• Apply for Federal and University Need Based Aid

    Students starting in Spring 2025 or taking classes in Summer 2025 should submit the 2024-2025 FAFSA that is currently available at studentaid.gov.

    New students starting in Fall 2025(August 2025) must complete the 2025-2026 FAFSA when it becomes available around December 1, 2024. Learn more about the FAFSA.

    Our office does not require or review the CSS Profile.

    FAFSA School Code: 001437

  • 2025–26 FAFSA Form Coming Soon

    The 2025–26 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form will be available to the public on or before Dec. 1, 2024.

    2025–26 FAFSA® Beta Testing

    Before making the 2025–26 FAFSA form available to all students, the Dept. of Education is conducting multiple beta tests to identify and resolve system errors that could derail the FAFSA process for students, contributors, and institutions of higher education.

    Starting Oct. 1, they'll make the 2025–26 form available to limited groups of students and institutions that have been selected to participate in the beta release. Participation in the beta release is by invitation only.

    Over time, they'll make the form available to an increasing number of participants and apply their feedback to improve the user experience and develop resources for counselors and college access professionals.

  • 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

    Check your to-do list in Cardinal Station to be sure you have completed these items. Learn more at studentaid.gov.

  • Financial Aid Awards/Offer Updates

    Thank you for your patience during this exceptionally challenging financial aid cycle. Our team’s goal is to make the financial aid process as easy as possible. This year has been full of changes due to the new FAFSA that has unraveled normal practices, timelines, and student systems at the University and nationwide. 

    The most noticeable change with the new FAFSA is the new Student Aid Index (SAI) formula, which determines eligibility for need-based aid. Our office noticed that many of our undergraduate students would lose some form of financial aid that would drastically impact the out-of-pocket expenses required from our students and families.

    After careful consideration, our team was able to make the decision to hold our current students harmless from the drastic loss of institutional financial aid programs. You may notice this by seeing some of your aid programs renew even with the higher SAI, and some of your awards may have different names than in previous years. New students were presented with aid opportunities that are already seen in your financial aid offers.

    Be sure to complete all requirements and items listed on your to-do list in Cardinal Station.

    Prepare for the upcoming Fall semester by reading the information available on our Get Started page.

  • 2024-2025 Plus Loan Applications Open

    Many forms and applications are available now. Download PLUS Loan applications on our forms page.

  • Apply for Financial Aid for 2024-2025

    Students can now submit the 2024-2025 FAFSA to renew financial aid for the next academic year at studentaid.gov. We recommend continuing students start completing the 2024-2025 FAFSA early to ensure timely processing.

    Please routinely check your To-Do list in Cardinal Students for any outstanding items.

  • 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 pandemic has impacted many students and
    families. 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.