Changes between Version 8 and Version 9 of Financial support
- Timestamp:
- 11/04/08 00:44:24 (17 years ago)
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Financial support
v8 v9 35 35 == Additional information == 36 36 37 There is currently a $288.00 facilities fee and a $16.00 student activities fee that is charged to every graduate student at Columbia University. While some departments pay these fees for their students, currently our department does not. These bills come due at the beginning of each semester and are subject to late fees if not paid on time, though generally asking for amnesty on late payments will get the late-fees waived (though not the facilities and student activities fees themselves). 38 39 It is calculated by the university that roughly $1000 per year in expenses is not covered by fellowships and stipends. This means that you are allowed to borrow on unsubsidized student loans up to this amount per year. These loans are administered through the dean of graduate students located in Lowe Library, but are all offered through private lenders and generally charge higher interest rates than subsidized loans. 40 41 Additionally, it is possible if you are in a temporary financial bind to take out an emergency loan of up to $1000. Post-dating a check to Columbia University for the amount you borrow will give you access to immediate cash. 42 37 43 Currently, [http://www.health.columbia.edu/docs/csmip/overview/index.html Columbia University's health insurance] is done through [http://www.aetnastudenthealth.com/stu_conn/student_connection.aspx?groupid=704502 Aetna Student Health Insurance] which is a national group health insurance program negotiated separately by each university. Our university has negotiated to allow all graduate students to be covered under the basic coverage for a fee that is paid for by the department. For an additional $1350 a year you can purchase comprehensive coverage which has greater benefits coverage especially in the areas of prescriptions and physical therapy. [http://www.health.columbia.edu/docs/csmip/dental/aetna_advantage.html Dental coverage] is available for an additional $251 per year. 38 44 39 45 Spouses and domestic partners can obtain health coverage at the basic level at an expense of $1498 per year. Comperhensive coverage is not available for spouses or domestic partners. Additionally. your entire family can receive dental coverage for a total of $913. 40 46 41 The rental rates on university apartments is listed [http://www.columbia.edu/cu/ire/rates.html here]. 47 The rental rates on university apartments is listed [http://www.columbia.edu/cu/ire/rates.html here]. First month's rent and a deposit equal to first month's rent is due upon signing the lease. However, if you are short on funds, the housing office will usually arrange to holding any outstanding balances that you are unable to pay in arrears which you can pay down incrementally. Rent is due on the first of the month, and though they are allowed to penalize you for paying late, in practice not paying on time does not normally result in any penalties, especially if you contact the office with an explanation. 48 49 It is possible to sublet your apartment if you are away for a semester or a summer. Contact the housing office for more information on this option. 42 50 43 51 It should be noted that the guaranteed increase in the stipend from year to year is generally less than the increase in the rent on [http://www.columbia.edu/cu/ire/ university housing] from year to year.
