If you want federal financial aid, you must fill out the FAFSA! Don’t miss your state’s deadlines, as they will vary state to state, and may require additional forms or letters of recommendation, etc.

KEY:
* Additional form may be required. Contact your financial aid administrator or your state agency.
^ Applicants encouraged to obtain proof of mailing.
# For priority consideration, submit application by date specified.
@ Deadline by midnight, Central Daylight Time.
& Deadline by midnight, Central Standard Time.

Source: http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/before003a.htm

FAFSA, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, is used to apply for financial aid from your school, state, or government.  The application deadline for federal student financial aid and state student financial aid may be different, and you may be required to fill out additional application forms.

The FAFSA needs to be filled out in order for you to receive federal aid, state aid, or school aid.

• School financial aid is given as loans, grants, or scholarships from the school you are attending (or wish to attend)
• State financial aid is given by the state you live in as loans or educational grants.
• Federal financial aid is given by the government as Pell Grants or Stafford Loans.

Federal Student Financial Aid deadlines

For the 2009 – 2010 school year (starting July 1, 2009, ending June 30, 2010), FAFSA online applications must be submitted by midnight central daylight time on June 30, 2010. Any corrections to the online forms must be submitted by midnight central daylight time on September 21, 2010.

If you apply for financial aid for the 2009-2010 school year (which we are currently in), you can use that aid to cover what you have already spent on schooling. This aid can also be applied towards any additional schooling or classes taken and completed before June 30, 2010.

For the 2010 – 2011 school year (starting July 1, 2010, ending June 30, 2011), FAFSA online applications must be submitted by midnight central daylight time on June 30, 2011. Any corrections to the online forms must be submitted by midnight central daylight time on September 21, 2011.

In order for you to actually receive financial aid, your school must have your correct and completed FAFSA information before the last day of your enrollment.

State Student Financial Aid Deadlines:

Most deadlines for state financial aid applications are different than the federal financial aid application deadlines, and will vary by each state. It is extremely important to check with your financial aid advisor to find out when these are so you don’t miss them! You can also check out http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/before003a.htm#state_deadlines for more details.

Since all financial aid – federal or state – is awarded on a first come, first served basis, it’s in your best interest to get all the FAFSA information you need to submit your application as soon as possible!