Gather your tax information from prior, prior year, in preparation for completing
the FAFSA. For example, if you will be entering college in the fall of 2024, you
will need the tax returns or financial information from 2022 to apply.
Go to studentaid.gov to complete your FAFSA—deadlines vary by institution and state, but it's best to
submit yours as soon as possible after October 1.
There is no deadline to receive federal financial aid before the start of classes,
but there are deadlines for state and institutional aid. Many schools award aid
on a first-come, first-served basis—so the earlier you submit, the better.
Completing the FAFSA in October will be for the college semester starting the following
August.
Expect to receive your Student Aid Report (SAR) around 1-2 weeks after submitting
your FAFSA.
End of the fall semester. Holiday break.
Standards of Progress (SAP) review for those currently enrolled and finishing the
fall semester. Those failing SAP will need to submit a SAP appeal before the spring
semester. If on a Plan of Action, the financial aid office must review your schedule
before packaging your aid.
Fill out and submit any grant and scholarship applications you still have.
Ask your previous colleges to send a transcript of the previous college work if you
have any.
Contact your schools' admissions and financial aid offices to make sure they have
everything they need.
Expect to receive all of your admission decisions and financial aid awards by April
15 or even earlier.
Institutional scholarship applications are due by March 15.
Review your award package and scholarship offers to distinguish between the "free"
aid, such as grants and scholarships, and the aid you have to pay back, e.g., student
loans.
Check with the college to see when you can enroll for classes for fall.
Remember to check to see if the financial aid office has received all the information
and provide any additional required documents to the financial aid office if required.
Aid cannot be packaged until all documents are received and processed.
It is OK to use only grants and not request loans if you do not need them.
The college offers a payment plan as an alternative to borrowing the full amount of
loans. This is interest free. Consider this option if it is possible for you and your
family.
Notify your college's financial aid office of any funding you will be receiving outside
of what is offered through the college in your financial aid package.
Accept any institutional scholarships that have been offered.
SAP review for those currently enrolled and finishing the spring semester. Those
failing SAP will need to submit a SAP appeal. If on a Plan of Action, the financial
aid office must review your schedule before packaging your aid.
Fall billing goes out that should include anticipated packaged aid.
Priority Dates
July 15th priority date for completing the FAFSA for the fall semester
November 15th priority date for completing the FAFSA for the spring semester
April 15th priority date for completing the FAFSA for the summer semester
