The completion rate for this year's Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is much lower this year, and yet filing a FAFSA is the single most important thing you can do to get money for college. Completing the FAFSA gives you access to federal student aid — the largest source of aid — along with state and institutional aid. FAFSA submission is also required for some scholarships at OHIO, and you don't have to have financial need to be eligible. You are not obligated to accept any types of financial aid offered, including loans. Completing the FAFSA gives you and your family financial options, so submit the FAFSA today!
Completing the FAFSA
Completing the FAFSA
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Why Should You Complete the FAFSA?
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2024-25 FAFSA Submission
While OHIO's first-priority deadline has passed, we encourage all students to submit their FAFSA as soon as possible for best consideration for aid.
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FAFSA Completion Help
Choose a virtual appointment or meet with a financial aid advisor in person at Chubb Hall on the Athens campus.
2024-25 Timeline Updates Due to FAFSA Changes
OHIO is closely monitoring how changes to the 2024-2025 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) are impacting students and families. We will post any updates to our process and timelines here to keep you informed.
- FAFSA Launch: While the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is normally available October 1 each year, due to these significant changes, the 2024-25 FAFSA was delayed until December 31. The December release date is only applicable to the 2024-25 FAFSA. The 2025-26 FAFSA is expected to be available October 2024.
- Merit Scholarship Notifications: OHIO began sending merit scholarship notifications in December 2023. Because comprehensive Financial Aid Offers were delayed, OHIO sent updated scholarship notifications to recipients of the OHIO Admission Promise, OHIO Presidential Opportunity Promise and Regional Promise Awards in February.
- FAFSA First-Priority Date: OHIO extended the first-priority date for submission of the FAFSA to April 15. You can still file a 2024-25 FAFSA. If you haven't filed a FAFSA yet, we encourage you to do so as soon as possible.
- Financial Aid Offers: OHIO began sending Financial Aid Offers to students the week of April 28. Incoming freshmen and transfer students receive a printed Financial Aid Offer via mail. All other students are notified via email to review their Financial Aid Offers in MyOHIO Student Center.
- Not Receiving an Aid Offer: We recognize delays in federal FAFSA processing this year have been stressful for students and families. If we are not yet able to provide a Financial Aid Offer, we will reach out for additional information or requests for documents. We encourage students and families to contact us with questions or concerns.
Visit the FAFSA Simplification page for more information on the changes to the application process and calculation of financial aid eligibility beginning with the 2024-25 academic year.
Those without internet access, can obtain a paper FAFSA by calling the Federal Student Aid Center at 1.800.4FED.AID (1.800.433.3243).
Items Needed to Complete the FAFSA
- Social Security Number of Student and Parents of Dependent Students
- Alien Registration Number (if you are not a U.S. Citizen)
- Bank statements and records of investments (if applicable)
- Records of untaxed income (if applicable)
- An FSA ID to sign electronically
- The appropriate federal income tax returns, W-2s, and other records of money earned based on the FAFSA you are completing
| If You Plan to Attend College From | You Can Submit the FAFSA From | Must Use Tax Information From |
|---|---|---|
| Summer Semester 2024 - Spring Semester 2025 | December 2023 - mid-April 2025 | 2022 |
Students will list the Federal School Code for the campus they plan to attend on the FAFSA. If you are unsure of which campus you plan to attend, please list the Athens campus Federal School Code. All Ohio University Federal School Codes are as follows:
| Campus | Federal School Code |
|---|---|
| Athens | 003100 |
| Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine | E00306 |
| Eastern | 003101 |
| Chillicothe | 003102 |
| Southern | 003103 |
| Lancaster | 003104 |
| Zanesville | 003108 |