Apply for Aid

2024-2025 FAFSA Application – Now Available

We strongly encourage you to complete your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the 2024-2025 academic year as soon as possible. Completing the FAFSA is crucial for accessing federal and state financial aid, as well as institutional aid, scholarships, and grants. Submitting the FAFSA early increases your chances of receiving the maximum amount of aid you're eligible for, as some funds are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Plus, getting this crucial step out of the way now can help reduce stress as you focus on your studies.

Important Notice about FAFSA Delays – Recent Update

The delays in the financial aid process for the 2024-25 academic year is a result of a massive overhaul at the Department of Education because of the FAFSA Simplification Act. These delays affect all schools. Watch this brief video for more information about the FAFSA Simplification Act.

Once the Department of Education is done with updating their systems they will send the necessary information to schools so that schools can update their systems as well.

You, the student, will receive notice from the Department of Education when your FAFSA has been processed. At the same time, your information will begin to be sent to your school choices listed on the FAFSA.

Schools will then begin to receive data, update systems and prepare for awarding as quickly as possible.

To help you through the 2024-25 FAFSA process view some videos created by the Department of Education. Also, make sure to check your BlueM@il for important emails from our office regarding the changes to the FAFSA and the new timeline.

Steps to Apply

1. Create or Update Your FSA ID: Your FSA ID acts as your legal signature. If you don’t have one, create a FSA ID. If you do, make sure your information is up to date.

   When you create your account, be careful to enter your name and Social Security number (SSN) exactly as they appear on your Social Security card.

   Every contributor to the FAFSA form (student, the student's spouse, a biological or adopted parent, or the parent's spouse) will need their own FSA ID to access and complete their section of the online form.

2. Gather Your Documents for yourself and your contributors: This may include social security number, federal income tax returns, W-2s, and other records of money earned, asset information, child support received, business or farm information.

3. Complete the 2024-25 FAFSA Form: Visit fafsa.gov to submit your application.

Make Sure Your 2024–25 FAFSA Form Was Processed

You can track the status of your form at studentaid.gov in the Status Center under “My Activity” section of your account dashboard (you must login). You will get your FAFSA Submission Summary after your FAFSA form is processed in March. Look over your FAFSA Submission Summary to make sure you didn’t make a mistake on your FAFSA form. The expectation is that you will be able to make corrections in late March. View our video for more information.

Instructional Videos for Completing the FAFSA

We've compiled a selection of videos to assist you with completing the FAFSA for the 2024-2025 academic year. Please take advantage of these resources to help you accurately complete your FAFSA and secure your financial aid. Careful attention to detail can save time and prevent unnecessary errors in your application process.

• How to Create Your FSA ID: Get a walkthrough on how to create your Federal Student Aid ID, which you and your contributors will need to legally sign your FAFSA.
• Understanding the FAFSA: This video provides an overview of the FAFSA process and the types of financial aid available.
• Filling Out the FAFSA: Filling Out the FAFSA: Follow these step-by-step instructions to fill out your FAFSA correctly and efficiently.
• FAFSA Tips and Common Mistakes to Avoid: Ensure a smooth FAFSA application process by reviewing tips and common mistakes before you submit.

2023-2024 Start with the FAFSA

Apply for aid as soon as possible. You’ll automatically be considered for most types of aid when you complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). To ensure full consideration, complete your FAFSA as soon as possible after October 1 each year. There are additional steps to apply for summer aid, which are explained in more detail below.

• You (and your parent, if applicable) will use a Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID to complete and electronically sign your FAFSA.
• Find a full list of the documents you’ll need to complete the application at the FAFSA website. If you're a dependent student, your parent(s) will need to report financial information on your FAFSA.
• Be sure to include DePaul's school code (001671) in the school section portion of the FAFSA.
• Monitor your email and your Campus Connect To-Do list. We will request additional information via those methods.
  
• Download the Financial Aid Next Step Reminders to help you keep your financial aid tasks organized.

Requesting Summer Aid

If you decide to enroll in summer courses, we need you to do a few things first.

• Students seeking summer financial aid will need to complete an online summer application, which is available each April, in Campus Connect.
• If you’re new to DePaul, you’ll need to add our school code (001671) to your FAFSA.
• If you have additional questions about financial aid for the summer terms, view our Summer Financial Aid FAQ.

Application Review Process

Once your application is complete, our office reviews the information provided on your FAFSA. We use your EFC from the FAFSA to determine financial need and offer financial aid.

The Department of Education may select you at random for a process called Verification after completing the FAFSA. We will request various documents to substantiate your income. We also may need to request documents if we come across inconsistencies in your application data. We identify and request required documentation in your To Do List in Campus Connect. For more information select the FAQ for the appropriate academic year:

• 2023-2024 Verification FAQ

Your Financial Aid Offer

Federal financial aid is determined by analyzing a student’s “need”, which is your Cost of Attendance minus your EFC. After calculating your need and completing the review of any required documentation from your To Do list, we will put together your financial aid offer. An email notification will direct you to the Financial Aid tile within Campus Connect so that you can view your financial aid package.

You must accept, reduce, or decline any loans offered. Aid you are not required to repay is already accepted on your behalf. Select the name of any financial aid listed for additional information about that program. Download the Financial Aid Guide to learn more about merit aid, grant aid, and student loans.

• 2023-2024 Financial Aid Guide

We package financial aid on a rolling basis throughout the academic year. If you have any questions, contact us for assistance.

Need to Appeal Your Circumstances?

Financial situations can change from year to year. We realize that your FAFSA may not reflect your current financial picture. If your family’s financial situation has changed significantly since you completed the FAFSA, you may appeal your financial aid decision in order for us to assess your current family circumstances.

Before submitting an appeal, we recommend logging into your 2023-24 FAFSA and completing the IRS Data Retrieval Tool if you have not already completed this step.

There are several types of appeals:

1. Income/Expense Related Special Circumstance Appeal

Submit this type of appeal if one of the following special circumstances exists. If your EFC is zero, do not select an Income/Expense Special Circumstance Appeal.

• Loss or reduction of employment, or significant reduction of income (job loss with 12 weeks of continuous unemployment, death of parent, etc.)
• You or your parents received a one-time, nonrecurring income (pension payout, inheritance, employer reimbursements) that artificially inflated your adjusted gross income (AGI)
• Out-of-pocket medical or dental expenses in excess of 11% of your parent(s) AGI
• Change in employment
• Loss or reduction of benefits (work, federal, or other benefits)
• IRA and /or pension rollover
• Private school tuition paid toward elementary or secondary education for the academic year for which you’re appealing
2. Unusual Circumstance

When completing a FAFSA, several questions are asked to determine a student’s dependency status. In some cases, a student who the FAFSA determines to be a dependent student may be experiencing specific conditions which may justify an aid administrator making a change to their dependency status. A parent’s inability or disinterest in assisting a student in paying for college is not in and of itself a reason for a dependency override; however, if you have unusual circumstances you believe warrant a change in dependency status, please contact us so we can discuss your situation in greater detail.

3. Non-Income/Non-Expense Appeal

Submit this type of appeal if you have circumstances that are not related to an income or expense change, or you have a zero EFC. You will need to provide details about financing your DePaul education, your academic accomplishments, and your anticipated graduation date.

Submitting a special or unusual circumstance appeal does not guarantee an increase in your financial aid. We will thoroughly review your situation to determine if any aid can be made available, and this may result in additional loan options. If you were selected for verification, that process must be finished before your appeal can be reviewed. We must receive all necessary documentation before we can begin assessing your appeal.