Incoming Students
Incoming Students
Welcome to the DVM Class of 2030!
The Shreiber School Financial Aid Office is here to help you understand your funding options, complete the financial aid process, and make informed borrowing decisions before you begin veterinary school.
Upcoming changes to the federal student lending and loan framework:
Important Update About Student Loans for 2026–2027 as of March 23, 2026
Changes are coming to the national student loan system next year. These changes are part of a new law called the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). They may affect how financial aid is offered to students. All this information is subject to change or delays, as final rules have not been published. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all the proposed changes, but instead a high-level summary of a few significant proposed changes.
What does this mean for incoming first-year veterinary students?
Federal student loan changes begin July 1, 2026. These changes affect how incoming graduate and professional students may borrow federal loans.
Under the new rules, professional students who do not qualify for an exception may be limited to:
- $50,000 per academic year
- $200,000 total for graduate/professional borrowing
- $257,500 lifetime federal student loan limit
Eligible students may borrow federal funds up to the new loan limits, and any additional aid may be secured through private education loan funding.
The U.S. Department of Education is expected to release final rules by late spring 2026; stay updated here. Please also reference the AVMA article on veterinary student loan updates and what you should know by clicking here.
The university is committed to supporting you during this transition. We will provide clear and timely updates through official Student Financial Aid communications.
Questions or need help?
If you have questions about your individual situation, please contact the Student Financial Aid Office. We are available to help you understand your options and plan ahead. See the FAQs below for more information.
Start Here: Your Financial Aid Checklist
- Complete these steps as early as possible:
- Complete the 2026–2027 FAFSA
Send your FAFSA to SSVM. Use Rowan University school code 002609. - Create or log in with your FSA ID
You will use your StudentAid.gov account to complete the FAFSA, sign loan documents, and manage federal aid. - Complete Loan Entrance Counseling
Federal loan borrowers must complete the Entrance Counseling before federal loan funds can be disbursed. - Complete the Master Promissory Note
Federal loan borrowers must complete the Master Promissory Note before federal loan funds can be disbursed. - Review Banner Self-Service
Check for outstanding financial aid requirements. - Review your financial aid offer
Understand what you are borrowing before relying on loan funds. - Create your personal budget for the year
Use the Budget Worksheet. Borrow only what you need for tuition, housing, food, transportation, and personal expenses.
Financial Aid Timeline
| Timeframe | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Now | Complete the 2026–2027 FAFSA using Rowan University code 002609. |
| After Acceptance | Submit your admissions deposit and begin researching housing options. |
| Beginning May 1 | Financial Aid Offers will be sent via email to accepted students with a completed FAFSA. |
| After Your Award Offer Arrives | Complete the SSVM Budget Worksheet and estimate your loan needs for the year. |
| Spring | Research private loans, check personal credit reports, prepare a cosigner if needed, and network to find roommates. |
| Early Summer | Apply for off-campus apartments and review lease terms before signing. |
| Before Bill Due Date | Complete Entrance Counseling, MPN, and all aid requirements. |
| August | Review your fall e-bill from the Bursar’s Office. |
| After Fall Bill is Available | Apply for needed private loans or enroll in a payment plan. |
| Before Bill Due Date | Notify Financial Aid of your private loan choice and amount. Enroll in E-Refunds and resolve any balance. |
| Before Classes Begin | Finalize housing, move in, and update your local address (if needed). Waive or enroll in Rowan health insurance. |
Financial Aid FAQs
What federal loans can incoming DVM students borrow?
Incoming DVM students who meet federal eligibility requirements may be offered a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan after completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
For 2026–2027, new borrowers will be subject to new federal loan limits. If federal aid does not cover your full cost of attendance, you may need to explore private education loans, external scholarships, or other payment options.
Do I need to include parent information on the FAFSA?
DVM students are graduate/professional students and are generally considered independent for federal aid. Parent information is usually not required on the FAFSA, even if you are claimed on a parent’s tax return. Students are considered independent because they are enrolled in a graduate/professional program, not simply because they earned a bachelor’s degree. For more information, review Federal Student Aid’s dependency status resource: StudentAid.gov/dependency.
I borrowed federal loans before veterinary school. Will that affect my eligibility?
Yes. Federal student loans have annual and lifetime limits. Any federal loans you borrowed before veterinary school may reduce how much federal loan funding you can borrow for your DVM program.
Before borrowing, review your loan history at StudentAid.gov.
What if I need more funding than my federal loan eligibility?
You may consider private education loans, external scholarships, personal savings, family support, deferred payment plans, or other resources.
Private education loans are credit-based and may require a cosigner.
When should I apply for a private loan?
Do not rush into applying for private loans!
Review all resources first: the Financial Aid Webinar, your Financial Aid Offer Letter, and the Budget Worksheet.
Once semester bills are released by The Bursar's Office, apply only for the amount needed for the full academic year. Your annual loan amount will be split between the Fall and Spring semesters. Notify the Financial Aid Office of any loan disbursement adjustments needed.
When are loans disbursed?
Loan disbursement dates will be posted under “Announcements & Dates to Remember” once the Cost of Attendance is published. All student loans are sent from the lender directly to Rowan University and applied to your Bursar bill first.
If your financial aid is more than your charges, the remaining funds will be issued as a refund.
A negative balance on your billing statement means a refund is pending. Sign up for E-refunds to receive refunds faster.
Why might my refund be different each semester?
Refunds may vary by semester because some charges are only billed in the Fall.
For example, health insurance is only billed in the Fall semester. Your tuition deposit is also applied to the Fall bill as a payment. Use the budget worksheet to plan your expenses accordingly.
Is health insurance required?
Yes. All students are required to have health insurance to attend. Rowan University automatically enrolls eligible students into the school-sponsored Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) each Fall semester. Learn more.
If you already have qualifying coverage, you must complete the health insurance waiver process to remove the university health insurance charge.
Are scholarships available?
Yes. Students may apply for external scholarships. Rowan University Foundation scholarships may also become available after matriculation.
Scholarships may reduce loan eligibility if your total aid exceeds your cost of attendance.
How do I apply to be considered a New Jersey resident for tuition purposes?
Students who are classified as out-of-state but believe they meet New Jersey residency requirements may request a residency review.
To apply, complete the SSVM Domicile Verification Form and submit the required supporting documentation.
For questions about residency classification at Shreiber School of Veterinary Medicine, contact the Registrar’s Office at obrienmi@rowan.edu.
I have military or veterans education benefits. How can I set those up?
Students using military or veterans education benefits should contact Rowan University’s Military Services Office as early as possible. Military Services assists veterans, active-duty service members, reservists, National Guard members, and eligible dependents with education benefits and required certification steps.
New students should complete the Military Services onboarding for the benefit they plan to use and provide any required documentation, such as a Certificate of Eligibility from the Department of Veterans Affairs, if applicable.
Military Services Office Contact Information
Location: Savitz Hall, Room 237
Email: militaryserviceoffice@rowan.edu
Phone: 856-256-4233
If you add, drop, withdraw from, or stop attending a course, contact Military Services right away. Enrollment changes may affect your benefits and could create a balance owed to the VA or Rowan.
