How do I apply for financial aid from Lafayette?

You must file the College Scholarship Service Profile and the FAFSA. File the Profile as early as Oct. 1 (but no later than Feb. 1) of your senior year in high school. For detailed information, see First Time Applicants.Remember, you must meet our filing deadlines in order to be considered for college- funded aid.

Where do I get the forms?

You may access the forms online for the CSS Profile and www.fafsa.ed.gov for the FAFSA. Supplemental requirements such as the Noncustodial Profile will be available to you once the complete the CSS Profile, if applicable.

Should I wait to complete my tax return before applying for aid?

NO! You and your parents should use your best estimates for current year income. Financial aid office staff will update information on both the Profile and FAFSA when you complete your federal income tax returns and submit signed copies to the College Board through the IDOC service.

Should I send my tax returns to Lafayette?

You must send all required tax documents through the College Board's IDOCservice. Instructions and requirements will be provided once you file the CSS Profile.

What if I decide to apply Early Decision?

Lafayette guarantees to meet the demonstrated financial need of students admitted under the Early Decision Plan who adhere to the criteria for consideration listed in the section "How to Apply; Early Decision." ED applicants may submit the CSS Profile as early as Oct. 1 using estimated information, but no later than two weeks after the application for admission or Early Decision agreement has been received by the College. ED applicants must also file the FAFSA by Feb. 1.

How do I complete the forms if my parents are divorced or separated?

The CSS Profile and the FAFSA must be completed with information from your custodial parent or the parent with whom you live most of the year. If your family unit includes a stepparent, then that information should also be included on the CSS Profile and FAFSA. A Noncustodial Profile must be filed by the noncustodial parent and his/her spouse. Rest assured that a contribution is not expected from more than two parents.

When will I be notified about my financial aid?

Award letters for all on time applicants are mailed the first week in April, soon after the admissions letter. The letter will reference your financial aid award including any eligibility for federal and/or state loan and grant programs. Information about our program, the continuing process as well as common questions will be included in the packet that you will receive.

What is Lafayette's outside scholarship policy?

Lafayette students are encouraged to seek additional funding to help meet college expenses. All outside scholarships will be used first to replace the loan and/or job component of your aid package. Outside scholarship funding above the amount needed to replace the loan and/or job component of a need-based award may result in revisions to your institutional grant aid award. Aid from all sources cannot exceed our total college costs. (Tuition benefits, Tuition Exchange, RA benefits, and federal and state grants are not considered outside scholarships. Student-athletes are subject to NCAA and/or Patriot League guidelines.)

Do you offer scholarships based on academic merit?

Lafayette recognizes its most outstanding applicants through the Marquis Scholarship Program. Marquis Scholarships are $20,000 per year. Recipients are also entitled to receive additional financial aid up to demonstrated need beyond the scholarship levels as long as all filing deadlines are met. Selection is made by the admissions office in early March, and a cumulative grade point average of 3.00 is required to retain the scholarship. About 10% of each incoming class will benefit from our academic scholarship program.

Lafayette's financial aid calculator will allow you to obtain a preliminary estimate of your need as well as your family's expected contribution based on our institutional methodology. Your final award and eligibility will be provided to you in your financial aid award letter once you submit all required documents.

Will I qualify for financial aid if my parents' income is high?

There is no automatic cutoff for financial aid eligibility since the analysis goes beyond income and asset information. Other factors that are considered include number of family members, college students, medical/dental expenses, home mortgages, and any other special circumstances that are individual to your family.Typically, the higher your parents' income, the lower the need level. (Please try our on-line calculator for an estimate)

Do I have to reapply for financial aid each year?

You must apply each year for need-based aid. Your file will be reviewed by an aid director who will consider all information included in your application, as well as our costs for the year. Renewal instructions will be available on the Lafayette web site by the end of the fall semester, but are not due until April 30, so you should have plenty of time to meet the deadlines. As a returning student, you will need to complete a renewal FAFSA and the CSS Profile and submit tax documents through IDOC.

How will aid be determined after the first year?

Lafayette is committed to assisting you with your educational costs for the full four years. You must continue to make satisfactory academic progress, apply by the established deadlines, and continue to demonstrate need. Need is derived on the same basis as your original award. Each year's award will reflect any increases in Lafayette costs, and any significant changes in family circumstances (better or worse) may result in a change in your financial aid award.

What happens if I don't qualify for financial aid my first year?

All students may request consideration for financial aid. Once the financial aid office has honored aid commitments to prior recipients, all new applicants will be reviewed in order to determine financial need. Funding is based on applicants meeting our filing deadlines, demonstrating need, availability of funds, and each student's grade point average, so it is important to maintain strong academic standing.

Can I meet with a financial aid director?

The financial aid office offers both personal and phone appointments. Just call
(610) 330-5055 and request an appointment at a convenient time. If you choose a phone appointment, the time will be reserved for you just as if you were coming in personally. This method allows the director to have your information available and ensures no interruptions. You may also contact us via email at financialaid@lafayette.edu