<p>Given the guarantee of funding throughout all years of the program at top institutions, is it largely unnecessary to pursue financial aid as a graduate student in a biology-related field?</p>
<p>At most, I see applying for financial aid as only having benefit at Berkeley, where it is necessary in order to be awarded University Fellowships.</p>
<p>Unnecessary? I guess that depends on your goals. Getting a fellowship is a prestigious thing and it makes your PI like you more. Also, some programs give you a bonus if you do.</p>
<p>Financial aid involving FAFSA, CSS, and the like. Not extramural fellowships.</p>
<p>Unless it’s required by the department, you generally won’t be directed or encouraged to apply for federal aid.</p>
<p>Most programs fund their first- and second-years through NIH training grants, which are awarded to the department, not to individual students, and which aren’t awarded on the basis of financial need.</p>