Tax Information
Unsure of what taxes you should be paying or what education credits pertain to you? While Vanderbilt University is unable to provide tax advice, here are some resources that may guide you in your tax preparations.
Payroll is pay for work performed, whereas a stipend is service-free payments to students. Typically, Vanderbilt withholds taxes on payroll and will send you a W-2 statement. If you did not receive your W-2, please log onto Oracle. Taxes are not withheld from stipends.
- The Office of Student Accounts provides assistance for downloading your 1098-T, FAQs about the 1098-T, and information regarding tax benefits for education.
- The Vanderbilt International Services provides information and forms pertaining to a range of international tax topics.
- The IRS has a Free File site that can help you figure out if you can file your federal taxes for free and has the list of eligible online tax preparation companies or software. Some online tax preparation sites offer live, online support from tax experts. TurboTax is one option that has been used and recommended by students.
- The IRS's page on scholarships, fellowships, and other grants
- Do I Include My Scholarship, Fellowship, or Education Grant as Income on My Tax Return?
Loan Assistance
Loan assistance is available for graduate students in the form of unsubsidized loans through the Federal Direct Stafford Loan program, the Federal Direct Graduate PLUS loan program, and alternative/private loan programs offered by certain lenders. Students are typically eligible to borrow the annual maximum Direct Unsubsidized loan of $20,500. (However, students are required to complete the FAFSA application process before a Direct Unsubsidized Loan may be awarded.) Graduate PLUS loans are federal credit-based loans that graduate or professional degree students can use to help pay educational expenses. Alternative/private loans are available from private sources that are not based on financial need. We recommend that students apply for federal loans first and then pursue additional sources of funding if necessary. Information may be found at the Federal Student Aid website.
In order to be considered for the Federal Direct Loan programs and/or the Federal Work Study Program, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Learn more about eligibility criteria and application procedures.
Financial Wellbeing
Financial Wellbeing Resources
Hire a Dore is a database for Vanderbilt related job opportunities both on and off campus.
The Student Care Network wants to help ensure students are prepared to make smart financial decisions during and after your time at Vanderbilt. Through a series of workshops, students can assess personal relationships with money; identify connections between mental and financial wellbeing; analyze current spending and saving habits; and become more aware of ways to apply budgeting and money-saving concepts. Learn more about workshops here.
Financial Hardship
The Student Care Assistance Program (SCAP), offered through the Student Care Network, supports the immediate needs of students experiencing a financial hardship related to health care expenses that poses significant risks to their educational success. Students who are encountering unexpected expenses due to an event or a medical or mental health crisis can apply for the Student Critical Support Fund. Funds awarded will not exceed $2000 each academic year from the Office of Student Financial Aid (OSFA).