Hey everyone, I'm applying to DePaul University and need to fill out the FAFSA for financial aid. Is there anything specific I should know about DePaul and the FAFSA process? Any guidance and tips would be really helpful! Thank you!
It's great that you're looking into financial aid for DePaul University! Filling out the FAFSA is an essential step in getting access to need-based financial aid, and there are a few key points you should keep in mind while completing the process for DePaul.
1. Deadlines: The FAFSA becomes available on October 1 each year, and you should complete it as soon as possible after that date. While you're usually able to submit until June, earlier submission generally qualifies you for better grant and work-study opportunities, since some aid is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
2. DePaul's school code: To ensure that DePaul University receives your FAFSA information, you will need to enter their Federal School Code, which is 001671, in the section where you list the colleges you're applying to.
3. Estimate your SAI: The FAFSA determines your Student Aid Index (SAI), which is used by colleges, including DePaul, to award financial aid. You can estimate your SAI by using DePaul's net price calculator before submitting your FAFSA to get an idea of how much aid you might receive.
4. Verification process: Some students may be selected for verification by the Department of Education, which requires them to provide additional documents to verify the information they submitted on their FAFSA. If you're selected for verification, DePaul's financial aid office will let you know what documents they need and when they need them. Make sure to promptly submit these documents to avoid any delays in receiving your financial aid package.
5. Review financial aid package: Once DePaul receives your FAFSA information and you're admitted, they will create a financial aid package for you. Review this package carefully and compare it to your estimated costs at DePaul to determine if it meets your needs. If you have any questions or want to appeal for more aid, contact the financial aid office.
Remember that completing the FAFSA is just one part of your financial aid plan. You should also explore other sources, such as scholarships, both within and external to DePaul. Many students research and apply for scholarships through external organizations specific to their major, region, or demographic. And of course, DePaul also offers a range of need- and merit-based scholarships, so be sure to check their website and apply as needed (some scholarships may consider you automatically when you submit your main application to DePaul).
Good luck with your FAFSA and your application to DePaul University!
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