Tuition & Aid

Financial Aid

Conway students have multiple options for financing their year at Conway. Conway offers need-based tuition reduction grants to eligible students.

All students who are considering applying for financial aid must complete the Department of Education’s Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The Student Aid Report (SAR) generated from the FAFSA application will be used by the school to help determine loan eligibility.

To ensure that loan funds will be available when school begins in September, applicants can and are strongly advised to start financial aid applications at the same time they apply for admission.

Financial Aid Options

Conway Grants

Starting with the Class of 2013, the Conway School has offered need-based tuition grants to incoming students. Over time, the school’s ability to offer grant aid has gradually increased. As Conway raises funds from generous donors, including many alums of the school, we’ve been able to offer more grants. These grant awards are available to students who are financially eligible; the school determines eligibility by reviewing FAFSA applications from applicants who have a Social Security number or TIN. A full need-based Conway Grant is equivalent to 20% of the cost of that year’s tuition.

The Conway School follows a need-blind admissions process: a prospective student’s financial aid status will not be a factor considered during the admissions decision. 

Yestermorrow Grants

Students who have completed at least a 12-day course (or 12 days of courses) at the Yestermorrow Design/Build School may apply for a $2000 grant to attend Conway’s Master of Science in Ecological Design program. Contact admissions@csld.edu if you would like to apply for a Yestermorrow Grant.

Federal Student Loans

The Conway School participates in the U. S. Department of Education’s Direct Loan Program. Stafford loans are available through this program.

Stafford unsubsidized loans can fund up to $20,500 toward the cost of graduate education. These government loans are offered at fixed interest rates and repayment may be deferred while in school; loan payments need not begin until six months after graduation. Interest accrues on Stafford unsubsidized loans while a student is enrolled in school. The interest can be capitalized and deferred until repayment begins.

Loans can be originated by the school only after a student has been accepted, confirmed attendance by countersigning and returning the enrollment agreement, returned the signed financial aid award letter received from the school, completed the on-line financial aid entrance interview, and completed a Master Promissory Note(s).

For more information, see the Federal Student Aid Information Center. 

Conway Lending Partners

Beginning in 2026-27, Direct PLUS loans have been discontinued by the federal government. The Conway School partners with two alternate lenders to ensure that students still have loan options that will cover the full cost of attendance:

• UMass Five College Credit Union
• Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority (MEFA)

The Conway School will certify applicant loans approved by these lenders and assist students with the disbursement process.

Alternative or private student loans may also be available. Students are responsible for researching and managing these loans without the Conway School’s assistance. 

External Scholarships

In addition to offering need-based grants and federal aid, Conway gladly assists students who are applying for other sources of scholarship funding. Conway maintains a reference list of outside scholarships that is available to applicants upon request. Please contact admissions@csld.edu. 

Veterans

The Conway School welcomes applications from military veterans and military-connected students.  We are committed to making our program accessible for veterans and their dependents.  Conway works with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to provide one-on-one assistance to student veterans concerning GI Bill benefits, as well as other financial aid benefits and needs. Please contact us for more information.  We look forward to helping you understand and maximize your veterans benefits. Find out more about our options for military veterans and military-connected students here.

Living expenses vary and are derived from student surveys completed at the end of each academic year. In addition to housing and food expenses, students need to budget for other personal living expenses including transportation, health insurance (coverage is required in Massachusetts), telephone, drafting equipment, and other supplies. 

Expenses beyond tuition for the Master of Science in Ecological Design program average $20,000, and our lending partners offer loans up to the total estimated cost of attendance, which is the cost of tuition plus living expenses.

Need more information? You can download our detailed flyer on the cost of attendance and financial aid options here.

Finding Housing

Conway does not have dormitories. Most students rent rooms, apartments or houses in the area for the year. The school maintains a list of available rentals, many of which have housed Conway students for years. Students make their own arrangements, usually during the summer before school starts. Contact the school for more information.

Accessing Transportation

Access to a vehicle throughout the year is helpful. However, many apartment rentals, grocery stores, restaurants, bookstores, and pharmacies are within walking distance of the school.

Required Health Insurance

Massachusetts law requires that all full-time college students participate in a health insurance plan that meets the state’s mandatory health insurance requirements. You can view Conway’s health insurance requirements and options here. Please contact admissions@csld.edu for more information.