Steps to Apply For Aid

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Step 1

Complete the FAFSA 

You must meet certain . Please review your eligibility status prior to filing your FAFSA. The determines your eligibility for all federal student-aid programs and must be filed annually. The FAFSA is filed electronically and requires SWAGÊÓƵ’s Institution Code (002050). Completing and submitting your FAFSA requires that you apply for an from the Department of Education.

You may complete the FAFSA before filing your taxes using estimated figures. However, you will need to update your FAFSA once your taxes are complete. The IRS Direct Data Exchange (DDX) may be used to update your information roughly two weeks after you have filed your tax forms.​

The use of the IRS Direct Data Exchange will be mandatory beginning with the 2024-2025 FAFSA.

After submitting your application, you’ll receive your electronic FAFSA Submission Summary (FSS). Your FSS will include a summary of your FAFSA information as well as identify potential issues you may need to address.

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Step 2

Notification and Acceptance of Financial Aid Offer

Upon electronic receipt of your FAFSA and acceptance into an eligible degree program, SWAGÊÓƵ will determine your award eligibility.

Keep an eye out for an email confirmation with your FSS. If issues are identified in this report, you will be required to provide further information to SWAGÊÓƵ before your award can be determined.

You will be notified of any outstanding requirements and important financial aid information through SWAGÊÓƵ email and your account (SWAGÊÓƵ’s student portal). We have provided simple instructions to help you determine any outstanding requirements. It is very important to provide requested documents as fast as possible to avoid delay in your award. You will receive an email notification that your award is available to view and accept via SWAGÊÓƵ Compass. We have provided simple instructions for accepting your award and viewing important messages.

It is your responsibility to notify us of all financial assistance you will receive from outside sources like private scholarships, tuition waivers, and certain veteran’s educational benefits. Federal regulations require that we consider all other tuition assistance before we calculate the financial aid award SWAGÊÓƵ can offer you.

Set Up Your SWAGÊÓƵ Accounts

In order to receive vital Student Financial Services communications and complete Financial Aid process requirements, you must set up your SWAGÊÓƵ accounts as soon as possible.

How to set up your SWAGÊÓƵ accounts

Title IV Authorization

Students must authorize the University to apply federal financial aid funding to non-educational charges on their bill. We’ll need you to make a decision on this and complete the requirement on .

If you wish to permit Student Financial Services staff to engage in any kind of conversation (i.e. in person, phone, or email) regarding your account and financial aid, you will need to complete an Authorization for Release of Information. This requirement on your account only applies if you are authorizing others to speak with us. Choosing not to complete this form will not affect your financial aid.

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Step 3

Disbursement of Funds

Financial Aid funds are scheduled to disburse (pay out) to your account at the start of each semester and are applied to any outstanding charges. Please consult the to determine when your funds will pay out according to your program's academic calendar. Financial aid funds disburse electronically unless you are notified otherwise.