Financial aid is money in the form of scholarship, loans, and employment that is available to students to help meet the cost of attending a graduate business program. Financial aid comes from a variety of sources - the Olin School, the federal government, and public and private sources.

There are three main types of aid:

Merit-Based Scholarship Aid is given to students who embrace high ideals; whose life choices are guided by personal integrity, selflessness, a commitment to community and a dedication to leadership and academic excellence. Merit-based scholarship aid from the Olin Business School comes in the form of scholarship. These scholarships are gifts that do not have to be repaid. The admissions committee automatically considers each applicant for merit-based scholarship aid, including the 15 full-tuition Wood Leadership Fellowships. Merit-based award letters are mailed with the admission packet.

Need-Based Aid is given to students who have demonstrated financial need. Need is the difference between the cost of education (tuition, room, board, fees, books, and miscellaneous expenses) and the amount the student is expected to pay (based on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, FAFSA, submitted to the federal government). Need-based aid includes a subsidized Stafford loan and/or a subsidized Perkins loan, both of which must be repaid.

Non-Need-Based Aid is available to students who have not demonstrated financial need but need assistance in meeting the cost of a graduate education. These programs are available to students regardless of income and assets. Non-need-based aid includes unsubsidized Stafford loans and alternative loans.