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When to apply for FAFSA, CSS Profile, and scholarships — organized month by month from the August before senior year through May 1 Decision Day.
Submit FAFSA on October 1 — not later
Many schools distribute need-based grants on a first-come, first-served basis. Submitting late doesn't disqualify you, but it can significantly reduce how much you receive.
Common App opens — start your financial aid profile now
Gather documents: Social Security numbers, tax returns (prior-prior year), bank statements, investment accounts
Create your FSA ID at studentaid.gov — both student and one parent need separate IDs
Review IRS Data Retrieval Tool eligibility — using it on the FAFSA reduces verification
FAFSA opens — submit as early as possible; some aid is first-come, first-served
CSS Profile opens for private colleges that require it — check each school's requirement
Apply for state aid programs: AZ residents check ASAC + university-specific scholarship portals
Early Action / Early Decision deadlines — FAFSA required by many schools for EA scholarship consideration
Monitor your Student Aid Report (SAR) — fix errors within 2 weeks of submission
AZ state financial aid priority deadline at some schools (UA Jan 1, ASU March 1, NAU Feb 1)
Regular Decision application deadlines — financial aid applications are usually tied to admission
Financial aid award letters begin arriving from schools with rolling admissions
Most RD notification dates — aid letters usually arrive with or shortly after admission letters
Compare aid offers: net cost = tuition + fees + room + board − all grants and scholarships
Appeal aid offers if your family circumstances changed or a competing offer is significantly better
Contact financial aid offices with questions — call is faster than email at this stage
National Decision Day — submit enrollment deposit and financial aid acceptance forms
Renew FAFSA each year by your school's renewal deadline (usually February–March for the next year)
| School | FAFSA Priority | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| University of Arizona | January 1 | Priority deadline for AZ grants + merit |
| ASU | March 1 | AZ Promise, Sun Devil scholarships |
| NAU | February 1 | AZ Promise Scholarship has own application |
| Arizona state programs (ASAC) | Varies | Check asacfoundation.org; limited state funds |
EFC / SAI
Expected Family Contribution (old) / Student Aid Index (new). Does NOT equal what you will actually pay — it's a formula-based number used to calculate aid eligibility.
COA
Cost of Attendance — includes tuition, fees, room, board, books, and personal expenses. Net cost = COA minus your grants and scholarships.
Subsidized loan
The federal government pays interest while you're in school. These are always preferable to unsubsidized loans.
Unsubsidized loan
Interest accrues from day one, even while you're in school. You can pay interest during school to avoid capitalization.
Verification
Your school may ask for tax documents to confirm FAFSA data. Respond quickly — aid is held until it's complete.
CSS Profile
A more detailed financial form used by ~200 private colleges (and some AZ schools) in addition to FAFSA. Has a fee; waivers available.
Compare your actual aid offers with the aid offer guide or use the financial aid hub for calculators and appeal letter tools.