You turn in your papers, lab work, research projects, group assignments, and everything else (more or less!) on time in college. Your financial aid is just as -- if not more -- important. If you don't get your forms in on time, you're at risk of losing the ability to stay in school. Keep this deadline schedule handy so that a missed financial aid deadline doesn't turn into a delayed degree.
One important note: Each college or university has its own deadlines. Always check with your campus financial aid office to find out the specific deadlines that apply to you.
Spring Semester Financial Aid Deadlines
- First and foremost: the FAFSA. This should come as no surprise; completing your FAFSA on time is often your first step toward receiving federal and state financial aid. This can include Pell Grants, Stafford loans, USDE loans, and any state funding you might be eligible for (like state grants). FAFSA deadlines vary by state, which you can look up on the FAFSA website, but most schools start taking FAFSAs as soon as January 1. A few important reminders: You (or your parents or guardians) will need to do your taxes before filing a FAFSA. Most federal aid is assigned on a rolling basis, so the sooner you get your paperwork in, the better. And you'll need your school code, which can also be searched for on the FAFSA website.
- Housing deposit deadlines. If you're living in on-campus housing or a Greek house in the upcoming summer or fall, housing deposits are often due in the spring. Make sure you meet that deadline to ensure you have somewhere to live next semester.
- Deadlines for returning your signed documents. At the beginning of each semester, you'll most likely need to return signed copies of your promissory notes (either in hard copy or electronically) to the financial aid office. Keeping the documents on your computer or in your room won't count, and the financial aid office may forfeit your loans if they don't hear from you by the appropriate deadline.
- Deadlines for student employment. If you're on work study or have a work award, you'll need to get the appropriate paperwork into your financial aid office once you've secured a job. Having a great on-campus job can make things easier, but work study/work awards also can apply toward off-campus employment. Either way, make sure your paperwork is complete and on time so that you -- and your employer -- don't end up in an awkward situation.
- Deadlines for clearing remaining balances. You may have visited the health center or had overdue books at the library. Either way, if there are leftover charges on your account, you may be prevented from accessing financial aid for the next semester. Make sure you know what your account balance is -- and by when you need to clear it -- before the end of the semester arrives.
- Deadlines for unexpected expenses. Just when you think you have everything under control, unexpected expenses pop up. Things like having a meal plan run low, needing to rent a cap and gown for graduation, or room charges after you move out all need to be paid, possibly with your financial aid. Be aware of what charges you'll be expected to cover, and make sure you have enough financial aid leftover so that you're not out of options when they become due.
Fall Semester Financial Aid Deadlines
- Promissory Note Deadlines. Similar to spring semester, any money you borrow will need a signed promissory note returned to your financial aid office and/or bank by a deadline. Missing that deadline might mean missing out on those funds -- and classes for the semester.
- Student employment deadlines. Most students secure their student employment jobs in the beginning of the fall semester. When you do this, make sure you let the financial aid office know, especially if you're on work study or work award. After all you did to find and secure the job, you probably don't want to lose it because of a paperwork error that could have easily been prevented.
- Remaining balances deadlines. You return from summer break, ready to start a new academic year, when ... you can't register for classes because you have a balance leftover from spring semester. And during the 3 days it takes you to clear up the mess, everyone else got into the classes you wanted. Make sure you know if you have any remaining balances and when you'll need to pay them in order to start the new semester afresh.
- Unexpected expenses deadlines. Similar to the problem of discovering a remaining balance on your account, dealing with unexpected expenses can throw a wrench in your college plans. Make sure you know the dates and deadlines for your financial aid and what it will mean for your daily life. Will your financial aid check come in after you need to buy books? What will you eat or pay your rent with if your fall semester loan check is late?
In summary: Try to be as aware as possible about your financial aid situation. By doing so, you'll be aware of upcoming deadlines and how to handle (or work around) them. Each school has its own deadlines, and each student has his or her own situation. Being as informed as possible about your own financial aid deadline schedule can eliminate a lot of problems in the future -- not to mention keep you on track to graduate on time.
