When to Apply

The FAFSA application must be completed each year a student seeks federal financial aid. To ensure full access to all available financial aid programs, students should submit the FAFSA as soon as the family income tax returns have been completed. Priority consideration for the North Dakota State Grant and campus-based aid (Federal Work Study, Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant, and Federal Perkins Loan) is given to those who have their FAFSA submitted as soon as possible and pending the availability of funds.

Late applications for financial aid will be accepted; however, funding may be limited to programs such as Federal Pell Grant, Direct (subsidized and unsubsidized) Loans, and/or parent Direct PLUS Loans.

Students applying for summer aid must complete a Summer Financial Aid application. The Summer Financial Aid application becomes available as soon as the summer session schedule for a given year is released. Students must be enrolled in three credits for a Pell Grant if applicable or six or more credit hours to be eligible for other federal financial aid such as loans or work study. Alternative (private) loans may be available for students enrolled in less than six credits.