Applying for Financial Aid

Financial Aid Eligibility

To be eligible for Financial Aid you must: 

• Have a high school diploma or GED  
• Be enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a regular student working toward a degree  
• Be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen  
• Have a valid Social Security Number  
• Make satisfactory academic progress  
• Sign a statement on the FAFSA certifying that you will use federal student aid only for educational purposes  
• Sign a statement on the FAFSA certifying that you are not in default on a federal student loan and that you do not owe money back on a federal student grant  
• Register with the Selective Service, if required  

Important FAFSA Information

Complete the FAFSA as soon as it becomes available for the academic year you plan to attend. Applying early maximizes your eligibility for grants, work-study, and other limited funding. The application can be completed online at .

Steps to Receive Financial Aid

1. Create an FSA ID – Before completing the FAFSA, you must create a free FSA ID at .
2. Complete the FAFSA – Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid online and list ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú’s Federal School Code: 001024.
3. Apply for Admission – If you have not yet applied for admission to ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú, you must do so. A Social Security Number (SSN) is required for financial aid processing.
4. Submit Requested Documentation – If additional documents are required after FAFSA submission, submit them promptly to avoid processing delays.
5. Complete Direct Loan Entrance Counseling – If you plan to accept federal student loans, you must complete Direct Loan Entrance Counseling online at .
6. Sign the Master Promissory Note (MPN) – You must electronically sign the MPN at to confirm your acceptance of federal student loans.
7. Register and Begin Classes – Register for classes and begin attending. Your enrollment level and attendance affect your financial aid eligibility, loan amount, and disbursement timing. Federal Direct Loan borrowers must be enrolled at least half-time, and students enrolled less than full-time may receive a reduced annual Direct Loan amount under the federal Schedule of Reduction (SOR). If your courses begin on different dates, your financial aid may be disbursed in stages as courses begin and attendance is confirmed. For detailed information about enrollment requirements, the Schedule of Reduction (SOR), attendance, withdrawals, and how changes to your schedule may affect your financial aid, review the Enrollment Status & Withdrawal Implications page.
8. Receive Refund Disbursement – If financial aid remains after eligible tuition, fees, and other authorized charges are covered, the remaining amount may be issued as a refund according to the University’s published refund schedule. If you are enrolled in courses with different start dates, part of your financial aid and any resulting refund may be delayed until later courses begin and attendance is confirmed. A delayed refund does not necessarily mean there is a problem with your financial aid. Any remaining eligible financial aid will be disbursed after your later courses begin and attendance is confirmed.
9. Monitor Your Financial Aid Status – You can check your financial aid status on at any time. Award letters will be sent to your preferred email address.

What to Expect After Submitting Your FAFSA

After submitting your FAFSA, the U.S. Department of Education will notify you when it has been processed. You can then access your FAFSA Submission Summary through your StudentAid.gov account. Most online FAFSA forms are processed within several days, although processing times may vary.

Review your FAFSA Submission Summary carefully to make sure your information is accurate. If corrections are needed, you can update your FAFSA through StudentAid.gov.

Your FAFSA Submission Summary includes your Student Aid Index (SAI). ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú uses your Student Aid Index (SAI), along with your cost of attendance, enrollment, and other federal, state, and institutional eligibility criteria, to determine your financial aid eligibility and awards.

Financial Aid Timeline & Deadlines

The financial aid award year begins with the fall semester, while the summer semester serves as a trailer term. Any remaining loan eligibility or financial aid funds may be applied to summer courses if available. ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú enrolled in courses with different start dates may receive financial aid in multiple disbursements as those courses begin and attendance is confirmed.

To receive priority consideration for need-based campus financial aid, students should submit their FAFSA by March 1st for the upcoming fall term. ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú who apply after this date will be awarded on a rolling basis as funds remain available. The final deadline to submit a FAFSA for the previous academic year (ending with summer) is June 30th.

The financial aid deadline for each term is 10 days before registration. If your financial aid file is incomplete by this time, you will need to cover tuition and fees with personal funds. If a balance remains unpaid 14 days after classes begin, a $20 late fee will be added to your account.