Tuition and financial aid

Estimated tuition costs for the July 2024–June 2025 academic year are as follows:

Please note: The cost of tuition does not include out-of-pocket expenses such as books, additional course materials, immersions, or other fees. While immersion fees include a majority of associated expenses, you are still responsible for travel costs, as well as some food and miscellaneous charges throughout the immersion experience.

If you are admitted into the online MSOT program, you will be required to submit a $500 nonrefundable deposit to reserve a place in the program. Enrollment deposits will be applied as a credit toward the first term’s tuition once you enroll in the program.

Tuition and fees are subject to change. A moderate tuition increase should be expected each year.

Russell Sage College is committed to helping you find the best and most responsible way to finance your education. That’s why we offer one-on-one financial aid counseling services to guide you through this process.

Together, we’ll review a range of tuition and financial aid options that you’re eligible for to fund your online MSOT degree, including: 

If you have questions about your financial aid options, contact the Office of Financial Aid at 1-518-244-2020 or solutions@sage.edu, or visit the Federal Student Aid website. 

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is available in October of each year. For the 2024-25 academic year, the FAFSA will be available in December 2023. Students who will be enrolling Fall 2024 should complete the 2024-2025 academic year FAFSA. 

Follow these steps to apply for Federal Student Aid:

Note: The FAFSA must be submitted each academic year in order to remain eligible for Federal Student Aid.

Note: The Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan is credit-based. Please visit Studentaid.gov for detailed information regarding PLUS Loan credit requirements. 

Visit Studentaid.gov for more information on Federal Student Aid programs.

• Tuition and Billing

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  What are the tuition and fees for the Russell Sage College Health Sciences Online program?

  Tuition and mandatory fees are assessed based on the number of credit hours registered per term according to the program for which you enroll. Tuition and fees are subject to increase each academic year. Current academic year rates are available on the RSC Graduate Tuition & Fees page.

  How much is the enrollment deposit, and when is it due?

  There is a $500 non refundable enrollment deposit due once admitted. Financial aid cannot be used to pay the deposit.

  Is there an immersion required for this program? If so, will I be able to use loan funds to cover immersion expenses?

  There are 4 on-campus immersions required for the MSOT program. Students are responsible to cover travel, lodging and meals during the immersions. If you have a surplus credit from your loans, you may use those funds to cover expenses associated with your immersions. 

  When will I receive a tuition bill, how do I view my bill and when is payment due?

  Your tuition bill will be sent once you are registered for classes. You will get an email when a statement of account (bill) has been updated for your review. You can access your statements online in the Student Account Center which can be accessed through Self Service. Log into Self Service, click on the Student Finance option, and then continue into the Student Account Center where you can view your statement. Payments for fall are typically due on August 1. Payments for spring are typically due on December 1.

  What are the accepted forms of payment?

  Once you are logged into the Student Account Center, you can make payments online using your checking account information or debit and credit card. RSC also accepts checks and money orders through the US mail. Visit the RSC Special Billing page for third party service payment instructions. 

  What are the consequences if my tuition bill is not paid when classes begin?

  Accounts that are not paid in full, on a payment plan, or do not have sufficient financial aid to cover the balance by the due date will be placed on a Student Accounts hold and are subject to a $50 late payment fee.

  What payment plan options does Russell Sage College offer?

  RSC offers a payment plan for the fall and spring semesters. The payment plan allows for students to spread the cost of attendance over time concurrent with the period of enrollment. The payment plan is not credit based. You can set up a payment plan in the Student Account Center accessed through Self Service. The cost to enroll in a payment plan is $45.

  Who can I contact at Russell Sage for billing and payment questions?The Student Accounts office can assist you with any questions about your bill. They can be reached by email at studentaccounts@sage.edu.

• Financial Aid at Russell Sage

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  What is Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)? 

  Satisfactory Academic Progress or SAP are requirements students must make toward a degree to maintain eligibility for Federal Student Aid. You may view the Graduate SAP Policy at Russell Sage College. 

  What Federal Student Aid is available to graduate students?

  Graduate/professional Federal Student Aid includes the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan and the Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan. To be eligible, you must meet the basic eligibility criteria.

  How do I apply and what is the minimum number of credits required to receive Federal Student Aid?

  Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), submit your Loan Entrance Counseling and electronically sign the Master Promissory Note (MPN). 

  You will also need to complete the RSC Federal Disbursement Authorization Form every academic year you are enrolled. You must be registered for 4.5 credit hours per term that are required for your degree in order to receive Federal Student Aid. 

  What is the aggregate loan limit?

  The aggregate loan limit is the total amount that you may borrow in Federal student loans for undergraduate and graduate study. In addition to borrowing limitations based on the cost of attendance for the program, you are also limited in terms of lifetime borrowing. The maximum aggregate loan limit for most Federal student loans is $138,500 and does not include PLUS loans or private loans. 

  What are the Federal student loan forgiveness options?

  In certain situations, all or a portion of your Federal student loans may qualify to be forgiven, canceled, or discharged. Outside of those circumstances,you remain responsible for repaying your loan, per the Master Promissory Note you signed. Learn more about Federal student loan forgiveness programs.

  What are private loans?

  Private loans, also known as alternative loans, credit-based, non-federal student loans offered by private financial institutions/lenders. Private/alternative loans can help students bridge the gap between the cost of tuition and the amount of other aid received. It can be used in addition to or instead of Federal Student Aid. Lenders offer loans with various rates, fees, repayment terms, and approval requirements.

  ELMSelect is a Private Loan Comparison Tool that features lenders that Sage students have historically worked with. Students are free to borrow from any lender they wish, even if they do not appear on this list. Please be aware that students must file a FAFSA and have Federal loans offered to them before a private loan will be certified.

  When will I receive my financial aid offer and how do I accept my offer?

  If you are a new student to Russell Sage College, you will receive your financial aid offer letter in the mail with instructions on how to access your information online. Once you are admitted into the program and accept admittance, you will be sent a paper offer letter that will have a QR code with instructions for accessing the online portal. Returning students will receive an email once their financial aid is online and is able to be viewed in My Sage Aid.

  Who can I contact at Russell Sage for financial aid questions?

  You can contact our Solutions team at 518-244-2020 with any questions or you can reach us by email at Solutions@sage.edu.

  Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

  What is the FAFSA and how do I apply?

  The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is an online application the Department of Education (ED) uses to determine if you are eligible to receive Federal Student Aid. Complete the FAFSA and add the RSC Federal school code: 002810.

  When should I complete the FAFSA? 

  The FAFSA is available every October 1 for the upcoming academic year. New students planning to use Federal Student Aid should complete a FAFSA while applying for admission. You will need to complete the FAFSA for each year you are or plan to be a student. 

  Please note: For the 2024-25 year, the FAFSA will be available starting in December 2023.

  Refer to the table below to determine which academic year FAFSA to complete based on your desired start/continue/return:

  MSOT

  Start	Term	FAFSA Year
  August 2024	Fall 2024	2024-2025
  August 2025	Fall 2025	2025-2026
  August 2026	Fall 2026	2026-2027

  Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan

  What is the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan and how do I apply?

  Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans are available to undergraduate and graduate students. At the graduate level, the loan amount is not based on need or income. To apply for the Direct Unsubsidized Loan, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

  How much am I eligible for with the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan?

  There are limits on the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans that you may be eligible to receive each academic year (annual loan limits) and the total amounts that you may borrow for undergraduate and graduate study (aggregate loan limits). Most graduate-level students are potentially eligible to receive up to $20,500 per academic year from the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan. Learn more about graduate annual loan limits.

  What is the interest rate for the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan?

  If you receive a Federal student loan, you will be required to repay that loan with interest. Interest is paid to the lender as a cost of borrowing. The Direct Unsubsidized Loan interest rate is determined on an annual basis for loans disbursed on or after 7/1 of the current year, and before 7/1 of the following year.Interest is calculated as a percentage of the unpaid principal amount. Unlike other forms of debt, such as credit cards and mortgages, Federal Direct Student Loans are daily interest loans, which means that interest accrues (accumulates) daily. Learn more about interest rates for Federal Student Loans. 

  What are the loan fees for the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan?

  Most Federal student loans have loan fees that are a percentage of the total loan amount. The loan fee is deducted proportionately from each loan disbursement you receive while enrolled in school. This means the money you receive will be less than the amount you actually borrow. You’re responsible for repaying the entire amount you borrowed and not just the amount you received. Learn more about fees associated with Federal student loans.

  When do I begin repayment on my Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan?

  Once you graduate, drop below half-time enrollment, or leave school, your Federal student loan will convert to either “in-grace” (loans borrowed for your current degree program) or “repayment” status (loans that were in repayment status before you began the current degree program). 

  If you have a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan, you have a six-month grace period before you are required to start making regular payments. You can make prepayments on your loan while you are in school or during your grace period.

  Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan

  What is the Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan and how do I apply?

  Graduate/professional students can apply for the Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan to help pay for education expenses not covered by other financial aid. It is recommended that you apply for the PLUS Loan once you have been admitted to a program and within 60 days of the session beginning.

  The Graduate PLUS Loan application is initiated by the school through your financial aid offer letter. The school’s Financial Aid Office will provide additional instructions about the process for requesting a Graduate PLUS Loan. Any requests for additional loan funds after the initial loan disbursement must be completed through My Sage Aid under the New Loan Request tab.

  How much can I borrow from the Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan?

  If approved for the Federal Graduate PLUS Loan, you can borrow up to the cost of attendance as determined by Russell Sage College.

  What are the next steps if I’m approved for the Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan?

  If approved for the Grad PLUS Loan, you must complete the Master Promissory Note (MPN) for Graduate/Professional Students. If you are denied, you may reapply with an endorser, or begin the credit appeal process and complete PLUS Credit Counseling. 

  What is the interest rate for the Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan?

  If you receive a Federal student loan, you will be required to repay that loan with interest. Interest is paid to the lender as a cost of borrowing. Interest is calculated as a percentage of the unpaid principal amount. Unlike other forms of debt, such as credit cards and mortgages, Federal Direct Loans are daily interest loans, which means that interest accrues (accumulates) daily. The Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan interest rate is determined on an annual basis for loans disbursed on or after 7/1 of the current year, and before 7/1 of the following year. Learn more about interest rates for Federal Student Loans. 

  What are the loan fees for the Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan?

  Most Federal student loans have loan fees that are a percentage of the total loan amount. The loan fee is deducted proportionately from each loan disbursement you receive while enrolled in school. This means the money you receive will be less than the amount you actually borrow. You’re responsible for repaying the entire amount you borrowed and not just the amount you received. Learn more about fees associated with Federal Student Loans.

  When do I begin repayment on my Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan?

  Once you graduate, drop below half-time enrollment, or leave school, your Federal Student Loan will convert to either “in-deferment” (loans borrowed for your current degree program) or “repayment” status (loans that were in repayment status before you began the current degree program). 
  If you’re a graduate/professional student PLUS borrower, you will be placed on an automatic deferment while in school and for six months after graduating, leaving school, or dropping below half-time enrollment.  Learn more about repayment timelines.

• Military Education Benefits

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  How do I begin the process to apply for VA education benefits?

  Visit the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) website, VA.gov to discover which benefits are available. Complete the VA Education Benefits Form which generates a request for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) or statement of benefits. The COE is mailed to you within six to eight weeks from submitting the application. 

  Once you have received your COE or statement of benefits, submit a copy to the Russell Sage College VA Certifying Official on the Veterans page. RSC will automatically submit an enrollment certification based on your course registration unless you tell us otherwise. Questions regarding eligibility should be directed to the VA Education Assistance Hotline at 1-(888)-442-4551. 

  What is the current payment rate of benefits, including the Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA)?

  The tuition and fee payment and MHA rates are determined at the beginning of each military academic year on August 1, and are valid through July 31. View the current payment and MHA rate. 

  What is the Yellow Ribbon Program and does Russell Sage College participate?

  The Yellow Ribbon Program allows degree-granting colleges and universities in the United States to voluntarily enter into an agreement with the VA to fund tuition expenses that exceed the annual national maximum cap per military academic year. Participating institutions choose their contribution amount, the VA matches that amount, and issues payment directly to the school. Veterans who are utilizing Post-9/11 GI Bill® Benefits and who are entitled to 100 percent of their benefit may be eligible. 

  RSC participates in all veterans’ education programs and is a Yellow Ribbon school.

  Who can I contact at Russell Sage College for questions about using military education benefits? Military education benefit inquiries are currently handled by the Financial Aid Office. Visit the RSC Veterans page for more information.

• Tax Benefits for Education

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  How do I qualify for a tuition tax credit?

  For details on tax benefits for education, see the Internal Revenue Service IRS Publication 970, which provides detailed information. Russell Sage College is unable to provide tax advice. 

  We urge you to contact your tax advisor or the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) at 800-829-1040. You may also visit the IRS website if you have any questions regarding the HOPE or Lifetime Learning Tax Credits.

  What is the 1098-T form?

  It is an informational form filed with the Internal Revenue Service to report the amounts billed to you for qualified tuition, related expenses, and other related information. The primary purpose of the IRS Form 1098‐T is to inform you that we have provided this required information to the IRS.

  What information is included in the 1098-T form?

  Form 1098-T reports amounts paid for qualified tuition, scholarship and grants processed in the previous year to students enrolled in courses at Russell Sage College for which they receive academic credit. The information reported on the 1098-T form helps students evaluate whether they are eligible for an educational tax credit.

  How do I obtain my 1098-T form?

  Student Accounts generate the 1098-T forms.