimate organization can guarantee aid.
Advance Fee Loan Scams
• Real loans do not require fees upfront.
Phishing and Identity Theft
• Colleges, the U.S. Department of Education, and official programs will never request sensitive information via unsecured email or text.
More Resources
• Federal Student Aid: How to Avoid Student Aid Scams
• Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: Student Loan Scams
As 2025-26 academic year begins, it is important to learn how to protect your personal information and spot common financial aid scams. Below are tips, warning signs, and trusted resources to help you stay protected.
How to Protect Yourself
Use Official Websites
• For federal aid: https://studentaid.gov/
• For scholarships: https://www.fastweb.com/.
Secure Your Accounts
• Use strong, unique passwords
• Enable multi-factor authentication if available
Be Skeptical of Unsolicited Requests
• Do no reply to unsolicited texts, calls or emails about financial aid, especially those requesting sensitive information
Check URL Spelling Carefully
• Scammers may use lookalike websites such as fasa.com or fafsa.gov.
Research the Organization
• Read online reviews and verity their contact information
One Big Beautiful Bill Act Updates
On July 4, 2025, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (the Act) became law, bringing about changes to certain federal student aid programs. While some of these changes took effect right away, others will be implemented later this year and in the future.
View details.
Federal Loan Updates
Enhancements to StudentAid.gov
On August 3, 2025, new enhancements to StudentAid.gov were introduced to help students and borrowers quickly access the applications and information they need. Some of these changes include:
• Updated borrower defense to repayment loan discharge application
• Real-time matching with the Social Security Administration for borrowers creating or updating accounts
• Improved site navigation. View details.
Financial Aid
Fact
Students can request an increase to their cost of attendance budget for a one-time computer purchase for up to $2,500. This increase is covered with a federal or private loan.
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Monthly Highlight
Financial Goal Setting
A new academic year is the perfect time to set clear financial goals and create a roadmap for your success. Financial goal setting isn’t just about paying tuition—it’s about making sure your money works for you now and in the future. Here are a few steps to get started:
• Identify Your Priorities: What matters most to you this year? Whether it’s saving for conferences, paying down debt, or building an emergency fund, write down your top financial priorities.
• Set SMART Goals: Make your goals Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. For example: “Save $500 by December for professional development expenses.”
• Create a Budget: Track your income and expenses so you can see where your money goes and make adjustments where needed. Below are some budgeting apps:
o Smart About Money
o Thrive
o Mint
o YNAB
• Monitor Your Progress: Check in with your goals monthly and celebrate small wins along the way. Don’t hesitate to adjust your plan if your situation changes.