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Financial Aid Offers Delayed
As you begin preparing for the upcoming academic year, we want to inform you of some delays regarding financial aid offers for the 2026-2027 academic year. Financial aid offer letters are currently delayed for all students. Financial aid cannot be accepted in Cardinal Station at this time. This also affects the availability of loan forms. Stay tuned to our website for an expected timeline once available.
This year has been full of changes due to the new The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBB/OB3), passed by Congress and signed into law on July 4, 2025, which contained several provisions impacting federal student loans, studentaid.gov processing, and FAFSA availability that must be implemented by July 1, 2026, per the Department of Education. These changes have unraveled normal practices, timelines, and student systems at the University and across the nation. Our staff is working diligently to update systems across the University.
Our team’s goal is to always make the financial aid process as easy as possible. We are here to assist you via email, phone, and appointments at https://financial-aid.catholic.edu/connect. Thank you for your patience during this exceptionally challenging financial aid cycle.
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2026-2027 Forms and Applications
Forms and loan applications for the upcoming academic year, starting in August 2026, will be available as soon as possible. Due to the delays associated with OB3, many forms will become available soon. Monitor our forms page for updates.
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Important Federal Student Aid Changes
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBB/OB3), passed by Congress and signed into law on July 4, 2025, contained several provisions impacting federal student loans. These updates are highlighted on the website linked below. Additional details will be added to this site in the coming months. Unless otherwise noted, these changes will be effective July 1, 2026.
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Summer 2026 Application Available
New and continuing students enrolled in classes starting in May 2026 must complete the Summer Financial Aid Application to be evaluated for summer financial aid. Summer financial aid awards are not automatic.
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Apply or Renew Federal and University Need Based Aid
The 2026–27 FAFSA® form is now available for all students and contributors. Complete the form to apply for financial aid. Students enrolled in classes beginning in August 2026 should submit the 26-27 FAFSA early to avoid delays. Learn more about the FAFSA.
FAFSA School Code: 001437Please routinely check your To-Do list in Cardinal Students for any outstanding items.
Students starting in Spring 2025(January 2025) must complete the 2025-2026 FAFSA. Learn more about the FAFSA.
Our office does not require or review the CSS Profile.
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Steps to Accept a Loan
If your financial aid package includes federal student loans that you plan to accept, you may have additional loan requirements. If it is your first time receiving a Direct Loan, you will be required
- complete entrance counseling, a tool to ensure you understand your obligation to repay the loan; and
- sign a loan contract called a Master Promissory Note, agreeing to the terms of the loan.
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Scam Alert
The Internal Revenue Service warned of an ongoing IRS-impersonation scam that appears to primarily target educational institutions, including students and staff who have ".edu" email addresses. The IRS will never ask for personal details over email or on websites outside of IRS.gov. Visit IRS.gov to Learn More -
Appeal of Extraordinary Circumstances
The Catholic University of America understands that the FAFSA may not always reflect your most recent financial situation. Both the US Dept. of Education and University policy allow us to take into
consideration the many unfortunate financial circumstances students may have
experienced. Our office is afforded the opportunity to review many situations to make
sure your FAFSA accurately reflects your current financial situation. Learn more about Appeals.
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